Happier now, she told him how she had “helped” the cook make the mid-shift meal.
It took much longer than he had anticipated to gather the females and the infants and the supplies, but they finally arrived at the medical facility. As he had expected, Jedan and Inzen had both chosen to accompany him. He had left Sedlit in charge, reassuring himself that the young officer’s duties were minimal and comforted by knowing that Pravit was still on board. Pravit might not be an officer, but he had both experience and common sense, and he could be trusted to watch over the younger men.
He found Abigail standing in the corridor, and at the sight of her, he felt a surge of pleasure and relief. If this was what a short separation felt like, how could he bear it when she finally left him for Earth?
Lucie went flying up to Abigail, her voice echoing in the corridor. “Oh, Mama, I missed you!”
“I missed you too, baby,” she said, swinging her up into her arms.
As Hrebec drew closer, he realized that her cheeks were wet. “Abigail, is something wrong?”
She sighed and leaned into him as his tail pulled her to his side. “No, these are happy tears. Amber just had a beautiful little girl.”
“Another girl? Yay!” Lucie cheered, and they both laughed.
“You can be a big sister to her too,” Abigail said.
“But not like Tiana. Tiana’s ours.”
“Yes, she is,” Abigail said, looking at him rather than the infant strapped to his chest. His throat grew tight.
“Do you know where our room is located?” he asked.
“Yes, L’chong showed it to me earlier.” She shot him a mischievous glance. “I think you’ll like it.”
The room turned out to be a spacious suite with a living area and two bedrooms separated by a bathroom. At the sight of the second bedroom, he understood her reference. Tonight, he would have his wish: he and Abigail, alone in a big bed.
“Look, Mama, my room’s pink!” Lucie bounced with excitement. “And there’s a tub. Do you think they have rubber duckies?”
Abigail choked back a laugh when he frowned at the unfamiliar term. “I don’t think so, baby, but maybe we can find some bubbles. Did you take a nap today?”
“No. And I don’t need one. I’s a big girl.”
“Even big girls need naps,” Abigail said as she yawned.
“Why don’t you stay here and rest with Lucie?” he asked. “I need to talk to L’chong.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” she said with a longing look at the bed.
His shaft stiffened at the thought of her, rumpled and sleepy against the pink sheets, but he sternly suppressed it. “Do you want me to take Tiana?”
“No, I missed her too. Come here, sweetheart.” She cuddled the baby close and Tiana smiled up at her, her tail wrapping around Abigail’s wrist.
He left her turning down the bed while Lucie chattered away. Although he wanted to stay, he needed to find out if L’chong had any information about Tiana’s parents. He found the medic in a spacious office overlooking the front lawn.
L’chong rose from his chair. “Ah, Captain Hrebec. I suspected you would come by. Will you have a seat?”
“I’d prefer to stand, thank you.” He had no reason to distrust the medic and was in fact grateful for his assistance, yet the pieces didn’t add up. “Why do you know so much about Cire physiology? Especially if you only had one brief encounter with a female who was passing through?”
The medic settled back into this seat. “Why do you wish to know?”
He paced to the window and back. “My government is searching desperately for Cire females. As I’m sure you know, they were all taken by the Red Death.”
“Yes, I had heard that.” His sharp little eyes studied Hrebec. “Is that all?”
“No.” He finally collapsed into a chair. “I want to know if Tiana has a family.”
“You wish to give her up?”
“No! By Granthar, no. She is ours. But I can’t help wondering if there is a family somewhere that misses her. A grandparent, perhaps.”
L’chong watched him carefully. “Would it make you feel better to know that she has no one else?”
“Better? No. But I would feel better about adopting her if I knew that I wasn’t replacing another claim.”
“Adopting? Will your government permit that?”
The thought had never crossed his mind, but now that L’chong mentioned it, he remembered the messages he had received, the emphasis on Tiana, not as a person, but as a symbol. As an experiment.
His hands curled into fists. “I would never allow them to take her from me.”
“Even if it meant you could never return to Ciresia?”
A realization struck him like a blow. “I never intended to return.” He’d never said it aloud before, but he could hear the truth in the words.
“I see.” It was L’chong’s turn to pace. He bobbed up from his chair and hopped around the room with his odd gait. “Can I trust you, Captain?”
“I am trusting you with the lives of the females in my care.”
“That is true. Will you give me your word of honor that you will not reveal the information I’m about to give you?”
“I will not keep anything from my mate.”
L’chong waved a dismissive hand. “Of course. That is understood.” He folded himself into the chair next to Hrebec’s. “There is a Cire colony here on Trevelor.”
The news was not a complete surprise, given the conversation leading up to it. “With both male and female Cires?”
“Yes, although even here, the males vastly outnumber the females. That is why many of them have taken non-Cire mates.”
“Successfully?” he asked eagerly. “They have been able to have children and build a family?”
L’chong frowned. “In some cases. In others, they have chosen to adopt a child left in distressed circumstances by the aftermath of the Red Death.”
Hrebec gestured impatiently. “By birth or adoption, they are still a family. I know that better than anyone.”
The revelation still filled him with hope. The Cire race might change, but it would not be lost. He found the thought much more satisfying than the desperate hope that the scientists back on Ciresia would succeed with their artificial wombs and their experiments.
“I’m glad to hear you say that,” L’chong said.
“But what of Tiana’s parents? Were they part of the colony?”
“No. That may have been their intention, but they were both too ill to leave the facility. I truly do not know where they came from, but I do know that they came here as a last resort. Her father had contracted an illness during their travels, and we were unable to save him.”
“And her mother?”
“She, too, was in a weakened state. Without her mate?” His head dipped. “I was surprised she lasted long enough to give birth, but she held on long enough to see her daughter.”
“Tiana inherited her strength. She survived until Abigail arrived to find her and nourish her.”
“In other words, to bond with her?”
“Yes.” The thought that had been tormenting him emerged. “What will happen after Abigail leaves?”
“She is leaving the two of you?” L’chong looked shocked. “I thought you were a family unit.”
“We are, but it’s complicated. Abigail thinks it would be best for her daughter and the other females to return to Earth.”
“I see.” His head bobbed. “Has the infant bonded with you?”
“Yes, I think so. I love her as a daughter.”
“That is an excellent start. I will examine her tomorrow and see what progress she has made.” He shook his head. “I find it hard to believe I was so wrong about the Vedeckian.”
“You knew he was a Vedeckian,” Hrebec couldn’t help pointing out.
“Every member of a race is not the same.” L’chong’s voice was gently chiding. “You should know that.”
“You’re right.
I do know that. And he has been quite helpful,” he admitted reluctantly.
L’chong dipped his head in acknowledgment. When it rose again, he studied Hrebec’s face for a long moment.
“What is it?” he growled, uncomfortable with the scrutiny.
“I am wondering how you will do without your mate and the other child you have claimed as yours.”
Pain spiked in his chest but he refused to give in to it. “I will do as I must. Tiana will need me.”
“Yes, perhaps you are strong enough to go on. I suspect you already know how difficult it will be. Have you considered asking your mate to stay?”
“Of course. But as I said, she has a responsibility to her females, and I have a responsibility to my ship and my crew.”
“I see.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes before Hrebec got up to leave. At the door, he turned back. “I would like to visit this colony.”
L’chong smiled. “I suspected as much. I have already sent a message and asked them to allow you to visit. I should hear back tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
With what seemed to be characteristic thoughtfulness, L’chong arranged for Hrebec’s group to have dinner together in a small garden area. The crew members Hrebec had assigned to the hospital joined the small group of families. Elaina and Jedan were never more than a few feet away from each other, and Abby noticed that Mekoi was just as close to TeShawna. Inzen had taken over caring for Lily, and he watched both her and Angel like a proud grandfather. Abby was grateful that he also kept a watchful eye on Cassie, and the young girl seemed comfortable in his presence. Lucie couldn’t be still, racing around on the grass, picking flowers, and talking to everyone with breathless speed.
“She’ll sleep well tonight,” Abby laughed, as she watched her daughter trying to do a cartwheel in the soft grass.
“Good. I have plans for you,” Hrebec growled in her ear, the deep rumble causing an immediate ache between her legs. She squirmed in her seat.
“I can tell you like that idea,” he murmured.
“Oh, I do.” She squeezed his tail where it was wrapped around her waist. “And I’m not sore anymore.”
It was his turn to shift uncomfortably, and she saw him surreptitiously adjust himself.
Abby was pleased that Amber was able to join them briefly, looking tired but happy with her new daughter in her arms.
“I’m going to call her Trevi,” she said. “After this beautiful place.”
“That’s a good name,” Lucie decided. “Almost as good as Tiana.”
They all laughed, but Abby couldn’t help but be conscious of the missing member of the group. L’chong said that Molly was improving, but he was still deeply concerned. He wanted to hold off as long as possible before removing the drug preventing her from going into labor.
The evening wound to a close as the sun set and tiny bugs with colorfully lit bodies danced through the air. Amber returned to her room and most of the babies settled down for the night. Lucie had finally given up on chasing the tiny insects and was climbing up on Hrebec’s lap when a muffled gasp made Abby look up.
Kwaret stumbled into the garden, one of the Trevelorians supporting him. Blood streamed from a gash over one eye.
“The ship!” he gasped. “Commander Khaen has escaped.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Hrebec passed Lucie to Abby then strode over to Kwaret. Abby followed close behind, pausing only to leave the girls in Cassie’s care.
“What happened?” Hrebec demanded.
“I don’t know,” Kwaret said. “I was in the med lab. Cuvar and I heard a cry and he rushed out to see what was happening. I followed him, but by the time I arrived, I saw Commander Khaen standing over his body. When I bent down to check his breathing, Khaen must have struck me. As soon as I regained consciousness, I came to find you. I’m afraid… afraid he’ll come after the females or the infants.”
L’chong rushed out, his crest disheveled. “Our security measures have been armed. But if there is a determined attack…”
“If they have any sense, they’ll be more focused on escaping,” Hrebec said grimly. “Inzen, take everyone back to our rooms and secure the space. Take Dornic and Maraq. Jedan, go with L’chong and find out about these security measures. Arrange for guards outside of Amber and Molly’s rooms. We won’t try and move them unless it’s necessary.”
Jedan and L’chong departed immediately, while Inzen began organizing people, babies, and supplies.
“Is there anything I can do?” Kwaret asked Hrebec diffidently.
“When you left the ship, did you see any of my men?”
Kwaret shook his head. “No, but I was in a hurry to leave in case they came back. Cuvar was no longer there when I regained consciousness.”
“Would Khaen harm my men?” Abby could hear the dread in Hrebec’s voice.
“I don’t know.” Kwaret twisted his hands. “There would be little profit in it and that is his usual motivation—but he is resentful that you took his ship.”
“His ship…” Hrebec frowned. “Do you think he would try and take the Defiance?”
“Could he fly it?” Abby asked.
“Not without an authorization code, and no one on board has the code. He may be planning on trying to force the code from me when I return.”
Abby grasped his arm. “Then don’t go back.”
“I have to go back. My men are there. In addition, that ship could do a lot of damage if he can override the security.”
Every instinct urged her to beg him to remain, but she knew that he couldn’t. “At least promise me you’ll be careful.” Despite her best efforts, her voice trembled.
“I will.” He swept her into a hard but all too brief kiss. “I love you, Abigail.”
“I love you too. Hurry back to me.”
When he turned to leave, he stopped for a moment to address the Vedeckian. “Thank you, Kwaret. I appreciate your warning. Will you stay and help protect my family?”
“I would be honored.” Kwaret bowed and Hrebec returned the gesture before gathering the rest of his men and leaving on the run.
Abby fought back her tears and instead went to help Inzen.
The night passed with an agonizing slowness. They had managed to find room for everyone in the suite thanks to some additional bedding from L’chong. She and the girls had taken the smaller bedroom, and thankfully the girls had gone to sleep without any protests.
A hint of grey had begun to touch the horizon before Abby heard a brief conversation in the living area, then a tall figure filled the doorway.
“Hrebec?” she whispered.
“Yes.”
As he moved across the room, she noticed something odd about his silhouette. “What’s wrong with your arm?”
“Just a superficial wound,” he said, sliding into the bed next to her. “It has already been attended to.”
With a relieved sigh, she nestled against the comfort of his big warm body, letting his scent surround her. His tail settled into its familiar position around her waist.
“What happened?” she asked at last.
“Khaen is dead, along with the other two Vedeckians.” He sighed. “They had prepared an ambush, but since we had been warned, it was not successful.”
“And your crew?”
“Most of them were in the brig.”
She could hear the pain in his voice and was almost afraid to ask. “Most?”
“Connep was guarding them. He was killed in the escape. Cuvar is seriously wounded, but L’chong thinks he’ll recover.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said, tightening her arms around him. “What about Pravit?”
“He’s a clever old warrior. When he realized what was happening, he hid in one of the supply bins. Then when he heard us attacking, he hit them from behind.”
She stroked his chest. “I know it’s terrible to lose anyone, but I’m glad that no one else was killed.”
“As am I.�
�� He grunted.
“What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”
“No, my flower. Lucie kicked me.” He sighed. “So much for being alone in bed.”
“It will happen one day.”
“Will it?” His voice sounded tired and sad, and she had to fight back the lump in her own throat. “I don’t want to lose you, Abigail.”
“I don’t want to lose you either, but what are we going to do? Lucie needs a home, an education, a future. And the other girls need me too.”
“I know. And I have my crew to consider.”
There was nothing else to be said. All she could do was wrap herself around him and hope that their remaining time together would last as long as possible.
The next morning, everyone seemed equally depressed despite Hrebec’s success in reclaiming the ship. Hrebec fed Tiana before disappearing on some mysterious errand, which upset Lucie. Abby wasn’t thrilled about it either, even though she knew he didn’t owe her an explanation. Elaina and Jedan seemed unusually strained and tense with each other, while Cassie had wrapped herself in her old surly attitude. TeShawna snapped at Mekoi to the point where he bowed gravely and left.
When the girl immediately burst into tears, Abby led her into the bedroom. “What's the matter, TeShawna?”
“Nothing,” she said defiantly, then her face crumpled again when Abby simply looked at her. “It’s just…” Abby waited patiently for her to continue. “It’s just that yesterday, when Amber had her baby, Mekoi was so wonderful. Calm and patient and… smart as a whip, you know?”
“Yes, he’s a good doctor.”
“And… and I want that. I wanna be a doctor,” she burst out at last.
“TeShawna, that’s wonderful. I think you’d make a great doctor.”
“Yeah, right,” she sneered. “I ain’t nothing but a girl from the streets. I don’t even have my GED.”
“You were working on it. You’re very close.”
TeShawna didn’t respond and Abby didn’t push the issue. She suspected that there was more behind the girl’s outburst than career dreams.
“Mekoi thought I could do it too,” TeShawna said finally. “He was talking about the training I would need and how he could help me with Vanessa and with studying. We forgot.”
Mama and the Alien Warrior Page 17