CHAPTER NINE
JONAREL STOOD on the starboard side of the main deck, waiting for the rest of the crew to join him. Or to be more specific, for Aurora to join him.
His body hummed like the interstellar drive. He finally had an opportunity to reveal a facet of the ship she had never seen. Watching her reaction as the Starhawke transformed would be a memorable experience.
He had designed the ship’s hull according to Kraed tradition. Large sections of the exterior could slide into specially constructed compartments, converting the starship that protected the crew from the vacuum of space into an open-air communal hub that integrated with the pathways and structures of the compound. When the transformation was complete, it would be virtually impossible to distinguish the ship from the surrounding trees and permanent features.
Camouflage was a skill his ancestors had cultivated for millennia. Originally they had needed the talent to avoid predators. Later, they had adapted the techniques for space travel, which helped them to prevent unwanted encounters with other interstellar beings. As an added benefit, the few visitors who were invited to Drakar had no way of knowing how many ships were actually docked at the compound.
For this visit, the bridge and upper decks would remain sealed so that the crew would have a haven from the heat and humidity. But the five lower decks would be opened for the transfer of supplies.
Tehar appeared next to him. “They are exiting the lift now.”
The rest of the crew rounded the curve of the med bay a moment later.
Aurora’s green eyes sparkled like emeralds. “Okay, you two. Show us what you’ve got.”
“Remain in the middle of the corridor, and prepare for a wave of damp heat when the seal is broken,” Jonarel warned. He met Tehar’s gaze, her excitement as palpable as his. And then the exterior walls began to move.
The moist air that pushed inside felt like heaven, but Aurora gave a little gasp as she took a step back. However, the movement seemed involuntary since her attention was going everywhere at once.
The hull split into sections that disappeared into slots above the ceiling and below the floor, revealing the thick trunks and the deep greens and browns of the trees outside. A pathway connected snugly along the ship’s side, flowing seamlessly in perfect alignment with the floor of the corridor.
Aurora had commented the day he had brought her to the Starhawke that she loved the beauty of the walkways with their rich natural grain. Now she would understand how precisely he had matched the ship’s decor to the design of the Clarek compound. In addition to the pathways, the textured surface of the ship’s interior walls perfectly mimicked the bark of the surrounding trees.
The look on Aurora’s face as she stepped onto the shaded walkway and pivoted in a slow circle captivated him. It was everything he had hoped for and more.
CHAPTER TEN
INCREDIBLE.
Nothing in Aurora’s line of sight indicated she was standing outside her ship—she could be anywhere in the Clarek compound. The illusion was perfect.
Which begged the question of how many ships the Clarek clan had hidden in plain sight. Ten? Fifty? A hundred? Had some of the places she’d visited during her last trip to Drakar been ships in their docking ports? It was certainly possible. She wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference. “This is…unbelievable.”
Her reaction must have been exactly what Jonarel was hoping for. His lips parted in a rare smile that transformed his handsome face into a work of art. He had a wry sense of humor, but like all the Kraed she’d met, he rarely smiled and almost never laughed. It always caught her off guard when he did.
The intensity in his golden gaze also ratcheted up the temperature a few degrees. “Thank you.”
Kire slapped Jonarel on the back. “Pretty impressive, big guy. I know camouflage is a Kraed skill, but this is above and beyond.”
Jonarel broke eye contact with Aurora. “It was necessary for survival. Our world poses…challenges.”
Kire chuckled. “No kidding. Like those dragon-looking creatures we saw during our approach. What did you call them?” he asked Aurora. “Tree bolts?”
“Trebolks.”
“Yeah. I’d describe those things as more than challenging.”
“So would I.” Celia crouched at the edge of the walkway, inspecting the perfect alignment of the ship with the nearby tree trunk. “But the illusion you’ve created here is perfect. If you didn’t know where the ship was docked, you’d never find it.”
Kire nodded. “Speaking of which, how do we keep from getting lost? Will we have guides while we’re here?”
Star gestured to the path. “You will have me.” A curving line of blue lights glowed in the center of the walkway leading directly to where they stood.
“Are you controlling those?” Kire asked.
Star nodded. “You can contact me from anywhere in the compound, just as you can on the ship.”
“You’re kidding.” Kire stared at her in disbelief. “You mean the entire compound is interconnected so you and the other Nirunoc can go everywhere?”
“Correct.”
“Wow. That’s cool.”
Aurora had to agree. She’d learned a lot about the Kraed culture and their advanced technology over the years, especially with Jonarel as one of her closest friends, but the revelations since they’d landed indicated she’d only scratched the surface.
“Greetings!” a deep voice called out.
Siginal! Even amongst his own people, Jonarel’s father was an impressive presence as he strode toward them, with arms like tree branches and a mass of dark hair that fell past his shoulders. Aurora had compared him to a grizzly bear once, and the image fit. Jonarel’s mother, Daymar, was shorter than her mate, with the lithe grace of a cheetah. She also bore a striking resemblance to Star. The Nirunoc had clearly patterned her projected image off the Kraed female who’d been a mother to her.
Jonarel stepped forward and embraced his father while Daymar and Star touched palms in the traditional family greeting between Kraed and Nirunoc.
When Jonarel turned to his mother, Siginal reached for Aurora and enveloped her in a bear hug. Being accepted as part of Jonarel’s family had been an incredible blessing in her life. She hugged him back with equal enthusiasm.
“You are looking well.” His large hands gripped her upper arms with gentle strength as he gazed at her, his golden eyes so like Jonarel’s.
She smiled. “As are you.”
His attention shifted to Kire and Mya, who patiently waited their turn with their friend and mentor. “I recognize these faces as well.” Siginal motioned them forward.
During their years together at the Academy, Jonarel’s parents had routinely invited Aurora, Mya and Kire to dine in the Clarek family’s quarters. Many spirited discussions and fascinating tales had been shared during those meals. Not only was Siginal Clarek a brilliant scientist, but he was also a gifted storyteller. He’d had them alternately laughing themselves silly or sitting on the edge of their seats.
“Kire. Mya.” He pulled them each into a warm hug. “Welcome to our home.”
“Checala.” Daymar’s melodious voice reached Aurora a moment before her slender green-skinned arms wrapped around her from behind. “It has been too long.” Daymar’s voice hitched as she pressed her cheek against Aurora’s.
Moisture gathered in Aurora’s eyes as she placed her hands over Daymar’s and squeezed. Checala was a Kraed term of endearment that roughly translated to beloved one, and was used predominantly to refer to one’s own children. But Jonarel’s mother had always treated her as the daughter of her heart. “I know. But we’re here now.”
Daymar released her. “Yes. And we will make the most of our time together.” She greeted Mya and Kire while Aurora gestured for Celia and Kelly to join them.
“Daymar, Siginal, I would like to introduce you to Celia Cardiff, our security chief, and Bronwyn Kelly, our navigator. Celia, Kelly, these are Jonarel’s parents, Sigina
l and Daymar Clarek.”
“It is an honor to meet you,” Siginal said as he and Daymar shook hands with Celia and Kelly.
“Celia’s the best hand-to-hand fighter I’ve ever met,” Aurora said. “If you want a challenge, you should spar with her.”
“Indeed?” Siginal looked intrigued. “Then we will find a time to do so.”
Celia’s eyes gleamed. “I look forward to it.”
Aurora knew that look. She’d seen it every time they met on the mat—right before Celia knocked her on her butt.
Daymar was studying Kelly with interest. “You must be an exceptionally talented navigator for one so young. Piloting a Kraed vessel is not an easy task.”
High praise, indeed, especially from Daymar, whose background was in navigation.
“She’s a beautiful ship. And I’m fascinated by your landing technique. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Good move on Kelly’s part. One of the quickest ways to earn the admiration of the Kraed was to show appreciation for their technology.
“Then perhaps you would enjoy a tour of our other ships?”
Kelly looked positively giddy, an out of character expression for the stoic navigator. “That would be wonderful.”
Siginal flashed Aurora a look of approval. “Aurora has chosen her crew well. Our clan shall enjoy the opportunity to meet you all. Come.”
They left the Starhawke behind and moved deeper into the compound, following the curving path through the trees. “Mya, I have arranged for two of our botanists to take you on a tour tomorrow,” Siginal said. “I assume you will want to add specimens from Drakar to your collection.”
Mya and Celia exchanged a look. “Would it be possible for Celia to join me?” Mya asked. “She’s a specialist in pharmacology. And an amazing cook.”
“Of course.” A sparkle showed in his eyes as he glanced at Celia. “And perhaps when you return you will meet me in the training arena.”
“I would be delighted.”
Aurora made a mental note to be in attendance. She hadn’t been joking when she’d warned Siginal that Celia could probably beat him. He’d definitely need to stay on his toes if he wanted a chance to win the match.
“And what can I offer you, Kire?” Siginal gave Kire a friendly thump between his shoulder blades that nearly knocked him to his knees.
Kire staggered as he regained his balance. “I understand that you have quite a language library here, with documents from all the Kraed clans on Drakar. Would I be allowed to look over them?”
Siginal nodded. “You are welcome. I will see that you are given access.” His attention shifted to Aurora. “And what would you like to see while you are with us, checala?”
“I was hoping Jonarel would give me a lesson on the glider.” Ever since the near disaster on Gaia when she and Mya had been forced to leave their glider behind, she’d vowed to become more proficient with the Kraed device.
Jonarel stopped his conversation with his mother in mid-sentence. “I am yours to command.”
His tone indicated he was teasing, but the look in his eyes said something else entirely. What was going on with him? His attitude had shifted ever since they’d landed, and it was knocking her off balance. She didn’t like it.
Mya must have picked up on her discomfort, because she redirected the conversation by pointing to the massive trees with the bright purple and yellow flowers at the tips of the branches that swayed in the breeze. “Is this the same species that you used to construct the tables and chairs in the Starhawke’s observation lounge and conference room?”
“Yes,” Jonarel replied, breaking eye contact with Aurora. “The root structure acts like a bulb, but without the dormant phase. Each year the trees generate new sections. If they are not thinned, they choke the waterways, causing pooling and flooding issues that kill off other plant species. By carefully harvesting the pods for use in construction, the tree and surrounding vegetation remain healthy.”
Mya frowned. “But you have predators in the waterways, don’t you? That would be dangerous work.”
Jonarel’s calm words belied the seriousness of the answer. “We manage.”
Mya’s brows lifted. “I see.” She shot a questioning look at Aurora.
Aurora shrugged. Mya might be curious how the Kraed dealt with the hazards of their world, but she wasn’t. That side of Kraed life, particularly as it pertained to Jonarel, always made her a little twitchy.
The pathway curved to the left, leading them through a collection of towering structures that rose into the canopy in graceful, flowing lines. Technically they were tree houses, but the term tree cathedrals hit closer to the mark. Part of their breathtaking beauty lay in the way they blended with the surroundings, turning the entire community into a living work of art.
The path opened before them, revealing their destination. The majestic clan lodge nestled at the heart of the compound, a multi-level structure that appeared rustic to the unobservant. Five trees grew in a nearly perfect circle, their branches supporting the foundation and their trunks forming the interior walls. A woven network of smaller branches enclosed the roof. However, as with all things Kraed, looks were deceiving. The lodge might resemble something from a fantasy story set during the Middle Ages, but technological wonders were carefully concealed and easily accessible.
As they entered through the wide archway, the murmur of conversation faded out. Every member of the Clarek clan, including a large contingent of Nirunoc, seemed to be gathered in the tiered expanse, some leaning over the railings of the upper levels, while others sat around the circular tables that spread across the room’s interior.
Aurora felt like an actor walking onto a stage, a sensation that intensified when Siginal raised his arms wide, the corded muscles in his back and shoulders rippling.
“My clan. Our own have returned.”
Roars of approval greeted the announcement, followed by a surge of bodies. Aurora was enveloped in hugs from many of Jonarel’s kin, some of whom she’d met before, but many that she hadn’t. It didn’t seem to matter. She and every member of her crew were welcomed like long lost relatives.
Eventually they made their way to one of the larger tables near the center of the lower level and settled into their chairs. The younger Kraed, who stood out in contrast to the adults because of their diminutive size and the paler green and brown of their skin and hair coloring, picked up platters of food from the side tables.
Celia leaned toward Aurora, bringing her mouth close to her ear. “They make the small children do all the serving?” Disapproval threaded her words. Clearly she was disturbed by what she saw as an injustice. “I thought the Kraed were culturally advanced.”
Aurora smiled. “They are. These aren’t children. Kraed don’t begin adolescence until they’re near their twentieth year. You’re seeing teenagers who are close to adulthood.”
Celia frowned, her gaze following the petite Kraed.
“Jonarel was the same size when I met him thirteen years ago, and he’s two years older than I am.”
“Huh.” Celia watched the young boy who had appeared at their table and was busy filling mugs from a large pitcher. She didn’t look convinced.
Aurora turned to Daymar for backup. “Your clan has a strong tradition of service, correct?”
Daymar nodded. “It is a core belief. From childhood we learn the importance of serving others, both literally and figuratively.” She paused to thank the youth as he handed her one of the full mugs. “We think of the needs of the clan first, rather than focusing on self. Every member is valued and respected, no matter what tasks they perform, what age they have achieved, or what family line they are born or mated into.”
“So you did this same work when you were their age?” Celia asked.
Daymar nodded. “Of course. As did Siginal and Jonarel.”
“Interesting.” Some of the tension eased from Celia’s shoulders as she viewed the situation with a fresh perspective.
The attitude of service and respect the Kraed modeled was a large factor in why their culture had been so successful for millennia. It was a dynamic that humans still struggled to achieve in their interactions with one another. But Aurora believed they would get there one day.
She took a sip from her goblet. The delightful flavor of Kraed tenrebac slid along her tongue. She’d been introduced to the beverage by Jonarel, who’d served it to celebrate the day she and Mya had joined him as members of the crew of the Excelsior. Tenrebac had a flavor and texture similar to red wine, but with twice the alcohol content. Aurora had learned that last part the hard way.
Daymar’s family line cultivated the fruits that produced the beverage, and she’d stocked the pantry on the Starhawke with cases of it before the ship had been delivered to Earth.
As she lowered her goblet, she met Jonarel’s gaze. He was watching her from across the table. No, not watching. Staring. Staring as though he was studying a beautiful painting or gazing at a breathtaking landscape. She didn’t qualify as either.
She glanced away, completely flustered. What was going on with him? Had something happened she wasn’t aware of? This was the third time she’d caught him looking at her like he had something very intimate on his mind.
Or maybe it wasn’t him at all. Maybe it was her. That was certainly possible. Drakar was an intense experience, and she’d arrived super-charged from the excitement of locating the new Lumian homeworld. It was probably all in her head, seeing things that weren’t there.
She glanced in his direction just to make sure. He was still staring. He lifted his goblet and nodded at her before taking a drink, his gaze never leaving hers.
Nope. It wasn’t her imagination. Something was very different. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear that her chief engineer was flirting with her.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
JONAREL WAS CAUGHT in a waking dream. And he never wanted it to end.
He watched Aurora all evening, mesmerized by the way she interacted with his clan like she had been sharing meals in the lodge all her life. She was a perfect fit. True, her blonde hair and pale skin made her stand out among the greens and browns of his race, but that only made her shine all the brighter.
The Chains of Freedom (Starhawke Rising Book 2) Page 5