Adrift (The Sirilians Book 1)

by Nicole Krizek

“I didn’t think that for an instant.”

  “Good. Now that you’re here, I’m in charge of making sure that your ship is better than new so you can be on your merry way back to… Siril… was it?”

  “Yes, that’s my homeworld. I greatly appreciate your people’s help with that matter.”

  “Sure thing! As soon as Lukas and the security gurus sign off, I’ll get my team in there and start opening her up. I’ll make sure to keep you updated.”

  “I would appreciate that.”

  He looked to Lukas. “Let’s go see how much longer it’s going to take security.”

  Lukas nodded. Deian gave Jayda a light kiss on her lips before heading for the main doors, Lukas at his side. Karo watched as Deian slung an arm over the other man’s shoulders in a friendly gesture, then just as they were rounding the corner into the hallway Deian leaned up and kissed Lukas’s jaw.

  Karo blinked hard, sure that he was seeing things. Hadn’t Jayda said she was mated to Deian?

  “Your mate is a very friendly man,” Karo commented to the Princess, who had laid a disc-shaped piece of technology on his small table and was making slight adjustments to the controls.

  He absently noticed that she had golden markings on the backs of her palms. They shimmered in the low lighting of his room. I have to remember to ask her about those later, he thought.

  Jayda smiled at his comment. “Yes, that’s Deian. He’s never met anyone he isn’t immediately friends with.”

  No doubt.

  “Was he also on your ship?”

  “No. As my Mission Commander he stays in our system, usually on a station or a battlecruiser, to make sure my missions go smoothly, and help when the need arises. We’re always linked through our comms though.”

  That’s why he was familiar. Karo had heard him on their comm link.

  Jayda picked up the flat disc she’d set down earlier. “I brought you something; since we couldn’t find a match for your DNA, and your ship is damaged, I was thinking we could try to locate your system using this portable navigational unit.”

  She set it on the floor a few feet away, then used a clear handheld tablet to activate it. Immediately Karo’s room was filled with millions of pinpoints of light. He felt hope blossom. Jayda began asking him questions about his star system, and inputting the information into her tablet.

  The Sirilian system was unique since it had two orange stars with similar compositions; and although the Sirilian classification of stars was different than the Arathians’, he was able to describe the sun’s attributes to her in detail. She listened and adjusted the navigational array’s parameters, but after several attempts, she still came up with the same answer.

  “Karo, I’m not finding it,” she admitted.

  “Am I giving you inadequate information?”

  “No, it’s that our star charts aren’t able to use your people’s mapping parameters. It’s like you’re speaking a language our system can’t understand.” She tapped the tablet on her thigh in thought. “There has to be another way to do this… if only the navigation system on your ship was working, then we could tap into it. It may be more compatible with our technology.”

  “What about a portable unit?” Karo suggested.

  “Do you have one?” she asked excitedly.

  “Yes, but I gave it to your people when I arrived.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll see if we can use it.”

  She immediately contacted the ship’s security on her comm device, but was politely refused. The officer stated that the technology hadn’t passed General Bogaards’s inspection, and listed all sorts of protocols they were forced to follow. She contacted several others, but was given the same answer. Karo could tell she was losing her patience.

  “All I want to do is find his homeworld,” she told the person at the other end of the comm link, as she paced across the floor. “I need the information stored in that device.”

  “I’m sorry Jayda,” the security officer repeated, “but I cannot release it until it has undergone all security procedures.”

  “Fine, but I want to be notified the moment it’s available for release.” Jayda disconnected the link without waiting for a response, then sat heavily in a nearby chair.

  “This isn’t normal procedure. I think they’re just trying to be extra cautious.” She smiled slightly. “It’s been a very long time since we’ve encountered an unfamiliar alien race, and I think we’re a little out of practice.”

  Karo chuckled. He could understand that, given the abruptness and manner of his arrival. His people probably would have been even worse if an unknown alien vessel just appeared in their system.

  “I think your people are handling this all quite well.”

  “Thanks, I just wish I had more say in how you’re being treated.” She sighed. “I’ve always tried to not let my birthright play a role in my professional life, but there are times when I wish I could pull the “Princess Card” and make them do what I want.”

  Karo had known people in power his whole life. Back home both of his parents held high offices, and he’d seen them throw their weight around when the situation called for it.

  “Arath is lucky to have a princess that doesn’t abuse her power like that,” he acknowledged.

  She eased and smiled at him. “Thanks Karo, I appreciate you saying that.”

  He watched her continue to adjust the navigational unit’s settings, and realized that he was intrigued by this woman. She didn’t have the air of nobility… and he meant that in the most positive of ways.

  “Are you a princess by birth?” he wondered aloud.

  “Yes, I am. Right now my parents are the ruling monarchs on Arath, but I’ll take over when they’re ready to retire.”

  “I see. Do you work for your planet’s defense willingly?”

  Her brows knit together with confusion. “Yes. Does it not seem that way to you?”

  “I’ve only been here a few hours, but I get the impression that you’re struggling with the hierarchy.”

  Jayda chuckled. “You’re very perceptive. I’ve been working for the Arathian Defense for many years now, but as I take a more active role in the operation of my planet, I’m having a harder time deferring to authority—especially when I don’t agree with them.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry; it’s my problem and I’ll figure it out.”

  Karo was thoughtful for a moment. “It sounds like you’re ready to take on a more authoritative role in all aspects of your life, not just in your royal duties.”

  Jayda looked at him for a long moment, then nodded her head. “You might be right.”

  “What is he right about?” Deian asked, as he and Lukas walked through the lowered forcefield and into Karo’s room. Lukas carried a bundle of clothing, while Deian carried a tray.

  “Nothing important,” Jayda dismissed. “Has security released his ship yet?”

  Both men shook their heads.

  “But we brought dinner!” Deian announced happily. “Figured that since Karo had been eating replicated rations for the past twenty years, he might like to try something new.”

  He set the tray down, and Karo saw food that he didn’t recognize.

  “Doc Notani said you needed to eat things that would be easy on your stomach, so we brought soup, bread, and dessert. Just the thing for someone who has cellular degradation!”

  Karo’s brows knit together in confusion, and Jayda laughed. “You’ll get used to Deian’s particular brand of humor.”

  “If you say so.” Deian was an enigma to Karo, but in truth he was glad to have someone to joke with again—someone to have any kind of communication with again. Just sitting and talking to Jayda had been a rare treat. To be teased! He’d almost forgotten how to joke back.

  “These are also for you,” Lukas stated as he laid the bundle of clothing on Karo’s bed. “The clothes they give you in here aren’t very comfortable, so I brought a few options for you. Should at least get you through tonigh
t and tomorrow. Hopefully by then security will have your ship cleared and you can gather your personal items.”

  Karo looked down at his blue one-piece jumpsuit. It had scorch marks, dust and debris, and smelled like smoke. He’d be very glad to change out of it. “Thank you, that was very thoughtful.”

  “No problem.”

  “I think you just wanted an excuse to replicate new pants, since you didn’t like those.” Deian pointed to the bundle on top of the bed.

  A blush crept over Lukas’s face. “They were too tight in the ass,” he mumbled in Deian’s direction.

  “I know… they were perfect,” Deian said with a dreamy sigh.

  A small smile lifted the corner of Lukas’s mouth, and Karo’s fascination with the trio grew. He’d never seen people with this kind of relationship, but before he could ask about it, Jayda interrupted his thoughts.

  “Come on boys, we should let Karo rest. He’s had quite the day.”

  The three said their goodbyes, and she ushered the men out of the room. Karo watched the security field go back into place, and wasn’t sure if he felt trapped behind it, or relieved that it was partially keeping him safe as well. He tried not to think about it.

  He felt strange, awkward and unsure about what he was supposed to do. During the years he’d spent alone onboard his ship, he’d end the night by performing one last systems check, and telling LINK to wake him if there was a problem. He tried to shake off the feeling by changing into the comfortable pants and shirt that Lukas had brought, then sitting at the table to eat.

  Everything had a pleasant mild flavor, and was far better than the rectangular bars that had sustained him during his mission. He took his time and enjoyed the meal. The soup was warm, the dessert was made of a red gelatin that tasted sweet, like fruit back on Siril, even the water tasted fresh. He’d have to remember to exchange the water reserves on his ship before he left.

  I don’t want to think about how many times that water has been recycled through the onboard purifiers.

  Once the meal was finished, he dimmed the lights and climbed into the big bed. He expected to toss and turn, but the mattress was far softer than he was used to, and before he knew it, he drifted to sleep.

  CHAPTER 11

  Karo dreamed of a woman. He could make out a blurred outline of her blue skin and long white hair floating on the wind. She was laughing and twirling with her arms outstretched. He watched her and felt jovial, lighthearted.

  He couldn’t see their surroundings, but it didn’t matter. His focus was entirely on her.

  To his consternation, the dream began to fade. Her image blurred until only her laughter lingered in his ears. He tried to hold onto the sound, but it slipped away.

  He came awake suddenly and sat upright, blinking hard to bring his surroundings into focus: gray walls, low lighting, large bed—he was definitely not onboard his ship. Memories of the previous day bombarded his mind and pushed the last vestiges of the woman aside. Reality was far harsher.

  Karo threw his legs over the side of the bed and slowly stood. He felt weak, like he’d been asleep for longer than usual. He carefully made his way into the bathroom, made use of the facilities, and encountered Doctor Notani when he emerged.

  “Good morning, Karincin!” she said brightly. “I brought you breakfast.”

  “Morning doctor.” His voice sounded gravelly. He sat still while she checked the monitors he’d been outfitted with the previous day. He poked at the food she’d given him, but it didn’t look very appetizing. Maybe he could persuade them to bring the soup again?

  It wasn’t long before she was done and left him alone to eat, but outside the entrance to his room he heard another voice.

  “How is he this morning, Notani?” It was Lukas.

  “He’s doing just fine; he’s eating breakfast now.”

  “Great. I’ll go in and see him.”

  A second later the forcefield was lowered, and Lukas walked in carrying a steaming mug in one hand.

  “Good morning, Karo,” he greeted, then walked over to where Karo sat at the table, looked at the grayish paste sitting uneaten in his bowl, and lowered his voice. “I thought they might give you something like that for breakfast, so I replicated this for you instead.”

  With his free hand, Lukas reached into a pocket in his pants and pulled out a bundle. He unwrapped two round pieces of food that had a sweet smell.

  “What are they?” Karo asked.

  “They’re called donuts, and on Earth they come in every combination imaginable. These are plain glazed: my favorite.”

  “Thank you.” Karo reached for the offerings and took a tentative bite. His eyes widened. “This is amazing!” he exclaimed.

  “Shhh!” Lukas admonished, and quickly turned to see if any of the medical staff had overheard. Thankfully no one ran into the room. “Not so loud! I don’t want to get into trouble with the doc.”

  “My apologies.”

  “No problem. Mind if I sit down?” Lukas asked.

  “Of course not.” Karo mumbled around another bite of the treat.

  Lukas plunked down, crossed an ankle over his knee, and sipped at the beverage in his mug. “So, how’s your morning been?”

  Karo was careful to swallow that time before speaking. “Fine. I slept very well.” He took the final bite of the sweet pastry and quickly grabbed the second. “Where did you say this is from?”

  “My homeworld. A planet called Earth.”

  “You’re not Arathian?”

  “Nope. Me, the donut, and this coffee all come from Earth. It’s a long way from here.” Karo had guessed as much. He watched Lukas sip the coffee and thought it interesting that he didn’t sound unhappy at all that he lived among another race.

  “How long have you lived with the Arathians?”

  Lukas thought for a moment. “I’ve been mated to Jayda and Deian for nearly six months now, but I was on Arathian vessels for several weeks before then.”

  Karo was confused. “You’re mated to Deian and Jayda?”

  “Yep.”

  Lukas waited for Karo’s reaction. Maybe he expected censure, but Karo honestly didn’t care that the three aliens were in a relationship together. He knew that each race had different customs and standards, so it didn’t bother him at all that the three of them were mated.

  “Congratulations. They both seem to have very admirable qualities.”

  Lukas eased and smiled. “Yeah, they’re both wonderful. Are you mated?”

  It was Karo’s turn to smile. “Much to my parent’s consternation, I am not. I decided to explore the far reaches of space rather than bond with a woman.”

  “Well, it’s your choice to make,” Lukas said. “I never thought I’d get married until I found myself halfway across the galaxy.”

  “Were you an explorer as well?”

  Lukas laughed heartily. “No! Actually I was dragged through a wormhole against my will, the same as you, but under very different circumstances. I would have died in space if an Arathian ship hadn’t been there to save me. I was lucky; the Arathians are good people. I’m much more at home here than I ever was on Earth.”

  They sat in companionable silence for a while, Lukas drinking his coffee, and Karo finishing his breakfast. It was the arrival of Doctor Notani that shattered the quiet.

  “Excuse me sir, but I’d like a moment when you have a chance,” she said politely to Lukas from the doorway.

  “Sure.” Lukas rose and left the room. Karo heard talking, but couldn’t make out the exact words.

  Lukas was only gone a moment before he stepped back through the doorway and called to Karo. “Do you mind coming out here for a moment. Doc needs to ask you something.”

  “Alright.”

  Karo’s stomach dropped. What’s wrong? Can she not repair my cellular damage? His anxiety rose. Was she going to give him bad news?

  Karo followed him out of the room and glanced at the guards that were still posted outside his door. They kept a
watchful eye, but didn’t move to intercept him as he and Lukas joined the doctor at a large array of monitors. She had images from his scan pulled up, including his DNA sequence.

  “Is everything alright?” Karo asked.

  “I believe so. I’ve developed a treatment to counteract the damage the regeneration chamber has caused your cells.”

  Karo breathed a sigh of relief, but she still had a look of concern on her face.

  “The question I have is about your DNA. Our system found signs of protein scarring…” She trailed off and Karo looked at her quizzically. He wasn’t a biologist; she’d have to help him connect the dots.

  It was Lukas who clarified: “She wants to know if you’re a clone, or have been genetically altered.”

  Doctor Notani gave him a look of disbelief at his blunt question. She probably worried that Lukas had just insulted him, but Karo didn’t care. Genetic manipulation was a way of life for his people.

  “I’m not a clone. My DNA underwent genetic alteration from the moment of fertilization. It’s a common practice for a large percentage of Sirilians.”

  Lukas’s expression didn’t change, but Doctor Notani looked concerned. It caused Karo to ramble. “It’s all done by the Assembly of Eugenics in a very regulated and controlled environment. I am aware of the protein scarring, but have always been assured that it poses no threat to myself or others.”

  “We don’t think you’re a threat Karo,” the doctor consoled. “It’s just that artificially manipulating the genome is something that Arathians have outlawed.”

  “Oh.” That was all Karo could think to say.

  “That’s not to say that your people weren’t justified in altering your DNA, it’s just that… there’s concern here that it has the capacity to be abused.”

  Karo nodded. A dim image floated through Karo’s mind. He got the impression of a woman arguing with him about this same subject. There had been people on Siril that hadn’t agreed with genomic engineering either. The memory quickly receded.

  “Does this change your ability or resolution to help me?”

  “Not at all!” Doctor Notani quickly denied. “I hope that our concern doesn’t offend you. I just felt like I needed to ask you about it.”