Alien Commander's Chosen Complete Collection

by Erin Tate

  More than one member of the Planetary Coalition chuckled and she realized that—she mentally sighed—they could hear her thoughts. Or plucked them right out of her head. Regardless, they knew how annoyed she was by Riskz’s pompous rantings.

  Eventually he wound down with a respectable two-year-old pout.

  Joyce wasn’t Doshan even if she looked Doshan and her genetics said she was Doshan. The same went for any other genetically altered Terran and by the way, Sampson should immediately be ejected from the Doshan ship because he too, was not Doshan.

  Pompous speciest pigs.

  The Planetary Collective representatives remained attentive even though she sensed at least the Ailone’s annoyance with the councilman’s never-ending speech. When it finally seemed to come to a close, the group faced her and Kede.

  “Doshan Tria, what are your beliefs? We would hear your truths.” The Ailone addressed her harau and she squeezed Kede’s hand.

  She was there for him, at his side, for better, worse, health and death by alien chocolate.

  * * *

  Joyce’s touch gave Kede the strength to face the Planetary Collective. More importantly, he faced the Ailone. He was humbled the powerful ruler took an interest in their conflict. Humbled and fearful in equal measure.

  With the way in which Sampson addressed the Ailone, he imagined there was a deeper story and connection between the males. Kede was thankful Sampson was on their side. At least, at the moment.

  With a final squeeze to Joyce’s hand, he began.

  He spoke and offered a prayer to whatever deity lingered near. He did not care if it was the Terran god who responded or the bright light itself. He would even pray to the darkness if it meant keeping Joyce safe and at his side.

  “I admit to taking Joyce Enner Tria-se from the planet Terra. I was on the surface to choose an ambassador for my ship and I chose. I regret the method of her arrival on the Vehly, but I cannot regret her presence.” He fought for calm and allowed his mind to travel to those first days, the first weeks of her life onboard.

  Then he allowed it to linger on her injuries.

  “The cilotha nearly ended her life, but with an infusion of my blood, she survived and transitioned.” He took a calming breath, his thoughts pushing past the time after she’d discovered his actions and his failings kept them apart. “Even after her transition, several attempts were made to remove her from the Vehly. Then the councilmen and High Medico arrived and deemed her to not be Doshan. They would have returned her to Terra despite the evidence that she would perish upon her arrival on the planet’s surface.”

  The Planetary Collective representatives all flashed looks of disgust at the Doshan group, causing each male to flinch beneath the weight of disapproval.

  “They violated her medical files, her privacy, and visited physical damage to her body.”

  The group’s disgust deepened.

  “Their support for her non-Doshan status?” The short, blue, Neaf male voiced the question and Kede knew his answer would sway the man to his side.

  The Neaf race had strict ideals regarding females and sexuality.

  Especially public discussion of those private details.

  “Neaf…” He did not know the male’s name.

  “The name does not matter. Only the question.”

  Kede tried to balance the truth with upsetting the Neaf representative. “The females in our race experience a maturity, which we call a Needing. At the time, she had not endured the event.” He paused. “It is an intimate desire for a male that lasts three days.”

  The male’s blue changed to a muted pink, his anger visible for all to see. “They dared voice these words? Before how many?”

  “Their own attendants numbered over two hundred warriors. My Security Commander can provide an accurate accounting, if you desire.”

  The lighter color flushed bright and hot pink. The Neaf male was furious on his harae’s behalf. “Not necessary.”

  The Ailone focused on him and the whispering voice entered his mind. “And now, Doshan Tria? Is that still the case?”

  Kede shook his head, uncomfortable with the Ailone’s presence, but unable to push the male from his thoughts. “No, Ailone. The issue is resolved.”

  The Ailone nodded. “Very well. In the matter of Female Joyce, she is deemed Doshan. All opposed?”

  Not a single Planetary Collective representative voiced opposition.

  Could it be that easy?

  “You do not have the right—” Councilman Haspava quickly found himself without lips.

  “We have the right because your actions brought us here. You asked for assistance and now you receive it. You hear our words and you abide by them or let your bright light help you. She is Doshan, she retains the protection of the Planetary Collective itself and the Neaf will rain disaster on your head should any harm come to her.” The Neaf snarled the words at the Doshan group and the group of males stilled in response to the explosive anger.

  The Neaf were a peaceful people. Usually.

  “Doshan Tria, are there other issues to present?” The Ailone reacted as if nothing were wrong.

  “One issue though the warriors are unsure if the issue warrants collective consideration.” They’d discussed this. The representatives would probably want to hear their case, but the choice had to be theirs. The warriors could not presume to have the collective’s attention.

  “We will hear your grievance. I believe it will make for interesting hearing.” The Ailone flashed his race’s smile, a subtle tightening of the skin surrounding his mouth. “Is this venue appropriate?”

  “Yes, Ailone. It involves all warriors and is discussed with their approval.”

  “All warriors?” The male seemed surprised and Kede could understand his shock. It was rare to gather such a large group and gain their support.

  “Yes, Ailone, all warriors.”

  “Very well, present your truth.”

  Taking a deep breath, Kede released the words that’d lived in every warrior’s soul from the moment they understood what it was to be a warrior. When they realized what they would be required to do on behalf of Dosha and what they would receive in return. Or rather, would not receive.

  It seemed as if no one breathed when he finished, when he ceased telling stories of his childhood and his training then finished with censored words about finding Joyce and joining with her.

  He proudly displayed his markings, expressing her strength and the way her very presence encouraged the strongest males of their race desire more.

  “And what would you have the collective do on your behalf?” The Ailone’s quiet voice rang in the silence.

  “The Doshans have a choice, Ailone. They may choose to grant our caste equal representation, we will have a High Warrior to battle on our behalf, to make the laws that govern us and enforce those laws, or they will not have warriors. If that is their choice, Ailone, we request status.” With Kede’s final words, the quiet continued. Shock kept the Doshan representatives quiet, warrior training kept them noiseless and frozen in place, while the collective’s group stared at Kede with consideration.

  “And if they relent and welcome a High Warrior, has your caste selected a warrior to battle for them?”

  “Yes, Ailone. A vote was taken, each warrior making his wishes known. Only a member of the Planetary Collective may retrieve the results. It was our assurance that no subterfuge mars the selection.”

  The Ailone nodded and turned to the Doshan group. Rage lurked in the gaze of each councilman, a promise of retribution in their expressions.

  The Ailone recognized it as well. “You will attend me.” Ailone did not speak again until he had their attention. “Neaf, grant the other his sounds.” When Haspava had lips once again, they sneered at Kede. “You will attend me.” The Ailone hardly raised his voice, but Kede felt it rattle his bones. “You will hear me and you will follow this logic. The Doshans must choose between granting warriors equal status and being released f
rom the Planetary Collective.”

  Riskz sputtered. “You’ll remove us? On what terms? We have always adhered to the agreement.”

  “And the agreement states a species may remain, providing they can defend themselves and the collective if ever called. Your warriors will abandon you if you do not grant them rights. If they abandon you, we will welcome them with open arms and let Dosha fend for itself. Those are your choices. Speak your truth.”

  Riskz and Haspava glared at him, their stares searing, but he did not shy from their rage. His caste would not get what they desired by cowering. Warriors did not flee in the face of anger. No, they donned their blades and sliced through the fury.

  “I must confer with the rest of the council.” Riskz spoke through gritted teeth.

  “You speak as if they have not heard every word through your communications devices.” The Ailone was condescending and annoyed.

  Riskz’s gaze went to Haspava and then returned to Kede. “We want to know who they’ve selected as High Warrior before we provide our decision.”

  “Life does not follow your wants. You either welcome a High Warrior or we welcome their numbers. Choose.” The Ailone left no room for discussion.

  Kede held his breath, fighting back the hope that threatened to consume his heart. Could they finally have lives to be proud of? Lives that included their very own harae and young? It would take time to convince females they were worthy, but to have the chance…

  “We welcome the High Warrior and his knowledge of his warriors.” The message was tinged with the councilman’s ire, but his anger was inconsequential.

  “Doshan Tria, name your High Warrior.”

  Those were the words his Comm Commander needed.

  The male strode forward, stopping in the middle of the ring and saluted Kede before focusing on the Ailone. “Ailone, I present the will of the warriors. Your access code will reveal our choice.”

  He handed over the pad and retreated, leaving the Ailone alone in the center. “We should ask how you coded this to only release for us, but we are too intrigued to see who will change Dosha.”

  Kede held his breath as the Ailone manipulated the comm pad. A soft tone sounded and then the Ailone huffed, his lips tightening in a smile. The male’s gaze met Kede’s for a brief moment and he felt his gut twist in a knot. Did that mean he would be forced to lead his caste? He would if it was the choice of the warriors, but he’d looked forward to a quiet life on the Vehly with Joyce at his side. He would remain on his “little ship” as Joyce called it, and raise his young.

  Then the Ailone’s attention shifted to Joyce. Shifted to her and stayed there.

  The air in his lungs escaped in a stirring rush. No. No, they couldn’t have…

  The Ailone approached, his gait smooth, and the male handed the comm pad to his harae.

  “The Planetary Collective welcomes Doshan High Warrior Joyce Enner Tria-se.”

  And in true Joyce fashion, she responded with her first thought. “Fuck that noise.”

  Chapter Twenty-five

  There was lots of yelling, lots of growling and lots of snarling—from Kede, of course—and all Joyce could do was stare at the damned comm pad. Well, the comm pad and the tall purple alien standing before her. She was pretty sure he was smiling. Maybe. He had this whole mouth tightening thing going. He was either smiling or he had to take a crap. Assuming Ailone crapped. If they didn’t, where did everything go?

  She turned her attention back to the pad in her hands and then shoved it at the tall male. “Here, take it back. Stick your happy hand in there and change it.” He didn’t take the device and she pushed it at him again, even going so far as to snag his hand and place it on his palm herself. “Undo it. Work your magic mojo, dammit.”

  She sorta assumed no one was paying attention to her and were too busy screaming at each other to notice her.

  She’d been wrong. So very, very wrong.

  Because she gave the Ailone an order, he did the hissing chuckle thing, and everyone froze. Still forcing the alien to hold the stupid pad, she turned her attention to the gathered males. She let her gaze slowly encompass the room and finally settled on Kede.

  Man, she had no idea his eyes could go that wide. Huh.

  “Joyce?”

  She felt Ailone wiggle his hand and she squeezed his wrist tighter. He was not getting away until he took it back. “Yeah?”

  “You should let the Ailone go.” Her harau’s words were slow and cautious as he tilted his head toward said purple guy.

  “Okay, when he takes it back. Make him take it back.”

  Wasn’t everyone else excited by the prospect of her not being the High Warrior?

  “I do not believe she understands who I am, Doshan Tria-se.”

  Joyce focused on the Ailone. “You’re the Ailone? Is there a reason you don’t have a name? I understand the whole ‘Doshan Tria-se’ and ‘Terran Asshole’ thing. You’re just Ailone.”

  “I am the Ailone,” the alien returned.

  Do they not name their babies on their planet? What was up with that?

  Purple guy chuckled and she narrowed her eyes. “It’s rude to read someone’s mind without their permission.”

  Kede gasped and it seemed as if everyone held their breaths.

  “My harae, please.”

  “Do you know, I think that’s the first time you’ve ever said ‘please’ to me?”

  “Joyce…” he hissed at her.

  That was her harau.

  “You are not some snake-alien. Quit hissing at me. I’m dealing with a lot of panic here and you people are not letting me take some me-panic-time. I see a mental breakdown in my future.” She felt as if her heart would burst from her chest any moment. Splat and there it was. Maybe Ailone could save her the trouble and just take it out now.

  Of course, that Ailone chuckling again.

  Purple alien bastard.

  More chuckles.

  That had her focusing on Ailone again. “Look, it’d be really great if you could wiggle your fingers and pick someone else.”

  She ignored the fact that her eyes burned and her throat hurt and it really felt like her lungs decided working was so a thing of the past and no longer necessary. She fought for air, fought to get her body to do something already, but it wasn’t happening.

  Ailone bent to her level, lowering himself to a single knee before her. Everyone gasped and she figured she’d done something else wrong. She hadn’t said fuck so they could go fuck themselves.

  Oh God, the panic attack got worst. She was gonna die before she had a chance to live and there were pretty spots in her vision that meant she really should breathe.

  “High Warrior Tria-se,” he murmured and wrapped one of those big purple hands around the back of her neck. “You must calm.”

  Easy for him to say and if he laughed at her again, so help her she would come back from the dead to kick his purple butt.

  “Joyce,” her name was lyrical and almost sounded like a beautiful song when he said it that way. As if her name was a symphony, it floated through the air. “You must calm.”

  “Calm,” she wheezed and fought for air.

  “Very good, Joyce.” Ailone’s voice still had that soul-touching quality and she ignored Kede’s strangled whine.

  That did not sound good even though she was feeling good and a bolt of fear struck her.

  “Do you have your hand in my brain? It’d be really great if you said no.” Like, really, really great.

  “No, we are merely speaking.”

  “Oh, talking. Talking I can do. I can also do this thing where you take it back.” She replied hopefully.

  “They have chosen the correct Doshan, Joyce.”

  “Are you sure?” she whined and didn’t care that she sounded like a baby.

  “Joyce,” Kede hissed at her. “We do not question the Ailone.”

  She narrowed her eyes and glared at her harau. The male had soothed her panic attack. The least Kede could do
was call the man by his name. That was just rude.

  “Doshan Tria-se, be calm. She does not understand and I find that I appreciate her honest reactions.” Ailone smiled.

  “Why don’t we question you?” She raised her eyebrows. If she wasn’t allowed to ask questions they needed to tell her why.

  “I am the Ailone.”

  “Okay.” Yeah, that told her nothing.

  “Joyce, he is the Ailone.” Kede tried and she sighed. He obviously understood her lack of comprehending and tried again. “There is the race of Ailones. They hail from the Planet Ail. This is the Ailone.”

  She tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brow. “Like those old Scottish romance novels? The clans went by their last names and then their leader was The MacTavish or something?”

  Please don’t let that be true. Please. Because then her day just got better because she’d been treating the leader of a fucking planet as if he were just a normal person, er, alien.

  “That is correct High Warrior Tria-se.” Ailone, the Ailone, answered her.

  “Fuck me sideways,” she grumbled, Kede snarled, and the Ailone released his huffing laugh.

  Joyce sighed. “I’m gonna have to be serious and deal with this, aren’t I? I mean, you’re looking at a glorified secretary who barely managed to survive chocolate. In the grand scheme of things…”

  “In your grand scheme of things, these males who have trained since they were younglings feel you have surpassed them in strength, loyalty, and honor. You disrespect their choice and their beliefs with your objection.” The Ailone continued, making her feel about a foot tall. “For the first time in millennia, the Doshan warriors will be heard and you will be their voice. Do not discard their wishes so easily.”

  Joyce tore her focus from Ailone and turned her attention to Kede. The truth of Ailone’s words filled her harau’s gaze. Then she let her stare wander, landing on male after male, warrior after warrior, and saw that same truth on their faces.

  They wanted her. Her.

  “All right,” she whispered, taking the comm pad back from Ailone. “All right, I accept the responsibility with pride and pray to the bright light I am worthy of your support.”