With my head down, I stepped over the threshold. Once again, the chilly air brushed my face, reminding me that I was still free. Humph…I scoffed. That only reminded me of the weird conversation I had earlier that day. If it really happened. After all, I had been exhausted.
Deciding to test my theory, I thought, Are you still there?
Where else would I go? His deep voice echoed in my head.
I don’t know. I don’t even know who you are.
Of course you do.
I closed my eyes in frustration. How could he get under my skin so fast? Whatever!
Free me, underling!
I froze. He did not just go there. I may not be from this planet, but I sure as hell was not an underling! On Earth, my superiors picked me as the best pilot. I’ve treaded through a sea of aliens unnoticed, only to manipulate a betting machine with my NI. Underling! I seethed at the word. My hands balled into fists as heat covered my face. And in my anger, I said the only thing that came to mind.
Fuck off asshole!
You are angry. Why?
Why do you sound like an asshole?
How could someone demand help in a superior tone? I knew that things were different here, but I didn’t care who he was, he was no better than me.
I am the Captain of the Royal Guard. How would you expect me to sound?
That didn’t make sense. What Royal Guard? My mind sorted through different scenarios as I kept walking away from the fight club and the shop I’d spent the day in. I accessed my NI, but couldn’t find any information on any Royal Guard. Not surprising since Munic had limited the information to species normally found on this planet.
I don’t know. Humble maybe? I would even settle for polite since you are the one needing help. Not me.
Free me. Some of the arrogance had fled his tone. He actually sounded somewhat normal, but not quite.
How could I possibly free you? Why would I? For all I know you are a killer posing as a Royal Guard. I wouldn’t want to be ‘daft’. Okay, that word still ruffled my feathers. But it had been a long time since someone made me feel that way. I enjoyed hearing the sound of his voice, although it frightened me. It really bothered me he assumed I was stupid without knowing me.
Under… He thankfully paused. The last thing he wanted to do was call me ‘underling’. I’d let him rot in whatever cell that held him. Female. I only kill those who need it.
I heard the irritation, felt it deep inside. I didn’t like it, but I would not back down. I thought more of myself than to let some man order me around. And did he just admit he was a killer?
Ah…so you are a killer.
I am justice.
I snorted as I kept walking. The aliens had thinned out as I headed away from town. Justice sounded better than killer, even though the act was the same.
Okay, you are justice. I pulled the edges of the cloak closer together. But I can’t help you. I’m not from around here.
What do you mean? You are from Ulaya, are you not?
Never mind. I’d seen what went on at the fight club, and I wasn’t about to tell him anything. I didn’t know him, didn’t trust him. Trust was earned not freely given. How did they capture you if you are head of the Guard?
I heard the anger in his voice as he growled, There is a traitor among us. I must get back before he can kill Lord Garan. Free me!
I paused. Royal Guard, a lord? This all sounded like a tale from the ancient storybooks about middle aged times. I started walking again. I understood his frustration but I had problems of my own. Selfish? Yeah, probably. But how did he expect me to free him?
And just how do you expect me to do that? I am one person who doesn’t even know where you are being held. A low growl sounded in my ears. Stop that! I can’t help that I don’t know where you are!
Everyone knows where the Humchins keep their prisoners. Just admit you are a coward.
Shut up! You have no idea what I’ve been through!
Tell me.
Sorry. You haven’t earned the right to know. All you’ve done is order me around and call me names. Would you help someone who did the same to you?
Silence. At least now he knew how I felt. I trekked onward with heavy steps as anger fueled me forward. I needed to get back to Munic and Oddle. I could only imagine what they thought happened to me when I didn’t return this morning.
Just as I spotted their house, his words eased my battered soul.
You are right. I apologize.
I should’ve responded, but I didn’t. He was so confusing. Arrogant one moment, apologizing the next. The fact that I cared what he thought set off all kinds of internal alarms. But I didn’t have time for games. My entire life had been focused. Games never played a part of it and it wouldn’t start now.
I hurried my steps, anxious to see them, reassure them that I was fine. Just as my hand gripped the handle, the door swung open. Munic stood in the doorway and I could see emotion shining in his three eyes. “Hi Munic.”
He crushed me to his soft, wobbly chest. “I thought they had caught you.”
“Nope. But it was close. I met a store owner who let me crash at his place for the day. I’m sorry I couldn’t get back before daybreak.”
“Cami, you’re back!” Oddle said as she walked into the room. The happiness was easily read on her odd-looking face. If I hadn’t known her so well, I couldn’t have read the happiness and relief shining back at me.
“I’m sorry. I tried to get back before daybreak, but it didn’t work out. Forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive.” She also crushed me to her chest. “I’m glad you are back.”
“Me, too.”
When she released me, I slipped my hand into my pocket and grabbed the coins. There wasn’t many, but every little bit helped. They had entrusted me with the few coins Munic had earned. I only hoped I hadn’t gotten screwed.
“Here you go.” I held out my hand waiting for Munic to do the same. When he finally complied, I let the coins drop one by one.
He gasped in surprise. “Cami, what did you do? How?” His worried eyes found mine.
I froze. My heart rate quickened. “Why? What’s wrong?” I bit my fingernails in a nervous gesture.
“Do you know how much money this is?”
“No. Is it less than what I had?”
He shook his head and stared at the coins in stunned silence. His eyes darted from the coins, to me, then back to the coins.
“Munic? Say something!” I couldn’t take the silence any longer. How bad had I messed up?
“Um…this is enough money to pay for one flight off the planet. How did you do it?” His eyes found mine. “This is more money than I could ever make here.”
A big smile curled my lips upwards. “Shew, you had me worried. Now, all I have to do is make double that amount and we can all leave.”
He looked back down at the coins. “No. You don’t understand. The Humchins will be looking for you.”
I marched over and dropped haphazardly down onto the chair. All the happiness deflated before dread took its place. “Why?” Frustration laced my voice. I may know how to read and speak the language, but I still had a lot to learn about this world.
Both Munic and Oddle took a seat in front of me. “I am sorry, Cami, I should have explained this to you before.” He grasped Oddle’s hand. “This planet is ruled by the Humchins. They suppress everyone, making sure that they maintain complete control and power.” I shook my head, not understanding what he was trying to tell me. “The most anyone can have is fifteen coins, and they are the wealthiest.”
“I don’t understand your monetary system. How many coins is that one worth?” I pointed to one in his hand.
“This one,” he held up the one he gave me, “is the smallest amount. It is worth one centasa. This one,” he held up the next largest coin, “is worth twenty centasa. And this one,” he picked up the largest coin, “is worth one hundred centasa.”
“Which is eighty-five more than I’m allow
ed to have.”
“That is correct. No doubt they scoured the streets looking for you.”
“Then why put that much money in the machines?”
“It is not much on other worlds, just on this one.”
I let the news sink in. Not that it mattered. I needed more money, so that meant at least one more trip to the betting machines. “Okay, so next time I’ll win enough in one swoop so we can all leave.”
“Or, you can bet just a little at a time and not draw attention to yourself.” Oddle’s worried voice made my lips curl upward. She sounded so much like my mother right now.
“We will decide which way to go, but for now I think I should lay low.”
“I agree.”
“Me too.” Oddle smiled, “Anyone for soup?” I groaned. Not the awful yellow soup.
6
____________________
A Traitor Among Us
Zorvak
I seethed on the inside as I sat shackled in a small cell. The darkness swirled around me, but it only enhanced my vision as I took in the dire situation. Scenarios constantly replayed in my mind. How did the Humchins capture me? They must have had help. But who? Who dare cross me? Who brought me to this vile planet? Think! What happened before I was captured…?
Lord Garan, leader of Ulaya, summoned me to his chambers. As Captain of the Royal Guard, I walked with purpose until I reached my destination.
When I stood before the heavy door, I nodded to the guard, Marcet, and placed my hand on the sensor. The door dematerialized, granting me entrance. Dressed in my crisp white uniform, I stood at attention while I faced Lord Garan.
An elder male with deep lines etched into his face, he ruled with a stern fist. Time had not been kind to him. His black hair had long ago faded to silvery white. His eyes were now a dull gray instead of sharp black.
I stood at attention until he finished writing and looked up. “Zorvak,” he gestured, “take a seat.”
Lord Garan sat behind his desk, so I took the chair facing him. Culture demanded that I let him start the conversation. I didn’t know the urgency, the purpose of this meeting.
He sat back in his chair, laced his fingers together and held my gaze. I answered to no one except Lord Garan.
“Zorvak, you have led the Royal Guard for many years. You have become someone I rely on… someone I trust.”
“Thank you, Lord Garan.” I sat with my chin held high.
“I am not young anymore and my time here is short. I decree that you will take over when I depart from this life, perhaps sooner.”
The news staggered me, but I held still. I knew what he meant but how could I possibly lead? The title passed down from generation to generation and I was no blood kin.
“What of your brother? Surely he is suited to rule Ulaya?” Even as I said the words, I felt the wrongness as they flowed across my lips.
“You know as well as I that Esad is not fit to lead.”
I did know that, so did everyone else. Esad, Lord Garan’s only brother, was a selfish bastard who only cared about himself.
Not wanting to speak ill of his family, I didn’t reply, didn’t show emotion when I nodded. But, in my mind, I could already envision the fight that would ensue with the Lord’s decree.
“I will let the counsel know when I deliver the official announcement.”
“Thank you, my Lord.” I stood and gave him a salute. He nodded, and when he looked back to the paper on his desk, I knew the conversation was now officially over. I turned on my heels and headed out.
The news flowed in unorganized thoughts. How could I lead this planet? What opposition would I face? The list was endless as different thoughts and solutions passed through my mind.
As I headed out to the training arena, I paid no attention to the air vehicles that passed overhead. Nor did I notice the grounds keepers as they roamed outside. The chilled air felt good on my skin, cooling it down to normal temperatures.
Footsteps quickened behind me. “Captain, wait up.” I turned just as Roark caught up to me. “I’ve been calling out to you.”
I looked out over the mountainous land. Steam rose in the distance from a volcano. Standing there with my hands laced behind my back, I mused at the thought that this would be my land to rule. At least one day. Glancing back at Roark, I took a relaxed breath, one that said I was in complete control of my emotions. “I did not hear you.”
He held my gaze before finally nodding. Roark knew better than to question me further. “We are having problems with Ardak again.”
“Bring him to the arena. I will deal with him this time.”
Ardak never should have been allowed in the Royal Guard. He was cocky…arrogant and he hadn’t earned the right. But, I knew the score. Esad had somehow convinced Lord Garan that he would be an asset. It had been rumored that Ardak was Esad’s bastard son.
“Yes, Captain, right away.”
As Roark trotted away, I thought about Ardak. The fact that he was a part of my Royal Guard filled my gut with raging fire. When I finished with him, he’d know his place.
Not wanting to beat them there, I took my time as I strolled that direction. Others stepped out of my way. Some quickly nodded, others never made eye contact. When I arrived at the arena, Ardak waited in the center. The smug look on his face beckoned me to wipe it off.
As I stepped into the arena, I glanced at Roark before my eyes slid back to the male who had caused so many problems. He refused to take orders from others, talked back to his superiors, and I was about to fix the problem.
“I see I have finally gained your attention.” Ardak’s voiced dripped with superiority. “When I take you down, everyone will know of my worth.”
I never spoke as he circled me. I waited. An extraordinary fighter kept his emotions in check while he patiently waited. That’s what I did. Ardak would soon learn that no one could best me, least of all, someone like him. As Captain of the Royal Guard, I was stronger, faster, deadlier than any of my soldiers.
My senses flowed outward while I waited, hyperaware of everything around me. All the energy surrounded me, giving me eyes without actually seeing. The energy changed, pulsated the moment Ardak lunged at me from behind. Coward! I quickly stepped to the side, and as he propelled himself forward, I helped with a kick to his lower back. Ardak fell, sprawling to the ground face first.
I stood unfazed as he pushed up and leaped back to his feet. The smug look had disappeared and his mouth twisted in anger. He spit blood before saying, “You got a lucky shot.” I never replied as I stood, stoic, in one spot and waited.
Ardak came barreling toward me. Just within reach, I grabbed his arm and, using his momentum, I flipped him over my head onto the ground. His back hit with a thud, and my lips barely twitched when I heard a slight moan escape his lips.
I toyed with him for a while as I let the twit wear himself out. When I’d had enough, I came at him hard and fast. With unrelenting strength, my fist caught his chin. I felt the crunch of his jaw, heard the pop before he went flying backward. The punch so hard, one tooth went sailing through the air along with blood. As he lay moaning on his back, barely conscious, I placed a foot on his chest and pressed down. My gaze bored into him, my words deadly and low. “You will learn your place. You will follow orders, or next time I will not be so easy on you.”
When he never answered, I pressed down with my heavy boot, cutting off his ability to breathe. “Yes, Captain,” he finally croaked out as I released the pressure just a little.
“Keep one thing in mind, Ardak, everyone else earned their position. You did not.” With that, I lifted my foot and walked away. I noted the twitch in Roark’s lips as I passed by. Ardak had no friends in the Royal Guard.
I spent the rest of the day training with the new recruits. A few of these males would earn the right to call themselves a Royal Guard. Most would not make the cut.
Just as I headed home, Estine called out to me.
“Captain La’qa?” I turned to se
e her strolling my way with a huge smile spread across her delicate face. A beautiful female with light red skin. Black hair flowed over her shoulder.
“Estine. How may I help you?”
“I was wondering if you would share evening meal with me tomorrow?” She smiled and batted her eyes. This wasn’t the first time she’d approached me, but I wasn’t interested in anything romantic, not anymore. Even though it was rare, I’d already tested the barriers of her psyche and we were not Compatibles. Not that it mattered, If I found someone who piqued my interest for more than a few days, I would consider them as a mate. Until then, I’d wait.
“Estine, you are beautiful, but you know we are not compatible.” Disappointment briefly crossed her face before she hid it beneath a bright smile.
“Captain, I am not asking you to bond with me, although Compatibles are for storybooks. I am asking you to share a meal. Nothing more. Come on. One meal for old times’ sake.”
I studied her for a moment, and then nodded. “Very well. Tomorrow night then.”
That night, I studied over Lord Garan’s words. Esad would definitely put up a fight, but no one would back his claim. Well, no one with good standing that is. Roark would move up to Captain when I took the reins of power. Nonetheless, I still needed to be on guard, aware of any enemies lurking in plain sight and in the shadows.
With one arm behind my head, I stretched out on the bed and stared at the ceiling until my eyes finally closed.
The next morning, I met Roark for morning meal. Just as we sat down, I asked, “What do you think of the new recruits?”
Roark took a sip of cofa, peered over his cup and said, “Some show promise. Most will not last long.”
“My thoughts as well.” I took a sip of my own cofa. “The young one, Hocath, seems very strong and willing to learn.”
“I agree. He is also quiet and follows orders.” He took a sip before a faint smile graced his lips.
Just as Voth, another trusted member of the guard, sat down, I said, “Unlike Ardak?” Roark smiled and shook his head.
“Ardak?” Voth asked. “He hasn’t been seen this morning. Last I heard, he didn’t show up for duty last night. Saroff was pissed.”
Zorvak's Rescue: Compatibles Page 5