by Luna Hunter
“What’s the matter with you?” I say. “Why did you risk all of our lives, our entire mission?”
“The risk was calculated,” Ferguson says. “Look! Look at the damn map! We’re already here! The Centauri system!”
I glance at the map, and to my surprise, he’s telling the truth. It’s either that, or the damn thing is malfunctioning, which considering we were just pelted with a magnetic storm, is not all that farfetched of an idea.
“How is that possible?” Sarah says. “The system is supposed to be months away!”
“My plan worked! Better than I ever could have anticipated!” Ferguson cheers. “You know what this means? I discovered a new mode of travel! I re-opened the galaxy for mankind! The Federation will build a statue in my honor! Parks will be named after me! Hospitals! Universities!”
Sarah sits down in the captain’s chair and goes through the data. “If we ever make it back home, perhaps,” she muses. “You managed to burn through all of our fuel at once with your strange slingshot shenanigans. And the ship recorded no data from the warp, probably due to the magnetic storm, so there’s no way we can understand exactly what just happened.”
“Details,” Ferguson scoffs. “Minor details. Classic scientist, always focusing on the nitty gritty details. What about the big picture, Sarah? We’re in deep space! Alien planets are within our grasp!”
“Yeah, and we have no fuel to reach them,” she says. “We’re sitting ducks.”
“We’re stranded?!” I growl.
“Not entirely,” the captain says. “The shuttles still have juice, and I already picked up some chatter on the coms. There’s an alien planet a day’s travel away. All you need to do is go there and buy us some star fuel. Problem solved.”
The captain pumps one fist into the air.
“Ferguson with the hot streak!” he says to himself. “Checkmate!”
I shake my head. He’s completely lost it.
“All we need to do?” Sarah says. “You got us into this mess!”
“You’re my chief scientist. Your speciality is Alien Studies is it not? Well, go put it into practice! Visit that world, and don’t come back without enough star fuel to get us back home. You’ve got your Zoran lapdog now, so you’ll be fine.”
I ball my fists. A week ago I would have knocked him out for daring to take such a tone with me, but I’m trying to better my ways, and not resort to my fists at every turn.
It’s hard, though. Very hard.
Sarah stands up and rests her hand on her waist.
“And what do I have to barter with, hm? I doubt these aliens are just going to give us a full tank.”
“Your body,” Ferguson laughs.
BAM!
I jab him in the ribs. Not hard enough to rupture his spleen, but enough to know I’m here, and he better watch his tone.
I couldn’t resist. There are limits, and he had just crossed one.
Ferguson doubles over, gasping for air.
“Y-you beast,” he stammers, as he reaches for his blaster, but he finds his holster empty.
“Looking for this?” I ask as I hold up the blaster. As he looks at it, all bug-eyed, I crush the puny weapon with my bare hands. I throw it down at his feet, a crumpled up ball of metal.
“You watch your mouth when you talk to Dr. Graham,” I growl.
Sarah’s eyes are big as she watches us both. I hope I haven’t scared her, but I couldn’t sit by idly any longer.
“G-go,” Ferguson gasps. “Promise them some Federation credits. An IOU. You’ll figure it out. Go!”
Sarah ushers me back into the elevator, muttering under her breath as she does so. The moment the door closes and we’re alone again, I turn to my female mate.
“Sorry,” I say as I unclench my fists.
“No, thank you,” she says. “He deserved that. How he ever made it to the rank of captain is something I’ll never understand… but it seems we have a new mission. Travel to an unknown, alien world and return with fuel, without having anything to trade for it. Oh boy. This is going to go over well…”
“We’ll figure it out,” I growl. “With your smarts and my strength, we can take anything on.
She smiles at me.
“Yeah, perhaps we can.”
10
Sarah
“What do you mean, you can’t make dinner?”
Ava’s holographic scowl fills the cockpit of the shuttle.
“I made your favorite!”
“You made my favorite?”
“Okay, I asked the food replicator to make your favorite, same thing.”
“Not quite,” I laugh.
Kazim is prepping the shuttle for launch, stuffing it with supplies while I’m running all of the preflight checks. I have to be extra careful, because the Spearhead can’t come bail us out when we have engine trouble. If something goes wrong, we’re completely out of luck.
I feel nervous, but also excited. I’m about to visit a strange, completely unknown alien world. They’ve most likely never seen a human before.
“We have an important mission,” I tell Ava, and I quickly explain that the Spearhead is all out of fuel, and it’s up to Kazim and I to bail Ferguson out.
“What?!” she says. “You’re visiting an alien world — without me!? That’s not why I became your research assistant! I want to go with you!”
“No way,” I say resolutely. “It’s not safe.”
“I know, that’s why it’s exciting!” Ava insists.
“I’m not having it. I’d be worried sick about you.”
“You’ve got Kazim with you! There’s not a safer space in this entire sector than by his side!”
“I’m not having it, and that’s final!”
“Ah, I see what’s happening,” Ava says conspiratorially. “You want to have a little one-on-one with time with Kazim, huh? Just the two of you and the beauty of the stars passing you two by? Perhaps a little cheese, a little wine? I understand.” She winks.
“It’s not like that at all,” I protest.
Falsely.
Deep down, that sounds like a splendid time. At first Kazim’s constant presence annoyed me to no end. It felt suffocating. However, he proved he’s not as dangerous as he looks — to me, anyway.
If anyone talks down to me? Yeah, they’ll have an angry blue giant to deal with.
And the fact that he’s also a great kisser is the cherry on top…
“Ready for take-off?” Kazim growls, rousing me from my sordid thoughts.
“Ready,” I say, quickly fanning myself. “Sorry, Ava. I’ll make it up to you when we get back.”
“You better,” she says with a smirk. “Now go make some new stories to share with me. I’ll see you in a few day’s time.”
I cut the transmission, and Ava’s holographic image disappears. Kazim sits down next to me, strapping himself into the seat.
“What were you talking about?” he asks with a frown. “What kind of stories does the dark-haired one want to hear?”
“Her name is Ava,” I say. “And forget about it.”
“You’re a poor liar,” Kazim growls. “It’s a good feature.”
“Shut up,” I say, my cheeks glowing like hot coals.
Ava is right. I don’t know how I’m going to spend all this time with Kazim, just the two of us, without jumping his bones. Every time I look at him, all I can think about is how his lips felt pressed against mine.
How his hands felt on my breasts.
How his cock felt pressed against my core.
“Ready?” Kazim asks.
“Y-yes,” I stammer. “Yes. Ready. Here we go.”
I grab the control stick and guide the shuttle out of the landing bay. The gigantic, metallic door open and we glide outside into the darkness of space. We leave the protective bosom of the Spearhead. Our little shuttle is all we have for now.
Only now does the sheer enormity of our mission sink in. The Spearhead is such a big ship, with hundreds of peop
le on board — it’s easy to forget you’re actually in space. It’s like a giant cruise ship in many ways. Our shuttle is the equivalent of a tiny raft, completely surrendered to the whims of the oceans.
In the distance I see two suns and a multitude of planets orbiting them. I punch the coordinates into the system and lean back into my chair. Our mystery world is a day’s flight away.
“What now?” Kazim growls.
“Now… we wait,” I say, swiveling my chair towards him. “The auto pilot will do the rest. Do you have idea how to pass the time?”
He cocks one eyebrow. “I know one way.”
I roll my eyes. “Other than sex, I mean.”
“Hm,” he says. “That is also a good idea. I was thinking more along the lines of conversation.”
“Converse? You?” I tease. “I thought you more a silent warrior.”
“You underestimate me, human,” he says. “Still waters run deep.”
“You’re a warrior poet now?” I laugh.
“Perhaps,” he growls. “Is poetry the way to your heart?”
My stomach flutters. “Is my heart at stake now?”
“I have been very clear in my intentions,” he growls. “From the very start.”
I glance outside, pretending to be fascinated by the nebula we’re passing through, but in fact I just need a minute to stop myself from saying something overly hasty.
The fact that the alpha warrior is interested in my body has been clear — Kazim has been rock-hard most of the time I’ve seen him, his makeshift toga leaving very little to the imagination — but I’m not sure if he just wants to conquer me and move on, or if he’s in it for the long haul.
Either way, he wants me.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with a one night stand. We’re here in this shuttle with nothing to do, heading into dangers unknown — this would be a perfect opportunity to allow myself some nostrings attached fun.
But that’s not just me. No matter how much Ava insists I ought to cut loose, I just can’t see myself doing something like that.
“So talk,” I say, my heart pounding like a drum. “Tell me something about yourself.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Let’s start with something simple. Where are you from?”
“Not as simple a question as you might think. I’ve moved around a lot. I don’t have a home.”
“Everyone must have a home,” I say. “There’s got to be some place where you feel safe.”
“Yes. By your side.”
His brilliant eyes look right at me, and the fluttering in my stomach intensifies. When did the growly warrior become such a smooth talker all of a sudden?
“You’re mocking me,” I say.
“How do I prove I’m not?”
“Tell me why you’re really on the Spearhead.”
A frown forms on his chiseled face. “That I can’t do,” he growls.
“Why not?”
“I have my reasons.”
“You can’t expect me to trust you without sharing your story with me. How do I know you can trust me?”
“You don’t,” he says. “You either trust me or you don’t. My past has nothing to do with it.”
I cross my arms over my chest. My eyes travel over his body. There are scars and tattoos all over his big blue frame. It’s obvious Kazim has lived a tumultuous life.
One in which he didn’t shy away from violence.
I’m a firm believer in second chances, but at the same time, who are we but the culmination of our past decisions? They’ve made us into who we are. Maybe his past is none of my business… but the reason why he got added to the Spearhead’s roster so suddenly is far from ancient history.
“Do you trust me?” Kazim asks.
“Honestly? I don’t know,” I say. “I want to say yes, but there’s just too many blank spaces that still have to be filled in.”
He nods slowly. “Yet you willingly got into this shuttle with me, to travel to an alien world. So you must have some faith in me.”
“I trust you enough to protect me, yes, but not enough to… give my heart to you,” I say, my cheeks burning. “If that’s what you’re after.”
“It is,” Kazim growls. He leans in and grabs my hand, his fingers interlocking with mine. “That I promise.”
I pull my hand back. His touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, and all this talk of romance is making my stomach feel funny. Next thing I know I’ll be pinned down beneath that powerful frame of his, giving in to his overwhelming kisses again.
“I think it’s best we try to get some sleep,” I say. “Who knows what we’ll be facing tomorrow.”
Kazim nods. “Do you want the top or bottom bunk?”
Honestly? Whichever one you’re in.
11
Kazim
I take my toga off and lie down on the bottom bunk, my feet sticking out of the end. This shuttle is not made for my tall frame, but it’ll do.
With my hands resting behind my head I watch Sarah undress. She’s got her back towards me, sliding her pants down her wide hips. My cock involuntarily stirs when I see her beautiful, pale skin.
She quickly slips into an oversized t-shirt, one that, to my dismay, goes past her ass and hips. Sarah turns around and her face grows red instantly when she sees my member standing fiercely upright.
“Can’t you ever hide that thing?” she mumbles, as she tries to look the other way.
She climbs the bed, reaching for the top bunk, and her shirt rides up, showing me her sexy curves. I could reach out and pull her right on top of me… but the timing is not right.
Soon.
“Good night,” she says, shutting all the lights off by clapping her hands.
“Night,” I growl, trying to make myself comfortable in this small bed. It won’t be a good night’s sleep, but I’m close to Sarah, and that’s all that matters.
“Ahh!”
Hours later, the silence is pierced by Sarah’s scream. Within seconds I am standing upright, my fists raised, adrenaline pumping through my veins.
“Daddy, no!”
It takes my eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness. There’s no one in the room except for the two of us.
“Don’t go!”
Sarah is twisting and turning in her bed. Her skin is red, beads of sweat dripping down her forehead.
“Sarah,” I growl, grabbing her shoulders. “Wake up! You’re having a nightmare!”
“Please don’t,” she cries, her eyes welling up with tears. “P-please!”
“Sarah!”
I shake her and her eyes fly open. They’re filled with terror, and the sight alone makes me feel sick to my stomach.
“K-Kazim” she says.
“It’s okay,” I say as I lean over and wrap my arms around her. “I’m here. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
She clings to me, her fingers digging into me as she holds me tightly. Her shoulders tremble, and I feel her tears falling down on my naked skin.
“Can I sleep in your bed?” she whispers. “I don’t want to be alone…”
“Of course.”
I scoop her out of her bed and lie down in the bottom bunk, with Sarah lying on top of me, my arms wrapped tightly around her. I pull the blanket over her, making sure she’s nice and warm.
“Thank you,” she whispers, resting her head on my chest. I feel her warm breath on my naked skin.
“Anytime,” I say, rubbing her lower back.
“I was having the most terrible dream…”
“Was it about your father?”
She looks up at me. “How did you know?”
“You called out for him.”
“I talk in my sleep? That’s so embarrassing…”
“Nonsense,” I say. “What happened in your dream?”
“I… I lost my father,” Sarah says. “When I was very young. Sometimes I dream about the last time I saw him… like just now. I beg him not to go, but he just disappe
ars.”
I nod. “I’ve lost my parents as well.”
“Really?” she asks. “What happened to them?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. There’s still so much anger inside of me that it’s difficult to talk about this in a normal manner. In fact, I’ve never been able to do it. The only one who knows is General Burak, and I never had to say a single word to him — he knew before I did.
“They were killed in an anti-alien riot,” I say bitterly.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Kazim. Is that why you…”
“Grew up on the streets? Yes.”
Strangely enough, sharing my story feels like a burden is being lifted from my shoulders, and before I realize it, I’m sharing my life story with the human female.
“You remember that Zoran general, the purple one? His name is Burak. He’s my father’s brother, and he took me in afterwards, trying to give me a home. However, he’s a military man at heart. He expected complete and total discipline. Not easy for a Zoran who is filled with righteous fury. I lashed out, rejected him, ran away. He’s kept an eye on my ever since, saving me when I got into trouble, without me ever asking for it. That’s how I ended up serving on the Spearhead. I got myself into trouble.”
“You don’t have to tell me what happened if you don’t want to,” Sarah says, her fingers tracing circles on my chest. “I trust you either way.”
I hesitate for a second. Should I tell her I killed a man? I didn’t intend to, but I didn’t held back either… before I’ve made up my mind, Sarah breaks the silence.
“My father was a police officer,” she says. “He died when an anti-Zoran demonstration turned violent. It was supposed to be a day at the office like any other, but then he never came home… I guess we have more in common than we thought.”
“Your father was a hero,” I tell her. “You should be proud of him.”
“That’s what everyone says, but I’d trade it all just to have him back.”
I hold Sarah tightly, gently rocking her, my hands resting on her back. I can feel her heartbeat going down to a normal level, and tears are no longer streaking down her face.
“Thank you, Kazim,” she says again. “You’re too kind.”
“Anytime,” I say. “Try to get some rest.”
She closes her eyes, resting her head on my chest. I can feel her heart beating, her breath on my naked skin, and for a brief moment, everything is right with the universe.
