by Linda Mooney
“Vall, you need to go back to your cabin and relax.”
He looked at her but his stance never changed. Taking one of his hands in hers, she lifted it and slowly straightened the fingers until they could touch palms. Vall watched her, questioning her actions with a lift of one eyebrow.
“He obeys me. He holds no sway over me, so you have nothing to worry about.” She added with a smile, “I run this ship. I’m in no danger. Go back to your cabin, Vall. Someone will come get you and take you to that cleansing chamber I told you about last night. You’ll like it. I promise.”
She led him out of the room and down the corridor to where the tube was located. Releasing his hand, she stepped inside and jetted up to her level, where she went immediately to her cabin and her own private cleansing chamber. It didn’t take her long to don her uniform and hurry up to the bridge.
“Morning, Granth. Where are our guests this morning?” she greeted the communications officer first thing. She spotted Plymon sitting at his station a few meters away. The Sub-captain kept his face averted from her, even though she knew he’d heard her enter.
“Morning, Captain. The Anglites remain in their cabin. Gayt says they’re eating, resting, and recuperating. The Vall―”
“Let’s just call him Vall, until we discover his real name,” she corrected.
Granth nodded. “Vall is currently in cleansing chamber number two. Killjorn is with him.”
“Good. Thank you. Please let the good doctor know that he hasn’t eaten breakfast.”
“Will do, Captain.”
Striding over to her Sub-captain, she tapped the man on the shoulder. “My inner office. Now.”
She knew the rest of the bridge members were watching and listening. She knew they all were aware of where she’d spent the night, and with whom. Crew gossip she couldn’t control, and had no desire to. But Plymon’s attitude this morning needed a serious adjustment.
The door had barely closed behind them when she turned and faced the man directly.
“Who do you think you are to address me in that tone of voice this morning, Sub-captain?”
“He’s an unknown entity. And for some reason I can’t fathom, you’re not yourself when you’re around him.” Plymon’s face began to redden as he let his anger flare.
“He’s completely harmless.”
“We don’t know that. Or have you forgotten what Gayt said? What we see is a shell. A sham. The real person, if he is a person, is hidden away inside.”
“He hasn’t flipped any switches in me,” Will argued. “Has he in you?” If there had been even the slightest chance the man could be a danger, her own instincts would have reacted long before now, and erected her shield every time she came in contact with him.
Plymon reluctantly shook his head. “No, he hasn’t.”
“So, why, by all that is holy, are you so angry? You acted like you were mad at me. I was unable to sleep, so I went to get something to drink. I found him near the dining bay, and we both got water. I took him to the observation deck, hoping the scenery would help me relax so I could rest. I had no idea I would spend the night there…with him.” Will gave a disgusted cry and threw her hands up. “Why in the fekk am I telling you any of this in the first place?”
She turned and strode over to the wall on the opposite side of the room. She was an impulse away from physically reacting, and needed to put space between them before she did. Whirling around, she noticed he was standing in his usual feet-spread, arms-over-chest stance he took whenever he was at odds with her.
“I don’t have to ask your permission for anything I do, Plymon. And I certainly don’t have to explain any more of my actions to you!”
He gave her a pained expression. “By all the stars, Will! Can’t you at least call me by my given name when we’re alone? It’s Braill, in case you don’t remember.”
She lowered her voice and her eyebrows at him. “And I told you this was never to become personal, Sub-captain Plymon.”
They stared at each other in silent anger, until Plymon finally spoke. “You’ve changed, Willis,” he almost growled. “I said it earlier, and I’ll say it again. You’re not yourself when you’re around him.”
Will refused to back down. She was the captain. And although Plymon had every right to question her decisions, he didn’t have the authority to turn any of them into a personal issue. From what he had said up until now, it was blatantly clear to her that he was trying to make Vall a personal problem, especially between them.
“If I don’t protect you, who will?” he added.
Suddenly, it was as if a sun went supernova. Will blinked at the realization. “Good heavens! Plymon, you’re jealous?”
By the widening of his eyes, she knew she’d hit upon the truth.
“Plymon, you don’t own me.”
“I—”
“No! Silence! We made it clear to each other at the beginning of this mission that we were only going to be fekk companions in times of physical need. And that’s all we are. Are you receiving me? That’s all we are, outside of our jobs! There is no emotional attachment here. I’m not your bonded mate. I haven’t been selected for you, and you have not decreed intent. You have no hold or control over me. And you fekking don’t have any say over whom I spend the night with!”
Plymon remained rock still and silent, but the dark look on his face spoke volumes. Will placed her hands on her hips.
“Do you want a reassignment when we arrive at Blaise Temporum?”
“That was another issue I wanted to ask you about,” he finally spoke. “Why the Precorut outpost? Why not return to Regency Base Sixteen, as per regulations?”
“Because Precorut is halfway between Sixteen and the Anglites’ home planet. There’s no sense in making their people go all that extra distance, when the outpost is on our way, and will cut their travel time in half.”
“But regulations—”
“I have the right to overstep regs and do what I feel is more beneficial to the crew and guests. You know that. Stop trying to beat shields with me.”
The anger between them was slowly dissipating, like moisture in a hot vacuum tube. Plymon lowered his arms, but otherwise he didn’t move.
“Do you want a reassignment?” she repeated.
“Not at this time,” he replied. “Permission to return to the bridge?”
“Granted, but our discussion isn’t over.”
She watched as he left the tiny room. Once the door shut behind him, she sat on one of the cushioned seats and stared at the floor.
She should have recognized the signs, but this mission was consuming her to the point where she’d lost all sense of subtlety. At some point, Plymon had fallen in love with her, and she’d never seen it happen. Maybe the other crew members had, but none of them would say anything to her. After all, it was her business and not theirs. And Nion warriors were an intensely private race.
Getting up, she went over to the small desk and board, and buzzed her navigation officer. “Magnus, how long before we reach the Precorut outpost?”
“Four hours, Captain.”
Good. Hopefully, by the time they released the Anglites, she would have an idea what to do with Vall.
Speaking of…
“Gayt.”
A handful of seconds later, the xenobiologist answered. “Gayt here.”
“What’s the status on Vall?”
The woman laughed softly. “He’s taking his third shower.”
“Third?”
“Oh, he’s loving it, Captain. You won’t recognize him once we’re finished here.”
“How much longer do you think he’ll be?”
“From the looks of it, not for a while. If you want my opinion, I’d say he’s never had one before in his life.”
He’s been a prisoner of the Ben Objure since he was nine years old. I’d say he’s never had a shower before, either.
“I want to talk to him after he’s finished.”
“That
might be a problem. He’s scheduled for a nap after this.” That was Gayt-speak meaning Vall had already been given his medication to help him rest. Add in the somnolent effects of the showers, and their guest could be out for a considerable length of time.
Will nodded to herself. “Very well. We’re scheduled to arrive at Precorut in four hours. Will he be on his feet by then?”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” the scientist assured her.
“Has he been fed?”
“Two bowls of soup, and a large brekk dumpling.”
“Good. If you need me, I’ll either be in my quarters, or in the dining bay.”
Her stomach reminded her she hadn’t had breakfast, either. Plus, she could make do with an hour or so nap before their arrival.
Her only regret to leaving him at the station was the fact that she wouldn’t have the chance to question him when he was ready to talk. To hear him speak. To hear him tell his story.
To hear him.
She felt a twinge of regret go through her. In spite of the short amount of time they’d shared, she knew she was going to miss Vall, although she couldn’t explain why. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, their paths might cross again. Will stared at the doorway as her thoughts focused on the young man reveling in the shower two levels down. What would he look like over time? Finally free of the Objurian prison, Vall would be able to develop and grow. What kind of man would he become? Will made a mental note to leave orders that she be kept notified of Vall’s progress.
Furthermore, maybe it was time she found a new fekk companion. Otherwise, there was no telling how possessive Plymon could become if their current arrangement was allowed to remain as it was.
Will stretched, lifting her arms over her head as a smile formed on her lips. For the first time in a very long time, she felt refreshed and awake, and ready to tackle whatever the day had in store. Keeping the smile on her face, she exited the office and notified the bridge of her pending location as she passed through.
Plymon never glanced her way.
Chapter Six
Precorut
The outpost was as old as old could be, and still remain functional. The reason for its longevity was due to the fact that the Temporum galaxy lay in almost direct center of nearly a dozen shipping lanes. Traffic was heavy and constant. Merchant ships, as well as passenger cruise ships, always stopped at Precorut to load and unload.
Many species were delighted by the wide and varied accommodations allowed at the outpost. The place, Will had to admit, had its own ambience that she enjoyed. No alien races threatened Precorut’s stance in the galaxy, which meant the outpost was as close to being a vacationer’s heaven as was possible. Maybe it was because of that, or the fact that the people there were a highly superstitious race, afraid that any change to the outpost would result in a change of celestial luck. They refused to do any sort of update or renovation, other than what was absolutely necessary to maintain minimum safety requirements and please the status quo.
By the time the Trinity docked, Plymon was acting as if their morning spat hadn’t taken place. Will mentally rolled her eyes. In the short time that she’d known him, Plymon never let his feelings override his professionalism. This side of him was one she’d never seen, and one she didn’t like it.
“Captain Tayte.” It was Gayt.
Will answered from the command chair on the bridge as Magnus guided the ship into the docking bay. “Tayte here.”
“The Anglites are ready.”
“Any word on their escort back to their home world?”
“Already arrived and waiting to greet them.”
“Good. What about Vall?”
“I think you might want to come down here before we disembark.” There was a hint of laughter in the scientist’s voice.
“All right. I’m on my way. Plymon, you have the helm.”
She took the tube down to the bottom level of the ship, where mobile cargo was loaded and unloaded via a lowered gangplank. Gayt was there, as well as Felderen, who was in charge of freight and supplies, and the three Anglites. With them was Killjorn, who would remain with the alien family until they were safely handed over to their escorts. There was also another man, dressed in the long gray robes of a Regent diplomat. His back was to her, leaving her to wonder who had already boarded the ship. Confused at first, Will walked up to him just as he turned around.
The effect was stunning.
He was clean. His jet black hair had been trimmed close to his skull. Stylish tufted spikes on top of his head gave him a rather rakish look. Golden-brown eyes smiled at her to see her surprised by his new appearance. What she had thought were Regent robes were actually plain and unadorned, yet on him, they looked as if he was meant to wear the otherwise embossed finery. Literally taken aback, Will froze in place to stare up at the changed young man.
“By the stars, Vall! What a difference!”
The man smiled. A bit of color pinked his face, but he appeared very pleased.
“Commander Oglet is waiting for us,” Gayt informed her.
“Good. Lower the walkway, Felderen.”
They watched the sloped ladder lower onto the bay floor, and Will led the way, with Vall directly behind her. Commander Oglet and a large gathering of other people were waiting a short distance away. Will felt the ceremonial smile slide off her face as she approached the group. Oglet’s grim expression triggered a protective response within her, warning her that this meeting would not bode well.
The commander gave her a curt nod as she approached and stopped before them. Will, as well as the rest of her accompanying crew, nodded in reply. She watched as he and the others eyed the Anglites, as well as the man standing beside her.
“Captain Tayte.”
“Commander Oglet.”
“I wish I could say welcome to the Blaise Temporum system.”
The remark puzzled her. “Sir?”
Oglet gave a little gesture with his hand. Instantly, four soldiers emerged from the group, including two Anglites, who hurried toward their rescued members. Like typical humanoids, they hugged and squeaked, and bounded up and down in joyous greeting. After their enthusiastic meeting, the older Anglite detached himself and walked over to Will. This time, when he lifted a hand to her, it was to place them palm to palm.
Translate, she mentally ordered herself, and she felt something shift beneath her skin.
“You are our savior,” the creature said with earnest. He lifted her hand over his head and made a circle. His eyestalks leaned in her direction. “You will always be our friend.”
She couldn’t help the color from rising in her cheeks as she smiled. “Your safety is all the thanks we need. Have a happy trip back to your home and family.”
The Anglite bowed to her and released her hand. Will signaled for Killjorn.
“Our physician will help you to your vessel, and relay all the information about your release to your people.”
The Anglites gave her one final bow, then turned to leave for the docking area where their ship was waiting. Will watched as the aliens left the bay. Before they were out of sight, Oglet spoke again.
“Come with me.”
Will pressed her lips together and followed the commander and his men. She was quick to notice she and the others weren’t being phalanxed. The observation filled her with a sense of relief. Having a small platoon follow the commander wasn’t standard operational procedure, and normally meant someone was about to be escorted to a holding pen. The group of approximately eight men continued to flank the space station’s overseer. The Nion warriors brought up the rear.
They went to the uppermost level where the offices and bridge were located. A crew of four manned the main consoles, keeping the space station anchored to this section of the universe. Somewhere at the opposite end of the giant rotating structure lay the engines and machines which regulated all life support.
The commander’s office was adjacent to the bridge. Will found herself standing
inside an immense room, of which one side was a huge, semi-circular transparent wall looking out into the vastness of space. Staring at the array of distant stars and planets, she caught sight of a flicker of light in the distance that signaled an incoming ship.
“Captain Tayte.”
Her name sounded like a sharp command. Will pivoted around to find Oglet waiting for her from behind his desk. The rest of his entourage stood around the room at various points, almost encircling her and her crew. Again, she got the impression they were about to face charges of some kind, but her instincts told her differently. Frowning slightly, she went to stand before him.
The commander eyed the person who continued to keep in close contact behind her. “He’s not wearing a Nion uniform, so I’m going to assume this is one of the prisoners you released from the Objurian ship?”
“His name is Vall. And, so far, we have been unable to figure out what species he is.”
“What does he say?”
“Nothing. He hasn’t spoken a work since we freed him.”
Oglet narrowed his eyes. Before he could ask, Will answered him. “No, he’s not mute. My physician assures me he is capable of speech.”
Nodding, the commander motioned to one of the guards. “Have Vall wait on the bridge.”
The moment he was aware he was being taken away, Vall tried to shrug off the guard’s hand and threw Will a pleading look.
“It’s all right, Vall. Wait for us on the bridge. Everything is fine,” she assured him.
“Come, Vall. We’ll wait for her outside.” Gayt gave the sleeve of his robe a little tug. However, the man continued to resist. Sighing, Will took his hand and led him back onto the bridge where she left him by the navigation console. Gayt followed.
“Stay here with Gayt. I’ll return for you,” Will said, adding a smile.
Vall scanned her face, for what, Will couldn’t fathom. Maybe he was fearful of being separated from her? Oh, stars, help me when it comes time to leave him here. Adding a gentle pat to his arm, she released his hand and glanced at the scientist.
