“If all the Rodytes look like the ones on this ship,” someone said in a stage whisper. “I can’t wait to get started.”
Indigo asked if there were any more questions and dismissed the class when there weren’t.
Alyssa and Kelsey stood and followed the others down the narrow aisle between the tables. Indigo stopped them before they exited the room. She waited until everyone else left before speaking her mind. “I appreciate the support, but antagonizing them just makes it worse.”
“What I really wanted to do was punch her in the face. I think you should praise my restraint.” Kelsey was always feisty, but she sounded downright hostile now.
“Thank you for not punching her. Violence is counterproductive to almost every situation.” She paused as if collecting her thoughts. Her vivid blue eyes remained warm and patient, but the press of her lips revealed frustration. “Everyone’s profile is being run through the matching program even as we speak. Results will be distributed in the next few hours. Anyone without compatible males will be cycled out of the program.”
“I hope to God neither of them end up with matches,” Kelsey muttered.
“Away from Chelsea’s influence, I honestly believe Heather will be a different person.” Indigo was an optimist. That much had been apparent from the start. Even now she was obviously reluctant to say anything negative about Chelsea. “All those with viable matches don’t go immediately to Lunar Nine. Everyone will still have to earn the approval of the interview panel.”
Alyssa easily read between the lines. Chelsea’s true character should be revealed by the interview process.
Kelsey wasn’t so easily appeased. “If she isn’t disqualified by the interviewers, can I submit a formal complaint? I honestly think that bitch is dangerous.”
Indigo tried to fight back a smile, but failed. “The process is multilayered for a reason. We’re not going to allow a dangerous person access to Lunar Nine.”
After finger combing her hair back, Kelsey nodded. “I’m not even sure why I care. She just pisses me off.”
“So I gathered.” Indigo smiled and motioned toward the door. “You better get going or you’ll be late for dinner.”
They left the classroom and turned to the right. They were only allowed in a small section of the ship. The cabins were along one corridor, the classroom and mess hall along another. The gym, or training center as the Rodytes called it, was on a different deck and an escort was required whenever the females wanted to use it. Though the humans had been given nano-translators that converted English to Rodyte and vise versa, they weren’t supposed to speak to the crew. Many of the females, however, ignored the rule. For the most part, the flirting seemed harmless, but Alyssa was pretty sure Chelsea and her followers were doing much more than flirting.
She followed Kelsey into the mess hall, which they shared with the officers. For the first few days the officers tried hard to ignore them. Their reluctance to react only made Chelsea and her friends bolder. Now hardly a meal went by without some sort of altercation.
Food was dispensed at “nutri-gen” kiosks, advanced 3D printers that produced a wide variety of edibles. There were very few patterns for human food, so Alyssa had begun experimenting with other cuisines. Rodyte dishes were seriously spicy, but she’d found several Bilarrian and Ontarian selections that she enjoyed.
After visiting the kiosks, they carried their trays to their usual table.
“I still want to hit her,” Kelsey muttered as she took a bite of cyatta, a popular water fowl that tasted like a cross between chicken and duck. “She’s so damn hateful, and smug.”
Alyssa laughed. “I don’t think she’s going to be a problem for too much longer. Indigo is too polite to gossip, but she sounded pretty sure the interviews would take care of the problem children.”
“I don’t know how Chelsea got this far.” Kelsey lapsed into silence as she focused on her food.
Alyssa didn’t try to draw her out. Sometimes Kelsey needed space and Alyssa was happy to give it to her. The class had quickly broken off into smaller groups. Just like high school, she thought with a mental groan. Seeing no reason to develop friendships with people they were going to betray, Alyssa and Kelsey tended to stick to themselves.
Alyssa let her gaze wander as she ate, fascinated by the social dynamics. She was mostly finished eating when her gaze landed on Heather. Chelsea must have taken a tray back to their cabin because Heather was alone, for a change.
“Here we go again.” Alyssa pushed her dinner tray aside and watched the drama unfolding across the room.
Kelsey turned in her chair, so she could see the altercation. “Do they do it intentionally, or are they really foolish enough to believe their antics will accomplish something constructive?”
The specifics changed from day to day, but the escalation was always similar. One of the human females, usually Chelsea or one of her acolytes, did something to draw the attention of the Rodyte males. The males growled and shoved, trying to distinguish themselves from the others and the mounting aggression quickly devolved into a fistfight.
Heather, her moves clearly borrowed from her roommate, sauntered toward the recycler. Her hips swayed and her breasts bounced. When that didn’t seem to draw enough attention, she “accidently” dropped her silverware and bent from the waist to retrieve it. The metallic clatter drew the gazes of the surrounding males just in time for them to admire Heather’s display. Her short skirt rode up and pulled across her ass, clearly outlining the lush curves. Her blouse gaped, offering the males in front of her an unobstructed view of her swelling breasts.
The ploy was so transparent it made Alyssa laugh, but the Rodytes didn’t seem to mind. One of the soldiers rushed forward and snatched up the fallen flatware while another took Heather’s tray and offered to recycle it for her.
“That would be lovely,” Heather simpered. “You’re all so sweet.”
The first soldier leaned in and whispered something that made Heather giggle.
“When that sound comes out of a grown-ass woman, it makes me want to puke,” Kelsey confessed.
“It makes me think of my stepmother.” Alyssa shuddered then glanced at Kelsey. “Heather has to know this is all a waste of time. We have to choose from genetically compatible males.”
“You’re presuming she was paying attention in class and that she possesses enough gray matter to process complex concepts. I’m not sure either is true.”
Kelsey frequently said what Alyssa was thinking. The similar mindset created a bond between the two even though they’d met for the first time when Alyssa arrived on the Fearless. One of two female members of Solar Warden, Kelsey was trained in multiple forms of martial arts as well as close-quarters combat. She was tall and lean, but her delicate features and soft voice encouraged people to underestimate her ferocity. Alyssa had been confident that Kelsey could protect her until she saw her first Rodyte. Kelsey might be able to hold her own against a human male, but the Rodytes would throw her around like a ragdoll.
“I will escort her to her cabin,” the first soldier insisted, his voice tense and hostile.
The second male now faced off with the first and Alyssa looked around for someone to intervene. Most of the soldiers silently watched. Some whispered comments to their tablemates, but seemed content as observers. The tables closest to Heather had emptied and the men formed a loose ring around the arguing males. Officers or not, they were clearly anticipating a fight.
“The taller one has a longer reach, but the shorter one seems more aggressive.” Kelsey looked at Alyssa, an amused smirk curving her lips. “My money’s on short and stocky.”
“None of the Rodytes are short.”
“Fine. Shorter and stocky.”
As if to reward Kelsey’s choice the shorter man threw the first punch and the room erupted in shouts of encouragements. Chairs toppled and the ring of observers quickly swelled.
It never took long for guards to arrive and break up the fight, but
Alyssa’s gaze drifted back to Heather. She’d melted into the crowd, her expression just as savage as the soldiers’. She obviously enjoyed the power she possessed over these males. Like a barbarian princess, her eyes gleamed with triumph and bloodlust. It was disturbing to know these base urges still existed in the human race.
The doors to the corridor parted and two Rodytes rushed into the room. The combatants were immediately pulled apart and tense silence fell over the mess hall. The first newcomer was dressed in the same black-and-gold uniform worn by the crewmembers. The second also wore black and gold, but his garments were different enough to set him apart from the others. His hair was longer too, much longer. The front had been pulled back from his handsome face, but the rest flowed in dark waves to the middle of his back. He looked around, his purple-ringed gaze sharp and assessing.
“One of these things is not like the others,” Kelsey whispered in a singsong tone. “In fact, they’re both a little different.”
Confused by the second comment, Alyssa looked at the first newcomer again. Kelsey was right. He might wear the same uniform as the other crewmembers, but authority emanated from him in tangible waves. He wasn’t as handsome as his companion, at least not by human standards, but he had a rugged appeal that commanded attention. His dark eyes were ringed in emerald green and his ink-black hair just brushed his shoulders.
“Any idea who they are?” Alyssa whispered back.
“I think we’re about to find out.”
“For those of you who have yet to meet me,” the first man began in a loud, clear voice, “I’m Jakkin Arvik, your new commander.”
Alyssa and Kelsey looked at each other and cringed. Indigo had told them two days before that Commander Yorak had been transferred, but this was the first they’d seen of his replacement. Alyssa wasn’t surprised by the change. Commander Yorak had seemed nice enough, but he was obviously incapable of maintaining order.
“Physical altercations will not be tolerated on my ship.” Jakkin motioned the guards forward. “Take them to the brig.” As the guards hurried to obey, Jakkin moved in front of Heather. He clasped his hands behind his back and looked into her eyes, but his deep voice carried throughout the room. “Human females will not interact with the crew. The only exception is if a specific crewmember is identified as one of your potential mates. Is that clear?”
Heather nodded, but a faint smile still curved her lips.
“The proper response is ‘yes, sir’.” His voice snapped with authority and impatience.
“Whatever.” Heather tossed her hair and avoided eye contact with the new commander.
He cupped her chin and raised her face until she looked at him again. “If you interfere with the smooth operation of this ship again, I will eject you from the program.”
She gasped and twisted away from his light hold. “You can’t do that. I’m not part of your crew.”
“No, you’re a guest on my ship, and guests can be uninvited. Test me and you’ll find yourself on a shuttle back to Earth.”
Her chin came up and she took a deep breath. Hoping to draw his attention to her breasts, no doubt. “I want to speak with Governor Lasenger. He won’t allow you to treat me this way.”
“I don’t answer to Governor Lasenger. My commanding officer is General Lux and he assured me that I would have complete autonomy when I agreed to the transfer. That includes ejecting troublemakers from my ship. Now say ‘yes, sir’ so I can get back to work.”
She blinked repeatedly and her lips began to tremble.
“Oh my God.” Kelsey shook her head in disgust. “Is she seriously going to turn on the tears?”
“You’re horrible!” Heather sobbed dramatically and ran from the room.
“And I thought Chelsea was a drama queen.” Alyssa chuckled.
As the tension dissipated, Alyssa’s attention drifted back to the commander’s handsome friend. Who was he and why was his uniform different from the others? If he wasn’t in the military, why was he on board the Fearless?
Jakkin and the other man strode right past their table on their way out of the mess hall.
“Commander Arvik,” Kelsey called, much to Alyssa’s surprise.
The commander stopped and turned to Kelsey, his gaze narrowed, expression tense. “What can I do for you, miss?” His inflection prompted her to provide her name.
“Kelsey Lindon,” she obliged. “And this is Alyssa Wallace.”
Jakkin acknowledged the introduction with a nod then motioned toward his companion. “This is Senior Enforcer Dakar Lux, and you know my name.”
“What does he enforce?” Alyssa’s eyes widened as she heard the question. She hadn’t meant to say it out loud.
Dakar’s gaze shifted to her and lingered, but his calm expression didn’t change. “Codes. What you would term laws. I supervise the code enforcers on Lunar Nine.”
“Then you’re the chief of police,” she supplied.
“Or I would be if I were human.” He smiled and something almost playful flashed through his eyes.
“Did you have a reason for stopping us?” The impatient snap returned to Jakkin’s tone.
“I did,” Kelsey assured him. “Indigo, one of our instructors, told us that the matches would be announced today. Do you know when that will be? The day is mostly gone.”
What was this? Indigo had said the results would be released in the next few hours. This was clearly an excuse and it was totally out of character for her roommate.
“Hold on. I’ll find out.” Jakkin looked past them and his expression went blank. It hadn’t taken long for Alyssa to realize the Rodytes could speak mind-to-mind. She’d presumed they were telepathic, but Kelsey’s driving curiosity had required she delve deeper. Her investigation revealed that implants were responsible for the ability not true telepathy. Either way, Alyssa was fascinated by it.
“Are you enjoying your stay on the Fearless?” Dakar asked, drawing Alyssa’s attention back to him.
“It’s been…eventful.”
He smiled. Humor softened his features, making him appear almost boyish. Almost. His broad shoulders and muscular arms clearly belonged to a full-grown male. “Not what you expected?” His gaze warmed as it moved over her face, lingering for a moment on her mouth.
She shrugged, feeling oddly hot and anxious. She’d grown used to being surrounded by the tall, muscular Rodytes, but this was the first time she’d spoken with one at any length. “In some ways it’s exactly what I expected, in others it has been a complete surprise.” His only response was a nod, so she asked, “Is Lux a common last name or are you related to the general?”
“Sedrik is one of my brothers.”
He seemed annoyed by the question, but Jakkin snapped out of his trance so she was unable to explore the reaction.
“Most of the results have already been released,” Jakkin told them. “The rest will distribute within the hour. A list of your potential mates is likely waiting in your cabin.”
“Thank you for checking,” Kelsey said, her tone unusually soft.
“Happy to help.” Without further comment, he left the mess hall, Dakar at his side.
“That sounded a lot like flirting,” Alyssa teased.
“I was flirting?” Her outrage wasn’t at all believable. “You were the one who wouldn’t shut up. I asked a simple question.”
Alyssa didn’t argue. There had been something…magnetic about Dakar. He was undeniably easy on the eyes, but looks had never been important to Alyssa. Zilor, Indigo’s husband, was drop-dead gorgeous. And yet Zilor had never made her feel restless and tingly, like a mild intoxicant. In fact, she’d never experienced anything like it before.
“Are you ready to go?”
Shaking off the troubling thoughts, Alyssa picked up her tray and stood. “After you.”
Chapter Two
Royce Marsden let out a low, sustained whistle as he slowly looked around. “Damn, this ship is nice.” After multiple requests, Kage Razel, leader of the Outc
asts, finally allowed Royce aboard the Relentless. The Outcasts worked with Solar Warden, but they were not under Royce’s command. A distinction Kage was quick to point out every time Royce ordered an Outcast to do anything.
“Is there something specifically you wanted to see?” Kage folded his arms over his brawny chest, which was left bare by his ridiculous outfit. His black pants were made of some sort of synthetic leather and tucked into tall black boots. Wide straps crossed over his chest, securing a hip-length cape and multiple weapons. He looked like an extra from a low-budget barbarian movie. If it weren’t for his size and fierce expression, he’d be hard to take seriously.
“Am I allowed on the bridge?” It pissed Royce off that he had to ask. Forming an alliance with the Outcasts had been strategic and essential, but their arrogance exasperated him.
“It’s doubtful you’ll understand much of what you see, but you’re welcome to look.”
Royce tensed at the condescension in Kage’s deep tone. The man really was a brute. Royce stood six foot three, but the overlord—a title Royce found almost as absurd as his costume—topped his height by at least six inches. “I’d still like to see it.”
Kage nodded once then turned and strode off down the corridor, his cape billowing behind him. Did Kage intend for Royce to follow or had something else caught his attention? Rather than embarrass himself with indecision, Royce hurried along behind his indifferent host.
The corridors were arched and seamless, the matte gray marbleized with subtle iridescent colors. The floors were made out of the same material, but the surface was roughly textured providing traction for his boots.
Without explanation, Kage stopped and pressed his hand against the wall. A panel opened in the ceiling. A ladder extended and the overlord climbed up through the opening. After a brief hesitation, Royce did the same. They passed through some sort of maintenance access, clearly behind the finished walls, then emerged in a hallway one deck up from the arrival bay.
Enforcer (Battle Born Book 11) Page 3
