Kollin (The Azziarin Series Book 3)

by Davenport, Hannah

  “Computer, open all ship-wide channels and relay the following message.”

  “All channels open.” Kollin grinned, thankful that the voice recognition was still enabled.

  “Attention, this is Commander Kollin. As you know, there was an attempt to take over this ship, which has failed. The traitors are now in custody and will be dealt with accordingly. Order has been restored, and repairs are being made as we speak. I need all soldiers to report to their stations for duty schedules and to help with repairs.”

  “Computer, close channels.”

  “Channels closed.”

  Kollin pushed up from the chair. Now he needed to deal with the traitors. He knew what the punishment would be, but he needed to keep one or two alive for interrogation. Kassim rounded a corner and the two fell in step as they headed to the brig.

  “Care to tell me why you are still wearing a red uniform?” Kassim quirked an eyebrow.

  “I had so much work, I hadn’t thought to change.” Kollin shrugged.

  “I know now is not the time, but what happened?”

  “They drugged me before handing me over to the Tureis. When I escaped, I rescued the Siccia Princess and a….” Before he could react, Kollin heard a phaser discharge as pain pierced his back. He fell face-forward, hitting the floor hard. Blood flowed freely from a wound near his heart.

  Kassim reacted quickly, firing his own phaser and killing the traitor before calling for the healer.

  “I need help now! The Commander has been shot!”

  Four others who heard his harsh voice came rushing around the corner to help. Kassim cleared the corridor while they each grabbed an arm and leg and rushed Kollin to sick bay.

  “Surrin, where are you?” Kassim yelled as they busted through the door carrying a bleeding, unconscious Kollin.

  Surrin came running from his office. “Put him over there.”

  The healer did a quick scan before directing them to place Kollin in the medi-chamber. With the glass lid closed, he programmed the chamber and then faced a grim-looking Kassim.

  “The phaser barely missed his heart. He’s lost a lot of blood, but with your quick response, he should be fine in two standard days.”

  Kassim let out a relived breath and rubbed his forehead. There was so much to do, but first, he needed to interrogate everyone on board so this did not happen again. It was easy to smell a lie, but they never had to worry about their own turning on them before. And what should he do with the mercenaries?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Krista

  After Kollin left, Krista ran once again for the bathing facilities and threw up in the commode. Not that there was anything left in her stomach. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before lying back down on the bed. She tried to believe his words, that it would be over quickly.

  Time passed by slowly. Someone had brought her food, but she was still too upset to eat. She couldn’t help but worry about Kollin. What if something happened to him?

  A few hours passed, and Krista finally got out of bed and showered. Her mind was constantly on Kollin and what was happening on his ship. How much longer would she have to wait?

  When third meal came, she started pacing. Why hadn’t anyone told her anything? Was something wrong?

  “Oh, God!” she cried as she covered her mouth and ran for the commode for the second time that day. After rinsing her mouth out once more, she climbed into bed and finally fell into a restless sleep.

  The next morning, she woke with puffy red eyes. She hadn’t slept much. Her dreams were filled with Kollin and every bad thing that could happen. Where was he?

  She slowly dressed before braiding her hair and brushing her teeth. She was just finishing up when the door chimed.

  “Come in,” she said in a tired voice.

  One of the Siccia males came in carrying a tray of food for her. Anger took hold and she rounded on him.

  “I need to know what’s happening! Where’s Kollin?” She was proud that her voice came out forcefully, not weak.

  When he just stared at her, she scowled in anger before she yelled, “Dammit! Can you all not fix your translators?” Krista knew she was throwing a tantrum, but she needed answers, and the Siccia couldn’t understand anything she said. “You listen here, buddy, if you can’t understand me, then find someone who can. Kollin said it would be over soon, and I need to know how soon!” When he just stared at her with wide eyes, she continued her outburst. “Go find your leader, Usla, someone who can tell me what the hell is happening!”

  Her door slid open and Captain Loul came striding in. “What is going on? I got reports of yelling coming from here.”

  He looked at the other Siccia, but Krista stabbed her finger at him and forcefully said, “I’ll tell you what’s going on. I’m stuck on a ship where nobody can understand me, and I want, no, demand answers. I’m the wife of a prince, surely I have some rights!” She pressed her lips tight and crossed her arms in a huff. She didn’t want to leave any doubt that she was angry. Her tone alone should have been enough, but actions speak louder than words.

  “Why have our translators not been updated?” Captain Loul mumbled in aggravation. Looking at Krista, he said, “I know you can understand me. Let me see what I can do, and I’ll be back.”

  He turned on his heel, the other male following him out the door.

  Krista walked over, dropped into the chair and sighed. She spotted the tray and thought maybe she should try to eat something.

  ****

  Captain Loul sat in his ready room. “Computer, open a channel to the Conqueror.”

  When Kassim’s surprised face showed on his view screen, Kassim said, “Captain Loul, thank you for your help. I trust your soldiers returned safely?”

  “They did. They reported that the Commander was severely injured.”

  “Yes, but he will be well in two standard days.”

  Kassim waited impatiently, knowing there had to be a reason for the Captain of the Medur to contact him.

  Captain Loul stared at him briefly before sighing. “We have been assigned another mission, but we must first take Princess Usla back to our planet as our King demands. We cannot stay two more standard days.” Kassim said nothing, which had Captain Loul narrowing his eyes at him. “By the tone of her voice, Commander Kollin’s mate is extremely upset. Now that the Conqueror is secured, I think it is best that she be transferred there.”

  Kassim didn’t hide his surprise. “His what?”

  “His mate.” Captain Loul narrowed his eyes. “You didn’t know?”

  “No. We’ve been busy securing the ship.”

  “Shall I send a shuttlecraft, or will you?”

  Kassim didn’t know what to make of the new information, and he felt leery about letting them dock again. They never helped other races unless they were hired to do so. Kollin took a mate? he thought as the information sank in.

  “I’ll send a shuttle for her.”

  “Very well.”

  Kassim stared at the blank screen as he processed the information. Did Kollin have a mate, or were the Siccia trying to pull something since the Commander was out of commission?

  Tapping his comm unit, he called for Unnal, the head of security.

  When Unnal was standing in front of him, he said, “I need you and a team of your choosing to retrieve Commander Kollin’s mate from the Medur. They are awaiting your arrival.”

  “Sir, did you say the Commander’s mate?”

  “You heard correctly.” Kassim rubbed his forehead. “I don’t like this Unnal; it doesn’t feel right. The Commander would never choose someone not Azziarin for a mate, and why didn’t he tell us straight away?”

  “I agree.”

  “Keep the female sequestered in private quarters until we can get some answers.”

  “Yes sir,” Unnal said before he quickly left the room.

  ****

  When three Azziarins showed up with Captain Loul, Krista bombarded them with questions.


  “Where is Kollin? Why isn’t he here? Is he okay?”

  Captain Loul looked at the three Azziarins and said, “Our translators haven’t been updated, and we have no knowledge of her language.”

  “She is asking about Commander Kollin,” Unnal supplied.

  “I gathered.”

  Looking a Krista, Unnal said, “We have orders to bring you back to the Conqueror. If you will follow me.”

  “Where’s Kollin?” Krista demanded.

  “It will be explained when we get to the Conqueror.”

  He turned on his heels, expecting her to follow. The other two Azziarins followed her, keeping her in the middle.

  No one spoke on the return trip, and when they arrived, she was met with a grim-faced Azziarin who reeked of authority. Straight back, broad shoulders and a stern look. Not that she cared. “Where’s Kollin?” she demanded.

  “I am Kassim, second in command.”

  “Where is Kollin?” she demanded for the second time.

  “Follow me,” he ordered.

  He didn’t leave her a choice. As she followed him, she noticed that the other three followed her. Once again, she was in the middle.

  There was total silence as they walked, which put Krista on high alert. Something wasn’t right. Why would nobody speak? And where was Kollin? Her breathing became labored, and she started to panic. Maybe Kollin hadn’t reclaimed his ship, and these people were the enemy. Had they killed him?

  She stopped dead in her tracks, refusing to go any farther until someone explained where her mate was and why he wasn’t here with her.

  When the other male turned around with a confused look. He suddenly narrowed his eyes at her. “Why did you stop?” he demanded.

  “Where’s Kollin?” she also demanded.

  “I will explain it to you when we get to your quarters. Now follow me.” He restarted his steps, but she still refused to budge. When he noticed, he growled, “Female, I do not have time for this.”

  When Kassim came marching back to her, he stopped inches from her. Krista watched as his nostrils flared and he inhaled deeply. With a confused look, he sniffed her again.

  Krista took a step back. “Are you sniffing me?” she exclaimed.

  “You smell like Kollin’s mate, but it isn’t possible.” His face hardened.

  “Why not?” Why would it be impossible for her to be his mate? What was wrong with her?

  “You are too small, and you are not Azziarin.” Kassim sniffed again and then frowned.

  “Where’s Kollin?” she asked again. Worry pitted in her stomach. Why wouldn’t he answer the question? What had happened?

  “Let’s get to your quarters so we can talk in private.” Kassim turned once again and walked away. This time she followed.

  When they entered her quarters, she rounded on him, but Unnal stepped between the two, blocking her way.

  Once again she forcefully asked, “Where. Is. My. Mate?”

  Kassim blew out an impatient breath and answered, “Kollin was injured and will be kept in the medi-chamber for two standard days.”

  “How badly was he injured?” she asked in a watery voice, tears filling her eyes.

  Kassim looked at her oddly but said, “His injuries were grave, but our healer placed him into the medi-chamber in time.”

  “Can I see him?” Her voice trembled as she asked.

  “No. Please stay in your quarters until further notice.” And with that, he turned and left the room. The others followed him. Before the door slid shut, Krista heard him order someone to stand guard and keep her door locked. She stood in shock, staring blankly at the closed door.

  At some point, she stumbled over and fell on the bed. Everything but her heart felt numb. She was unable to move, or maybe she just didn’t want to any more, as her heart ached with icy, bone-chilling pain. She tried to decipher what he’d told her, but it just didn’t make sense. Once he’d said that Kollin was gravely injured, her brain shut off. She didn’t understand ‘medi-chamber’ or any of the other technical stuff.

  Memories of Alan when he died flashed through her mind, before she thought once again of Kollin. He had stolen her heart in a short time. When she remembered Alan’s last words, “I’m sorry, sis. I love you,” her stomach churned and she rushed to the bathing facility and dry heaved into the commode. She hadn’t had anything to eat except some sort of fruit for breakfast.

  After rinsing her mouth, she turned too quickly, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. She grabbed the wall, trying to steady herself, but darkness still overtook her, and she fell to the floor and hit her head.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kollin

  As Kollin slowly woke, images emerged through his sluggish mind. Taking back his ship, getting shot with a phaser. His eyes popped open. I’m in a medi-chamber, he thought. He wiggled his fingers and toes, noting that everything worked. There wasn’t any pain, which was good.

  The door sprang open, and a gush of air hit him in the face.

  “Welcome back.”

  He slowly turned his head to see a smiling Surrin and a grim-faced Kassim.

  “How long was I in there?” he asked while slowly climbing out of the chamber.

  “Almost two complete standard days,” the healer answered.

  Two standard days! No! “I need to contact the Siccia ship, the Medur!”

  “They received orders for a new mission and have left,” Kassim supplied.

  Kollin’s heart pounded in his chest as he worried about Krista. “I need to find my mate,” he said in a panic.

  “So you are mated?” Kassim questioned.

  “Yes, and I need to find her.” As he stood, he grabbed the wall, still a little unsteady on his feet.

  “Captain Loul had a female that he claimed was your mate. We sent a shuttlecraft and retrieved her.”

  Kollin blew out a relieved breath. “Thank you. Is she okay?” His asking eyes locked on Kassim.

  Kassim hesitated, which made Kollin worry. “Is she okay?” he asked again.

  “I took her to VIP quarters, but I’ve been extremely busy getting things back in order.”

  “What does that mean?” Kollin asked as he cocked his head to the side and pressed his lips together.

  Kassim let out a deflated breath and said, “It means that I forgot to check on her. I’m sorry, Commander. Even though she smelled like yours, I never really believed she was your mate. I told her to stay in her quarters until further notice and posted a guard outside the door.”

  “How long ago?” Kollin asked in a clipped tone.

  “About a standard day.”

  Kollin stormed out of medical with both the healer and Kassim yelling for him to come back. His anger quickly turned to rage as he thundered through the corridor, onlookers hastily jumping out of his way. His face held fierce determination as his fangs descended well below his lower lip, ready for battle. He heard someone quickly following behind, but he didn’t bother to look back.

  When Kollin rounded the corner, he spotted the guard posted outside the VIP quarters, but he never slowed his pace until he waited for the door to slide open. When it didn’t, he turned furious eyes on the startled guard.

  “Why is the door not opening?” he raged.

  “Commander, uh, it’s locked.” The guard said in a shaky voice.

  Locked meant she was held in confinement, and only the guards could unlock the door.

  Kollin stepped up in front of the guard and peered down at him. His nostrils flared before he yelled, “OPEN THE DOOR!”

  “Ah…ah, y-yesss, Commander. Ah, computer, unlock VIP quarters. Authorization code 9342843.”

  The door slid open, and Kollin charged through, worry unsettling him. The room looked untouched as his eyes scanned everything. The bed hadn’t been slept in, there was no food or trays… nothing.

  Slowly, he stalked through the small quarters until he reached the bathing facilities. Krista was lying on the floor with small puddle of blood
under her head. He swallowed hard before falling to his knees. His anger never abated, it just mixed and swirled with worry, a deadly combination.

  “Krista?” No response. Her color looked ashen, and she looked very thin. Not counting her head wound, she didn’t look well.

  “Krista?” Still nothing. His body trembled with fear. He was almost afraid to touch her, afraid she was dead.

  He scooped her up in his arms, and anger still warred with fear. Why was she so light? With her cradled to his chest, he rushed out of the room and headed to sick bay. Kassim still followed his every move.

  Kollin hurried into sick bay, yelling for the healer as he entered. “Surrin, my mate needs help!”

  Surrin came rushing out of his office. “What’s wrong?” he said as he strode quickly toward them.

  “I don’t know. I found her unresponsive on the floor with blood under her head.” Kollin laid her down on the table; the healer came to the other side holding the hand-held scanner. “What’s wrong with her?” Kollin asked while clutching her hand.

  Surrin ran the scanner up and down her body. He frowned and repeated the scan.

  “What is wrong with my mate?” Kollin demanded.

  “She’s dehydrated and malnourished. There is a gash on the side of her head. My best guess, she fell.” He frowned.

  “Tell me, Surrin,” Kollin demanded.

  “The gash is maybe a standard day old.”

  Kollin’s eyes shot to a silent Kassim. “Has she not eaten since her arrival? Has no one checked on her?”

  Kollin stood silent, and when he cocked his head in warning, Kassim replied, “I do not know.”

  Kollin stood to his full height, rage burning in his eyes as he faced Kassim. “Are you telling me you locked my mate in her quarters and did not have meals delivered?”

  “Commander?” Surrin drew Kollin’s attention back to Krista. “You should know that your mate is with young. I need to place her in the medi-chamber right away to heal her body.”