by Rena Marks
Lara shrugged, as if she was uncaring. “Who was there to trust? It was Earthlings who were going to kidnap and rape us. How would Helian Six know to trust the same Earthlings who paid for that fleet to deliver us?”
Ambassador Krieckjan looked almost gleeful. He did try to tone it down as he spoke next.
“Were you harmed by any of the Freijians?”
“Only by the one who separated us from Helian Six. That captain. He struck me physically, and beat Captain Tristan when he intervened. Tristan had already been shot from the skies once, and then three more times at point blank range while unarmed.”
From across the room, the captain paled. “I didn’t mean to strike her! She was holding on to Tristan, and refusing to come with me…”
“He was the one who keeps me safe. You never once introduced yourself.”
“They did not know the language. How could I talk to them?” He continued to address the Freijian hologram, as if Lara didn’t exist.
“How do you know?”
There was silence after her statement.
He paled even further. “I…assumed the women had not been implanted with the languages.”
“Why would you assume that?” Ambassador Krieckjan asked.
The guard began to stutter. “I—I mean—it’s a known fact…”
“Really? How could it be known unless you were spying on us? Did you also know we had already elected to live on the planet? Did you know we chose not to have any foreign objects implanted into our skulls?” Lara asked.
“Are you saying you did not wish to have the language implant?” The ambassador asked.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Captain Tristan made it clear that we could communicate more freely, but the other women and I decided we would not like to go through an implant procedure.” She leaned in, trying to make it look real. “We’re teachers. We intended to learn the language the old-fashioned way. Of course, now it looks like our choice was taken from us. We certainly never gave this captain permission.”
“What?!” the ambassador growled. “No one once asked them if they wanted to be implanted?”
The captain began to babble, his voice higher-pitched. “Sir, naturally we could not ask them. They had no idea what was going on, screaming like banshees as we pulled them onto the ship.”
“Because you were shooting the inhabitants of the planet!” Lara said. “You electrocuted Tristan and Bajoc in the rain! You didn’t even care that innocent babies watched, horrified.”
“The protected species of Hesprii were present? It is widely known they were children being reared by Helian Six. I seem to remember you laughing the hardest that the crew would be out of commission for twenty-two cycles.” The ambassador’s voice grew cold. He looked to the other guards. “Escort him to lock up. I will deal with his trial after we sort this out.”
Just like that, the sputtering captain was led away.
“Score,” Marcie muttered under her breath, so only Lara could hear.
“It appears we have much to make up for, Ms. Ceylon. Let us get started on how to repair the injustices served upon you. Would you like our ship to return you to Planet Earth, or would you like to continue on with your teaching mission to the Beta Galaxy?”
“Yes, Lara,” Counselor Gorman leaned forward. “We would love for you to continue your mission.”
Apparently this was where the money came in. Earth would probably receive a hefty sum for the “safe” return of their property.
“I’d need to talk to the other teachers, but for myself, I don’t want either of those choices. I’m currently on a more important mission. The Hespriian children are fresh slates. We’re discovering their culture through leftover artifacts, and re-establishing their planet. I choose to continue that work.”
The head of the Master Council began to sputter. “But…”
The other women began to chime in. “I choose this planet also,” Anita said. “I don’t have much faith in the Master Teacher Council when they couldn’t even get me safely to my destination.”
The Freijian ambassador had a gleam in his eyes. “I’m sure we could bargain with Earth to continue your financial compensation while you continue your important work with the children of this planet.”
“Yes, but we also need compensation from your side,” Lara said, leaning in. “Your ship was as bad as they were. We demand not just the lock up of that horrible man,” Lara waved her hand at the doorway, “but a higher status for the Helian Six men helping us on the planet. That way they can never be overpowered by other vessels again.”
The Freijian ambassador leaned back. “I agree to this, as long as Earth agrees to compensate the nineteen Earth women financially for the next twenty-two cycles and agrees to update your certification from beginner to master teachers.”
Now it was the pompous Counselor Gorman’s turn to sputter. But when all was said and done, everything was agreed to.
The planet was quiet when the women were marched back down the ramp. This time was much different than the first time when they’d landed. Their men were nowhere to be found. The children, sitting quietly in a ring, whimpered from the net containing them as they saw the teachers approach. More Freiijian guards surrounded the kids, as if they were dangerous villains.
The women ran into the crowd of purple-colored children, hugging them all, and passing them back and forth for kisses.
Anita glared at the guards still left on the planet. “Where is my Kamau?” she yelled. “He had better not be locked up.”
The guard gulped. “Our orders were to take them to lockdown on the ship. They are being released as we speak, and their status and equipment are being returned.”
The giant doors to the ship opened. The group of men from Helian Six descended from the ship, with Tristan in the lead. The women ran to their mates, the children following in their footsteps.
With Titi clinging her arms around her neck, Lara walked more slowly. She wasn’t sure where she stood with him. They had a lot to discuss.
Tristan looked uneasy as they approached.
“Da!” Titi screamed and Lara allowed her to jump into his arms. He cuddled the tiny toddler against his massive chest, and she looked smaller than ever against his size.
“I’m sorry,” he blurted out in his language, which she could now understand.
She raised an eyebrow. “For what?”
“I never told you I could give you the language upload. I meant to. That is what we were meeting about. It was a unanimous decision, but we were interrupted by the Chirex. Serecone.”
“That’s not important,” Lara said. “But Tristan, you—all of your men—they said you stole us.” Because she wanted his version.
“I didn’t. We rescued you. Bajoc intercepted communication that the vessel was going to keep you captive for their own selfish use. We didn’t want you to suffer through that.”
Lara sighed. It all worked out with the way she had told the ambassador. “No more secrets, Tristan,” she warned. “We need to have a big talk. But for now, I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Never.” He agreed. “I promise.”
He looked around at his men, cuddling their families while he stood awkwardly talking to Lara. His eyes were hooded when he looked back at her. “I understand if you wish to leave me.”
Her smile was bright. He was worried about her leaving. It proved he cared. “Why would I leave my mate and child?”
His large arms swept her close. “Lara,” he said thickly. “Are you sure?”
“Kiss me already.”
His lips descended to hers, and his kiss was heaven for all of ten seconds. Then she heard Titi in her ear.
“Nummm, yummm.” The baby plastered wet kisses on the sides of their faces.
“Captain,” Bajoc called. “They have completed Captain Serecone’s trial. We are requested in the conference room of the ship by the Supreme Commander.”
“I have to go,” Tristan murmured. “I love yo
u.”
Lara felt her eyes tear up. This big, violent, demon-sized alien was hers. “I love you, too. We’ll be out here waiting for you.”
This time when they left, the goons from the Chirex entered the ship with them.
Marcie smiled. “Do you think they’re going to be told they have a higher status?”
“Actually, one of the Chirex guards told me they’ll fight for their status. It’s the culture. Tristan’s up against the asshole you had locked up,” Anita said.
Lara rolled her eyes. “Figures they’d fight for it.”
“Boys will be boys,” Raine said.
“Mom, I’m hungry,” Tomlak whispered.
Anita’s eyes grew glassy at what he called her. “Well, let’s get a barbecue started. Your dad’s going to be hungry when he gets off the ship. Can you and the older kids keep Titi out of trouble while we all prepare things?”
Tomlak nodded. “Titi, want to come play?”
Titi wrapped her chubby arms around his neck. “Ugh, you’re getting heavy,” he complained, as a couple more children came to them. Titi slid down, and ran on chubby legs after the rest.
* * * * *
The crew of the Chirex avoided their eyes as they walked back through the ship, this time with their status returned instead of as captives. To the credit of his men, they stood proud, walking with their chests out. Just the way they used to, before the razzing and teasing that began with the Chirex.
Serecone was nowhere to be found. His first mate was in command, sitting in the captain’s chair. He turned to greet them.
On the screen behind him was Ambassador Krieckjan, their Supreme Commander. “Greetings, Captain Jeislkak and staff of Helian Six. As in accordance with Freijian law, it is within your right to fight to take back your rank and status from the crew of the Chirex. Inadequacies have been reported consisting of being ridiculed for saving the inhabitants of Hesprii, instead of being commended. You have gone out on a limb to volunteer to raise said inhabitants when it was realized they were orphans. Again, the ridicule continued. The Chirex volunteered to help you build housing and bring supplies. Later it was rumored the supplies were never received, and they volunteered merely to spread the gossip about your escapades. They can take a page out of your book and learn to care for the beings they save as much as you do. Instead, they are merely racking points on saving species, but not caring. As far as your commendation, it has been noted that you have brought success to the planet from scratch, without the allotted supplies sent to you.”
Tristan could tell his men were surprised by the fact that they were supposed to have supplies. However, Tristan wasn’t. He didn’t put anything past Serecone.
“Captain Jeislkak, do you choose to take on Captain Serecone from the Chirex?”
“I do.” His voice came out as a growl.
“First Commander Bajoc, do you choose to go against the first mate of the Chirex?”
“I do.”
One by one, the ambassador asked his staff. They were all willing to fight for their rights. But there was another matter still to clear up.
“Charges brought against you by the Chirex state that you kidnapped the Eear-th females, a primitive culture that we are just now beginning to form relations with. However, that claim has been disputed by the teachers, as stated by the acting spokesperson, Lara Ceylon. She says that her crew was rescued by the members of the Helian Six. Is that true?”
“It is.”
“She also is angered that she was physically implanted against her will. Charges will be brought against the Chirex for that claim.”
Just like that, Tristan was off the hook for not giving the mates the gift of language. But he had no qualms that Lara would let him off that easy. He felt a twinge of guilt knowing that he easily could have been the one to implant her. If he had, where would they stand now?
“I do not understand how you rescued the females.”
Tristan squirmed uncomfortably. “We intercepted communication that they were going to be kidnapped before ever reaching the planet. We intervened.”
“Why didn’t you contact headquarters for further instruction?”
“The women were brought to the planet and we searched the databanks for a similar language. We could understand them enough to know they were frightened to return to their Earth protection. As a few weeks went on, we realized the females were happy on the planet in their roles as teachers to the offspring.”
“The females seem protective of your crew, captain.”
Tristan was glad his skin color was a deep black at that point. It masked the blush he was sure came over him.
“Yes, sir. Several of the females have developed further relationships with my warriors.”
“I see. Thank you for your honesty, Captain, because that is a charge against you by Chirex. It states you merely rescued the females and gave them a similar fate to what they were intended for. However, that claim seems to be disputed by Lara, so we will drop the charge. But be advised that she is furious over being implanted against her will.”
The Ambassador turned toward Maschlik, the Commander of the Chirex. “Set up the challenge room. I will preside.”
With a nod, a very-grim Maschlik motioned for his crew to head down the hallway. Surprisingly, the challenge room was already set up. Apparently the crew of the Chirex kept it always available.
Maschlik turned the monitor on, and immediately the image of the Supreme Commander came across the screen.
“Normally, the First Commander Bajoc would be given the opportunity to go against Serecone for the charge of shooting a fellow officer who protected his captain. However, since Captain Jeislkak also has the right to go against Captain Serecone, we offer Bajoc the opportunity to take on another—Commander Maschlik. Do you accept?”
Bajoc flexed, before nodding. This match would be nothing, Tristan realized. But to his surprise, Commander Maschlik was asked for his permission.
“I refuse.”
There was silence for a minute. Then the voice of the Ambassador boomed. “You realize that you forfeit immediately to Commander Bajoc?”
“I am aware of that fact.”
Tristan felt an immediate sense of respect. In the past, he would have considered the commander of the Chirex a pussy. Now he realized what incredible strength it took to hand over what was rightfully Bajoc’s.
The rest of his crew was stunned into silence.
“It is done. Commander Bajoc, you now have the right to reign over the Chirex, until the match between your own captain and Serecone. If Serecone wins, you will reign as his commander. Should he lose, you will reign as captain.”
Bajoc stood. “I choose to continue in my original commitment to the inhabitants of Hesprii. Commander Maschlik may cover his own position, as he is the most experienced for the job.”
“Even in the event that your captain defeats Serecone and you become captain of the Chirex?”
Bajoc’s voice was sure. “Especially then. I know Tristan will defeat Serecone. I understand this is my opportunity to captain my own vessel. However, I have an obligation that comes first.”
The Ambassador nodded. “Understood. Bring out Serecone.”
His own guards brought him out. The heavy chains clinked as they were unlocked and dropped to the floor. He stretched out, glaring at Tristan the whole time.
Tristan rose and faced him. Keeping his gaze, he joined him in the ring.
A loud dong signaled the beginning of the fight.
Serecone was a dirty fighter, but he was no match for Tristan. He came at him full swing, probably hoping to distract him. Tristan deflected his blows, and before long, Serecone was out of breath.
Of course, Tristan realized. He’d spent months on the planet, doing hard labor. No artificial gyms on the ships. He had the edge. Serecone was breathing recycled air, and eating reconstituted food.
He allowed Serecone to tire, and then Tristan began to get aggressive.
“This is f
or scaring the offspring of the planet,” he said, flattening Serecone’s nose with his beefy fist. The image of Tomlak whimpering as he was shot came to mind.
“This is for scaring the children and females by attacking me unfairly in front of them.” A heavy blow struck him on the side of the face, bringing him to his knees.
“And this is because my commander was electrocuted, and can’t wreak revenge by beating your ass.”
The third blow was so loud, many of the men who watched winced. Serecone was down for the count, his mouth wide open on the ground.
“Three, two, one,” the Ambassador counted. “Victory goes to Captain Tristan. Do you wish to commandeer the vessel, or follow through your obligations on Hesprii?”
“I will stay with the rest of my crew on the planet.”
“Someone drag his body out of there. Because Maschlik forfeited, he does not have to attend the free-for-all. Men, take your positions.”
All hell broke loose as his men vented years of frustration on the crew of the Chirex.
Chapter Eleven
The men looked worse for wear when they descended the ship, but all wore smug smiles. They strutted down the ramp, coming straight to their girlfriends. Tristan and Bajoc came down last.
“Oh, baby,” Marcie cooed to Bajoc. “I’ll need to shine your horns.”
Lara fought from gagging and locked her eyes to Tristan’s. He looked wary as he approached. Lara wrapped her arms around his neck, and curled her cheek onto his broad chest. His heart thudded beneath her ear, and his arms came around her gently.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” she whispered. “What happened?”
“I had a chance to go one on one with Serecone,” Tristan said. His chest rumbled beneath her ear.
“You took him down?”
“Oh yes,” he assured her. “It was good to show him who’s boss. But don’t worry, it was perfectly legal.”
He was adorable. This was her rough and tumble man, who lived and breathed violence. Yet, he showed her how tender and loving he could be. He turned her head up with a finger under her chin, and gently kissed her lips. “Something smells good.”
