Now, thanks to the foolhardy but brave actions of one of our own warriors and his mate, there’s new hope for all of us. It’s a good feeling, and it brings a smile to my face.
Not only that, but the first of the children produced by the bonding between our people and the Terrans is due soon, and there’s a hum of excitement about that as well. Tordax, our commander, speaks in a low voice to several council members as they inquire about Rose and her health.
“The queen and I have an announcement to make,” Khrelan says, rising to his feet as everyone finally settles. Emma stands up next to him, her face shining with happiness. “Queen Emma is pregnant. Another child will soon be born on Kalix.”
There’s a murmur among the assembled men, and Tordax and Malav grin broadly, offering their congratulations. They in particular know what that pride and joy feels like, but everyone is excited. More children on Kalix is a good thing. It points to our success in thwarting what the Orkun tried so hard to do—erase our species entirely.
But, as we’ve recently demonstrated, we are not so easy to defeat.
Emma blushes a little as hearty congratulations are given all around, but she keeps her chin up, pride evident on her face. She is a strong woman in her own right, no fragile wilting flower. Her strength, more than anything, convinced me in the beginning that the bonds are beneficial. That these offspring of Terra and Kalix will be a good thing and not something that will weaken our race as others feared.
All the Terran women have shown themselves to be strong, brave, and resilient. Some of them are more reckless than others—Tycran’s mate comes to mind—but then again, we have those types in our ranks as well. Sorsir was always hotheaded before he was mated, and still sometimes is.
I’ve had moments of daring and brashness myself. It’s not always a fault. Sometimes it’s a strength.
After the excitement dies down, Khrelan calls us to order, taking his seat along with Emma.
“We’ve gotten word that the Orkun will be attempting to sell their latest batch of abducted tribute brides,” he says, and I see Emma’s lips press tightly together. Khrelan puts his hands on the table, leaning forward as he speaks. “The losses the Orkun suffered after the destruction of Oryn were great, and they are weakened both in military might and in infrastructure. Their scientists and engineers are gone, and many of their warlords have perished. They will need to recoup some of their losses and bribe or enslave new workers to produce their weaponry.”
He pauses, glancing over at his mate before turning his attention back to us. “The queen and I see this as an opportunity to free these women. They will all be in a set location at a known time for the auction, making the mission far easier than it would be if we tried to do this any other way. And although the auction will remove the women from the Orkun’s hold, those who would buy Terran slaves are sure to be little better than the Orkun themselves.”
There’s a general hum of assent among those gathered, but no one speaks yet.
“This is a chance to help more of the Terrans and save innocents,” Khrelan says. “I’d like to assemble a team comprised of a few different squadrons to go to Nierra, the planet where the auction will be held. But we must keep a solid fighting force on Kalix as well, in case of other threats.” He pauses, sweeping his gaze around the room. “Are there any volunteers?”
“I’ll go,” I say immediately, leaning forward.
The moment the king began to speak, I knew I’d go if given the chance. I’ve piloted my ship in many battles for Kalix in this ongoing war. I’ve fought many an Orkun, and others too.
But this is a special mission. It’s one that isn’t necessary for the safety of our planet, but a risk taken to save others from a fate worse than death. It’s a hero’s mission, an adventure to rescue females in distress, and that’s exactly the sort of romantic, bold risk I love to take.
I catch Sorsir’s gaze across the table and grin at him. This is the type of thing we used to talk about, when he was an unmated man in the barracks with the rest of us. Adventures like this, instead of the drudgery of an ongoing war.
Khrelan looks pleased. “I hoped you would volunteer, Druxik. Your flying prowess will be of great use on this mission. There’s no better pilot in all the squadrons.”
I hold back a proud smile with some effort. I’ve spent a lifetime, ever since I was a small boy, working to be exactly that—the best pilot on Kalix. And to hear the king say it… that’s an affirmation that will remain with me for some time.
Other warriors speak up to volunteer as well, although none of the mated Kalixians do. Everyone understands why. In the case of Tordax and Malav, they’re needed here to continue their command. But for warriors like Sorsir and Tycran and Brele, it’s understood that their mates need them close by. With the prospect of more children on the horizon, they’re more useful here, bedding their mates and keeping Kalix safe on-world than going off on dangerous missions. These days, fighting off-world is for the unmated among us.
“I’m pleased that so many of you are willing to accept this mission.” Khrelan dips his chin, and I can see the pride in his eyes. He selects twelve warriors and puts me in charge of the mission.
Just as he begins to speak again, the door opens unexpectedly.
A nervous looking attendant pokes his head in. “Ah… my king, one of the Terran women is here. She would like to speak to the council, if it’s allowed.”
Khrelan looks surprised but nods. “Of course. Show her in.”
Curiously, I glance toward the door. What could be so important for one of them to show up to a war council meeting in the middle of the day?
As the door opens wider and a petite woman walks into the room, her hands knotted in front of her, I realize with a start that I know her—a little bit, at least.
Her name is Cora.
3
Cora
Every eye in the room is focused on me as I walk in, and I’m suddenly far more nervous than I was a minute ago.
This seemed like a great idea as I strode up to the palace and managed to talk my way inside, but now that all of these warriors—and the king and queen—are staring at me, I’m wondering what the hell I was thinking.
I feel very small, standing at the end of the table, with everyone turned to face me. I don’t think my heart has ever beat so hard in my life. I’m certain everyone can see my pulse leaping in my throat.
I had a speech all planned out in my head, but now I can’t seem to remember a word of it. I suddenly feel very silly, coming into this room full of experienced, battle-hardened warriors and expecting to have them listen to me. There’s a king at the head of the table, for fuck’s sake. I’m sure there’s a plan for this mission already laid out, and I’m just barging in and expecting to be made a part of it?
What the hell were you thinking? I ask myself again, feeling my fingers start to tremble with nerves.
But then I see Emma’s encouraging smile. She’s curious, like everyone else in the room, but even from all the way across the large space where she sits next to Khrelan, her face is kind and sweet.
“What is it, Cora?” she asks gently. “You can speak, it’s all right.”