Page 19 of Kidnapped By the Alien Chieftain

After a longer than usual pause, an anxious voice crackles through the communication channel. “Scythian battlebarge, you must lower your shields to allow a scan in order to dock.”

“They can’t be serious,” Xandor says, his disbelief clear in his tone.

I notice the station has more than a few of its defense cannons pointing our direction. “It’s fine. They are afraid we’re going to drop an army of battle droids on them,” I reply to Xandor, before sending a communication back to the station, agreeing to the demand. “But, Xandor, be quick to steer us out of range if they attack… just in case.”

As I enter the command to lower the ship’s shields, its blue light shimmers before disappearing, and the low hum of the ship fades into a deathly silence. The next few moments seem to stretch on forever as we wait in tense anticipation.

Finally, a blue gleaming light emits from the station. It runs from the front of the ship to the back.

“Oh, I felt a tickle there,” Xandor quips, eliciting a chuckle from me.

“Probably took them longer scanning your massive head,” I tease.

“Massive balls more—” he retorts before being interrupted by a message from the Dock Controllers.

“Scythian battlebarge, you are clear to dock on the condition you come aboard unarmed,” the voice on the other end demands.

“Gods, these guys are pissing themselves,”Xandor mutters, shaking his head.

I communicate back that their terms are acceptable and begin maneuvering the ship to the empty docking bay. “Now they know how few we are. Unarmed, they think they can control us. But we are never truly unarmed,” I finish, extending my long claws, grinning at Xandor.

“We’ll tear their guts out if they try anything,”Xandor adds, showing his fangs, his expression fierce.

I stand in the Docking Hatch, about to disembark. I summoned the entire crew to brief them about the hunt ahead of us. Eight war brothers wait patiently, lined up on either side of the room. Xandor looks around eagerly while tapping his foot. Astraxius has his eyes glued to his wrist console as usual.Just waiting for Pebbles now. I haven’t mentioned this hunt to her yet; I’m worried she will want to come with me. Which is out of the question. It would be hard enough avoiding a knife in the gut myself, never mind with tiny Pebbles in the midst. I won’t let any harm come to her.

War Chieftain Gorexius had ordered all my veteran warriors onto other ships when I left the Nebian battlefront for repairs,leaving me with a skeleton crew of inexperienced warriors, their hair still short after their Proving Pilgrimage. I sigh. It’s an enormous risk to leave the ship in such hostile territory with so few. However, the young fighters fought well and survived the Seeker Swarm assault, proving their bravery.

My heart feels lighter in my chest as the door whizzes open to reveal Pebbles.What is she wearing?She has cut her robes to reveal more soft curves and smooth skin. I raise an eyebrow as she approaches. The warriors all nod respectfully as she passes. She glances between the warriors and me as if she expects something to happen.She looks so inviting in her altered clothes; it is difficult not to sweep her up in my arms and take her back to my room for more ‘training.’

“Hail, Pebbles.” I bend forward, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Hey, Krogoth.” She squeezes her tiny self against my waist. “What’s going on?” she asks, her eyes concerned.

“I am just about to brief everyone,” I say, putting my hand on her shoulder. “As some of you may know, we have now docked at the Terminus Exile Station,” I say loudly, glancing at everyone in attendance. “We need to secure Elerium and repairs for the ship if we are to make it back to Klendathor successfully. Xandor, Logarn, Traxios and I together will disembark to this wretched, crime-ridden cesspool, and gain what we need.” I gesture to the three warriors, who salute. “The rest of you, I want armored and protecting the ship for any potential attacks. The ship is a tempting prize since it is guarded by so few. But you are not any random ganger scum but the finest warriors in the universe! Stay alert. Dismissed.” As I conclude my orders, I look at the remaining six warriors, who all salute back.

“You’re not taking me with you?” Pebbles says, her eyes narrowing.

“No, your life would be in grave danger,” I say, rubbing my hand along her shoulders.

“Danger? Then why aren’t you and your men wearing your armor?” She rapidly waves her hand, pointing to my robes. “You don’t even have your wrist armor on.” She grips my sleeve, inspecting.

She has a keen eye, my little female.“It has to be this way, or they will deny us entry,” I explain calmly.

“I don’t like this, Krogoth. I have a bad feeling. Please don’t go,” she says, her eyes pleading with me to reconsider.

“I’m sorry. I have no choice. Besides, I have my Second Xandor here to watch my back.” I grin, looking at Xandor, hoping it will reassure Pebbles somewhat.

“Yes, I’ll keep him safe. You have my word, Rocks,” Xandor says, giving a brief but solemn bow towards her.

“Wait, I’ve seen you before - I recognize your long green hair… You ran away when you saw me in the corridor before.” She releases her hug and stares at Xandor, eyes focused.

“Ah, that, yes… I had merely for—” He scratches the back of his head.

“Xandor was just following my orders,” I interject quickly to spare my friend any further embarrassment.

Xandor leans in closer to me and Pebbles, his voice low and confidential. “Truth is, Rocks, Krogoth knows of my legendary reputation with the females, so he grew concerned.” I can see the relief in his eyes, as if a weight has been lifted from his shoulders.

“Pfft! I just wanted to spare poor Pebbles from all your drooling.” I laugh, slapping Xandor on his back.

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