Page 45 of My Alien Pirate

The doctor cleared his throat. "I thought you would like to know that the human, Sara's, condition is stabilizing, but she's still not out of the woods. The treatments are helping, but I think her consciousness is returning."

Manny's shoulders tensed, his concern for his fellow human palpable. "Thank you, Daz," I replied softly. "Keep us updated."

I noted the grateful look that passed between Manny and Grixxa. Sara's potential role in future events was uncertain, but her survival was paramount to Manny. Having her stabilized was a boost to his morale, something we desperately needed.

"Do you want to go see her?" I asked the human captain. "I believe we could do without you for a few centons."

I could see the war within him playing across his human features before he quickly came to a decision. "Thank you, but no. There is nothing I can do for her but, here, I can be helpful."

I nodded, my esteem for the little human grew again. He understood duty to his crew over his own personal desires.

Lyra suddenly interjected, her voice cutting through the strained atmosphere. "Captain, we're closing in. Their navigation is even more erratic than before. I believe they possibly have damage or partial system failures. We might be able to catch up soon."

My hearts leapt at the news, but I kept my voice steady. "Stay sharp, everyone. We need to be ready to act the moment we have them within range."

The bridge fell into a tense silence, the crew's focus unwavering. Manny's hands danced over the navigation console, fine-tuning our trajectory to intercept the enemy ship. Lyra's form pulsed in time with her scans, her eyes never leaving the trailing energy signature of the Crimson Claw.

"Captain, the Claw is in visual range," Jorixx announced, his voice tinged with a mix of caution and anticipation.

I stepped forward, my gaze locked on the viewscreen as it zoomed in on the struggling pirate ship. The Crimson Claw's hull was marred by scorch marks and crumbling sections, its erratic movements a clear indication of its dire state. But for all their troubles, the Claw's weapons systems remained ominously active, their turrets tracking through the debris like predators on the hunt.

"They don't see us," I murmured, a cold satisfaction spread across my chest. "Keep our approach tight and steady, Lyra. We need to stay hidden for as long as possible."

Manny leaned in, his eyes narrowing as he studied the damaged ship. "We can't afford to rush this, Zharrox. Our best bet is to catch them unaware and strike quickly."

I nodded, appreciating his strategic mind. "Agreed. But we'll need to be ready to act the moment we're within striking range."

Grixxa's voice held a note of concern. "Captain, our systems are at their limit. We'll need peak performance from everyone to pull this off."

"We'll manage," I said, my voice firm. "This is our best chance to get Nova back. We can't afford to falter now."

The bridge buzzed with controlled chaos as each member of the crew executed their part of the plan. Lyra and Manny's navigation adjustments kept us concealed within the nebula's tumultuous terrain, Jorixx monitored our shields and weapons systems with hawk-like precision, and Grixxa coordinated our approach with surgical accuracy.

As we drew closer, the Claw's erratic movements became even more pronounced. It was clear they were barely keeping it together, their mechanical failures ravaging their once-formidable vessel.

"We're almost within range," Lyra announced, her voice tight with concentration.

"Prepare to engage," I ordered, my hand hovering over the command console.

Manny's eyes met mine, and in that moment, I saw a mutual understanding. Despite our differences—our species and our loyalties—we stood united in this singular purpose. Saving Nova was our common ground, the bedrock on which our fragile alliance was built.

The Stryker's weapons systems hummed to life, their energy signatures pulsing with deadly intent. My ridges flared a deep crimson, the color of battle and determination.

"Stand by to fire," I growled. "But only do so if necessary." I turned to Captain Rodriguez. "Manny, it's time to go."

The bridge held its collective breath as we hung there unmoving, our goal in sight. The Zenobia Nebula might be a death trap for the unprepared, but in this moment, it was our ally, our cloak of concealment.

"Grixxa, you have the bridge," I announced.

"Good luck, Zhar, Captain Rodriguez," my first mate answered. "Bring her back to us."

31

Escape

With a deep breath, I carefully worked my fingers into the narrow sliver of light that shone from the edge of the door. As I continued to pull at the opening, I thought about the visit from Shara. The alien's visit had given me a lot to think about. It was clear the leftover crew was fracturing, divided on how to proceed. If I could find a way to exploit those divisions...

But how? Even if I could escape from this cell, I had no idea how to influence events outside. And even if I could get past my captors, where could I go? I was a xenobiologist. I had nothing but the most basic of ideas how to pilot a shuttle, and no idea at all how to navigate through a treacherous nebula, which apparently was where we were.

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