Page 3 of Protected By the Alien Knight

“I’m sorry about that, Crux,” she says softly. “Alice has been struggling with her scholarship application, and she’s feeling the pressure.”

I nod, my expression neutral despite the twinge of sympathy I feel. But I dare not say anything, as I’m acutely aware of her proximity. The ambassador continues speaking rapidly about the upcoming negotiation. As we walk, her words flow smoothly.She’s passionate about her work, and I find myself enraptured by her.

“And so, I really need to ensure that the Folmodians are satisfied with our deal, otherwise the whole Orion Quadrant could be threatened.”

As the ambassador speaks, my eyes continue looking for threats. But the truth is, her voice, the way she moves, and her scent are making it impossible for me to focus on my duty. My training is telling me that my interest in her is a distraction.If I was a better knight I would ask for reassignment. Focus, Crux!

My eyes sweep over the oncoming crowd, alert for any sign of trouble. But after a cursory glance, my attention wanders back to the ambassador, and I try to push the scent of her skin, the sound of her soft voice, and the lushness of her curves from my mind.

I’ve always been able to separate my professional and personal lives, but with Annie, it’s proving difficult. As I follow her, I notice the sway of her hips, the light catching in her hair, and the movement of her lips as she speaks.

“Are you even listening to me, Crux?”

“Of course,” I reply, startled by the accusation.

She arches an eyebrow. “So what did I just say?”

“You were saying the Folmodian negotiation is key.”

A smile tugs at her lips but she says nothing more, so I continue my surveillance.

We continue our walk in silence, the air heavy with tension. I force my thoughts away from the ambassador as we move out of the security-heavy upper levels and into the bustling administrative corridors of the Orion Space Station. This is a dangerous level, too many rooms and dark places, so I’m hyper-aware of our surroundings.

Humans, still relatively new to the Stellar Togetherness Initiative, are viewed with suspicion and distrust by many otherspecies. Recent events have only heightened the tension, with two human females linked to plots against high-ranking STI members, including the recent attempted assassination of the Morcrestian High Chieftain. Rumors of a rebel group opposing human presence on Orion are spreading like wildfire.

We pass a group of Exoscarabs in yellow engineering jumpsuits, their chitinous exoskeletons glinting under the artificial light. They eye us warily, their antennae twitching as they communicate in their native language. I catch snippets of their conversation, my universal translator picking up words like “humans” and “trouble.”

“We need to get to the council chamber,” the ambassador says, her voice tense. “We’re already late.”

“Stay close to me,” I say, placing a protective hand on her back.

She nods, her eyes wide with concern. As we navigate the crowded corridor, I can’t help but think how vulnerable she is, despite the layers of protection provided by the Alliance. I’m trained to protect her, to fight off any potential threats, but I’m all too aware of the many dangers she faces.

As we approach the council chambers, I notice a hooded figure lurking in a shadowed alcove. My instincts scream danger, and I quickly position myself between the figure and Annie.

“Ambassador, get behind me,” I command, my voice stern.

Annie complies without hesitation, her eyes wide with alarm. “What’s happening, Crux?”

I don’t answer, my focus entirely on the potential threat. The figure steps out of the shadows, a glint of metal catching my eye. Time seems to slow as I realize it’s a plasma gun aimed directly at Annie.

Without a second thought, I push her aside as the assailant fires, a searing bolt of energy scorching the air where Annie had stood just seconds before. The plasma projectile pierces my shoulder. I grunt in pain, the searing agony nearlyoverwhelming. But I ignore my burning flesh as I lunge forward, knocking the gun from the assailant’s hand.

“Crux!” Annie’s voice is distant, muted by the rush of blood in my ears.

Around us, the station erupts into chaos. Alarms blare and panicked shouts echo through the corridors. I hear Annie calling for backup through her comm unit, her voice steady despite the danger.

I force myself to remain conscious, using the pain to sharpen my focus. The attacker, a Huxarian judging by his lithe frame and pointed ears, hisses in frustration. He charges at me, a wicked dagger in hand. My plasma sword springs to life, its blue glow illuminating the space between us.

I focus on my opponent, my movements lethal, fluid, and precise. The Huxarian is skilled, but I am a seasoned warrior. I study him, watching for openings.

He lunges forward, aiming for my heart. I sidestep the attack and retaliate swiftly. The Huxarian twists away, narrowly avoiding the searing plasma blade.

Seizing the moment, I feint to the left and strike to the right, my blade hitting the hilt of his dagger. The weapon tears from his grip, skittering across the floor, leaving him defenseless. I close the distance, pinning him to the ground with my plasma sword hovering inches from his throat. The fight is brief; despite the injury, my training and experience easily outmatched my opponent.

“Who sent you?” I demand, my voice cold.

The Huxarian sneers, his eyes filled with hatred. “No one that concerns you, Knight,” he spits out.

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