Page 74 of Torn from the Alien Commander

I’m charged with tense eagerness to speak to Krogoth and Rocks, knowing there’s much to discuss and reveal. But I hold my head high with pride—the mission Krogoth assigned to me was a stunning success, not just the alliance but finding my Tyrxie onboard that wreck of a ship. It’s still hard to believe the Gods have blessed me with such good fortune.

The chafing mask of the diplomat I endured, the pain I suffered, all fitting sacrifices for the Gods and they rewarded me beyond my wildest dreams. It’s almost enough to spill my Rush through my eye, feeling the power course through me, and the wisdom threatening to consume my mind. The Xandor that departed Klendathor is a different entity than the one who stands here now. Broken, reforged, and made whole by Tyrxie’s guiding love.

“So many Klendathians.” Tyrxie scans the corridor with wonder in her eyes, clinging onto my arm.

“Tyrxie, I must caution you about Rocks,” I begin, frowning that I forgot to tell Tyrxie a very important detail.

“Oh?” Tyrxie snaps back, a look of uncertainty in her eyes.

“She can read minds,” I reply, like it’s a normal thing that people can do.

Tyrxie grimaces, making me laugh. “She reads minds? You’re joking, right?” She inquires, straightening her simple black shirt.

“Nope,” I frown, thinking harder, untangling the images of Rocks’ future selves mingling with the present. “Well, at the moment she can only sense emotional states, but after ourmeeting she’ll be able to do more... a lot more.”A truly terrifying power.

“Lovely, so I can’t think any bad thoughts?” Tyrxie lets out a sigh. “This is crazy,” she mutters.

“But all your thoughts are as pure as fresh snow,” I smirk at my love.

“It’s true,” Noroth chimes in, gesturing to Logarn, himself and me. “We all saw her do it during the clan meeting. She said all human females have that power. Maybe you can too?” he urges with an eager nod towards Tyrxie, amusing me.

“Rocks only said that to rattle that vipertail, Ziroth,” I state, waving a dismissive hand. “No, her power stems from their bond just as ours does.” I smile down at Tyrxie, who looks more confused than ever.

“Wait, so what powers does your friend Krogoth have?” Tyrxie inquires, a look of concern on her face. “Does he shoot lasers out of his eyes if you fart or something?”

Noroth and I exchange looks before bursting into laughter. Tyrxie glances at us with a smile on her face. “You’re not far off!” I manage to say between hysterics. “He can tear holes in the fabric of reality.”At least, he will be able to.

“That’s... um, unsettling,” Tyrxie stutters, her beautiful face shifting downward with concern, prompting me to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Krogoth Star Eyes,” Noroth mutters, his blue eyes glazed over. “The Gods walk amongst us now.” His words send a shiver through me—surprisingly close to my bolder speculations.

“Indeed, they do,” I say absently, my eye lingering on my Tyrxie.

Our group approaches the command bridge. Shocking, humorous images assail my mind, prompting me to step through the door with added haste, already smiling.

Upon a chair, Krogoth sits, grunting as he peers up at Rocks, who’s bouncing on top of him with wild abandon, her black dress hitched over her hips.

Rocks’ hazel eyes snap to us, a look of horror spreading over her flushed face. “Fucking hell!” She exclaims, rushing to hop off from Krogoth, and adjust her dress. “I hate that these doors slide open so quietly!”

Tyrxie has a hand to her mouth, averting her gaze, no doubt trying to think only the best of thoughts, while Noroth and I share a laugh. “You have a talent for walking in on the act, Xandor,” he jests.

“More of a curse,” I mutter.

Krogoth stands with his back facing us, placing a massive hand along Rocks’ back. He side-eyes us with a broad smile. “Hail, you degenerate gawkers!” he announces. The void of space looms large out the viewport as Krogoth marches towards us, his erection still very evident tucked into his leather pants.

“Hail, High Chieftain and Chieftainess,” I bow, then remember I’m no longer on Nebia and switch to inclining my head after slamming my fist to my chest. Noroth and Logarn follow suit. Tyrxie, however, seems frozen in fear at the approaching Krogoth, prompting me to pull her in close, flashing her an encouraging smile.

Krogoth’s purple eyes switch to Tyrxie, his smile broadening as his gaze shifts to me. “You old vipertail,” he laughs, filling my heart with fierce pride and joy.

“Oh, a woman!” Rocks exhales in excitement, her earlier embarrassment already banished. She rushes from behind the towering Krogoth, her impressive white cloak streaming behind her. “I’m Roxanne, but you can call me Roxy.” She nods at Krogoth, “Actually, just Rocks—he makes sure I’m always stone related.” She and Krogoth share a chuckle.

Rocks holds out a hand, that confusing human greeting she sometimes does. Tyrxie stares at it, slowly extending her own hand. “You’re supposed to shake it. A test of strength, perhaps,” I posit, while Rocks frowns at me.

Tyrxie grasps the top of her hand, pumping back and forth with surprising force. “My name’s Tyrxie. I’m glad to meet you both, Xandor said you’re all great friends.”

Rocks’ head pitches back and forth before she snatches her hand back. “Ah.... Wait, how come you don’t know how to shake hands?” She inquires, rubbing her arm.

“I’ve never been to Earth,” Tyrxie says eagerly, “Not since I was kidnapped as a young girl, anyway.”

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