Page 77 of Torn from the Alien Commander

“I was unsure,” Tyrxie agrees with a nod, her gaze shifting to me with a smile that warms my soul. “It was frightening hearing Logarn’s pain, thinking I was hurting him. But if Xandor says he’ll recover and live like normal, I’ll be happy.”

“And you’d be happy to do this for the others?” Krogoth interjects, as I detect a hint of eagerness in his voice, his excitement at the prospect growing. “There are hundreds of thousands of our youth who’ve been corrupted.”

Tyrxie gasps as she looks at me, but I keep my face expressionless, not wanting to influence her decision—this is her burden, her glory. “Um, it might take a while, but since I know where to look, I know I can do it faster.” She lets out a charming chuckle. “But we should restrain them next time.”

Her answer was ordained. All future versions of my love are filled with the purest honor. Yet hearing the words spoken overwhelms me with pride and joy. I scoop Tyrxie up in my arm, spinning her around. She squeals in delight, warming my heart. “I’m so proud of you, beautiful soul,” I say, setting her down.

Krogoth beams at Tyrxie, placing a massive hand on her shoulder. “You have my thanks, and the thanks of all Klendathians. Know that you’ll receive much honor for this, and our eternal gratitude.” He finishes with the Klendathian salute.

Tyrxie returns the gesture with what must be the cutest Klendathian salute ever witnessed. “It feels like the right thing to do.”

“Krogoth, Rocks, there’s something we must teach you if we are to avoid disaster,” I declare, carried by elation from Tyrxie’s decision.

“What disaster?” Rocks asks, clutching her belly with a nervous glance towards Krogoth.

So many to choose from!“When you arrive to meet the other clan chieftains, one will rise to challenge you, and you will be consumed in his vengeful flames.”

“No!” Rocks gasps, covering her mouth with a hand.

Krogoth frowns. “Let him challenge me. None can match my power,” he asserts, his eyes glowing purple with intensity.

“Listen, old friend,” I place a hand on his shoulder. “This is not just a contest of skill and muscle. It involves Gods-gifted powers. If you can’t control yours, you will be killed in his wrath.”

“Tell us how, Xandor,” Rocks pleads, looking between Tyrxie and me. “We tried a bunch of different things, but nothing worked. Except that horrible fight against Gorexius.”

“It’s easy with hindsight!” I exclaim, laughing. Krogoth and Rocks exchange a confused look, while even my Tyrxie gives me a pitying pat on my arm. “Because I can see the future paths?” My words only elicit more frowns. “Anyway... We’ll practice in the training halls, in case you open a tear in the viewport or the command console,” I say, gesturing towards Krogoth.

“You’d think he’d tell better jokes, knowing the future,” the bratty little Rocks whispers to my sweet, innocent Tyrxie. The pair fall in together as Krogoth and I lead the way towards the training halls. The black marble corridors are bustling with warriors coming and going. Most are young, unseasoned, with short-hair and the characteristic blank expression of the corrupted.

“So, did the Nebians accept all our terms?” Krogoth inquires as we round a corner.

“All of them,” I smirk at Krogoth, enjoying his look of surprise.

“Even the ten billion credits?” Krogoth asks with eager disbelief.

“Every credit. We should’ve asked for more!” We laugh as Krogoth slaps me on the shoulder. “Wait till you hear this. They’re going to give selected warriors laser weapons to be overseen by their teams. Felixus is one of them. He’s still on the Nebian ship.”

“Excellent,” Krogoth beams, nodding his head. “Having Felixus will be a great boon. You’ve outdone yourself brother, I never dared hope for so much.”

I grimace, the more difficult memories are still raw. “It was a close-run thing, Krogoth. The Nebians blew up our ship. We were held against our will. I was tortured for answers I could not give. Only because of my Tyrxie did I survive to get an audience with the Imperator and his Consuls, and even that required much bowing and boot licking. Stubborn bunch of arrogant short-stuffs the lot of them.” I chuckle wryly.

“But you did it, like I knew you would. My finest warrior, combined with a charm no female can resist. The only doubt was if you could keep a respectful tone,” Krogoth says with a laugh.

My pride swells at his words, knowing Krogoth is difficult to impress. “I showed them more respect than they deserved,” I sigh, knowing the paths required it. “Noroth is to be honored as well. He fought with bravery and skill. As solid a warrior at your side as you could hope for.”

“Of course, he continues to impress.” Krogoth nods. Many warriors incline their heads in respect as we travel. My sensitive ears pick up Tyrxie asking Rocks how she met Krogoth with eager enthusiasm, as Rocks giggles, recounting how Krogoth hunted her on Earth to bring her to this very ship.

We enter the training halls, denoted by the weapons aligning the walls. The large space is bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the last time I was here. Young warriors bare-chested, wrestle and train with weapons in sandy arena circles, while others climb and mount platforms, trying to outperform each other’s efforts. The air is thick with the smell of sweat—sweat of hard work and strength being honed to a laser’s edge.

Krogoth claps his hands together. “Everyone out!” He roars in his battle voice, stiffening my back and almost deafening me. The passive faces of the youth give no sign of annoyance as they rush to obey Krogoth’s command. Once the last warrior streams out the door, our group moves towards the room’s center.

“So, what’s the secret, Xandor?” Rocks inquires eagerly.

“It’s deceptively simple,” I laugh. “You’ll curse yourselves for not thinking of it sooner.”

“As long as I can keep Krogoth from being burned to a bloody crisp, I’ll be happy,” Rocks retorts, her fierce protectiveness of her Mortakin-Kai doing her honor.

“Hold on to that feeling, Rocks,” I say, inclining my head towards her. “Feed it, stoke it until your heart blazes like a glorious sun in the void of space,” I gesture towards Krogoth. “You too, brother. Only together can you unleash the full extent of your gifts.”

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