Page 10 of Saving the Sautiitions

“You have a valid point, but let me assure you, I don’t even like seafood.” I pause and chuckle at myself, only to realize that they most likely have no idea what that means. Instead of trying to explain and look like an idiot, I push on. “I may not be in charge of this planet, or even the village yet, but I will be someday. I have enough authority to make this decision, but I also have the backing of my village. They’ve already welcomed Tonya and Melodia with open arms, celebrated with them, danced and sang with them, and are prepared to do the same with you. What’s happened to your world, to you, is despicable, and no one from my home would do such things to you. It is my job to protect you, to keep you safe and happy, and I plan to do just that. On my honor as a Space Captain, you have my word.”

Melodia steps forward, her tentacles swinging wide as she takes the floor. “If you won’t trust the word of a respected captain, trust the word of your fellow citizen and friend. Trust me. Trust Tonya. We tried and failed to obtain permission to be on that planet. If it weren’t for Kari, we wouldn’t be able to do this! The time of suffering is over. The time of skepticism, lack of trust, and fear is over! It’s time to live again!”

There’s a mighty roar as most, if not all, of the Sautiitions sing their joy. Armor drops to the ground as everyone rushes forward to greet us and celebrate. It takes some time to calm everyone back down enough to sort out the situation and get us on the move, but with as many people as we have, we decide to take both ships back to Tumbilion just to be safe.

I hug Melodia, whispering close to where I assume her ear hole is to keep things between us. “Are you sure you’re okay? What happened with Kurgash?”

She pulls back, waving Tonya on as she leads half of the Sautii to another room for the voyage. I nod to Vahru, his head nodding back slightly as he turns, calling out as he, Jeff, and Willa lead the other half of the population to our ship.

“Kari, there’s something we didn’t tell you about our species. Like the octopus that inhabits your oceans, we also have an ink defense. To most other species it is harmless, but to our own, it is very deadly. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to simply escape again, not without it endangering everyone else. He needed to be stopped. I did the only thing I could. I made him a dark drink, one of his favorite delicacies that would hide the ink and poisoned him. In his own writing, he left me as his successor. He wrote that a long time ago when he first captured me and hoped I’d become his wife. It was the only way.”

I stare at her for a moment, soaking it all in. “Melodia, is this something that needs to stay secret? Could you be in trouble if others found out that you killed him?”

“I believe that most of my people know what truly happened to Kurgash. However, it isn’t a good thing either. If anyone does know, they aren’t coming after me because this was a necessary evil, and we all know it.”

I blow a breath out between my lips, standing up straight as I run a hand through my hair. My dear friend is now a killer, but it was essentially necessary. “I won’t say anything, it stays between us.” I look down at her, her eyes wide and worried looking. “Are you going to be okay? Taking a life is a hard burden to carry, so I’ve heard. If you need to talk, I’m here.”

She wraps herself around my waist, a few silent tears leaking from her eyes. “I’m just so relieved that you understand.”

I hug her back, reassuring her that everything is going to be okay. We’ll all get through this together. I smile as I take her tentacle, leading her to the doors before we separate, heading to our own ships. I walk swiftly through the halls until I find Willa in the mess and jump right into helping her get the Sautii settled for our long journey home.

Once we’ve gotten everyone comfortable and shown them where to get food and how to call for us, we head back to the bridge to meet Jeff and Vahru. When I walk onto the bridge, Jeff stands and acknowledges my presence, making me scoff. It’s a habit he’s always had, but it’s unnecessary. Vahru pulls me into his lap, letting me rest against him as he monitors the ship's progress.

“I’ve gotten everything set to autopilot, so as long as we stay on course, we’ll be just fine. You can go get some rest. I’ll stay here and monitor everything. You can trust me, Captain.” Vahru nips my ear as he finishes his statement, teasing me.

I giggle and snuggle against his chest. “That’s okay. I’d rather stay here with you.” I turn to Jeff and Willa, smiling as she kneads his shoulders, his head falling against her chest. “You guys can take the night off if you want. Vahru and I should be able to handle this if you want some rest. You deserve it.”

I throw a wink at Willa before Jeff pops his eyes open, lifting his head to look at me. “Are you sure, Cap? We don’t mind staying and helping.”

“I’m sure. Go rest. The autopilot shouldn’t be too difficult to control.” I chuckle at my own bad joke as Jeff chuffs, sighing as he stands.

“All right, but call if you need me. I’ll come back in a jif. Night, Cap.” He nods to me, grabbing Willa’s hand as he slowly walks toward the hall. Willa looks back over her shoulder, winking at me as she follows him out into the hall.

“Do I want to know what all that winking was about?” Vahru mumbles against my hair, his arms encasing me between him and the console in front of him.

I shift to look at him, grinning as I slip an arm around his shoulders. “I’m just helping Willa out with Jeff, that’s all. Sometimes, a girl’s just gotta take control.”

“Is that so?” He growls as he leans in, devouring my lips. I giggle as my other arm circles his shoulders, holding onto him as he dips me back a little. I tangle my fingers in his hair, tugging just a bit as I pull away from him.

“This room isn’t exactly private. You’re gonna need to keep it in your pants, babe.” I chuckle as he sighs, knowing I’m right.

“We’ll see about that. Just know that when we get home, I’m not holding back. What happened on the way out here was just an appetizer.”

“Ooh, baby, I love it when you talk dirty to me.” I fan myself and laugh as he rolls his eyes, kissing me playfully.

We have several hours before we arrive home, so we settle in, enjoying each other's company. I step over to the other console, checking the camera feeds in the mess and other public rooms to make sure that everyone is still safe and comfortable. It looks like most of our passengers have filled their tummies and fallen asleep. I can’t blame them.

I’m so humbled and deeply satisfied to finally be completing this mission and getting them to safety. It’s been nagging at my mind and heart knowing that they were out there hurt and suffering. I smile as I think about the massive celebration the village is going to throw to welcome all of these new members. My heart just can’t wait to see all the happy faces.

Chapter 7

Jeff

As I walk into my quarters, the weight of the day, of the entire mission, fully smacks me in the face, and it takes everything I have not to just slump over. I plop down on the bed, my elbows dropping to my knees as my hands catch my head. This has been a roller coaster.

It was supposed to be a quick in and out type of mission, get in, rescue the survivors, get out, and go home. Kurgash arriving unannounced and basically holding us hostage was not part of the plan. Him being overthrown - or whatever the hell happened to him, Melodia never told us - was not part of the plan. I admit it was a pleasant bonus, that ending. We’ve saved triple the amount of Sautiitions we expected to, and now the entire population of that little planet will be safe and secure on a new home.

It all happened rather quickly, but it feels like it’s been a week since I’ve rested. I’m emotionally and mentally exhausted. I’ll have to remember to thank Kari properly later for letting me have a moment to rest. It seems I needed it more than I realized.

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