Page 7 of Resisting the Alien Commander

Horek

I’m not sure what to make of these humans. There is something about them that is different from the ones on Tavikh. The ones on our neighboring planet are much more open with their emotions. More…approachable, perhaps. Despite being out on patrol again, my mind is not on my surroundings, but rather on the females I left back in their new home. From the quick study I took of our new arrivals, most of them appeared guarded. Is it because these females are from what their planet calls the bottom tier?

That was one of Alik’s stipulations when he made the arrangement with the female human’s leader. Eloise had suggested it. She and her Tavikhi mate travelled back to Bohna with us after our last trip to Tavikh and assisted him with the bride negotiations. According to her, the females in the bottom tier would benefit greatly from leaving Earth. They are not treated well, and offering opportunities to those who wouldn’t ever get them by remaining was the right thing to do. On Bohna, the females will have access to anything they want or need, from better healthcare to an education, if that is something they desire.

One female in particular had caught my eye. There wasn’t anything specifically about her that stood out from the rest, and yet I found my gaze drifting to her more than once. Her long dark hair had shimmered with highlights that matched my skin tone perfectly. But it had been her bright eyes that held me. There had been sorrow and pain within their inky depths, yet they glinted with a steely determination that matched the ramrod straight posture she presented. She and three other females remained close to each other but separate from the rest.

I push her image away and return my focus to the task at hand. Pedestrians stroll through the city streets intent on their destination. Conversations carry on the wind, as do the scents filtering from the market square where many of our people still peddle their wares. Food stalls line one side of the market where they sell everything from tannek meat kebobs to leaf wrapped geck. After technology, agriculture is our biggest industry.

My comm beeps. I tap the button on the wrist device and speak into it. “Commander Horek. Report.”

“Sir, there is a disturbance on the outer city perimeter near the rainforest,” the voice on the other end replies.

“What kind of disturbance?” I’m already heading in that direction.

“A rebel was caught trying to sneak into Preska.”

“I’m on my way.” I end the communication and increase my pace.

What is one of the rebels doing this close to the city alone? Is this a diversionary tactic?

I won’t get any answers until I interrogate the male. It takes far too long before I finally reach my destination. There, shackled to a tree, is a lone rebel surrounded by no less than four armed guards. He sits on the ground with an air of confidence like he doesn’t care he’s been detained. There’s no fear in his gaze. In fact, the smirk on his lips indicates he’s amused more than anything.

“Commander,” one of the younger guards greets me.

I nod but don’t remove my focus from the rebel. Unlike most of the city residents, his horns haven’t been shorn. They spiral up from either side of his head and curl slightly backwards. For someone who inhabits the rainforest, his clothing is clean and intact. He could be any one of our citizens, which is problematic. There are rumors of spies living within Preska’s walls.

“So you’re the great Commander Horek.” the rebel drawls.

“And you are?”

His smirk changes into a full-blown smile. “I’m no one important.”

“Is that so?”

“Not to you at least,” he says.

“Maybe you should let me be the judge of that.” This rebel is far too cocky for my liking.

“I’m not sure I trust your judgment. You are, after all, loyal to the interloper on the throne.”

I grit my teeth. “Alik is no interloper. He is the only son of King Danik and Queen Veroneek and the rightful heir of Preska.”

That smirk reappears. “If you say so.”

“I do say so, and for anyone to question otherwise is treason.”

The rebel tsks. “Treason is a such a strong word. Although your defense of your cousin is admirable.”

I’m tired of these games already. “What were you doing trying to sneak in to Preska?”

He sucks in a fake shocked breath. “Sneak? I was doing nothing more than minding my own business when your guards grabbed me and bound me to this tree like a common criminal. What laws did I break?”

“You were skulking about,” one of the guards says.

The rebel laughs. It’s deep and from his belly. “Skulking? Is that what you say I was doing?”

“It’s more than obvious you’re not a citizen of the city.” It’s my job to be aware of every single person that populates Preska. This male is not one of us.

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