Page 5 of Rescuing Mara

Not when I’m shattered within. I’ve endured so much loss - my family, the families of others, and even the loss of our planet. I heave a sigh, letting the grief wash over me. I have always been an empath, once my greatest strength, now my biggest weakness. I keep that buried and locked away to keep me going. But right now, I’m all alone, and I can just be. So, I let myself be weak, just for a moment.

A single tear slowly escapes my eye and marks my cheek, making me feel every single loss. I send a silent prayer into the night. Please let my Zarra be okay. I cannot lose her on top of everything else. I would not survive.

* * *

When my crewmatesarrive at the Command Center in the early hours of the morning, I have already plotted a course to Centauri IV and am eager to depart. I am restless, and my stomach is tied in knots.

The computer alerts me to a visitor at the airlock. I check it out while my team eats their breakfast. I place my hand on the automatic lock, and the door slides away, revealing a perfectly put-together M’Ran.

“My prince,” he formally addresses me before he places a fist against his opposite shoulder and bows his head.

“I heard you were leaving.” Then he gives me a penetrating stare.

Sighing, I apologize. “I am sorry, M’Ran. I should have told you when we decided to leave this morning.” He nods, and his gaze softens.

“I worry about you, sir,” he begins. I let out a huff, which earns me another stern look. “You are not yourself. I am afraid you will walk headfirst into danger if you even catch the faintest smell of a Sternotheri.”

I smirk. He is not wrong. All my senses are on high alert, and I do not know if anybody can stop me when I see a Sterno. “I am not alone. I have my crew with me. They will look after me and help me bring my Zarra home.”

He arches his brow, still looking unimpressed. “Perhaps I should join you on this quest? To make sure you are well taken care of?”

“NO!” I almost shout, I cough and recover myself. “That will not be necessary.” I quickly think of a reason that will keep him from joining us on the ship.

“I need you here, M’Ran,” I say, my mind still churning. “I need you to take care of the Ring for me.” I clasp my hand on his shoulder. “There is nobody on the Ring I trust more than you. You always know exactly what is right for our people.”

I see my words are getting to him when he gives me a soft smile.

“Well, I do know everything about everyone here. That is true,” he begins, but then he gives me a thoughtful look, and I know I need to up my game.

“We can be in contact to have regular updates.” I blurt the words out in desperation. His whole face lights up, and I silently curse myself.

“That is an excellent idea, sir.” He beams and places his fist against his shoulder again in ceremony.

“Safe travels, my prince.” His voice is hoarse, and suddenly, my throat feels dry, and I cannot swallow.

“Thank you, my friend,” I croak as I step back and slap my palm against the lock, letting the sliding doors close.

I take a moment to gather myself before I walk back to command. T’Rak has already taken a seat in his chair, and D’Var and L’Ren are settled on the couch. I take my seat next to T’Rak and then link up with my crew.

“Everything is ready.”They both turn their attention to me.

“I have plotted a course that will take us to Centauri IV in approximately four days.” I say the words out loud, not wanting to exclude L’Ren from the conversation. D’Var nods, and T’Rak starts disconnecting our ship from the Ring. As we depart, the engine starts humming, and T’Rak steers the ship into space.

“Let us get your mate.”

CHAPTER4

O’Rec

Leaving the nebula always feels like leaving a part of myself behind. The Ring, a contortion of spaceships where the majority of the Arracate live, is situated in a secret nebula close to the Void. It is an isolated place, therefore, a safe haven for our people.

Our planet was special. We believe our ancestors, the First Warriors, were drawn to it by a very special spark hidden deep below the surface. When our planet was destroyed, we thought we had lost it forever, but one day, one of our crews stumbled upon it in this hidden nebula. I still thank the stars for that day.

I do not believe in coincidence when it comes to the spark. The stars have always guided our people well and would not let us live aimlessly without hope. We created the Ring close to it so we could once again bask in its nearness. And it has been good to us.

Naturally, leaving always has an impact, maybe even more so for me because of my position. However, I cannot imagine that if I were indeed stepping up as their King, I would not fly out with my crew anymore.

We are silent as the ship glides through space. We naturally fall back into our crew roles. T’Rak is our captain, and D’Var takes care of maintenance and weapons. I am in charge of security and navigation, in addition to my position as medical officer.

---