Page 32 of Oh No, I Shot A Spaceship And Kissed An Alien Cyberchef

“I have no interest in finding a mate,” the General replies stiffly.

“Why?”

“A female deserves the finer things in life. I am a decorated war General. I have seen war the likes of which you could not comprehend. I am not the soft, kind male that a female deserves, and I cannot provide that life to her.”

“You think you are broken,” I say, nodding. “I understand, I do. Just consider this though; you might be exactly who she needs.”

The General stares at me perplexed, looking like he has a million questions but no idea where to even start.

“Like I said, defective. You see yourself as wrong, as the problem. Others might even accuse you of it. But sometimes you’ve got to do the wrong thing in order to do the right thing. You know? Even if others don’t agree with your methods.”

Just like how I push those who don’t care about me away. Only those who survive my snark are welcomed into my inner circle; the people who really care about me.

A knock at the door has us turning. I hope he understands. I prayhe does.

“Sorry we are late,” Rist says as he steps through first, shoulders held stiff. Behind him is Major Zoreth, a Volscian stranger and...

“Nelan!” It’s the first time I’ve seen him since he was arrested. My very soul demands I hold him close, to know that he’s safe and sound. I throw myself into his arms. They don’t wrap around me…

I pull back, only now realizing that he’s got handcuffs on. Well, something that looks like handcuffs. Big, metal bracelets that look heavy as all heck. I very much doubt he’s chosen now to test out a new up-and-coming fashion style.

I’m also distinctly aware of how everyone’s staring at me, hugging Nelan like he’s about to go to the chopping block.

Oh gosh, I don’t think I can ever cut meat up again, not after that metaphor has hit my brain. Great job, Laura. You’ve just ruined cooking for yourself.

“It’s perfect timing actually,” I tell the newcomers, clearing my throat. “The General and I were just talking about defects.”

“Defects?” Major Zoreth asks, his gaze jumping from me to the General. His face is a blank mask, but there’s a tightness around his eyes and lips.

“Did you know that on my home world, my old mate considered me a defect?” I ask him.

Nelan growls. Actually growls. That sound does something to me... maybe because the only other time I’ve ever heard him make that noise is in the bedroom. “You are perfect the way you are, Laura. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to tell you earlier, I…”

He steps forward as if to comfort me, but the whole thing is awkward when he can’t even hug me.

“Thank you,” I tell him, honestly.

“It took me a long time to learn that there was nothing wrong with me. It was all him. Still, I had to pick myself up, broken pieces and all, and heal. I was alone by then, with no one else to help me.”

I blink the tears away that gather in my eyes. The other night was the first time I opened up and spoke about my past. Today is just as hard. One day I can only hope that it won’t haunt me as much as it does.

It helps when everyone around you looks absolutely furious, like they are contemplating murdering someone they’ve never met. It helps to know that you aren’t truly alone, even if you sometimes feel like it. It’s like having your own personal angry mob, but in a good way.

“Have you heard of Kintsugi?” I ask. Of course they haven’t. “It’s the ancient art of repairing broken pottery. Putting it all back together again with veins of gold. Making it something even more valuable than what you began with.”

Despite the situation, I find myself laughing. “It’s kind of like how I’m held together with sarcasm and spite, but it makes me sparkle.”

Major Zoreth huffs with frustration. “Female, we have come here to discuss the crimes of this male. If you are stalling, know that it won’t achieve anything. He will be found guilty.”

I glare at the male.

“You are missing my point,” I tell him, voice firm. “It’s about improving yourself. You experience something and learn not to repeat the same mistakes again.”

“I don’t see what that’s got to do with anything!” Zoreth says. “Can we remove her from the room? This is takingtoo long.”

“Why the rush?” The General asks. “I’m not going anywhere any time soon. Besides, we are on holiday.”

“Let’s get to the point then, shall we?” I ask. I smile at Rist, hoping I look reassuring and not utterly like an insane woman.

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