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For the first time in my existence, I belonged. And as sleep claimed me, cradled between my mates, I knew with absolute certainty that nothing—not Legion Command, not whatever awaited us beyond this sanctuary—could ever take that away from me.

20 /EVERLY

The Legion reconvessel descended through the atmosphere at dawn, its sleek form cutting through the mist that shrouded the facility. I stood at the entrance with my mates flanking me—Everly’s small form to my right, Khaaz’s scarred bulk to my left. Through our bond, I felt their tension mirroring my own. This would be the first test of our newly formed connection, the first time others would witness what we had become to each other. My hand found Everly’s, fingers intertwining with hers while my other arm pressed against Khaaz’s shoulder in silent reassurance. Whatever came next, we would face it together.

The vessel’s landing gear extended as it approached, touching down with practiced precision on the clearing we’d prepared. The engine’s hum decreased to a low purr before cutting out entirely. For a moment, nothing moved. Then the side hatch slid open, revealing four Legion soldiers in full combat gear.

I recognized the insignia of the Seventh Recon Division—elite scouts known for their discretion and efficiency. Good. Command had sent their best, which meant they understood the sensitivity of our situation.

“Remain here,” I murmured to my mates, stepping forward to meet the approaching soldiers. The lead officer removed his helmet, revealing the gray-striped muzzle of a veteran Rodinian.

“Commander Zehn,” he said, offering the formal salute of one warrior to another. “Lieutenant Sarrik, Seventh Recon. We’ve been sent to extract you and your mates.”

His curious gaze toward Everly and Khaaz didn’t escape my notice, nor the way his nostrils flared as he took in our combined scents. The claiming marks would be obvious to any Rodinian, as would the nature of our three-way bond.

“Lieutenant,” I acknowledged, returning his salute. “My mates and I are ready for extraction. The facility has been secured, and we’ve gathered significant data regarding its origins and purpose.”

“Of course, Commander,” he replied smoothly. “We’re here to ensure your safe return to Legion space, nothing more.”

I felt a wave of relief through our bond—Khaaz’s anxiety easing slightly at the lieutenant’s words. Everly’s curiosity piqued as she observed the interaction, her analytical mind already assessing the power dynamics at play.

“Your prowler has been located,” Sarrik continued. “Second team is securing it for transport now. Is there anything else that needs retrieval from this location?”

“The research data,” Everly said, stepping forward to stand beside me. Her voice was clear and confident despite her small stature among the towering Rodinians. “There are several data cores I’ve extracted from the facility’s archives. They contain information about the Kridrin that could be vital to Legion intelligence.”

Sarrik’s gaze shifted to her, then to Khaaz who had moved protectively to her other side. I felt the lieutenant’s assessment as he took in Khaaz’s hybrid features, the extensive scarring that marked him as something other than a pure Rodinian. Tomy satisfaction, Sarrik’s expression showed only professional interest, not disgust or suspicion.

“We’ll ensure everything is transferred securely,” he said, gesturing to one of his team members. “Specialist Mrek will assist with the data cores.”

A younger Rodinian stepped forward, nodding respectfully to Everly. “If you’ll show me what needs to be transported, ma’am?”

Everly glanced at me, and I gave her a slight nod. Through our bond, I sent reassurance—these were my people, disciplined soldiers who respected the chain of command. She and Khaaz would be treated with dignity.

“This way,” she said to the specialist, leading him back into the facility with Khaaz following close behind, his protective instincts evident in every line of his body.

While they gathered the research materials, I briefed Sarrik on the sentinel drones we’d neutralized and the facility’s defense systems. He listened attentively, occasionally making notes on his datapad.

“Command will want a full report,” he said when I’d finished. “This discovery could have significant strategic implications, especially if there are more Kridrin derelicts such as this one in Legion space.”

I nodded, thinking of the archives Everly had been studying. “There may be. The facility’s records indicate an extensive network, though many of the coordinates are in dimensional shorthand we haven’t fully decoded yet.”

“All the more reason to get you and your mates back to Rodinia Tertius quickly,” Sarrik replied. “The science division there is better equipped for this kind of analysis.”

The mention of a science division sent a spike of alarm through our bond—Khaaz’s fear flaring as he and Everlyreturned with the specialist, each carrying containers of data cores.

I moved to Khaaz’s side immediately, my hand finding the back of his neck in a gesture of comfort and possession. “Not that science division,” I assured him quietly. “These are legitimate researchers, nothing like the Kridrin engineers that hurt you. I give you my word.”

Khaaz’s tension eased slightly at my touch, though the wariness remained in his eyes. Through our bond, I felt Everly’s protective anger on his behalf, her determination that he would never again be treated as an experiment.

“Your mate will be treated with all the respect due a bonded Rodinian,” Sarrik said firmly, surprising me with his directness. “Command has made that explicitly clear to all divisions.”

I hadn’t expected such open acknowledgment, and from Khaaz’s startled expression, neither had he. A weight I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying lifted from my shoulders. Command wasn’t just accepting our unusual bond—they were actively protecting it.

“Then we’re ready to leave,” I said, gathering my mates with a glance. “This place has served its purpose.”

As we boarded the recon vessel, I cast one last look at the Kridrin facility that had brought us together. For all its alien technology and mysterious origins, it had given us something priceless—the bond that now hummed between us, strong and unbreakable.

The journey to the Legion carrier stationed in orbit was brief but tense. Khaaz remained alert, his body coiled for action despite my constant reassurance through our bond. Everly, ever adaptable, engaged Lieutenant Sarrik in conversation about Legion protocols and structure, her natural intelligence and curiosity evident in her pointed questions.

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