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“Your human mate is quite knowledgeable,” Sarrik commented to me as we approached the carrier.

“She’s not just knowledgeable,” I replied with pride. “She single-handedly disabled the facility’s defense systems and bomb countermeasures. Without her, neither Khaaz nor I would have survived.”

Sarrik’s respect was evident in his nod. “Command will be interested in that skillset.”

I felt a flash of possessiveness at his words. “Everly is not a resource to be utilized. She’s my mate—our mate,” I amended, including Khaaz with a glance.

“Of course, Commander,” Sarrik said smoothly. “I meant no disrespect. It’s simply rare to find such abilities.”

Before I could respond, the vessel docked with the carrier, the airlock cycling with a soft hiss. As we disembarked, I kept Everly and Khaaz close, my protective instincts heightened in the unfamiliar environment.

The carrier’s commanding officer, a stern-faced female Rodinian with the rank insignia of a Captain, met us at the docking bay. She offered me the formal salute of equals, acknowledging my status as a Legion Reaper.

“Commander Zehn,” she said, her voice crisp. “I’m Captain Lirrik. Welcome aboard the Starclaw. We’ve been instructed to transport you and your mates directly to Rodinia Tertius for debriefing.”

I returned her salute. “Captain. My prowler?”

“Already secured in the lower bay,” she replied. “Engineering reports damage to the propulsion systems but nothing that can’t be repaired en route.”

She turned her attention to Everly and Khaaz, her gaze assessing but not unfriendly. “Quarters have been prepared for you in the officers’ section. We’ve allocated a suite designed for families rather than standard personnel quarters.”

Through our bond, I felt Everly’s surprise and Khaaz’s cautious relief. The Legion’s accommodation was unexpected but welcome—further evidence that Command was treating our bond with appropriate respect.

“Thank you, Captain,” I said. “When will we be underway?”

“As soon as you’re settled,” she replied. “Estimated arrival at Rodinia Tertius is three standard cycles. Command has requested a preliminary briefing via secure channel in two hours.”

I nodded my acknowledgment, and Captain Lirrik assigned a junior officer to escort us to our quarters. As we moved through the carrier’s corridors, I noted the reactions of the crew we passed—curious glances, respectful nods, but no overt hostility or disgust. Word of our unusual bond had clearly spread, but Legion discipline held firm.

Our assigned quarters were spacious by carrier standards—a main living area with attached sleeping chamber and private bathing facilities. The furnishings were simple but comfortable, designed for beings larger than Everly but accommodating her smaller size with adjustable features.

“Not bad,” Everly said, exploring the space with her usual curiosity. “Definitely an upgrade from the facility.”

Khaaz moved to check the entry points and scanning for surveillance devices, his caution ingrained from years of survival. Finding nothing concerning, he finally relaxed enough to settle on one of the sleeping platforms, his scarred form still tense but no longer poised for immediate flight.

I joined him, our shoulders touching in silent communion. Through our bond, his unspoken question reached me: Is this real? Are we truly safe?

“Yes,” I murmured, answering aloud. “This is real. You are under my protection, under Legion protection now. Both of you.”

Everly came to sit on my other side, her small hand finding mine. “I have to admit, I didn’t expect such acceptance in reality. Especially of the three of us together.”

“Rodinian culture holds the mate bond sacred above all else,” I explained, putting into words what I’d tried to convey before. “It transcends rank, politics, even interspecies differences. Once formed, it’s considered inviolable. That’s why Command didn’t question your presence, Everly, or yours, Khaaz. To do so would violate our most fundamental reason for being.”

“Convenient,” Everly said with a small smile.

“Pragmatic,” I corrected gently. “Rodinians are, above all, practical. Our society functions because we recognize and respect bonds of all kinds—warrior to commander, citizen to state, and most importantly, mate to mate. It’s not sentiment but survival.”

The preliminary briefing with Command went better than I’d anticipated. The holographic projection of Commander Thorvik, my direct superior for the past seven cycles, showed no surprise at the sight of my mates seated beside me. He acknowledged them with a formal greeting before focusing on the mission parameters.

“The facility you discovered appears to be of significant strategic value,” he said, his gruff voice filling our quarters. “The initial data you transmitted confirms our suspicions about Kridrin activity in the sector from years past. We need a full debriefing when you reach Rodinia Tertius.”

“Understood, Commander,” I replied. “Everly has extracted extensive archives from the facility’s database. They contain information about Kridrin technology, dimensional transit capabilities, and possibly locations of other outposts.”

Thorvik’s gaze shifted to Everly, who sat straight-backed beside me. “Your assistance in this matter is appreciated, Ms.Flores. Once we reach Rodinia Tertius, we can arrange transport back to Terra Prime if you wish to return home.”

The suggestion sent a wave of primal rage through me before I could control it. A growl built in my chest, echoed by Khaaz’s deeper rumble. The thought of Everly being separated from us, even by her own choice, was physically painful.

To my relief, Everly laughed, her hand finding mine in a calming gesture. “That won’t be necessary, Commander. My home is with my mates now. Wherever they go, I go.”

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