Page 17 of Krin

“Where is Tulia?”Maybe we could just hang out and chat?

“I know what you’re trying to do,human... and it will not work. We are here to spar. Not chat. Now come at me,” his kind smile told me he wasn’t really annoyed.

Feigning offense, I announced as I moved towards him. “I have a name. It’s Riley.” To catch him off guard, I swiftly delivered a sidekick. My foot connected with him harder than I intended as I struck his lower abdomen, but thankfully missed his groin.

Startled, Aza’s eyes flashed open wide as he stumbled back with the wind knocked out of him.

“I had planned to take it easy on you.” His lips quirked up in one corner. “But it seems you have some skills.”

I shrugged and gave him a cocky grin. “A few. I’m not a helpless female.”

Aza’s grin could rival that of a Cheshire cat. He appeared to be impressed. “I never said you were helpless.”

He gestured, using his fingers. “Come on. There is nothing to be afraid of... if I hurt you Captain Krin will kill me.”

I gave a sarcastic eye roll. “I doubt that.”Krin barely knows I exist.

“I’m not afraid.” And I wasn’t, not really. “I’m not used to fighting someone so much bigger than me.”Or someone with claws,my mind added.

He chuckled, standing up straight, and taking a step towards me.

This was my chance. I turned slightly and kicked out at him, expecting to make contact again. Aza caught my foot this time and pulled it toward him, causing me to fall to the floor with a thud.

“Ouch.” I crashed to the floor. “I thought you weren’t going to hurt me?”

His brows raised and his head tilted to one side. “You are still able to stand, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but...” I rubbed my lower back.

He studied me, interrupting. “And you aren’t bleeding?”

“No, but...” Damn, his cockiness was annoying.

“You might benefit from some fighting lessons, after all.” He had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he gave me a playful smile.

In agreement with Aza, I pressed my lips into a small frown. Despite being out of practice, there was no chance I would admit I needed help.

“I’m not asking for training, just some exercise.”

Aza tilted his head from left to right before assuming a fighting position.

He went easier on me for the rest of the session, but dodged my punches like a pro. I managed to land a few hits, but I didn’t exactly show off my fighting skills.

When all was said and done, I was sore, but it was great to be active again.

6

Krin

SOON AFTER WE SET OFF, we started receiving alerts indicating unauthorized entry into different parts of the ship. We quickly realized that Riley had hacked into our computer systems.

“Sir, how would you like me to handle the situation?” helmsman and pilot, Dril, asked.

I had to smile to myself at her persistence. It was impossible not to be impressed by the intelligence and capabilities of the attractive female.

The situation only heightened my feelings of guilt. Maybe I should have taken Trex’s advice and invited her to join the crew. My own selfishness made me shake my head silently in disapproval. I was torn, hesitant to endanger Riley by asking her to stay on the ship. And reluctant to drop her off on a human colony.

“Observe her actions within the computer system. Do nothing unless she compromises the ship or endangers herself.”

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