Page 19 of Krin

The silence of the bridge was broken at last.

“I found it!” exclaimed the helmsman eagerly. “Sir, the scans indicate several humans on board.”

“Deactivate their propulsion system.”

The crewman obeyed my command, and fired upon the engines of the Krilex vessel, stranding them in space.

Commander Ezan and I exchanged a glance. True to form, the enemy hailed us, and their Captain wasted no time in making threats.

I folded my arms, telepathically instructing the helm to teleport the females from their ship to ours once the Krilex vessel’s shields were disabled, all while sporting a smile.

When we noted their safe arrival, I addressed one of the other warriors without taking my eyes off the holo-screen.‘See that the females are checked out by the medic and tell them we will return them to their colony right away.’

I glared at the reptilian who stared back at me on the screen. “We have the females you have taken. I want information about who you were delivering them to.”

“What do you mean? We weren’t...” he stopped speaking and growled.

I continued to direct my gaze towards him, letting my hands fall to my sides. “Nice try. Where were you taking them? Is it to the shape-shifters?”

With a puzzled expression, he tilted his head in confusion. “There are no shape-shifters in this section of space.” He spoke as though he believed I was trying to deceive him.

“The Unknown aliens you are working for are shape-shifters. Weak, pathetic creatures, actually.”

It was clear that the Krilex Captain was not happy with the turn of events.

“The deal with our allies was orchestrated by our leader ‘Yaz the Strong’. Their shape-changing abilities were unknown to us. If it were up to me, I would sell the females at auction in the neutral zone. They are worth far more than we receive from the Voletti.”

A low growl vibrated through me at his words. The repulsive reptile lacked any sense of morality. “The Voletti?” I asked, glad we finally had a name for the new enemy. “That is the name of their race?”

He grunted his response.

“What do the Voletti give you in exchange for females?” I already knew they gave the Krilex technology, but wondered if I could gather more information from the reptilian.

“Their payment has solely been in technology. Specifically, only to a handful of Krilex vessels.”

“Let me guess, you are not one of those vessels?” My hands were on my hips as I studied the alien on the screen for any signs of deception.

“Correct. I plan to return to the Ashrak cluster after this last drop off.”

“You did not answer my earlier question. Where were you taking the females?”

He complained but ultimately yielded and answered with a location.

“Our intention was to rendezvous with a Voletti ship at the designated spot for the exchange.”

“If you’re not there to meet them, what will they do?” We were headed in the opposite direction to where the Krilex were meeting the enemy. I would have Dril contact another Protectorate vessel in that area to deal with the Voletti.

The aliens face twisted into a sneer. “It does not matter. I am done following the Voletti’s orders.” He paused. His lipless maw pressed tight. “What will you do now that you have disabled our ship?” His voice told me he was annoyed by the inconvenience rather than afraid.

I stood in silence, arms crossed, glaring at the enemy.

Though I preferred not to kill unless necessary, I knew any Krilex ship found floating in Alaran space didn’t stand a chance if a Drakkari Protectorate vessel found them.

“I think we will leave you here. If you manage to get your ship’s engines working again, I suspect you won’t get far. A report has already gone out to all Protectorate ships in the area of your presence. If you survive long enough to leave Alaran space, I suggest you do not return.”

7

Riley

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