Page 70 of Malliko
Lios’ voice turned deeper and calmer as if he was bonding to an obstinate or scared species. “Believe me. If I had wanted to cloud your mind, I would have done so,” he defended himself. “I was simply suggesting that you show how generous you are.”
The edge of Cacala’s lips rose. “You’re not the first Ugon man to use your persuasive powers on me. I know how to block it. If you want to see Earth, then you can ask to come along in my shuttle. There’s room for three passengers. I’m not giving away my landing permit.”
“But we can’t all fit in your shuttle. There’s nine of us on the team and with Malliko that makes ten passengers.”
Cacala shrugged. “Malliko and I are going, and the last two seats are available.”
Nerix threw up his hands. “You mean the last seat, as clearly I should go when I’m your cousin.”
Ayedin and Elan were both Scilms, and with their species being some of the most generous and laid-back people it wasn’t surprising that they told Lios, “You should go, Captain. We’ll help Zobran get the game to work and enjoy some time off.” With a charming smile, Elan moved closer to Cacala. “Take all the time you need and give them a long tour. The longer you keep the captain occupied the longer we get to relax.”
She looked up at Elan and broke into a warm smile. “I’ll do my best.”
His grin was contagious. “Thank you. May our paths meet again soon.” He looked out the large panorama windows and then back to her. “Few can compete with the breathtaking celestial display of stars and galaxies out there. However, you are a sight to behold and truly a marvel of nature.”
I sighed when I saw the way they stared into each other’s eyes. It was always the same with the Scilms. They were sensual and seductive and couldn’t help but charm people.
“I’ll happily accept.” Lios shoved at Elan’s shoulder lightly. “Quit playing.”
Elan grinned wider. “Why? It’s rare to meet someone as intriguing.”
“Don’t listen to him, cousin,” Nerix warned Cacala. “I apologize for my teammates. They’re Scilms. They learn how to charm women in school.”
Elan laughed. “We don’t need to learn how to be charming. It comes naturally. Just like being thickheaded comes naturally to you, Nerix.”
Cacala had color in her cheeks when she refocused and pointed to the shuttle. “Let’s go then.”
Nerix, Lios, and I all walked to the shuttle when Elan shouted, “Hey, Captain.”
Lios, Cacala, and I all turned, and it made the team laugh.
Elan looked straight at Cacala. “We’ll be here when you get back. Come see our ship and I’ll happily tell you about the adventures we have experienced across the Universe.”
It was typical of the Scilms to be bold when it came to making a move on someone who they wanted attention from. Nerix placed an arm around Cacala and answered his teammate. “She already knows about those stories from me.”
Cacala was a head smaller than Nerix but pushed him away. “I don’t need you to answer for me. Why are you suddenly so protective? What’s wrong with you?”
“You’re family. If I’m not going to protect you then who is?”
She kept walking but stared at him like it was the dumbest thing she’d ever heard. “Me.I’mtaking care of myself.”
“Do you mind if I take us to Earth?” Lios asked Cacala.
She stopped and angled her head. “That depends. Would you let me fly if I came onboard your spacecraft?”
Lios smiled. “That’s not the same. Mine is bigger and more complicated. How could I trust that you could handle it?”
Cacala got inside the shuttle and geared up the machine.
“I guess that’s a no then?” Lios said as he got into the round shuttle.
“That’s right. Don’t ask for what you’re unwilling to give.”
With a sideways glance to Nerix, Lios muttered, “I see the attitude runs in your family.”
“What was that?” Cacala asked while looking to see that we were all strapped in.
“Nothing. I was just complimenting Nerix on having such a tough cousin.”
