Page 64 of Soros
“Thank you, Zobran. I appreciate that.” My focus was distracted by other team members walking by and all sending me empathetic glances. The two Scilm soldiers stopped on each side of me, and Elan offered in a soft voice, “We Scilms are masters of sexual healing. If you need us to shower you with loving attention or just hold you until you regain your trust in men, we’ll be honored to help.”
Soros, who came walking with Nerix, must have heard Elan’s offer because he came over and placed his arm around my shoulder. “Tania has me. I’ll give her all the loving attention she needs.”
His promise made me lean into him and give Elan and Ayedin a small smile. “You’re too kind.”
“Captain, when are we leaving?” Nerix asked Lios with his usual tone of impatience. Star moved to stand between Nerix and me, close enough that her elbow touched mine.
Lios gave a short answer. “As soon as everyone is onboard and ready.”
“I’m on it!” With a hand on Star’s shoulder, Nerix led her forward and gestured for me to follow. “Let’s get you two secured before take-off.”
Imiron, the Noxin crew member, frowned at me when she walked onboard as the last person. “Why are you here? I thought you were staying on Earth. Isn’t that your home?”
It was impossible to imagine that she hadn’t heard about the horrible situation that Star and I had been through, but there was no trace of sympathy on her face.
“Soros and I are going to talk to the Cultural Committee to get permission to be together.”
“Why?” she asked as we walked side by side to the bridge of the ship.
“Because we want to be together,” Soros answered in a flat tone that underlined that it was a stupid and rather rude question. Hearing him say it out loud made butterflies spread in my belly because for so long I hadn’t thought I would ever get to hear him say that. Soros wanted to be with me. I knew it was against his culture to form a lasting bond to a partner, but with Malliko and Sival as role models, he was now open to exploring what a life together could look like. The timing was crucial as I needed him more than ever. Feeling vulnerable from the violent attack, I soaked up Soros’ comforting attention that I got from the little things he did. Mostly, the reassurance that everything would be okay was in his eyes. I would catch him watching me with concern and a fierce protectiveness that melted my heart. I was used to being strong, competent, and independent. But right now, as I was licking my wounds after the hours spent in that horrible basement, I loved to have Soros as a caring partner who took care of me.
We sat next to each other when theGreat Defendertook off and flew steadily through the large cave system that housed base four. Just before we exited through the volcano, Soros took my hand and asked me, “Are you okay?”
My first instinct was to say “no.” There were too many uncertainties ahead of us and years of mixed emotions behind us. I carried a lot of heavy emotional baggage. Yet, in that moment when Soros looked deeply into my eyes with intense love radiating from him, I nodded my head and gave him a soft smile. “Yes, I’m okay.”
CHAPTER 24
Breaking Point
Soros
Take-off was calm considering that theGreat Defendertook off from inside a volcano. On the surface Tania seemed collected and unaffected by the traumatic events she and Star had lived through. But knowing her, I could tell that she was different. Usually, she was always protective of Star, but it was as if she was trying hard to keep it together for herself and didn’t have anything to give. Her constant need to connect with me through touch gave away how much she needed to feel my support.
Stepping into the role as Tania’s partner and offering her a sense of safety gave me a feeling of purpose and pride. When we first met, she had been the Earth specialist that guided me. She had never needed me the way she did now and even though I wished that none of the awful things had happened, I still felt privileged that I could be there to support Tania now.
The Earth was still in view far below us when Zobran slowed the ship down.
“Captain Lios just informed us that he’s waiting for a pilot to join us for a meeting.” I told Star and Tania, who were always left out whenever telepathic communication occurred. “He’s considering hiring her as a team member.”
“Is it Nerix’s cousin?” Tania asked.
“Yes. Apparently, Malliko has recommended her.”
Nerix stood close by and looked annoyed.
“What’s wrong?” Star asked him and it made him switch to verbal communication as he addressed Lios. “Cacala isn’t a seasoned soldier. She’s a gifted pilot but she only has the basic combat training from the Federation. Our job is too dangerous,” he insisted.
Lios answered calmly but I could tell from his micro expressions that he was fed up with Nerix’s criticism. “Lately, recruiting female soldiers for the Cultural Protection Program is almost impossible. Especially after what’s happening in the Blitton Belt. So many soldiers have died while trying to protect the local population. And then there’s the tragic deaths of Keindra and Ziba, which might scare off applicants. Too many of the other crews are all males. I want at least one of the three open spots to be filled by a female. So far, Cacala is the only woman who is interested, and we desperately need a skilled pilot. Besides me, Zobran is the only other pilot and he’s already lifting too heavy a burden with his expertise on restoring and collecting evidence. My concern is that Cacala is your relative.” Lios looked straight at Nerix. “If she has the same cranky attitude as you, I’m not taking her on and to be honest, she seemed quite feisty when I first met her.”
“Of course, she’s feisty. She’s my cousin. But you’re not hiring her,” Nerix demanded. “I would worry too much about her.”
Lios straightened his back and widened his shoulders. “Last time I checked, I’m the captain making all decisions related to who gets hired and not. Cacala makes her own decisions and no matter what female I’ll pick you’ll always worry.”
“You better not worry about me,” Imiron called out to Nerix from across the bridge. “I would be insulted if you did.”
Nerix frowned at her and shifted his position before returning his focus to Lios. “Cacala isn’t strong or tall like Imiron.”
“She’s not tiny either. She’s a healthy female and will bring balance to the crew,” Lios pointed out. “When she gets here, I would like you stay out of my interview with her. If she feels your resistance, she might withdraw her application.”
