Page 17 of Chieftain
“If the Bardaga were to enter Earth's orbit and engage another ship, then your planet would learn of our existence. The Planetary Alliance that governs my kind and others ruled that any planet unaware of other lifeforms cannot be contacted. Earth’s technology is primitive. You could not defend against an attack even from the weakest in the Alliance.”
“So, it's all about keeping Earth unaware that you exist to keep us safe?”
“Correct.”
A heavy sigh seemed to make her body smaller. “Is the Alliance like your president? Your ruler?”
"There is no one ruler of the Alliance. Every species and planet are represented, and all decisions are made collectively.”
“Democracy in outer space,” Emmy snorted. “Who knew?”
"Yes," I agreed, curious why she pressed her lips together to stop the twitching.
“What’s your ship like?” Emmy asked as the tractor beam gave another jerk. She'd shifted to watch through the pod's frontal view, so her back pressed against my chest. The scent of her curls was dizzying—floral, spicy, and sweet.
"Like any battle cruiser." I watched the large dock doors on the lower front quadrant slowly open. "It has living quarters for my crew, a training area, plus a prison on the lowest levels of the ship. My crew is devoted and well-trained. We have a Framaddi onboard that acts as a chef, so I suspect our meals are better than most."
Emmy looked over her shoulder at me, her nose crinkling adorably. “What’s a Framaddi?”
“The Framaddi are a species devoted to spreading culture among the galaxies. They make excellent musicians, artisans, and chefs. You will meet Orzon. He will be responsible for seeing to your comfort while aboard the Bardaga.”
“Am I … will I be the only human on board?" The slightest shudder ran through her body. If we weren't touching, I would have missed it.
“Until we locate the other humans, yes." I ran a hand through the hair at the nape of her neck. Emmy seemed to like having her hair stroked, perhaps not quite as much as I enjoyed stroking the silky tresses. "Please do not fear, tiny human. Mycrew is oath-bound to rescue and protect your kind. They will not be a danger to you."
Emmy turned her head, sharp green eyes meeting mine. "I trust you. Please don't make me regret that." She said softly. From the expression flitting across her face, I wondered if the words meant more than a simple response to my statement.
“I give you my work as a Vaktaire chieftain. I will protect you with my life.”
A heavy sigh escaped her lips, and the corners of her mouth turned upward faintly. She looked out the port window again as the tractor beam drew us to a stop, hovering in the middle of the ship’s loading dock.
The gigantic winch in the center of the dock used to move ships and supplies captured the pod as the tractor beam disengaged, setting us down without upset. I used the heel of my boot against the overhead window, and the upper glass lifted away with a resoundingpoof.
Our time in the pod did not exceed three of what humans called hours; still, my body felt sluggish as I hopped onto the deck. Emmy would need assistance. The pod was small but sat too high above the floor for her tiny human legs to maneuver. Resisting my offer to lift her out, she took my hand, sat on the pod's side, and shimmied down. Before her dainty feet hit the floor, my council surrounded us.
Emmy turned, her eyes going wide. The hand in my palm turned to grip my fingers with surprising strength.
It felt right.
I offered a smile, hoping introductions would soothe her worry. "Emmy, may I present my council. Tarook, my weaponsmaster. Hakkar, our healer. Jutuk, the ship's navigator, Daicon, my battle chief, and my Sage Charick." As I said their name, each male stepped forward, a fist laid over his heart, and gave an extended nod—the signal of greeting and respect from my people.
“Hello.” Emmy’s voice held no trepidation, but she pressed closer to my side, the grip of her hand not wavering
"Greetings, human." My Sage gave a deep bow, his expression wary. Emmy wasn’t the first human to be brought aboard the Bardaga, but she was definitely the calmest.
With a broad sweep of his arm, Charick led the way to the large room down the hall from the dock entrance. We used the area for meetings, mission debriefings, guests, or when what was said between the six of us needed to be kept from the rest of the crew. Not many were allowed access to the inner workings of our vessel, for good reason. Several Vaktaire ships had been damaged or destroyed by those allowed on board posing as allies.
I slowed my stride so Emmy could keep up with me. Her small hand clutched mine while her other hand rested on my bicep. I could hear her heartbeat. It was fast but not overly so. Her scent, which reminded me of the floral fields of my home world, held a sharp edge. She smelled anxious but without the burning, metallic scent of fear.
The room held a long oval table that seated twenty, with a console at the far end used for refreshments. The longest wall was a bank of dark screens connected to the ship's comm system. I took my place in the chair at the head of the table while pulling out a seat on my left for Emmy. She looked like a smallchild in the oversized seat, and without much thought, I pulled her chair closer to mine. My council settled themselves in their usual seats, keeping a guarded watch on Emmy. Humans tended to scream when they were around us, and they likely wondered why she had not.
The only outward indication of the tiny human's unease was a jerk when the doors whished open again, admitting Orzon, followed by several crew members carrying trays of food and drink.
"It is good to see you, my Chieftain," Orzon announced in his usually exuberant voice, motioning for the serving of refreshments. His bright eyes settled on Emmy, who perused him with calm curiousness. As a species, Framaddi were not frightening. They were as small as humans with stocky bodies, pale blue skin, platinum hair, and light blue eyes. In my Earth studies, I saw an image of a painting calledRaphel’s Cherubs. The Framaddi reminded me of wingless versions of those tiny creatures, save for the blue skin and wickedly sharp teeth.
"Emmy, this is Orzon." The human started when I said her name, but the smile she turned on the Framaddi was sincere and friendly. "Orzon will see to your needs while you are on the Bardaga."
"It's nice to meet you, Orzon." Emmy held out her hand.
