Page 37 of Scars & Starlight
“How does this thing speak English?” the older female asks with a thick accent. I purse my lips.
“Both Kairen and Kiko understand… Well, I guess most human languages,” Tara explains. “The Avaren have nano robots that can do all manner of cool things. Like, I can understand them, too. And this armor.” She points at herself, and the humans’ eyes widen.
“Why should we trust you?” the male asks suspiciously.
“Why shouldn’t you trust us, is the correct question,” I say, though I know they don’t understand. “We could obliterate you in an instant and haven’t yet.”
“What is he saying?” another male demands.
“Oh. Ah. That they’re willing to share supplies and resources to help us defeat our common enemy,” Tara translates.
“Yes. That,” I confirm forher ears only.
After sharing a long look, the humans slowly lower their weapons. Tara’s hands go down with them, and I relax marginally. I’m still ready to turn them into vapor if they prove to be a threat to her, however.
“My name is Walter,” the male who seems to be in charge says. “My sister, Christine,” he says with a head tilt toward the older female. “My brothers, Harold and Ruben.” He indicates two other males who, I can tell now, look alike. “And a few other soldiers in the resistance.” With the last sentence, he sweeps his hand to encompass the other males and females.
“The resistance?” Tara asks, taking in the group.
Walter shrugs. “Just ordinary people who didn’t agree with the decisions the politicians have been making since the invasion,” he explains.
“I see. We have similar factions in the States. Well, I’m Tara,” my princess says with determination befitting a royal. “I guess we should go somewhere safe and talk about how to get rid of those big alien bastards.”
19
TARA
“This area is beautiful,” Kairen says softly as we fly above the Alps early next morning.
I yawn into my hand, regretting partying late into the night with the Dutch and Belgians. They softened surprisingly fast once their homebrewed beer started flowing. Priorities.
“I can’t look,” I complain, squinting despite the light protection of the Talon’s glass. It’s crystal clear even though we probably hit every type of flying bug, and it dims when illuminated directly.
SUBOPTIMAL PHYSICAL STATE DUE TO ETHANOL INTOXICATION.
Yeah, I know, I know.
I feel like I’m arguing with a split personality.
“Human tolerance to spirits is somewhat lacking,” the prince teases with a smug-looking expression. When his eyes flash, I know he’s speaking to his nanites. I guess my eyes do the same now?
“I created a nutrient drink specifically for your current ailment. It’s waiting for you at the synth module,” he tells me, and suddenly I’m not mad at his superiority anymore.
I lean over and kiss his cheek. His neural filaments flicker in response, making my heart sing.
As I walk to the nutrient station, I think about my relationship with the prince. We’ve been sleeping in the same bed for days now, and nothing has happened besides some passionate make-out sessions. I’m on the wrong side of my thirties, for heaven’s sake, yet we’re moving at a snail’s pace. Maybe Avaren don’t take sex as lightly as humans do? Jesus, what if they only have sex for procreation?
I know they’re built similarly, I think to myself as I stir the alien smoothie with a straw. Though I still haven’t forgotten about those bumps and ridges I saw when he… expressed his interest.
As I return to the cockpit, Kairen takes one look at me before his smile fades.
“What’s wrong? Your breathing is elevated. Are you going to be sick?” he asks.
I blush so hard I feel like I have a fever. “I just need to sit down and I’ll be fine,” I lie.
“Hmm,” he muses before his eyes flash. “Oh.” He smirks, making my blush spread down my neck and chest.
Freaking tattling nanites.
