Page 12 of Fated to the Hunter
Deemed too risky to salvage, the compromised ship had been pushed far away from Earth by hundreds of ship blaster shots. We were super lucky that those on board had managed to destroy the thrusters and disconnect the weapons during their escape. So unless the scourge could figure out how to repair Xarc’n technology, we should be safe from an attack.
That still meant we were one mothership down. Hence, project Mothership Earth was born. But there was a big gap between our technology and theirs, and the Tech Wizards needed all the knowledge they could get their hands on.
But that didn’t matter now because, clearly, this nomad thought I was crazy for even asking.
The man closest to me, whom I’d taken as their leader, elbowed the first man who’d spoken. “My apologies,” he said. “My men are a little rough around the edges. What Colt means to say is that it’s too dangerous and you will need to find another group to take the mission.” He rolled the map back up and handed it to me. “I am sure that whatever is on those hard drives is very important, but this is impossible for us. I hope you understand.”
The man’s eyes suddenly moved to something behind me, and so did everyone else’s on his team.
The loudly growled words hit my ears moments before the English translation came from one of those portable external translators.
“I will take you, Kiera of the fiery hair. I will take you on this noble quest to find lost technology.”
I whipped around, knowing exactly who I’d find. Bael’k stood there, chest puffed out and completely bare of any armor, in nothing more than his loincloth and a look of determination.
Did he just say he’d takemeon this noble quest? Me? Information-hoarding, romance-book-reading, can’t-run-a-mile-without-dying, freezes-at-the-first-sight-of-danger, me? On a quest? An outside the settlement walls, in a freaking Dead Zone quest? Was he nuts?
It was so ludicrous that I had no words.
Bael’k’s eyes locked on mine like he was waiting for me to accept the offer. Then, to my utter horror, he dropped down to his knees like some knight in shining armor and placed a massive fist over his chest.
“It is a worthy pursuit. It will be an honor to serve as your guide and protector on this quest.”
The butterflies in my belly decided to start a little rave.
Why did he have to be so valiant?
That was when the purring started. Loud, insistent, and completely unmistakable.
I glanced around. Every pair of eyes in the cafeteria was on me. I froze as heat rose to my cheeks. Did I mention I hated being the center of attention? That was the thing about the post-bug world. New Franklin might be one of the largest settlements in the area, but rumors and gossip still flow through it like a small village.
If I told him yes and accepted his offer, the entire settlement would know about it. It would be all anyone talked about for days. But if I rejected him, they’d be talking about that too.
I weighed the two options.
On one hand, I really wanted to get my hands on those hard drives, and I was willing to do almost anything to get to them, even partner up with a Xarc’n warrior. Also, my only other option just rejected me. And a Xarc’n hunter really was my next best option. Their shuttles were quick and efficient, and they knew how to fight the scourge like nothing else. And plus, Bael’k was easy on the eyes. Like really easy on the eyes.
But on the other hand, the first leg of the mission was inside a Dead Zone! That was suicidal. And I wasn’t brave, or strong, or anything like that.
I was just standing there in shock, mouth hanging open, catching flies, when someone over at the Tech Wizard table clapped their hands together, exclaiming, “Yes, that’s perfect!”
And then everyone was talking excitedly all at once.
“It’s still going to be a dangerous mission, but if anyone could handle it, it would be Bael’k.”
“Yes! He’ll keep you safe!”
“Wow! Kiera, you’re so brave!”
“A quest? How exciting!”
“A quest? How romantic!”
Several of the Tech Wizards were already starting to plan out our mission, making an impromptu list of all things we’d need.
The nomad leader chuckled. “It’s settled then.” He sized Bael’k up before slapping the much larger hunter on theshoulder. “Good man! You hunters are brave. A little reckless, but brave.” Then he turned to me. “Good luck!”
***
