Page 27 of His to Protect
“Put the guns down or he dies,” he shouts at the ones behind him. He grabs Veekhal from behind, his arm over his throat, and turns facing the laser. “I order you to put the lasers down… NOW.”
“Do as he says,” Veekhal mumbles like the coward he is. The Valkryan soldiers put the lasers down, one by one. Anil’ha backs away toward me, Veekhal still in his grab. With a twist of the arm, he breaks Veekhal’s neck, his body dropping to the floor. A male reaches for the laser, but I shoot just before he can take it. He drops dead. Anil’ha shoots another to the left and the one right behind. Blood splashes all over, a few drops landing on my face.
“STOP. There’s no need for a bloodbath. Now that Veekhal is dead I reclaim my place as commander of this ship,” I say. They are my people and some of them I remember as honorable and kind.
“Listen to Commander Ka’el,” Anil’ha says to them. He turns to me and bows his head. “Commander Ka’el, I shall serve and obey.” I pat his shoulder and give him a big hug. “Thank you, my friend. I owe you.”
“I know how to spot good people, and you’re one of the best Ka’el,” Anil’ha says back.
All the other soldiers bow their heads and put their palm out, touching the heart. “We serve and obey, Commander Ka’el.”
“Dismissed. You may return to your living quarters,” I order the Valkryan soldiers. I don’t want to deal with anything else right now. My focus is Jessica, my human. I hope it’s not already too late. I hurry to the elevator, taking Anil’ha with me. I know he’s my trustworthy friend and I can always count on him to be there for him.
“I hope it’s not too late, Anil’ha. I need to find the human.” We reach the elevator and the door opens. I step inside first, followed by Anil’ha.
“Don’t worry. She’s in the lab. I haven’t seen her, but I heard she is very precious to Valkrya. I do not know why. I am sure she is all right.” Anil’ha follows me in the elevator and I instruct the computer to take us to the lab room. I am worried about my human. I shall exterminate those who dare to defy me. I fear something might have happened to her, and I was not there to protect her. The elevator stops and we both get out of it, heading for the lab. A few Valkryan soldiers patrol the hallway. They immediately recognize me and bow their head with respect. I ask Anil’ha to hand me the communicator because I want to inform everyone aboard about retaking control of the spaceship.
“Attention Valkryans! This is commander Ka’el speaking. I have taken control of the ship and I expect all of you to obey my orders. I shall exterminate those who dare to defy me. Commander Veekhal is no longer in charge. I hope I have made myself clear,” I say via the communicator, my voice sounding all over the ship. The soldiers step aside, making room for me and Anil’ha to pass. I keep my head straight, nodding from time to time as the Valkryans pay their respect. Anil’ha follows me behind. We arrive at the lab room and I enter the passcode. The doors open and we step inside where Catleya greets us.
“Commander Ka’el,” Catleya says, bowing her head in respect. “I wasn’t expecting you.” I don’t answer her, but I scan her with my gaze, looking for any weapons she might have. “I heard your message through the communicator. Is there something I could do for you?”
“I will deal with your betrayal later. Now take me to the human. She is still alive, I hope. Is she not?” I speak in a commanding voice. She betrayed me and I trusted her completely. It seems the privileges she enjoyed as Veekhal’s pet were worth more than my trust in her. I realize now how naïve I was. I surrounded myself with liars and traitors.
“She is alive, commander. She is in another room, carefully cared for. She’s our first successful experiment, sir,” she says, her gaze down.
“Successful experiment? What do you mean?” I ask.
“Commander Ka’el, you’re chief of the Breeding Facility. I’m sure it’s very clear to you. She is carrying an offspring. The first inter-species success after so many failed attempts. I am sure you remember. The human is in stasis commander. We couldn’t risk anything.”
Her belly is filled with an offspring. Is it mine? Am I really going to be a father? My heart fills with joy, my eyes watering for a moment. I’m surprised at my reaction. Tears? Is that what Jessica called the water in her eyes? “Was she bred by another male before me? Answer me,” I growl.
“No, Commander Ka’el. I am positive the offspring is yours,” she says, her gaze studying me. “Your eyes water. I have not seen this in a Valkryan.”
“Take me to her,” I command her.
“You must be proud, Ka’el. You’re the first to have an offspring in so many years. I’m glad it’s you of all Valkryans,” Anil’ha says and flashes a gentle smile.
“Thank you, my friend.”
