Page 32 of Swept By The Alien Pirate Prince

“You don’t need to be, I promise.” Cyburn wanted to sound convincing, but he fell short, and we both knew it.

“I saw you talking to your crew earlier,” I said. “What were you discussing with them?”

“New tactics,” Cyburn said.

I perked up in bed. “Really? Like what?”

I was excited to hear the prospect of possibilities and happy to hear that he was being productive even through the heavy drinking.

“We have been going about it all wrong,” Cyburn mentioned.

“Going aboutwhatall wrong?”

Cyburn met my gaze. “Fighting the Belic.”

He began explaining ways in which to hunt them down and catch them off guard, instead of always being the one that was chased. He wanted to turn the tables — become the hunter instead of the hunted.

It seemed ambitious, but I let him speak, because he seemed animated about it, and he held such promise and excitement in his voice.

“How can I help?” I asked.

Cyburn walked in my direction. There was a spark of optimism in his eyes now, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, he was smiling.

“Are you willing to help me figure out how to make some improvements on the Blade?”

“Absolutely.” I didn’t hesitate. “I’d love to do anything I can.”

Cyburn’s face flooded with relief and his smile widened with gratitude. “Excellent. We are going to win this war. We are going to be more efficient this time around, and we are going to be more prepared, both technology wise, and forces wise.”

Cyburn’s enthusiasm was infectious, and it didn’t take long for it to rub off on me, especially if it also helped improve his mood.

“This all sounds very promising to me,” I admitted. “Just let me know when to get started and I’ll be there — ready to do whatever it takes.”

For the first time since we’d docked on this planet, Cyburn reached for me, roped me in a massive hug, and kissed my lips until the world blurred around me.

ChapterTen

CYBURN

“Ishould apologize to you for my behavior,” I said, addressing not only my crew standing before me, but my lover, Carmela as well.

Everyone’s eyes were upon me, gazing at me with the hope that they fed off of, the hope that they needed to keep going and the hope that unified us all.

“We aren’t going to give up the fight,” I continued, my voice bellowing through the air. “The tide is turning, and we are moving forward with great strides of progress.”

I was met with cheers and claps, even a few enthusiastic whistles. The sparkle in Carmela’s eyes helped ground me and let me know I was moving in in the right direction.

“I shouldn’t have drunk as much as I did when we first arrived on Machinoor. It wasn’t responsible of me, but I was just trying to process everything. However, I understand that is not a credible excuse for my behavior, and I want to do everything I can to make it up to all of you.” My eyes stopped on Carmela, and we exchanged a private smile. “I’m sorry if this led to any embarrassment. I certainly feel embarrassed and humbled.”

I paused here, and everyone’s features turned stoic as a few nods of approval went through the crowd.

“Just know that I will always hold your best interests at heart. I’m completely sober now, and I’ve finally pulled myself together.” It was a promise I intended to keep.

I nodded in Nix’s direction. My second in command stood with proud shoulders beside me.

“You have everything squared away regarding the ship repairs, correct?” I asked.

“That’s correct,” Nix advised with a swift nod and a professional demeanor. “The Bladeis being outfitted with an experimental stealth unit.” Nix stepped forward to address everyone to be able to hear him better. “This is monumental for our progress and will allow us to slip past the Belic’s sensors. If we can pull this off, we will be able to land on our home world without the Belic’s knowledge — virtually going undetected.”

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