Page 11

“Klaga isn’t that large. There’s only three continents.” Maklr groaned. “Please tell me you’re not sending me to Tapris and all its mountains.”

“No. You’re going to Ashuk.”

“At least it has a lot of trees and is mostly flat. I’ve heard there’s a lot of nature trails.”

“That’s why I picked it. There’s a brochure in your bag that touts different amenities. I uploaded it to your tablet too. Which, by the way, is fully charged. You’re welcome.”

Maklr inclined his head. “What would I do without you?”

“Work yourself into the ground.”“Quite probably.” Maklr squinted. “Is that Zand?”“Your friendly inter-continental pilot at your service.” Zand grabbed Maklr’s military black bag. “I’ll throw it in storage and we’ll be on our way. We’re only waiting on someone else you know.”

“Who?” Curiosity tinged Maklr’s voice.

“Out of all the warriors we’ve served with, who was the last one back from all leave, planetside or on space stations?”

“I’d know that ridiculous hairstyle anywhere. Maklr!” A familiar voice called out. “Philtan?” Maklr turned in time to see an enormous purple warrior rushing toward him. Philtan’s arms wrapped around Maklr in a tight hug.

“Long time, my friend.” Philtan lifted Maklr off the ground. “I heard you’d asked for a transfer to Klaga to be with the humans. At first, I didn’t understand, but word is getting around the fleet of your success. I’m proud of you.”

Maklr grunted. His hands pounded on Philtan’s shoulders. “Breathing is good, my friend.”

“Sorry. I forget my strength,” he said, placing Maklr back on solid land.

Zand sauntered over. “Now that the last passenger has arrived, we can leave. I’d like to drop you off and get back before nightfall.”

Philtan’s white eyebrows wiggled against his dark purple skin. “Why? Hot date tonight?”

Zand smiled. “Unlike you, I don’t kiss and tell.”

Philtan brought his hands to his heart. “You wound me.” He faked a step backward and took a knee, mimicking falling over. His laughter rang out.

For the first time in a long time, Maklr joined in on the merriment. His laughter slowed as he boarded the shuttle. In the back, huddled against the window seat, shaking, the last person he expected.

Nell.

“Are you okay, Nell?” Maklr asked.

Nell nodded, her shoulder length hair bobbing.

“Are you going to the resort on Ashuk as well?”

“Of course she is,” Zand said, climbing into the shuttle. “Where else do you think we’re going? I’m not a taxi service.” He winked in Nell’s direction. “But I wouldn’t mind if all my passengers were as pretty as you.”

Nell frowned, averting her gaze. Her fingers twisted in knots on her lap.

The shuttle’s door shook when Philtan stepped onboard. Nell pushed herself against the wall and brought her knees up to her chest on the seat.

Philtan’s booming voice rocked the passenger area. “Good morning,” he called, oblivious to Nell’s discomfort. “I’m Philtan, but the humans who I hang out with on a daily basis call me Phil.” He extended his hand, shoving it in Nell’s personal space.

Maklr glanced at Nell’s body language and stepped in front of her, pushing Philtan’s hand away. “I’m going with her. This is Nell. She’s shy.”

Philtan’s brow furrowed and he glanced between Nell and his friend. “Got it.”

Maklr settled in the aisle seat allowing Nell to remain near the window. “Do you mind if I stay here so there’s an empty seat between us?” He pointed to the seat against the conveyance’s window. “I don’t want you to unbuckle since you’re obviously settled.”

She pointed to the door and then subtly in Philtan’s direction.

“Are you going to the resort as well?” Maklr asked, trying to divert Nell’s unease and attention from his boisterous friend.