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Ashtoret de Origa

His handheld pinged and Ashtoret swiped it.

“Get the females’ mother and get back here fast. We picked up a trio of X class vessels entering the solar system. They look like battle cruisers and are closing in fast despite the cloaking array,” Aculus growled.

“Jurou Biljana?”

“Could be, but I don’t recognize the ships.”

“Torment,” Ashtoret cursed and hustled into the house. “We need to go now.” He paused, seeing Abby standing by the counter nude, then shook it off

“Mom’s getting a few things and I’m just finishing a note to Nana. Go back outside and hide, please. I still don’t know how we’re going to manage getting her on the cruiser.”

“There are three unknown vessels approaching. I’ve directed the cruiser to land in the park we were just in.”

“Sweet Jesus,” a woman screeched.

He turned to see an older version of Abby frozen in the doorway. Carol rushed to her daughter and tugged her away from him. If he wasn’t in such a foul mood he would’ve been impressed with Carol’s bravery.

“Mom, stop!”

“Run, Peanut. Please, run!” Carol grabbed a pan and wielded it like a mace. “Don’t come any closer!” she bellowed.

He had to dodge left to avoid her swing.

“Calm down, Mom. Stop!”

“I told you to run!” Carol yelled again.

“Just tranq her before she rouses the whole neighborhood, Ash.”

“I can’t do that to a female.” His eyes widened at Abby’s callous suggestion.

“It’s growling.” Carol’s eyes widened, and her terror grew.

“Fine!” Abby sidestepped her mother and grabbed the injector off his chest plate. “Sorry, Mom.”

“Sorry for what?” Carol looked panicked.

Abby pressed the injector against her mother’s arm and Carol went lax. He swiftly grabbed the female before she could hit the floor.

“Thanks for catching her. Let me grab her bag and let’s get going.” Abby walked out of the room and returned carrying a small bag and her armor back in place.

He situated Carol in his arms and headed out the door with Abby at his side.

“It’s clear.”

“That is always so weird to see.” Abby nodded toward the cloaked cruiser descending in the park at the end of the street.

Osivoire tech was amazing. Anyone who glanced out their window would only see a slight wavering flicker.

“Um, Ash, we need to hurry.” She pointed down the street to a fleet of black vehicles closing in.

“Son of a metcor. Run, Abby!”

They stuck between the dwellings as they ran, but the human warriors were closer to the park than they were. Despite the cruiser being cloaked, the humans now knew what to look for.

“Fucking hell. They’ve surrounded the park,” Abby snapped as they crouched behind a vehicle.