Page 14 of Arakiba (Alien Legacy Brotherhood #3)

Chapter Thirteen

“A s’ni done now,” the purple crystal giant stated. “I nap.” He lumbered to the edge of the room and slumped onto his butt with his back to the wall. With an enormous yawn that showed his blocky lilac teeth, he rubbed his eyes, then leaned back, eyes closed, and started snoring.

Ari stared at him for a moment, amazed a creature made of glass, crystals, and mirrors would snore. He shook his head. Feeling the weight of Elemi’s consciousness, he let his hold on her go, bringing his psychic sense back to himself. He stretched, his back and neck popping like old floorboards. Dropping his arms, he glanced around with a satisfied smirk. Yep, the organic ship was back to her former glory—hearty and whole, as they say. A job damn well done, if he said so himself.

The pink spybot sat motionless in a restored console chair, her metallic fingers on her lap with her fingers wide. Elemi’s metallic body appeared to be rebooting itself while the ship glowed with internal health.

Time to check in with Morgan. He debated before taking the chance to meld a small part of his mind with hers. Their relationship was still so new, he didn’t want to come across as being too pushy. Especially since psychics raised her. From what little she’d shared, she didn’t appreciate someone like him poking around in her mind without permission.

Morgan? He kept his mental voice light, the connection soft. What he got back was astonishing.

She grabbed his psychic tendril and held it with an iron grip.

I need you down here right now. She cut the connection, but left enough of herself for him to teleport to where she was.

Ari frowned. It didn’t seem like Morgan faced any danger, but she sure acted pissed off about something. No telling what kind of mess she and JR12 had gotten tangled up in.

Ari took a moment to glance at the sleeping form of As’ni, then the android body of Elemi.

The fingers on her right hand were twitching, but otherwise, she was unresponsive. The interior of the ship was still making some repairs, but all in all, it looked like it would be ready as soon as she synced herself between the mobile and ship’s body.

Closing his eyes, he gripped the psychic thread Morgan left behind and teleported to her. When he reformed, the stench choked him, making his eyes burn. He coughed, then took a chance to see what made the place smell worse than the garbage chamber he’d stumbled into before.

The scene before him was something out of a perverted nightmare. Standing behind Morgan, he looked over her shoulder at the rows and rows of small creatures he presumed were Ozevroc imprisoned in tiny cages. Like something out of a madman’s science lab.

With an inward hiss, he focused on his woman. Licking his lips, he made a quick examination of her, just to make sure she was okay. He expanded his senses to see if there were any hidden threats around. As nothing hostile came back, the tension in his gut loosened, allowing him to focus on Morgan. After everything he’d been through, she was the one constant that grounded him, the only thing that truly made sense. She was his, undeniably, as no one else ever could be.

Her back was to him, and he noticed JR12 perched on her right shoulder as she talked to someone on her handheld. “Yeah, I’m just waiting for Ari to show up so we can switch the males with these females.”

“You sure they can take care of themselves before we get to Runihura?”

The image of Chloe on Morgan’s device confirmed the voice Ari heard.

“I think once we get them out of these cages and into a better environment, we’ll find out what we’re dealing with better.”

Ari leaned over Morgan’s shoulder to watch the interaction between them.

“Okay, let us know when they’re ready to go. If you need help, just let us know. In the meantime, we’ll stand by.” Chloe’s image blacked out and shifted to some schematics.

Morgan glanced at him over her shoulder.

Ari smirked when she didn’t appear to be surprised he was there. For a non-psychic, she was truly impressive. He couldn’t resist placing a hand on her left shoulder and drawing her close, making JR12 yelp as he jumped off her and extended his wings.

JR12 buzzed to hover in front of Ari, making his eyes cross.

“Dang, A-Man! Warn a person next time.” The small bot snorted and zoomed to land on Ari’s shoulder.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Ari non-promised. “So, what’s going on here?” He waved to the moaning creatures in the small cages. “Are these Ozevroc prisoners?” From the stench, filth, and obvious neglect, that’s what made sense.

“No, these are female Ozevroc,” JR12 supplied. “As far as we can tell, they’re kept like this to service the whims of any Ozevroc male who wants to get their doinky-doink on.”

“JR12!” Morgan put her fingers against her mouth and unsuccessfully hid her trembling grin. “I can’t believe you even know what that is.”

“Yeah, so what?” The bot shrugged the upper part of his small body. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

Ari frowned. From the small forays he’d made on the Ozevroc leader’s mind, he never got that the male enjoyed making others suffer. But, then again, the alien thought little beyond his own needs and interests. He glanced at Morgan’s profile. “I gather you have something in mind.”

Morgan nodded. “Oh, you bet I do.” She turned to face him with arms crossed, as if bracing herself for him to argue with her.

Ha! Little did she know, he’d do just about anything she asked to erase that scowling frown from her beautiful face.

“I want you to switch the male Ozevroc with these females. Give the assholes a taste of their own medicine.”

Ari’s brows rose. “Really?” He dragged his eyes from her to survey the room. There didn’t seem to be much movement from the females in their small cages. “Are they strong enough to be taken out of where they are?”

“Come here. I want you to meet someone.” Morgan grasped his forearm and stopped in front of a cage. “This is Zara.” She proudly introduced the small Ozevroc.

The small creature blinked her four black eyes at him with a look that was clear, direct, and unafraid. Her painfully thin body made it easy to see she was breathing hard. Her three sets of skeletal arms did little to hide her protruding ribs.

Ari crouched to meet the Ozevroc eye to eye. “Hello, Zara. I’m Ari.” He had to swallow the roar of anger that threatened to escape at the pitiful sight of the abused female. “Would you like me to take you out of there?”

Morgan stood next to him and translated for him in the Ozevroc guttural language.

Moving the Ozevroc around would take some doing since he’d just expended a lot of energy healing Elemi. But at least he won’t have to create something new.

Zara tilted her snout up and replied.

He didn’t need the translation to know she was more than willing.

“One other thing, A-Man.” JR12 poked his neck with this needle-like front leg. “Think you can get us the Talon of Ancients from its place in the replicron drawer?”

“I can.” He glanced at the bot. “Why?”

“Once Zara has that in her possession, she’ll assume all Ozevroc authority as high chieftain.” Morgan helpfully supplied. “That’ll demote Welozz to a common male.”

“What’s stopping him from fighting her for it?”

Morgan’s full lips twitched into a sardonic smile. “See, that’s the best part.” She stood straight with her arms crossed. Ah, there she stood in his favorite pose, putting those plump breasts on the shelf of her arms.

He dragged his eyes from her chest as he stood. It took everything he had to zero in on excited expression on her face instead.

“Did you know Aylzrunth comes from a tight matriarchal society? The females there rule with an iron fist. What better place for these females to learn how to rule than from them?” She lifted her handheld. “I spoke to Chloe, and they both agree to take these females to his planet, Runihura, where a place for them has already been set up.” Morgan nodded to Zara, who was still watching them with avid eyes. “They’ll receive excellent care, while the Federation Consortium takes custody of the males for the galactic crimes they’ve committed.”

Ari whistled under his breath. His woman was formidable as hell.

JR12 hopped. “To quote the great Hannibal Smith from The A-Team, ‘ I love it when a plan comes together! ‘ ”

What surprised Morgan was most of the females in their cramped cages still lived. Best of all, she was happy to find out several of their mewling young were alive and in pretty good health as well.

But by the time Ari finished teleporting the females to the common eating room, then locked the males into those cramped cages, Morgan’s stomach tightened with worry.

His face had paled, shadows gathered under his eyes, and his movements had lost their usual steadiness. He lingered, taking a labored breath, as his shoulders slumped a bit more with each step.

Morgan hesitated at first, not wanting to leave him. But the females needed food, and she didn’t want to ask him to teleport the consumable-food making machine when she could just run to the engine room and grab it. Giving him one last look, she darted out and hurried there while leaving Ari to finish switching the Ozevroc.

By the time she returned, the females had settled in and silently watched her enter. Taking the machine to Zara, she showed her how to use it. Then she and Ari handed out shredded meat on platters to the starving females. Soon the sounds of happy murmurs filled the air as the females ate and consumed cups of clean precious water.

Morgan promised herself that before they left, she’d show them how to use the replicron to make anything else they’d need.

Now her worry over Ari deepened, almost more than she could bear. The weight of exhaustion etched into his features was sharp, making his cheeks hollow. His clenched jaw sent a ripple of unease through her as he continued to work as if nothing was wrong with him. She didn’t need to be a psychic to see he was on the verge of collapse. Someone had to look after this stubborn ass—a job she was more than ready to take on.

“Ari—“ Morgan approached him with a soft smile. ”—JR12 and I can take it from here.” She rubbed his arm and nodded to the spybot next to her. “I want to show Zara and some others how to use the replicron and the communication console so they can talk to Chloe and Aylzrunth on their journey to Runihura. Why don’t you rest in Elemi ? That way, we can enjoy some alone time on our trip back.“ Tilting her head, she gave him a sultry glance through half-lidded eyes.

The gunmetal color of Ari’s eyes darkened as his full lips curved into an alluring grin. “ Irnini ,“ he bent down to meet her face-to-face. His tense expression smoothed as he whispered against her lips. “I look forward to having lots of ‘alone time’ with you.”

Morgan’s face heated as unbidden memories of their Dreamwalk rushed back. Waiting to be with this incredible man might be tough, but she wanted him to be ready for her… not exhausted. She sucked in a shuddering breath and reached up to give him a light kiss. Placing her lips over his, she wrapped a hand behind his head to bring him in closer. She fused her lips to his, joining their tongues and turning the kiss into a passionate foray, intent on revealing to him how much she craved him. That way, he’d never consider she’d reject him.

When Ari pulled back, she swallowed her mewl of disappointment and looked up at him. She squirmed with desire as she absorbed his rugged handsomeness. How amazing was it someone like him noticed someone like her? Much less aimed such a direct, intense look in her direction. She licked her lips, savoring the flavor he left behind.

His eyes narrowed. “You’re playing with fire, irnini .“ Wrapping her in his firm embrace, he whispered in her ear. “And I love playing with hot things.”

Morgan giggled. Oh lordy, trust him to make a hokey statement to break the mood. “You nut.” She pulled back and playfully swatted his firm pecs. “Go on, now.” She gave him a mock shove. “I promise you, you’re going to need your strength later, mister.”

“As my lady commands.” Ari stepped back and put his hand over his heart, then disappeared.

His amorous grin made her lighter than air. With a sigh, she turned back to the group of Ozevroc females.

JR12 landed on her shoulder. “Okay, miss Wrench Queen.” The bot settled, folding his iridescent wings under the smooth golden elytra over his back. “What’s first?”

Morgan surveyed the females getting comfortable. Some moved more than others. Pulling out her multicorder, she adjusted it to a medical level. “First thing, I’d better double-check each one of them and see if any are in critical condition. Once that’s done, we’ll hand Zara the Talon of Ancients and adjust the ship’s logs to show the transfer of leadership to Zara. Then I’ll let Chloe know where we stand so they can head out to Runihura.”

“I wonder if Ari left those males frozen.” JR12 huffed. “I hope he didn’t since it’d serve them right to experience life in those cages.”

Morgan smirked. “Oh, I don’t think he was nice enough to leave them frozen.” With Ari’s tendency for orneriness, she bet anything he woke them up. “But it wouldn’t hurt to ask him when we’re done.”

Taking another glance around the room, she sighed. “Okay, we’ve got lots to do. Let’s finish this up so we can go home.”

Done. It was finally done.

It’d taken longer than Morgan hoped to get everything settled. JR12 proved invaluable since he learned how to communicate with the Ozevroc as well as she did.

After the initial surprise of his unusual appearance wore off, the females warmed to him with surprising ease. Especially the younger ones.

The spybot had to dodge several grasping young hands to avoid being played with like a toy.

While he dodged the little one’s hands, the older females told JR12 what they needed, and he’d bring their orders to Morgan so she could show Zara how to use the consumable-maker and the replicron. It was a pleasant surprise, how intelligent the female Ozevroc was.

It didn’t take Zara long to catch on to the intricacies of the machinery, and she quickly chose other females to help her.

Morgan was more than satisfied the Ozevroc were in excellent hands. “Okay, JR12,” she said to the spybot on her shoulder. “Let’s head back to Elemi. Hopefully Ari got some sleep.”

“Yeah, he’s not the only one. Running around an obstacle course from all those younglings wore me out,” JR12 complained. “I swear if I was there any longer, I’d have to hide under your hairline just to save myself.”

“Oh, you big baby.” No sympathy from her. The bot had to be the most exciting thing those young ones ever saw in their brief, hard lives. The look of sheer joy in their eyes was well worth any inconvenience the droid experienced. “I bet you enjoyed every minute.”

“Yeah, well. I’m too young for this…” the bot muttered.

Morgan ignored him and stepped into the engine room where Elemi was. She sucked in a breath when there was nary a male Ozevroc in sight. The empty place made her smile, knowing they were now tucked safely away in the females’ cages. Which they deserved, thank you very much. With each step, her grin widened as her boots clicked in soft rhythm on the now-pristine floor. Her breath caught as she stopped short when her eyes landed on the previously decimated vessel Elemi .

The spaceship sat in the same corner she’d always been in, but was now no longer a crumpled, lifeless husk but something else entirely. The smooth curves of her hull gleamed under the bright lights, like polished stones. There were thin veins of light pulsing just beneath the surface, weaving intricate patterns along her organic skin.

It reminded Morgan of a magnificent creature breathing softly in the stillness. The once-jagged scars and scorched metal were gone, replaced by a seamless blend of organic and metallic textures, like muscle fused to bone in perfect harmony.

As she drew closer, a soft hum of energy filled the air, a faint but undeniable gentle thrum of a heartbeat.

The ship’s bioluminescence shimmered along Elemi’s sides, casting faint reflections that danced across the floor. For the first time in weeks, the ship looked whole—no, not just whole—but alive .

Morgan’s hand hovered near the surface of the ship, tracing the faint glow of the veins that pulsed gently beneath her fingertips. She hesitated. Would the ship respond to her touch in a good way?

The answer came as a soft ripple passed along the ship’s hull. The glow intensified for a moment. Then, with a slight audible hiss, a section of Elemi’s smooth exterior shifted. The lines of the hull peeled back, not mechanically, but fluidly, as though Elemi herself was stretching open. The organic material folded in on itself, curling gracefully to form an arched doorway.

Morgan inhaled a sigh of wonder as the pulse of energy brightened.

The opening widened, revealing a soft, glowing interior. Warm, inviting air rushed out.

She swore she heard the faintest sigh, like Elemi herself beckoned her inside. Without a word, Morgan stepped through the archway. Inside, the air maintained its constant, comforting warmth. A soft, rhythmic hum vibrated from the floor and seeped through her boots.

The organic walls shimmered with a translucent sheen, almost like a lustrous pearl. The colors shifted from deep blues to silvery whites as the light moved through them.

The floor beneath her had the faintest give, responsive, yet solid enough to support her weight.

Veins of bioluminescence threaded throughout, winding like roots beneath the surface.

Her every step made them flicker and dance, as though the ship hugged every move she made.

“Well, well, darling,” Elemi purred, her feminine voice smooth like silk, a soft, sultry tone laced with just enough arrogance to remind Morgan whose space she was in. “It’s about time you graced me with your presence. Took your sweet time, didn’t you?”

Morgan glanced around, half expecting to see Elemi’s android form, but it was just the ship speaking to her directly now. “Oh, so sorry. I was a little busy, you know,” she muttered, studying the undulating curves of the walls, trying to make sense of how something like this could be so... alive.

The ship let out a delicate, almost amused hum. “I will let your tardiness slide this time, my dear. But do remember I have my standards and do not appreciate being ignored. However, since your absence allowed my precious Arakiba to get the rest he needed, I suspect you and I will get along fabulously.”

Morgan snorted softly as a slight smile tugged her lips as she put a hand over her heart. “I’ll do my best to deserve your continued support.” Freaking diva.

As she ventured deeper, she exclaimed at how the central control station grew from the floor like a living thing. No cold metal or glass met her gaze; instead, the station arched gracefully, its controls woven organically into the ship’s tissue, pulsing faintly with life. The entire structure seemed to shift and breathe, as if emphasizing it was a sentient creature.

“Touch nothing without asking, love,” Elemi said with a hint of superiority. “I’ve just regained my health, and I’m far too pristine for rough handling.”

Morgan’s fingers hovered above the glowing surface, resisting the temptation to explore further. She curled her fingers to stop herself. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Ha! She was such a liar. She’d give anything to explore the intricacies of Elemi at the mechanical level.

“See that you keep that in mind,” Elemi purred again. “I like you, Morgan, truly. But let’s not forget who’s in charge here.”

“Oh, please.” JR12 chimed from his perch on Morgan’s shoulder. “You act like we’re in the presence of galactic royalty. Should we bow, or will a sarcastic clap do?”

“Droid.” Elemi responded in a huff. “I don’t need validation from something that’s barely more than a glorified calculator.”

“You…”

“Okay, JR12, that’s enough.” Morgan admonished the bot. “Let’s not start something that has no ending. Elemi ”—she addressed the ship, keeping her voice steady but respectful—“we’d better leave the Ozevroc ship and head out for the Federation Consortium palatial space station as soon as possible.”

For a moment, the ship was silent, as if contemplating the request. Then Elemi responded in a voice smooth and rich, with the familiar undercurrent of sass. “Oh, darling, you want to go there ? The Consortium is so...“ A fake sigh. “ Dull . All those regulations. Hardly the place for a ship of my elegance.”

It was hard, but Morgan resisted rolling her eyes. Not that it would make much difference. “It’s not like we have a choice. Chloe and Aylzrunth are ready to take this ship to Runihura, and they can’t do that while we’re here. We’ve got to put some distance between us and them so they can take those female Ozevroc to a safe place.” She paused. “You wouldn’t want them to suffer any more than they already have, would you?” Who said guilt wasn’t a useful tool?

The lights in the cockpit dimmed for just a second, as if the ship was pouting. “Fine.”

“Wait!” JR12 exclaimed. “Are Ari and As’ni secure?”

“Of course they are, you underdeveloped bug,” Elemi responded in a condescending tone.

Morgan smirked, but quickly made her face bland. No need to encourage this budding rivalry. “Good. When Ari wakes up, I’ll tell him how accommodating you’ve been. I’m sure that’ll absolutely thrill him.”

A simpering giggle from the ship erupted. “Oh, thank you!” Elemi said with a playful lilt. “I’d do anything to make that gorgeous man happy.”

While Morgan had the same inclination, she let that statement go. Instead, she watched as the soft pulse of light rippled across the controls as Elemi’s systems hummed to life. The ship’s engines purred beneath her feet with faint vibrations that increased as she powered up.

“Plotting the course now,” Elemi continued, her tone chipper. “And no worries, darling. I’ll have all of you there safer than any of those rust buckets they call ships in the Consortium. Honestly, I don’t know why that beautiful Chancellor D’zia doesn’t beg me to join their fleet.”

Morgan shook her head. “You’re way too important to be part of some fleet.” She hid her grin behind her fingers. “But if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll ask him when I see him. Just get us there in one piece first, okay?”

“Of course, darling girl.”

The ship shifted slightly as the platform it was on lowered to the hanger deck beneath the engine room.

Morgan sat on the pilot’s chair with JR12 safely settled on her shoulder and watched the change from one section to another on the vid screen in front of her.

The hangar doors opened to reveal a vast stretch of star-filled space before Elemi detached from the dock.

A subtle shift told Morgan they were in motion as Elemi glided smoothly from the Ozevroc ship.

The engines whispered, yet pulsed with a powerful, restrained energy that hummed through the floor and walls.

“Heading into the stars, darling.”

Straps crisscrossed over Morgan’s shoulders and held her safely against the secure chair.

“Hang on, JR12.” She spoke to the small android on her shoulder. A small tickle of pain where his feet dug in told her he didn’t waste time taking her literally.

“Sit back and relax,” Elemi purred. “You’re in excellent hands, my dear. Very excellent, if I do say so myself.”

Morgan sank back into the pilot’s seat, savoring the subtle thrill of acceleration as Elemi carried them forward, slipping smoothly into the boundless darkness of space.

Morgan watched on the vid screen of the command deck as Chloe’s ever dwindling ship, the Nightshade towing the Nebula Viper , sailed farther and farther away.

In her last communication, Chloe assured her all the Ozevroc were snug and happy. “Well, not all of ’em are happy-clappy.“ She smirked on the screen of her multicorder. “Here’s my parting gift to you. It’s a vid of Zara displaying their gemstone encrusted, claw-looking thingy to the former high chieftain. It’s funnier than hell to watch the m’fer bellow and cry like a whiny little brat.“ Her chuckle made her dark curls dance around her smiling face. “Once we get those females settled on Runihura, we’ll contact the authorities at the Consortium and dump the male assholes off. Then we’ll get in touch with you so we can kick some crystal-ass back to where they come from.” She glanced away from the screen. “Come on, gargantuan man, let’s go. Let’s get this done so’s we can get our buds from the AoA to come and join the fun.” Her attention came back to Morgan. “Girl, try not to start shit before we get there, ‘k? See ya soon!”

Chloe’s live communication ended, and a short vid displayed the former High Chieftain Welozz losing his shizzle as Zara haughtily declared herself high chieftain and that he and his males were now under her total control. She raised the Talon of Ancients high above her bony head, causing the males in the cages to drop to their knees, wailing and roaring the whole time.

Morgan sat back with a satisfied grin when the vid ended. Yeah, karma was a bitch and she didn’t take prisoners. Served the hubristic clods right. Maybe the Ozevroc as a species now had a chance for a better life. If nothing else, at least the females and their children would survive. Maybe if they were so inclined, they’d show their males a way better way of life that benefited the species.

Speaking of males. “ Elemi , how do I take these straps off?“ Morgan tugged at the immovable soft material covering her chest. They were warm, like smooth skin. She gasped when they slid off her and merged with the material on the chair. Sitting up, she checked on JR12, who was resting on her shoulder with his needle-like legs tucked under his bulbous body.

“ Elemi , where’s Ari?”

A brief silence.

Morgan was afraid the ship wouldn’t respond at first.

“My starshine is asleep in the slumber chamber I created for him.” Elemi didn’t elaborate.

Morgan crossed her arms. “And how do I get there?” Nothing was going to keep her away from a warm and drowsy man she itched to wake up.

Again, silence. Morgan tapped her foot in time with her forefinger on her arm.

“All right, fine.” Elemi grunted. “Just follow the blinking yellow light on the floor. It’ll lead you to him.”

Morgan glanced at JR12. “You stay here and watch her,” she whispered and lifted her eyes to indicate the ship. “Make sure she stays on course and doesn’t get the bright idea she wants to go someplace else.”

“No worries, Gizmo Guru.” JR12 stood and saluted her with one of his forelegs. “When the going gets tough, the tough call in their favorite JR. I’m on it!” His wings slid out of his back, and he lifted off, humming as he buzzed away.

Good. Now was her chance to show Ari reality was way better than some damn Dreamwalk.