Page 30 of Argurma Warrior (The Argurma Chronicles #1)

M eg bit back a sigh of frustration as she glanced at Kaylar from the corner of her eye. He hovered just off to the side of her like a threatening tower of death. He probably wasn’t helping Beverly from feeling any less at a loss. The woman was staring blankly into space as she mentally came to terms with the passage of time and the way the world had changed so much.

Beverly sighed and scrubbed at her face with both hands as she groaned. “I just can’t believe it. It shouldn’t be possible to have a complete environmental and societal collapse so quickly.” She dropped her hands and spread them, her fingers spread wide as she stared down at them, her expression aghast. “I mean, we all knew that there had been some pretty severe shifts in our climate as of late but we should have still had time. But you’re telling me that in less than eighty years, our world is not only dying but that the human race exists in just scattered rag-tag groups.”

“Life is dying,” Kaylar affirmed, “but not the planet as a whole. There are lifeforms that are thriving in the new climates and multiplying.”

“And humanity is not one of them,” Beverly filled in.

“Correct.”

At the look of hopelessness on her face, Meg wanted to punch Kaylar. Did he really have to just lay facts out there so brutally and put the woman into shock? Meg had grown up watching the survivors dwindle until there was barely anyone left. She had always been aware of the situation. Beverly did not come from that same reality.

Reaching forward, Meg grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Hey, I know it’s a shock but I’m really glad that we found you. Who knows how long you would have stayed sleeping down there.”

Beverly laughed humorlessly. “I’m glad you did too but I don’t think you understand. The AI was not reacting to your presence. It was programmed to lock down if it picked up the presence of anyone who was not identified personnel. We have solar panels to gather energy for our generator system but it is not a permanent set up. The generator has to be routinely replaced. This lab uses a lot of power, even with solar panels. The fact that you found me at all means that the energy systems is beginning to crash which is causing malfunctions in the AI’s security systems.” She shook her head. “I’m afraid that even without the lab powered due to your presence here and the security lock down imposed by the AI’s programming, I would have been similarly discharged from stasis within a year or two once the lab started reaching first stage system failure. Stasis was supposed to only be run for a few weeks at most while I awaited rescue. Not years. And if I’m awake, that means—”

She suddenly shivered, her eyes snapping up to meet Meg’s, fear filling their green depths once more. “We really need to get off this island.”

Meg nodded and slowly withdrew. Beverly was behaving strangely. “That’s the idea. Kaylar has been working on repairs to the ship since we crashed here. He’ll be finished long before the power gives out in this place. Right?” She glanced over at the Argurma beside her questioningly.

He nodded stiffly. “Two spans… weeks,” he corrected, “at most.”

Beverly anxiously dropped her gaze back to her hands. “That might be enough time.” She peered up at Meg. “What happens after we escape?”

“I don’t know,” Meg replied honestly, “but I promise, whatever happens, you will go somewhere safe, right, Kaylar.”

To her relief, he dipped his chin. She was glad that he wasn’t seeing Beverly as a sudden opportunity to get his council off his back while he hid Meg away to run off with her.

“I will transport you to a viable human habitation before Meg and I depart,” he affirmed.

Beverly shuddered miserably. “Viable for how long?” she asked.

“At least for the rest of your lifetime,” Meg hurried to assure her. “The world is not safe outside of its walls, but they have power and clean water, and plenty of food. They said they had enough supplies for probably two or three more generations. And have greenhouses where they are building up gardens. You will be safe.”

She left out the part where Beverly would likely have to serve the citizens of the city which she would not be part of just like any of the other refugees taken in. There was no need to hit her with too much bad news all at once and for all its faults the city would be a safe, comfortable place for someone arriving without a known past.

Beverly’s lips twisted wryly. “But you are not going there?”

Meg shook her head and smiled fondly at her Argurma warrior. “Nope, Kaylar is stuck with me. I guess I will be getting an up close and personal meeting with the stars,” she chuckled.

Turning back to Beverly, Meg thought she caught a glimpse of envy flashing over the other woman’s expression but, if it had, it was gone too quickly for her to be sure. Beverly smiled sadly and shrugged.

“I guess two would be a tight enough fit. I’m sure I will be fine.”

Meg blinked over at her, caught off-guard. How would she know? Spaceships in serious human artistic depictions of them were frequently huge things. Why would Beverly expect it to be smaller than that?

“It doesn’t matter,” Beverly sighed. “Everyone I know is gone so it won’t really matter where I am at.” Her eyes skated briefly to Kaylar. “I have to admit that you’ve set yourself up well. The protection of a fierce alien and a guaranteed spot on his spaceship.” She smiled at Meg. “It was quick thinking on your part.”

Meg frowned. What was she suggesting? “Are you implying that I planned this?”

She exchanged a look with Kaylar and the male chuffed in amusement, his mandibles vibrating slightly with his amusement as vibrissae slithering around his shoulders.

Beverly gave them a curious look, the corners of her mouth inching up in a perplexed smile. “Is there a joke here that I’m missing out on?”

“Kaylar captured me and we’ve sort of just grown on each other since we’ve been stranded on the island,” Meg explained as kindly as possible despite a wariness prickling in the back of her mind.

Kaylar clicked in agreement, the sounds shifting gradually into a rumbling purr that melted her heart and warmed other regions.

“I see,” Beverly murmured. She gave Meg a bright smile. “That’s so wonderful that things worked out like that. It is interesting what little twists of fate can bring about. You never know what the future brings.”

Meg stared at her and she returned the smile despite the sudden tightness in her jaw. She did not feel threatened. She absolutely did not. “Well, you must be tired. Kaylar tells me that stasis isn’t much like sleeping. I took an empty room so, unless Kaylar accidentally moved in, I’m sure that your room will take little effort to get ready.”

“Oh, well, if he did, I wouldn’t want to put him out,” Beverly replied as she stood and straightened the uniform clinging to her curves.

Meg smiled tightly as she stood as well. “You won’t. He’s been sleeping with me so even if he did it wouldn’t be hard for us to move whatever few things he has in there.”

“No doubt, but in a new relationship there are bound to be times when a little space is appreciated. If he took up residence in my quarters, I can always just move my things into the next room so he can maintain the space,” Beverly chuckled.

There was no way that woman was angling to move into the room next to his. Even Meg’s room was separated from Kaylar’s by a floor. A suspicious little corner of her brain wondered if Beverly would go so far as to pretend that his room was hers just to be closer to him. It didn’t make sense given how afraid she was of him. Meg knew that she was behaving like a jealous girlfriend, but she suddenly seemed way too interested in their relationship and arrangements for her comfort.

“That’s really generous of you but I don’t think that it will necessary,” Meg hedged as she glanced uncertainly over at him.

“My female is correct,” Kaylar interjected with a sharp, rapid clatter of his mandibles that she never heard him make before. “I do not require excess space and intend to move my belongings. My quarters were unassigned,” he added flatly, “so do not concern yourself, Doctor Ryder.”

Beverly’s eyebrows rose but she gave him a warm smile. “I know aliens probably have different social rules, but I would really prefer it if you call me Beverly.”

“No,” he replied and Meg winced inwardly at his flat tone. He was brusque to the point of nearly being rude. “Your social designation is all I require. I do not seek any further intimacy.”

Beverly greeted his words, however, with an amused titter of laughter. “Very well. I won’t stop trying to change your mind about that, but I can see we are at an impasse.” She glanced at Meg and patted her hand. “I’m sorry dear, I forget that not everyone in the room has had the same educational experiences. Why, you probably can’t even read! Poor thing. Impasse means—”

“I know what it means,” Meg replied, withdrawing her hand from Beverly’s touch with a glare. “We didn’t have schools anymore, but my grandfather taught me how to read when I was little. I may not know as much as you, but I am capable of reading, even a dictionary.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Meg, I didn’t mean to offend you.” She cast a helpless look toward Kaylar. “Please don’t take any offense. Surely a male from an advanced species such as yourself understands that I didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Meg looked at Kaylar expectantly but he paused, his vibrissae puffing out around him, not in a flirtatious matter, for which she was thankful, but the way the tips curled suggested his confusion and her heart sank. Did he secretly share the same opinion? Meg looked back at Beverly with new eyes, not only seeing a beautiful woman who hadn’t known a day of hunger, but one who was also probably one that he would find more interesting.

And she certainly didn’t trust Beverly’s sudden interest in him after she’d been so scared of him just a short time ago.

“Allowances must be made for any species,” he said at last. “I do not judge Meg on what she does or does not know. It has nothing to do with her value to me.”

Faint praise.

“Of course, of course,” Beverly agreed eagerly. “Anyway, I think you were right Meg. A rest will do me some good. Maybe after a long, steamy bath to warm me up. Then off to bed.”

“Right,” Meg replied as she watched Beverly walk past them toward the elevator.

“Wait,” Kaylar called, shocking the hell out of her. Beverly turned with an expectant smile and Meg turned to gape up at him. He frowned as he looked back down at her questioningly and shook his head before returning Beverly’s regard. “I want to know why you are here and what this facility is for.”

She tittered again and grinned sheepishly. “Oh that? Just working on studying biological life located on this little island. We found some really fascinating things here but unfortunately nothing that we could actually work with. It’s what caused the death of my co-workers and why I had communicated to mainland the need to contain and deal with the issue before putting myself in stasis. Just gather what we need to get out of here. There is really nothing of interest here and we are safe so long as the power holds. Now with that, good night. You know where to find me if something comes up.”

Kaylar clicked softly as she turned away, chuckling softly to herself as Meg fumed by his side.

“Something ‘comes up,’ my ass,” she snarled, drawing his gaze down to her. “I hope you aren’t thinking of ditching me for that .”

He chuffed and gathered her roughly into his arms. “Come, my feisty little anastha. Doctor Ryder is correct in so much that you presented a most enticing plan. And I will be pleased to see you fully relaxed within our bed.”

Meg grinned as she nestled against his chest. “I guess even with my inferior intelligence I can come up with a damn good plan.” She pulled back to scowl at me. “By the way, I can’t believe you let that bitch get away with trying to play that shit off when she clearly called me stupid.”

“I calculated that there was a possibility her ego was so great that she miscalculated the damage in her words. Now she knows not to repeat that error,” he rumbled.

Sighing, she laid her head on his shoulder. “I suppose so.” A turmoil of thoughts running through her head, she bit her lip worriedly. “What do you think all of that meant—about her studies? It was weird. She didn’t really answer anything.”

“She did not,” he agreed, bending his head down toward her. “So now I shall investigate further. After I see to my female’s pleasure.

“Well, by all means,” she murmured as she arched up to receive his kiss, relishing the way his mouth and tongues worshiped and explored hers as he strode to the elevator.

If anyone could figure out what the doctor was hiding, it was Kaylar. He was a persistent hunter. She should know.