Page 25 of Bound to the Alien Orc (Alien Gambits #1)

Chapter 25

T he landcrawler bumps along the dirt road, the landscape blurring past in a haze of greens and browns. It’s been tense since our run-in with the assassin, and both of us have been on high alert. But the farther we get from the trading post, the more relaxed we become.

Eventually, the thick, green jungle of the Jrosk territory. seems to close in from all sides. The air is humid, clinging to my skin and making my clothes stick uncomfortably.

Beside me, Tasha shifts in her seat, her brow knitted as she tries to find a comfortable position in the sweltering heat. I can’t help but smile at her discomfort, remembering my first experience with the Jrosk climate. It’s a far cry from the cool, sterile environment of the Orion Outpost or the icy plains of Frosthok that are far behind us now.

“Is it always this hot?” Tasha asks, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.

I chuckle, nodding. “Unfortunately, yes. Jrosk is known for its humid climate. But it’s not all bad. Wait until you see the waterfalls in Janrith. They’re a sight to behold.”

Her eyes light up at the mention of the waterfalls, a spark of excitement cutting through her discomfort. “I can’t wait to see them. I’ve never seen a real waterfall before.”

My heart swells at her enthusiasm. Despite everything she’s been through, Tasha still finds joy in the little things. It’s one of the many things I love about her.

Love.

The word catches me off guard, but there’s no denying the truth of it. Somewhere along the way, amidst the mayhem and the danger, I’ve fallen for this brave, brilliant little human engineer. The realization is both thrilling and terrifying.

I glance over at her, watching as she tries to tame her wild hair in the heat. She has a smudge of dirt on her cheek, and her clothes are rumpled, but to me, she has never looked more beautiful.

I clear my throat, pushing the thought aside for now. Her sweet voice breaks through my daydream.

“Droilin, tell me more about Morcrest, about the clans. I feel like I should know more about this place... since I might be here a while,” she asks, looking out over the sprawling jungle.

I nod, grateful for the distraction, so I organize my thoughts. “Morcrest is divided into three dominant clans - Frosthok, Jrosk, and Degok. Each clan is built around one of the three major luminore deposits on the planet.”

Tasha nods, her eyes sharp and focused as she takes in the information.

“The clans are largely independent, each with their own chieftain and way of life. But there’s a pact, an agreement that each clan will contribute a percentage of their luminore yield to the STI in exchange for protection and support.”

“And Garrox handles all the negotiations with the STI?” Tasha asks, her brows drawn together.

I nod, a twinge of unease settling in my gut. “As High Chieftain, yes. It’s his responsibility to represent Morcrest’s interests on the galactic stage.”

Tasha is quiet for a moment, her gaze distant. “Do you think the other clans know about the deal Garrox is making? The one with the mysterious broker?”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. It’s a question that has been weighing on my mind.

“I’m not sure. Garrox keeps his cards close to his chest. And to be honest, the other Chieftains haven’t had much contact with him since he took over. They seem content to let him handle the luminore shipments and interplanetary dealings.”

“But now, with the missing ore and the increased quota demands, increased STI interest, will they start to question him? And if they learn, he’s made a deal with a broker, well, that could go very badly for him, and the entire planet.” Tasha says, her voice low and thoughtful.

I nod, my jaw clenched. She has a point. The other clans will not take kindly to Garrox making deals behind their backs.

I nod, my jaw tight. “Exactly. That’s why we need to talk to Chieftain Yalrog, to see if he’s noticed anything strange, any discrepancies in his own mine’s output. We need to get to the bottom of this.”

I feel the weight of the responsibility pressing down on me. If Garrox is betraying Morcrest, I must find a way to stop him.

Tasha reaches over, taking my hand in hers. Her touch is warm, reassuring, a lifeline amid the uncertainty.

“We will, Droilin. Together,” she says, her voice full of conviction.

I look at her, this small human female who has stolen my heart, and I feel a flood of determination. I squeeze her hand, drawing strength from her belief. She’s right. We’re bound in our efforts, no matter what comes.

I continue driving, the path winding through the dense jungle. Now and then, we pass a Jrosk warrior’s, their golden hair a vivid contrast to the deep greens and browns of their surroundings. This one nods to us as we pass, his expression grim.

Finally, we emerge from the jungle, the Jrosk mine rising before us. It looks much the same as the Frosthok mine, with towering walls and a network of tunnels leading into the mountainside.

As we near the outskirts of Janrith, the dense foliage giving way to sprawling fields and neat rows of crops. In the distance, I can make out the silhouette of the settlement, the buildings rising from the earth like natural extensions of the landscape.

Tasha sits up, leaning forward to peer through the windshield.

As we draw closer, the sound of rushing water reaches my ears, growing louder with each passing moment. Tasha leans forward, her eyes wide as she takes in the sight before us.

Janrith is built around a series of cascading waterfalls, the clear, turquoise water tumbling over rocky cliffs and pooling in basins below. The air is filled with the sound of rushing water, a soothing counterpoint to the heat. The buildings are simple structures, carved from the rock, with sloped roofs and wide, open windows.

It is truly a beautiful sight, and Tasha gasps as she takes in the view.

I stop the landcrawler at the edge of the settlement, and we disembark, stretching our legs after the long journey. Tasha’s eyes are everywhere, drinking in the sights and sounds of Janrith.

But we can’t linger. We have a mission that shouldn’t be delayed any longer.

I lead Tasha through the busy winding streets of Janrith, towards the modest residence of Chieftain Yalrog. Along the way, I point out some sights, answering Tasha’s questions and marveling at her curiosity.

Finally, we arrive at Yalrog’s home. It is a simple structure, carved into the rock wall of the valley, the entrance framed by flowering vines.

“Come, we’ll need to report to the Chieftain. Hopefully, he’ll give us his full support to survey their mine.” I say, leading her up the stone steps.

We enter the residence, and are greeted by a tall, slender Jroskian female warrior, her red hair braided down her back and a stern expression on her face.

“Who are you and what business do you have with the Chieftain?”

For a moment, I consider introducing Tasha as a prisoner, but it no longer feels right.

“I am Droilin, Personal Guard of the High Chieftain, and this is human engineer, Tasha Williams. We are here to speak to Chieftain Yalrog regarding the mine.”

She considers this for a moment, her eyes flicking between us. Finally, she nods.

“Follow me.”

She leads us into the building, and down a long hallway. The air is cool and damp against our skin. The interior of the residence is just as simple and elegant as the outside, the stone walls and wooden floors polished to a high shine. At the end of the hallway is a large door, engraved with the Jrosk sigil of a golden oalke tree.

The guard knocks, and the door opens, revealing a sizable room. The interior is simple, with woven rugs covering the stone floor and intricately carved furniture lining the walls. At the far end of the room, Yalrog himself sits behind a large desk, his eyes narrowing as we approach.

He’s an imposing older warrior, with broad shoulders and a heavily lined face that speaks to a life of hardship and struggle. His eyes, a piercing amber, seem to see straight through me as I come to a stop before him.

The guard introduces us, and the old warrior stands, his voice firm.

“Droilin,” he greets, his voice a low rumble. “I wasn’t expecting a visit from Frosthok.”

I incline my head, a show of respect. “Chieftain Yalrog. Thank you for seeing us. I come on behalf of High Chieftain Garrox to discuss a matter of great importance.”

Yalrog’s sharp gaze flicks to Tasha, then back to me. “And who is this?”

Tasha stiffens beside me, but she remains silent, letting me take the lead as we agrees.

“This is Tasha Williams. She’s a human engineer, here to assist with the luminore survey.”

Yalrog’s eyes narrow, suspicion etched in every line of his face. “A human? Here? What are you playing at, Droilin?”

I meet his gaze steadily, refusing to be cowed. “She is here at the High Chieftain’s request. Her skills and knowledge are invaluable to our mission.”

Yalrog scoffs, leaning back in his chair. “Since when does Garrox trust humans? Especially with our most precious resource?”

I take a step forward, my voice low and intense. “Times are changing, Chieftain. We face threats from all sides, and we must use every asset at our disposal to protect Morcrest, to protect our way of life.”

There’s a long moment of silence, the tension thick in the air. Finally, Yalrog nods, a grudging respect in his eyes.

“Very well. Speak your piece, Droilin. But know that I will not hesitate to act if I feel this human poses a threat to my clan.”

I nod, understanding the weight of his words. “Of course, Chieftain. I would expect nothing less.”

And so, I lay out the situation — Garrox’s meeting with the STI, the missing luminore, the shadowy forces at work behind the scenes.

Yalrog listens intently, his deep brow scrunched in thought. When I mention the missing luminore, his eyes widen slightly.

“Missing luminore, you say? That is troubling indeed. Our own yields have been lower than expected, but I assumed it was because of the natural depletion of the veins. If there is theft involved...” He trails off, his expression grim.

“After we conclude our survey here, we plan to visit the Degok mines next. To get a full picture of the situation.”

At the mention of Degok, Yalrog’s expression darkens. “I’m afraid that may not be possible, Droilin. The Degok mine... it’s barely operational at this point.”

“What? How can that be?” I lean forward, shock coursing through me.

Yalrog sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “The veins, they’re running dry. Almost completely exhausted. Chieftain Keklor and I, we petitioned Garrox to ask the STI to reduce the luminore quota, but to no avail.”

Tasha gasps beside me, her eyes wide. “That can’t be. An entire clan’s livelihood will be gone?”

Yalrog nods, his expression grim. “It is the unfortunate likelihood, Miss Williams. And Garrox, he is aware of the situation. Despite that, he does nothing.”

Anger and frustration boil in me. How could Garrox keep something like this from me? From the rest of Morcrest?

Yalrog must see the emotion on my face, because he leans forward, his voice low and intense.

“We are growing impatient with Garrox’s leadership. His focus is on the STI, when he should be addressing the issues on Morcrest. Attempting to gain favor with other planets is a foolish endeavor.”

The Chieftain pauses, his eyes boring into mine.

“This third party you’ve just told me about, whoever they are, will probably take over the planet, and our people will most likely be forced into slavery, or worse. But we, Keklor and I, are old. We do not wish for our lasting legacy to be a civil war on Morcrest.”

Tasha leans forward, her brow etched in thought. “Surely there must be something that can be done. A challenge, perhaps? To Garrox’s leadership?”

Yalrog shakes his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. “A challenge? Perhaps there should be. Garrox, he always has an excuse, an explanation for his decisions. But we know, and he knows, he is not fit to lead us, not like his father, Morux, was.”

I nod, leaning forward. “That’s why we’re here, Chieftain. To get to find out what is really going on, before it’s too late.”

Yalrog is silent for a moment, his gaze distant.

“Droilin, your father,” he pauses, then slowly he speaks.

My attention is rapt. Focused entirely on whatever Yalrog has to say next.

“He was a good male. Honorable, just. His death was a great loss to all of Morcrest. You have my condolences.”

I swallow hard. The unexpected mention of my father sends a pang through my heart. “Thank you, Chieftain. His loss is still felt deeply.”

Yalrog nods, his eyes softening slightly. “He was a true warrior, and a loyal friend to the Jrosk clan. I was saddened to hear of his... untimely passing.”

The Chieftain moves across the room and unlocks a wooden chest. He shuffles through some items before pulling out what looks like an old battered datapad.

“This belonged to your father,” he says solemnly. “I smuggled out of Garrox’s residence before it could be destroyed. I’ve kept it hidden all these years, but now you must have it.”

I take the datapad with trembling hands. My heart pounds as I power it on. What might it contain?

The datapad flickers to life, files and footage filling the screen. My eyes widen as I take it all in. The security footage shows Garrox slipping poison into High Chieftain Morux’s cup, taken from cameras at his residence. Messages revealed the plot to frame my father for the murder of High Chieftain Morux between Garrox and someone known only as IonSpecter.

It’s all here—irrefutable proof of my father’s innocence.

I look up at Yalrog, my voice thick with emotion. “Why... why are you showing me this now?”

Yalrog sighs heavily. “Because your father made me promise not to intervene, for the sake of peace between the clans. He forbid me from revealing the truth, even at the cost of his own life.”

“I don’t understand... why would he do this to his family?” I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut, the air rushing out of my lungs.

“You are too young to remember Droilin, but at that time there were brutal raids between the clans. Each one was violent and bloody. Morux negotiated a true. It was still new... fragile. Your father, he had a son he wanted a better future for. Risking the truce meant risking your future, which was unacceptable to him.”

The Chieftain grips my shoulder, his eyes glistening. “Your father was a good and honorable warrior. His only crime was being too loyal. I should have spoken up long ago, consequences be damned. But I won’t fail him again.”

I grip the datapad, my knuckles white. Finally, after all these years, I have the evidence to clear my father’s name. To prove Garrox was behind it all along.

“Chieftain Yalrog,” I manage, my voice strained. “This is confirming that Garrox... was responsible for Morux’s death.”

The old Chieftain holds my gaze, his expression somber. “It’s my great regret not to have brought this to light sooner.”

Rage boils within me, hot and fierce. My hands clench into fists, my nails digging into my palms.

“That voiding bastard!” I bellow, my chest heaving. “He framed my father, condemned an innocent warrior just to cover up his own treason!”

I sweep my arm across the table, sending cups and platters crashing to the floor. The injustice of it all consumes me, setting my blood aflame. I want nothing more than to wrap my hands around Garrox’s throat and squeeze the life from his wretched body.

“All these years I thought my father was the traitor,” I seethe through gritted teeth. “But it was Garrox, that honorless coward, who betrayed Morcrest and destroyed my family!”

And not just Garrox — my mother aided him in this vile deception. Her deceit, woven with words of false loyalty even as she conducted a sordid affair with Morux, clouded my judgment and fueled my belief in my father’s guilt. But now the bitter truth is exposed.

My fists clench and unclench at my sides. I pace the room like a caged beast, barely containing the hurricane of fury swirling within me.

Yalrog watches me warily but does not speak. He knows better than to get in the path of an enraged warrior.

After a few moments, I stop, taking a deep breath. The haze of anger lifts slightly. Garrox will pay for his crimes, but I must keep a level head if I am to succeed. Justice will be done, for my father’s sake.

Tasha places a hand on my arm, her touch gentle but firm. “Droilin, I’m so sorry. This is... it’s unthinkable.”

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, allowing her caress to calm me.

“All those years I thought the worst of my father,” I hiss. “I believed he had betrayed Morcrest. Even testified against him.”

Shame burns through me at the memory. My own damning words echoing in my mind.

Tasha squeezes my arm reassuringly. “You couldn’t have known. Garrox deceived everyone.”

I nod, a weary sigh escaping my lips. “I should have known in my heart he was innocent. Instead, I was blinded, too eager to preserve our family’s dignity.” I shake my head bitterly.

“You were just a boy, a young warrior,” Tasha says gently. “Garrox took advantage of your innocence. But now you can make things right. For your father’s sake.”

Her faith in me is a salve, easing the rawness of my anguish. I meet her sympathetic gaze, seeing the warmth and understanding reflected there.

“Garrox will answer for his crimes,” I vow solemnly. “I will see to it, no matter the cost.”

Tasha’s hand squeezes mine, our fingers interlacing. “You won’t have to do it alone. I’ll be right by your side.”

Her courage and loyalty stir something deep within me. With her at my side, I feel I could take on anyone, even the High Chieftain himself.

I meet Yalrog’s gaze. “Thank you, Chieftain, for telling me this. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

He nods, a glimmer of sympathy in his eyes. “Your father was a true Morcrestian warrior, Droilin. He deserves justice. I have a great shame I did not do more. Now more than ever, Morcrest deserves better than Garrox’s leadership.”

“We’ll stop him,” Tasha says, her voice ringing with conviction. “We’ll find out what he’s up to, and we’ll put an end to it. Morcrest won’t fall, not on our watch.”

I feel a swell of pride, of love for this fierce, determined human.

Yalrog looks at her appraisingly, a hint of respect in his gaze. “You have spirit, Miss Williams. Morcrest could use more like you.”

She smiles, inclining her head. “I’ll do whatever I can to help, Chieftain. This is my fight too, now.”

Yalrog nods, turning back to me. “It is late, and you both look weary from your journey... and this news. Please, stay the night here, as are my guests. In the morning, I will have an escort bring you to the mines, so you can conduct your survey.”

I stand, bowing my head in gratitude. “Thank you, Chieftain Yalrog. Your hospitality and your wisdom are much appreciated.”

He waves a hand. “It is the least I can do for the son of my old friend. Now, go, rest. You have a long road ahead of you.”

With that, he calls for a servant to show us to our quarters. As we follow them out, my mind is reeling, trying to process all that I’ve learned. There should be an immediate trial, but now is not the right time, not with Tasha still in exile, and luminore mystery.

One thing is for sure, though, Garrox is a murderer and a traitor.

It’s worse than I thought. But with Tasha by my side, I know I’m not alone.