Page 26 of Bound to the Alien Orc (Alien Gambits #1)

Chapter 26

T ravelling to the mine is a lot different on a giant elebus, its gigantic frame and thick gray skin easily navigating the jungle terrain. The driver, an older orc named Krogi is a little gruff, but I think it’s because he is nervous. The Chieftain has made our journey to the mine his personal responsibility.

“How much further?” Droilin calls out, his voice wavering slightly, as he looks nervously from on top of the animal. I chuckle at the idea that a warrior such as Droilin would be so nervous at being transported by a creature rather than a landcrawler.

“We’re almost there. Soon we’ll be at the entrance.” Krogi replies, his tone reassuring.

I glance at Droilin, noticing the tension in his shoulders, the faraway look in his eyes. No doubt the revelations yesterday from Chieftain Yalrog are still playing over in his mind. Last night he tossed and turned. I doubt he got much rest at all.

It’s hard to know for sure, especially as we have only known each other for a short time. But we’ve forged a deep connection. I want to ask, to offer comfort, but I stay quiet for now. He needs time to process all he’s learned.

“Do you think there will be any more attacks?” I ask instead, hoping to distract him. Despite the danger, I’m desperate to clear my name and figure out my future.

Droilin’s gaze meets mine, his expression softening. “I don’t know, Tasha. The Chieftain has offered us his support. But until then, we can’t take any chances.”

As the jungle gives way to a clearing, the mine entrance comes into view, a gaping maw in the earth. Krogi brings the elebus to a stop, helping us dismount.

“This is the Jrosk luminore mine,” he explains, leading us towards the entrance. “It has been worked by generations of miners and is the lifeblood of our clan.”

We follow him down a long, dark tunnel, the walls lined with luminous crystals. Even more than Frosthok had. It’s a breathtaking sight, and I gasp as we enter an enormous cavern, the walls glittering with embedded luminore.

“It is a great honor for you to be allowed to survey the luminore stocks,” Krogi adds, and leads us into the mine.

A few orcs are working, removing the rocks and placing them into sacks. The scene is a stark contrast to the high-tech equipment I’m used to on the space station, but there’s a raw beauty to it, a sense of tradition I admire.

“What’s the output like?” Droilin asks, his eyes scanning the cavern.

Krogi sighs, his expression grim. “Not as much as before. Ever since the Degok mine has reduced capacity, we have stepped up production to meet both our quotas. It leaves little scope to output more than is necessary. The quota doesn’t pay as well as regular output.”

Droilin nods, his brows clenched. “I understand. It’s a lot of work for not a lot of payoffs.”

As we move deeper into the mine, I notice the dimness of the lighting, the weariness on the workers’ faces. Krogi brings us to Laski, the foreman, who shows us the latest reports.

“The luminore deposits are dwindling, and the quotas are impossible to meet,” Laski says, his voice heavy. “The deal has not been beneficial for the clan, but we had no choice.”

Droilin studies the datapads, his expression darkening. “This is troubling. If the luminore runs out, the whole treaty will be in jeopardy.”

Laski nods. “The Chieftain has ordered us to keep mining. He says the quotas will be met, no matter what.”

“And the luminore?” Droilin asks. “Where does it go?”

“Each shipment is sent directly to the High Chieftain, to be distributed as he sees fit. There are weekly shipments to Frosthok, and we just make sure our containers are filled.”

Droilin’s jaw tightens. “I need more time to look over these ledgers. Can you show us the mining operation in action? There’s only so much I can tell from these records.”

Laski agrees, leading us through narrow tunnels. The vibrations from the mining echo throughout the walls, and the clanging of metal against rock fills the air. We emerge into another enormous cavern, where miners use hand tools to cut away the rock surrounding the luminore veins.

As we watch the miners work, an idea forms in my mind. “How many are working in the mines?” I query.

“Over a hundred,” Laski replies. “But we need more. Or a way to dig deeper into the mine.”

I perk up at this. A problem that needs solving! Perhaps I have a chance to help here too, just like I can help fix the machinery in Frosthok.

Droilin and Laski continue their discussion, while I observe the miners. Their technique is crude but effective, but with a bit of technology, they could be so much more efficient.

“Can I see the mining equipment?” I ask eagerly. “I might have some ideas on how to increase efficiency.”

Laski looks to Droilin, who nods. “My... companion is an engineer,” he explains. “She’s helped solve some issues with the Frosthok mine. You would do well to give her permission.”

Laski hesitates, then nods. “Very well, Droilin. I trust your counsel.”

Droilin’s expression tightens at the mention of Garrox, but he manages a smile.

Laski leads us deeper into the mine, and I marvel at the sheer size of it. The ceilings are high, the walls jagged and glistening with luminore. As we walk along the length of the cavern, the heat is intense, and the smell of sweat and earth fills my nose.

Laski brings us to the equipment, and I immediately see how outdated it is. “This is ancient!” I exclaim. “And the fuel cells, are they degrading faster than expected?”

“Yes, but it’s all we have. The clan cannot afford to replace them.” Laski sighs.

I nod, already considering ways to improve the situation. I can see how the mining is done, but the real challenge is how to increase efficiency. My mind is already whirring with possibilities.

“Is there any other equipment? I need to see the entire mining process if I’m going to come up with the best solutions possible. I’ve had a lot of experience working in confined parts of spaceships, and I’m sure we can figure something out.”

Laski nods. “Of course. Follow me.”

As we make our way deeper into the mine, I feel a growing sense of excitement. This is what I was born to do, what I’ve been training for. I can’t wait to get started.

“I will leave you both to it, then. You know where to find me if needed.” Laski nods to Droilin as he leaves our tunnel towards the main cavern.

I set to work examining the equipment. The miners are more than happy to answer my questions, and soon, we’re deep in conversation.

I take notes and sketches, jotting down estimates and theories. Beside me, Droilin listens intently, offering suggestions. His support and interest in my ideas bolsters my confidence.

After a few hours, I get to work, using my tools and scraps from the equipment to create a prototype for a better mining rig. Droilin watches, a mix of awe and affection on his face.

“You really are quite the engineer,” he murmurs.

I smile, my heart fluttering at his praise. “And I’m not done yet.”

I finish assembling the prototype rig and plug it into the power cells. Immediately, the lights flash, the machine whirring to life. I hold my breath, watching as the miners gather around, their expressions curious.

There’s a moment of tense silence, then one miner laughs. “That’s the most noise the thing has ever made! You really think it’s gonna work?”

“Only one way to find out,” I say, stepping aside. “Why don’t you give it a try?”

The miner hesitates, takes a deep breath and grabs the handle. When the rig shudders, and then begins to move across the rock, and it carves through like butter, the miners cheer, clapping me on the back.

“This is amazing!” the miner says, a grin splitting his face. “You’re a genius!”

A loud buzzer sounds and the miners depart, rushing for a break, chatting about what this means for them.

“Well done, Tasha,” Droilin says, his eyes full of pride. “This will help the miners greatly.”

“It’s just a prototype,” I say, waving off the praise. “But this should speed up the luminore mining process and reduce the fuel needed,” I explain, showing him how it works.

“That’s brilliant,” he breathes, pulling me into his arms. “You are incredible.”

I blush, melting into his embrace. “I just like a challenge.”

He kisses me, his lips soft, his tusks grazing my cheek. I’m just about to suggest we take matters further when a commotion makes us pull apart. A rumbling noise echoes from the entrance to our tunnel.

“What was that?” Droilin asks, his body tensing.

“I don’t know, but it can’t be good,” I reply, dread settling in my gut.

We run towards the main cavern, where the miners are panicking, shouting, and yelling. But before we reach them, a huge explosion shakes the mine. Dust and debris fill the air, and I’m thrown to the ground, the breath knocked out of me.

Droilin pulls me into a side tunnel, shielding me with his body as debris rains down around us. After a moment, the rumbling stops, and the air is thick with dust.

“Tasha, are you alright?” Droilin asks, his voice strained.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I cough, struggling to my feet. “We need to get out of here.”

He nods, and we start to climb the rubble. But we freeze at the sound of voices on the other side.

“Did we get them? That’ll be a nice bonus for the boss.”

“No one could have survived that explosion. If they aren’t crushed, they’ll suffocate soon.”

After a tense moment, the voices fade. They must think we’re dead.

“We can’t stay here,” Droilin says grimly. “We need to escape.”

“Luckily, we have just the thing.” I point to the mining rig. “Time for your maiden voyage, Rig!”

With Droilin’s strength, we push the rig to the rubble, trapping us, the metal screeching and protesting the whole way, and turn on the power source.

Slowly, the drill digs into the rocks, the mechanism deliberately moving the rubble aside. The rig carves a path through the debris, the work slow and exhausting. The air grows thin, and I doubt we will make it. But finally, we break into the main cavern, stumbling out of our makeshift exit.

The miners are nowhere to be found, and the cave is filled with smoke and dust.

“That was close,” I gasp, looking around at the damage.

“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Droilin urges, leading me towards the exit.

We rush through the tunnels, the sound of collapsing rocks echoing behind us. But something catches my eye — a scrap of fabric stuck in the wall. I pull Droilin over to it.

“Tasha, it’s not safe. We need to go!”

“Hold on, I need to check this.” I inspect the fabric, recognizing the distinctive metallic sheen of a Corsairian uniform.

“Look,” I say, showing Droilin. “The Corsairians are definitely involved somehow.”

Droilin’s face hardens. “I don’t know, but we need to tell the Chieftain. Let’s get back to Janrith.”

We race for the exit, the mine collapsing around us. We barely make it out before the entrance partially caves. Outside, Laski, Krogi and the miners are waiting.

“Thank the spirits you’re okay!” Krogi exclaims.

“We almost didn’t make it,” I say, my voice shaking as Droilin helps me onto the elebus.

“I’m just glad you’re safe,” Krogi says sincerely. “Why didn’t you leave when the alarm sounded?”

Droilin frowns. “We didn’t hear an alarm. Just the rumbling.”

Krogi’s brow furrows. “The miners set off the alarms as soon as they felt the first tremor.”

A shudder runs through me. Was this planned?

Laski runs over to us, his face pale.

“I’m glad to see you both. When we heard the explosion, we feared the worst,” he exclaims.

Before we can respond, a miner pushes his way through the crowd. I recognize him as Drek, an orc who worked near us in the mine.

“Laski!” Drek shouts. “I have urgent news.”

Laski’s brow furrows. “What is it, Drek?”

Drek glances around nervously before continuing. “Just before the collapse, I saw two strangers slip out of the back tunnel. I didn’t get a good look, but one had strange blue skin and was wearing some kind of shiny uniform. The other had three long scars across his chest.”

My blood turns to ice. Three scars across the chest could only mean one person — Claws. The guard who attacked me in Frosthok mine. What is he doing here?

I exchange a worried look with Droilin. We both know that Claws being here can’t be a coincidence.

Droilin’s jaw tightens, his eyes darkening. “Why would one of Garrox’s guards be involved in blowing up a luminore mine?” He pulls me closer, as if sensing my unease.

Laski scratches his chin, deep in thought. “This is troubling news indeed. But thank you for informing us, Drek.”

As Drek moves back into the crowd, Laski turns to us. “It seems we may have a traitor among us. Someone working to sabotage our mining efforts from within.”

I look at Droilin. We know the traitor is Garrox, but we can’t tell anyone yet, not until we know what he’s up to.

Droilin nods grimly. “You are right, Laski. I will inform Chieftain Yalrog at once.”

I cling to Droilin, drawing strength from his solid presence. If Claws is here, then I’m not safe. But with Droilin by my side, I know he’ll keep me safe. We climb aboard the elebus and urge Krogi to hurry.

As we ride back to Janrith, the weight of what happened settles on me. Garrox is a murderer, a traitor. And he’s working with the Corsairians. The question is, why? What is he getting out of this?

I grip Droilin’s hand tighter, knowing we have to stop him, whatever the cost. Morcrest can’t afford to lose the luminore mines. Droilin seems lost in thought as well, his arm tight around me. When we arrive back at the Chieftain’s residence, grim faces greet us.

I have a bad feeling about this. But whatever comes next, with Droilin by my side, I can face anything. Because somewhere along the way, amidst all the danger... I’ve fallen in love with him.