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S talad grinned as he entered his quarters.

Morgan’s unfettered amusement at the males’ misfortune lifted his spirits.

Her green eyes sparkled above red cheeks.

Her blunt, white teeth surrounded by her pink lips when the water hit their faces made him think of where he’d like her mouth to be.

And her scent when she saw him naked had him hiding his instant erection.

I think I’m a lusty male. At least around her, it seems.

Striding into his shower, his fingers grasped his needy cock.

He hissed at how sensitive his flesh felt.

Groaning as his fist worked to thoughts of her on her knees as her mouth engulfed him, he imagined her sultry green eyes watching him.

Warm water beat down on his chest as he imagined her mouth wet and hot around him as her tongue licked.

The image of soft fingers tracing his heavy balls and trailing to his base node sent his seed exploding against the wall.

Her name left his lips like a whispered prayer.

His forehead fell forward as he extended his orgasm for as long as possible. The water turned tepid. Crekkin’ timer on the showers to conserve water. A few more minutes would be nice.

Rapidly cleaning his body, he finished just before the water turned frigid and shut off automatically.

He shook his body, then stepped into the dryer.

After popping in a mouth cleaning tab, he combed his short hair and stared at himself in the viewer.

I must not think of her this way. I don’t know if I have a female waiting for me.

It would not be honorable to pursue the fascinating human.

Along with Crax and Yaz, Stalad loaded maglevs into the larger transport with the crates being delivered. The Fortitude would orbit Arona while they took the smaller ship to the surface. Makai arrived just as they secured the last crate.

“Let’s get this done. I have a meeting about another potential job afterwards. It will only be the four of us going to the planet.”

In the cockpit, they each took seats and fastened their restraints as Yaz conducted his preflight.

“Same place as last time?”

Makai nodded.

“ Fortitude , we’re ready to open Hangar Bay One and depart.”

Rain’s voice sounded through the comms.

“ Experience , cleared to depart. Stay in touch.”

“Will do.”

Stalad watched with interest as they broke atmosphere.

Arona appeared to be a world of lush greens, blues, and browns.

Famous for its precious gemstones and ores, the Orkite home world produced some of the finest jewelry in the known galaxy.

The Orkites lived in conjunction with nature eschewing tall metal or glass structures.

Natural stone or wood dwellings nestled in the smaller villages near water.

Larger cities contained the same, but the buildings sprawled around several larger keeps.

They landed near the outskirts of one city, Urzo.

Stepping down the ramp, Stalad inhaled deeply.

Clean, fresh air, laden with the scents of Arona’s nature filled his lungs.

He closed his eyes and savored the rich smells.

His limbs felt heavy due to the planet’s higher gravitational pull. Must be one reason Orkites grow sturdy.

“Does any of this look familiar?” Yaz asked quietly.

“No. I don’t recognize the specific scents or surroundings.”

“Must not have ever visited Arona before, then,” Crax grumbled.

“Dablar, well met this fine day,” Makai greeted the approaching older Orkite.

The massive dusky green male stood taller than all of them by half a head.

A relatively trim waist separated broad shoulders over thick biceps and tree trunk thighs in brown leather pants.

A pronounced brow ridge overshadowed his dark eyes lit in welcome as well as his broad, flattened-tipped nose.

Tusks yellowed with age framed the lower half of his wide smile.

Strands of silver interspersed his black braids.

Thick gold chains decorated his neck while numerous scars interrupted the intricate designs in black ink found on his arms and torso.

A large green gemstone shaped into a hoop hung from one ear. Daggers hung from sheaths at his hips.

“Makai, welcome to Urzo.” A meaty hand grasped the Jalaxian’s forearm in warrior’s clasp. The smack of flesh on flesh sounded loudly.

“As promised, your items are here safely.” Makai squeezed the male’s arm before stepping back.

“No issues?”

“None.”

“Good. Let’s get it unloaded and settle accounts.” Dablar looked at Stalad. “New member of your crew?”

“Stalad is traveling with us for a bit until we get in range of Costonia. Stalad, meet Dablar, the best technology merchant in Urzo.”

“Best on Arona,” the Orkite corrected with a grin. “Well met, Stalad.”

“Well met, Dablar. You have a beautiful home world.”

“Thank you, lad.”

Several younger Orkites assisted in moving the crates while Makai and Dablar chatted. Stalad noticed that their skin tones ranged from a pale green to a deep forest green. Some had piercings in one or both nipples, or their noses. I wonder if the piercings mean anything.

“Everything looks good. We have a meeting with Lord Heggar to get to,” Makai said.

Dablar’s expression turned serious.

“I suggest going forward, if you speak to anyone, you say you are paying your respects to the Lord, rather attending than a scheduled meeting.”

“Oh?” Makai’s eyes narrowed.

“It’s best if fewer beings know the real reason for your visit.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“Not my place. You’ll understand after you see Heggar.”

“Thank you, Dablar. I’ll do as you say.”

The Orkite clapped Makai’s back.

“I’ll let you know when I need another shipment delivered.”

“We’ll do what we can.”

Stalad walked with the Jalaxians toward the largest stone building with appeared to be four stories high. Every Orkite, male or female, wore weapons, be it daggers, swords, or axes. He narrowed his eyes at one huge male carrying a mace. Someone likes it bloody.

Two guards stood at the oversized wooden entry doors.

“Captain Makai and crew to pay our respects to Lord Heggar.”

“One moment.” The guard spoke to a boy behind him. The youngling scampered further inside the building. The boy returned quickly and nodded enthusiastically.

“I’m to escort you to Lord Heggar directly, Captain Makai.” He looked at the guards. “The Lord says they do not need to be disarmed.”

The first guard grunted.

“Follow the lad.”

“Thank you.”

The inside of the building took Stalad by surprise.

He expected it to be dark, dank, and cold, but instead they traversed along well-lit, clean halls with doors leading to well-appointed, comfortable rooms. They climbed a wide set of stairs to the third floor.

The ambient temperature remained constant throughout—just slightly cool.

The young Orkite stopped at a set of doors with another set of guards.

“Captain Makai for Lord Heggar.”

“Thank you, lad. Head to the kitchens and see if Cook has a treat for you.” The oldest guard said gruffly. “You’re a growing male. Then back to the front to resume your duties as runner.”

“Thanks, Papaw.” The young male grinned. “You’re the best.”

“Go on with you.” The guard ruffled the boy’s hair. He looked at them. “My son’s son.”

They smiled.

“He seems like a fine youngling,” Stalad said.

“Too much energy. Even a busy day running errands and messages can’t tire him out.” The grizzled male smiled and opened the door. “Lord Heggar is expecting you.”

“Thank you,” Makai said.

They entered a large study. Lord Heggar sat behind a desk that hid most of his bulk.

Weapons hung on the wall behind him. Books lined shelves around the room.

Heavy, wooden chairs with thick cushions in front of the desk and the fireplace on the opposite wall looked comfortable.

A single window overlooked the grounds of the city.

Lord Heggar stood. The massive male was even larger than Dablar. Unlike the merchant, Heggar wore a sleeveless, brown shirt with open sides belted at his waist.

“Captain Makai. It’s good to see you again.”

“Lord Heggar. It’s my pleasure. Please allow me to introduce members of my crew—Yaz, Crax, and Stalad.”

“Well met, warriors.” The Orkite cocked his head slightly. “You’ve added Svesti to your crew?”

“Just the one.”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.”

“Please have a seat.” Heggar gestured with a hand. “Feel free to move chairs as needed.”

Stalad and Crax pulled two chairs from the fireplace group to the others in front of the desk and sat. The Orkite frowned, placed a device on his desk, and tapped a button.

“A dampening field to discourage eavesdroppers. I have a sensitive job for you, if you’re interested, Captain.”

“What does it entail?”

“I need to send an ambassador to Ladorta in secret. No one can know about the negotiations until they are completed.”

“How large a contingent will accompany the ambassador?”

“An assistant and two guards. Your crew would transport everyone and be supplemental security for my delegate.”

“Are you expecting a long negotiation?”

“I expect no longer than a lunar .”

“When would they need to leave?”

“They can be ready in tomorrow. The Ladortans are expecting someone within a week.”

Stalad observed Heggar as the negotiations proceeded. His tail stilled when he realized the Orkite was withholding information. He tapped the captain’s back. When Makai looked sideways at him, Stalad gestured with his hand using an old Jalaxian military code. Makai dipped his chin.

“Have your people meet our ship after morning meal, along with the supplies we’ve agreed upon.”

Heggar appeared uncomfortable.

“We need to formulate a plan to get them to you without anyone noticing.”

“Why the secrecy, Heggar? What aren’t you telling me?”

An unhappy grumble left the Orkite’s lips.

“The ambassador is my daughter, Niksen. Two attempts on her life have occurred in recent weeks. I don’t know if the threat is to her personally or because of my position.

Publicly, I named another to travel to Ladorta to negotiate in a month.

I’m hoping to discover who is behind the attempts on her life while she is under your protection. ”

“Is she qualified to handle the Ladortan contingent?”

“Absolutely. While she can be headstrong, she knows the intricacies of our position and is well-versed in political maneuvering. There are those who fail to acknowledge her intelligence and worth, but she is my heir and extremely capable.”

“Any chance the Ladortans are behind the assassination attempts?”

“Unlikely.”

“So we proceed as if she’s in danger until you inform us otherwise.” Makai paused. “The three accompanying her—do you trust them?”

“Yes. The guards have been with her since birth and conducted most of her warrior training. The assistant is another guard experienced in covert operations.”

“How will you explain her absence?”

“We’ll have a public fight tonight during last meal about her safety. I’ll order her to a secure location immediately. That’s where you need to retrieve them.”

Crax murmured, “We’ll be obvious if we land anywhere else on Arona.”

Makai and Heggar looked at him.

“Do you have a better idea?”

Crax leaned forward.

“Yes.”

Stalad listened and his lips lifted slightly as they added important details to Crax’s plan. This should work.

“How will you let the Fortitude know what to expect?” Heggar asked.

“We have secure ways of communicating.” Makai’s expression bordered on smug. “We need to add items to the cargo list to create confusion. Ideas?”

“Morgan said something about more breads,” Yaz said. “I bet she would love to have Orkite spices and foods to work with. Recipes.”

“You just want to get out of cooking.” Crax crossed his arms and smirked. “The females could benefit from additional fabrics.”

“Do we need luxury items for your people?” Makai turned to Heggar.

“No.”

“We should have larger items that can be sold on Nulorn to account for some of the crates.” Stalad added quietly.

A crafty smile rose on Heggar’s face.

“Some Orkite furniture should work.”

“Let’s finalize the list so I can send it to the Fortitude .” Makai tapped on his tablet. “They’ll prepare on their end.”