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“E veryone to the bridge. We’ve got a job.”

Morgan’s head lifted at Rain’s announcement. She dried her hands before leaving the kitchen. What’s going on? I’m not normally involved in the jobs.

All the women were on the bridge with Lezon. Tren hustled in right after Morgan.

“What’s the job?” Tren asked.

“Kara?” Rain glanced at the focused woman.

“Just finishing the decryption. Makai used the program I developed and added the info behind the inventory list they’re picking up on Arona.

The unsecure part says we’re taking the items to Nulorn to a specific vendor, apart from some stuff we’re keeping, like food and fabrics.

” Kara chewed on her lip. “Oh, this is interesting. In four of the crates, there will be Orkites hidden whom we’ll transport. He didn’t say where they’re going.”

“That’s strange. Orkites are not known for hiding. They tend to be extremely forthright.” Tren’s brows closed together.

“We’re to prepare two sets of quarters next to each other—one for males, the other for females. Expect to provide increased security for about a lunar for the HVT’s mission.”

“HVT?” Morgan said.

“High Value Target.” Rain smiled. “Military term.”

Morgan nodded.

“Thanks.”

“Did he say what the mission is?” Lezon’s tail swayed.

“No, I imagine he’ll tell us in person. However, he wants us to scan the crates for trackers and listening devices. We’re to leave them in place and act as if there are no additional beings. All the crates stay on the transport except the ones marked as our payment.”

“Lezon and I will conduct the scans. If there is anything to worry about, I’ll let everyone know and set up a dampening field around the transport.” Tren grinned.

Kara tapped her console and the main viewscreen filled with both messages. Everyone read Makai’s exact words and discussed how to handle different scenarios. Four Orkites will be returning with the guys tonight.

Morgan and Abby went to prepare the quarters, grabbing bedding from stores.

“No.” Abby shook her head at the stuff Morgan picked and pointed at some softer sheets and pillows. “We’ll use these ones here. Makai said to make the females’ quarters more comfortable.”

“What does that even mean?” Morgan put back the things in her hands and replaced them with the ones Abby suggested.

“It means at least one of them is high born or important. So, they get more amenities in recognition of their status.”

“They’re hiding in crates. Are they going to have silk cushions in there?”

Abby smirked.

“Maybe. Aliens can act as entitled as some humans.”

Morgan laughed.

“Point taken. Is this kind of job normal?”

“I’ve learned over the years is you never know what to expect.”

“Well, let’s get the quarters ready. Where are we putting them?”

“Across from you and Stalad. If we’re supposed to protect someone, that will place them centrally between all of us.”

“Not sure I’ll be much help keeping anyone safe.”

“I guess your contribution is ensuring they don’t eat anything Yaz prepares.”

Both women grinned.

“Got it. I’m on kitchen duty.” Morgan pursed her lips. “How much do you think Orkites eat?”

“I’d say at least as much as Jalaxians.” Abby’s eyes brightened.

“Of course they do.” Morgan shook her head.

Morgan brought out the remainder of breakfast to the dining area before taking an empty seat between Stalad and Kara. The heat from his body seared her thigh and his cinnamon and caramel scent relaxed her. Pouring herself a glass of juice, she glanced at the full table.

The Arona group arrived late the night before, so this was the first time she saw Orkites in the flesh.

Like all the other aliens, they were tall and had green skin in varying shades with broad, muscular builds.

The tusks seemed to make their jaws look like a big underbite.

Horns on all, most with some type of curve, although the females appeared to run smaller.

They look like the orcs in Earth’s stories.

I wonder if they visited our planet long ago and that’s how the tales originated.

From what she could gather, Niksen, a beautiful Orkite with shiny, decorated braids was the HVT, with Lollek as her assistant.

Lollek’s piercing dark eyes watched everything intensely, although she attempted to look disinterested in the rowdy conversation.

Two older, scarred guards, Krinir and Fraddar, accompanied the females.

“Lady Niksen’s argument with her father was explosive.” Yaz gestured wildly. “Dishes, food, and furniture flying.” He looked at Tren. “You would’ve loved it. She stomped out with these three in trail, looking aggrieved.”

“They boarded a large transport. What others didn’t see was them leaving through a maintenance conduit on the other side where Crax waited with the crates for them.

By the time the ship departed, they were already onboard Experience .

” Makai spooned a large pile of scrambled eggs onto his plate.

“Crax returned to the hall to the chaos left in their wake. No one suspected the switch.”

“No one will realize they’re missing?” Rain asked as she passed a platter of bacon to Yaz.

“Not for some time. Lord Heggar ordered us to take her to a remote safe house. It takes an additional three-day hike to get to it from the nearest landing area big enough for the transport. It will be a week minimum before anyone realizes Lady Niksen is not there. The four Orkites already on the ship, as well as the pilot, will wear cloaks as they begin their travels to the safe house. Their instructions are to remain there for three weeks.” Krinir’s gruff voice traveled the length of the table easily.

He chewed on the fried meat and poured some more juice for himself.

“I scanned everything and everyone when they arrived. No trackers or surveillance of any kind.” Tren scooped up some chopped lobile onto his utensil and made a happy noise. “This is good, Morgan. What do you call it?”

“Hash browns. The lobile is similar to an Earth vegetable called potato. I added some other vegetables to it to enhance the flavor.” Morgan didn’t react when Stalad’s tail wrapped around her ankle, and he hummed contentedly as he ate.

“It really is close to something we’d find on Earth.” Abby smiled. “I’m glad you like to cook.”

“When I was on Delizas, the chefs at our establishment were kind enough to teach me about many of the foods out here in the galaxy,” Morgan said.

“You worked on a pleasure planet?” Lady Niksen frowned in her direction.

“I had no choice,” said Morgan curtly.

“After morning meal, I will give you all a tour of the Fortitude and explain various safety protocols to our guests.” Makai’s words interrupted the tense moment. “How long before we arrive at Ladorta?”

“Five days,” said Yaz.

“Good. Lady Niksen, you will keep me apprised of where and whom you will be meeting so your guards and I can coordinate resources for your safety.”

The Orkite’s face twisted with displeasure. Dark green highlighted her high cheekbones.

“I can protect myself.”

“Your father hired us to do a job. We will do it to the best of our ability.” Makai’s eyes narrowed, although his voice remained pleasant.

“Lady Niksen, we will not be taking unnecessary chances with your life, not after the recent attempts on it.” Fraddar glared at the female. “You are a skilled warrior. That does not make you invincible.”

Morgan suppressed a shiver at the female’s angry growl. Shit. She’s intense.

Lollek pushed her plate forward and sat back.

“Milady, your primary orders are to broker this agreement. Let the guards and the Wing Raiders handle the security.”

“I dislike being treated like a pup.” Niksen stood abruptly.

Krinir calmly looked at her.

“You are being treated like an important Orkite asset. However, I suggest you stop acting immaturely. It’s unbecoming for one of your status.”

“I am your boss.”

“You are my charge. If you need a reminder, we’ll spar later,” Krinir said with a small smile.

“The tour?” Niksen bit out.

“Is everyone ready?” Makai looked at the other Orkites.

Fraddar wiped his face with a napkin.

“Might as well do it now. It will give her time to walk off some of her ire.”

“Aargh.” Niksen stomped out of the room.

“Please excuse us. Morning meal was delicious. Thank you.” Lollek stood and smiled at the group. “We’ll have more time to become acquainted during our travels.” She and the other Orkites followed Makai.

“Wow. Spoiled much?” Kara snagged some bacon from Crax’s plate.

Rain’s expression turned thoughtful.

“I’m not sure. We know how difficult it can be to prove we’re as capable as men. She may simply be reacting to something cultural.”

“Well, I hope she settles down. We don’t need to be walking on eggshells for this mission.” Abby sipped some water.

“Will you be training later?” Stalad asked.

Morgan nodded.

“We’ll be working on the silks. Why?”

“May I join you?”

Her eyebrow raised.

“You want to exercise with the women?”

“If you ladies wouldn’t mind. I’ve discovered I like learning new techniques and skills.” Stalad’s brown eyes brightened.

“Would you teach us some of your training forms? They look a lot like some martial arts moves from Earth. Those could come in handy.” Rain leaned forward.

“Of course.”

“Are you guys okay with Stalad joining us? If you’d rather, I can teach him separately.” Morgan glanced at each of the humans.

“Doesn’t matter to me.” Kara shrugged.

“Sure.” Abby stood. “I’m going to change and I’ll meet you all there.”

Rain and Kara pushed back from their seats.

“We’ll clean up first.” Rain began stacking dishes.

Morgan smiled at Stalad.

“Let’s go. I’ll show you how to do the safety checks before everyone else shows up.”

“After you.”

Morgan fanned herself. Stalad proved to be an attentive student.

He asked pertinent questions and took corrective criticism well.

And his muscular control impressed the hell out of her.

Watching his abs contract and release or his thighs wrap around the fabric caused electric tingles in her girlie parts.

Damn, he’s a fine example of manliness. Maleness?

Not sure what the proper word is out here in space, but I sure do like watching him.

When he wound his tail around the silks and hung upside down, the women cracked up.

Kara added monkeyish vocalizations. When the women explained why they found it so amusing, he imitated the sounds which they found hilarious.

He’s so damned likable. Fun sense of humor and not afraid to be a bit silly.

His scent grew stronger as he exerted himself. She enjoyed his cinnamon and caramel scent more than she should, especially when she moved closer to correct his grip or position. At one point, she forcibly stopped herself from licking his straining bicep.

Now she stood in line with the other women as he demonstrated basic Svesti training forms. According to him, most of the more advanced forms would build from this small set and they needed to master these before moving on.

Patiently, he walked among them, adjusting their stances as they held the first form.

It feels a little like standing yoga combined with some Bruce Lee.

“You’re too stiff. Relax your neck.”

His scent surrounded her when he stepped behind her.

She shivered at his breath on her nape. His tail nudged her right knee to move it slightly into the correct position.

Palms upright, he ran them on the underside of her upper arms to her hands and adjusted her properly.

She bit back a moan, and her panties dampened.

It’s not sexual. It’s not sexual. Damn, his hands feel so good.

“There. Much better.” His quiet words rumbled low in her belly. He stepped back quickly.

“Good, everyone. Hold that position. Beginning with your scalp, start tensing and relaxing your muscles. Slowly move down your body until you’ve done all your major muscle groups and the tension has left your body. But you need to keep your position as you do so.”

A few minutes later, Kara blew out a breath.

“This is a lot more difficult than it looks.”

“I thought Morgan gave us a workout, but just standing here takes a toll.” Rain grimaced.

“Whiners.” Morgan smirked.

“Bitch.” Kara flipped her the bird.

“You moved out of position.”

“Tattletale.”

All the women started laughing and lost their poses.

Stalad shook his head and grinned.

“I guess we’re done for today.”

“Sorry. Not sorry,” said Kara.

“Go. We’ll do this again when you want.” He grabbed a towel and wiped his face. The women grabbed their things, chattering and waving as they left.

“Thank you, Stalad. You’re a good instructor.” Morgan sipped from a water pouch.

“You are as well. I learned a great deal on the silks.” He ran the towel over his head, messing up his short hair. Damn, even with his hair sticking up every which way, he’s sexy.

Inhaling deeply, she stepped closer to him stopping with mere inches between them. She tilted her head back to meet his eyes. I can do this.

“I like you, Stalad. A lot. I want to get to know you better.”