Page 25

A fter eating, Morgan left Stalad on the couch and took a shower.

Crying always took a lot out of her, which was one reason she hated to do it.

Gazing in the mirror after getting dressed, pink still rimmed her eyes, but it was fading.

She brushed her hair and left it down. The weight pulling on her scalp would only exacerbate her residual headache.

I can’t believe I had such a massive panic attack.

When she returned to the living area, Stalad looked up as he closed his comm.

“You look refreshed. Do you feel better?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I just spoke with Makai. There’s a meeting on the bridge in an hour. Should I call Abby to sit with you?”

“No, I’m good to attend.”

His brown eyes softened.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine.” She spied a deck of cards Kara synthesized for her during her recuperation. “Do you know any card games?”

“Earth ones? I don’t think so.”

“Why don’t I teach you a couple before the meeting? We can pass the time without any more of my drama.”

He frowned.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Make it sound like there’s something wrong with you when there isn’t.”

Her eyes widened.

“Did you miss the part where I completely lost my shit?’

His nose wrinkled.

“I don’t recall you losing any excretions.”

She stared at his serious face while she tried to decipher what he saying. Then she clamped her hands to her stomach when she laughed so hard more tears formed in her eyes. Bringing herself under control, she gasped, “Earth. Euphemism. Means. Meltdown. Or. Anger.”

His confusion morphed into humor, and he chuckled.

“That makes much more sense.”

Wiping the dampness from her eyes, she smiled at him.

“Thanks. I needed that.” Amazing how hilarity can relieve stress.

“I’m glad my words inadvertently helped.” His smile faded. “I meant it, ciebala . There is nothing wrong with you. You’re still dealing with a past that was not under your control. There is no shame in that.”

Her gaze traced his face. He really has no idea how wonderful he is.

“You are a good male.”

He dipped his chin then pointed at the cards on the table.

“What am I learning first?”

Morgan explained the four suits and explained card values sometimes changed depending on the game. She showed him how to play Go Fish, then War.

“I much prefer this version of war. Much less bloody than others.” His eyebrow arched.

“That’s a good point. Maybe we should have leaders play cards instead of sending warriors into battle.

” Morgan gathered up the pile and tapped the edges to straighten out the cards.

“It’s almost time to head to the bridge.

I’ll show you some other games another time.

Earth has a lot of them.” She slipped her feet into her shoes and they left her quarters.

She squared her shoulders before entering the bridge. Everyone smiled at them before turning in Makai’s direction. The Jalaxian’s blue eyes scanned her, then nodded once with his lips rising slightly. A long exhale left her. Good. No one is fussing over me.

“We reach Ladorta tomorrow. We’ll be providing security for Niksen. I also accepted a job from the Svesti that requires a small team to go to Rumaska and gather contact information for bremmite suppliers. However, they do not want the Rumaskans to know that is their primary interest.”

“Rumaska?” Morgan’s nose wrinkled. “They’re a bit extreme. You’ll have to send a couple.”

“What do you know about them?” Makai lifted an eyebrow.

“Not a whole lot. A few came into the club on Delizas. The females dominate the males and honestly, dressed trashier than the sex slaves. My friend Faith questioned them as research to see if we needed to add anything to Fantasia . The males are called body servants. Faith said she thought it was just fancy name for slavery because of the way the females treated them.” She bit her lip.

“Uh, the males were in collars and their cocks were on display.”

“That tracks with my research.” Kara tapped her tablet.

Several holographic images popped up. “Were they dressed like this?” Skin tones from pink to magenta, cat-like ears, and gray eyes with yellow pupils in deep orbital sockets were common among all the beings.

The females wore outfits with exposing their breasts and genitals or translucent gowns, while the males wore pants cut out in the crotch to reveal their erect penises.

Morgan nodded.

“Very similarly. I know one of the males had his cock in a locked cage to keep him from obtaining an erection. According to Faith, in public, the body servants had to display themselves one way or another according to the whim their mistresses.” Disgust laced her voice.

“I know Slovis spoke to the Rumaskan females about refraining from blatant sexual activities or using their pain collars at the club. He suggested they relocate to one of his brothels—for a fee—to continue. One of the females became strident and super bitchy about it.”

“I can easily synthesize similar outfits and a fake slave collar.” Kara looked at Makai. “I just need to know who I’m dressing for the mission.”

The captain frowned.

“This job is more complicated than I expected. I’m assuming I can’t send a pair of males alone.”

“They’d never be allowed planetside. According to what I’ve found, males are considered unintelligent and their sole purpose to is keep the females happy.

” Kara blew out a breath that stirred her pink hair.

“Crax and I went over all my research to see what might be required and are willing to do it.”

“I’m not sure I like this.” Makai crossed his arms. He looked at his fellow Jalaxian. “Are you willing to act subservient for the mission and have Kara dressed like the Rumaskans?”

Crax grunted.

“I will do whatever is necessary to keep Kara safe. Of all the human females, she is best suited for the mission.”

“Hey.” Rain smirked. “Are you saying I wouldn’t be able to handle it?”

“Abby would be too uncomfortable being on display. Morgan isn’t mated to anyone and shouldn’t be put in a position to have to perform sexually in front of a crowd with anyone, especially after this morning.

” Crax sent an understanding glance at her.

“And you are more likely to choke information from someone than talk it out of them.”

Rain lifted the middle finger of her right hand at the huge blue male and grinned.

“I hate to admit it, but your thought process is sound.” Makai pinned Kara with a hard look. “Can you handle being on display?”

“I’m not crazy about the idea, but as long as Crax is with me, I can pretend it’s just elaborate sex play for us.” Kara leered at her mate.

I might have been able to do it several months ago, but Crax is right—I’m too emotionally fragile right now. As much as I’d like to contribute, I just can’t do this.

“Then you two gather what you need and take the smaller transport to Rumaska. We’ll continue to Ladorta where the human females will remain on the Fortitude in orbit, while the rest of us escort the Orkites to the surface with the larger transport.

Morgan, would you be willing to learn more about the weapons systems before we get there? ”

“I would, but I’m not certain if I’d be accurate with them.” Morgan chewed her lower lip.

“I can remain with the females,” Stalad said. “If needed, I can operate the weapons and repair most of the equipment if something breaks.”

Makai’s lips firmed.

“Rain would be in charge. Can you accept that?”

“Absolutely.” Stalad bowed slightly in Rain’s direction. “She’s a competent pilot and has been with you a long time. It’s logical she make any final decisions.”

“Then we have a plan. Do not tell the Orkites about the Rumaskan mission. It’s none of their business.”

“Do we know what the Svesti need the bremmite for?” Rain tapped her upper lip with a forefinger.

“What is bremmite?” Morgan said.

“It’s an ore used in a variety of applications.

The Svesti did not indicate what they wanted it for.

” Makai glanced at everyone. “Those going to the surface, pack your gear and be ready. I’ll coordinate with Krinir and get a better idea of what will be required of us.

We’ll probably be on shifts to ensure adequate coverage of Niksen.

Hopefully, her negotiations won’t take long. ”

Everyone nodded.

“Lezon, Tren. Double check that everyone’s trackers are working satisfactorily. Especially Kara’s. Crax, Kara, I want daily reports. Stalad, begin teaching Morgan about the weapons systems, just in case.”

A chorus of “yes, sirs” sounded on the bridge as most of them left. Rain remained at the helm, while Makai took a seat in his captain’s chair. Stalad gestured for Morgan to follow him to the weapons console.

She spent the next couple hours learning the various controls and weapons available. Throbbing behind her eyes finally made her ask Stalad to take a break.

“You look stressed.”

“Cramming all this information into my brain is giving me a headache.” She rubbed her temples. “I’m afraid to get it wrong because our lives might depend on me.”

“Hopefully, this is nothing more than a precaution. Let’s go see Lezon and get you a pain reducer.”

She nodded gingerly.

As they walked to the med bay, he said, “I’m sorry I didn’t notice your discomfort sooner.”

“Don’t worry about it. I should’ve spoken up, but we’re on a deadline.”

“You can still learn while we’re in orbit. You don’t have to know it all before we arrive.” His tail rested on her back.

She stopped momentarily then continued.

“You’re right. I kept thinking I needed to learn it all by tomorrow.”

Within moments of Lezon injecting her, her shoulders relaxed. She stretched her neck and groaned with relief.

“That’s so much better. Thanks.”

“Not a problem. How are you feeling from earlier? Should we make time to talk?”

“I think I’m okay. Stalad is a good listener.”

“If you change your mind, comm me. I’ll be happy to help.” Lezon patted her forearm.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Thankfully, no one is looking at me with pity in their eyes. I’d hate that.

Morgan took a deep breath before entering the kitchen. Niksen stood stirring soup in a large pot. The scent of cooking meat filled the room.

“Do you need any help?”

Niksen glanced at her briefly and shrugged.

“You can assemble the salad. I’ve already cut the vegetables.” She gestured toward the large cooling unit.

“Okay.” Morgan pulled out the containers and two large bowls. Dividing the vegetables between the bowls, she quietly said, “I want to apologize for earlier. I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

The Orkite stilled.

“I am the one who should apologize. My words and actions caused you significant distress.”

Surprised, Morgan looked at Niksen.

“Why are you being nice to me? Because you think I’m weak?”

Niksen’s braid swung as she shook her head.

“I’ve been nasty when all of you have been welcoming and helpful. I acted poorly. Your reaction reminded me others have problems, too, not just me.” A darker green spread along her cheekbones. “I have been taking my bad mood out on everyone around me.”

“Is there anything I can do to help? I’m willing to listen.” Morgan tossed the vegetables. “We’ve hypothesized that the assassination attempts may have upset you.”

“Not the attempts themselves. Just everyone’s reaction to them.” Niksen snorted. “My father and guards act like I am weak and unable to defend myself.”

“There’s no shame in having extra protection when it’s clear that you’re in danger from someone unknown.”

“It’s not being consulted beforehand with the plans.

I dislike being treated like a child.” Niksen left the soup, picked up potholders, and removed the meat from the heating unit.

“You were correct. No means no. I shouldn’t have pushed with the Svesti.

” After she transferred the meat to serving platters, her shoulders rolled inward as she leaned on the counter.

“Truth is, it wasn’t that I wanted him that badly.

I just wanted to be seen as a grown female. ”

“Krinir?” Morgan said quietly.

Niksen’s head whipped around, and panic lit her dark eyes.

“Is it obvious?”

“I don’t think so. I noticed you push back against him more than you do anyone else.” Morgan hesitated. “Would either of you get in trouble with your father if you got together?”

“I don’t know that my father would like it, but it’s not his place to choose who I mate.”

“How does Krinir feel?”

“I’m afraid he still sees me as a youngling.” Niksen’s dark eyes watered. “But the age difference doesn’t bother me. In fact, I prefer a mature male. Most Orkites my age are too immature to settle down.”

Morgan tentatively reached over to squeeze the Orkite’s hand. Niksen squeezed back. Her behavior makes a little bit of sense now. Still not right, but she’s floundering. I can relate.

“I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’m not sure how to help since I’ll be staying on the ship while you’re on Ladorta.”

“Please keep my secret. No one else knows.”

“Of course. It’s your private business. I do think you should tell him how you feel, though.”

“He’s not taking my hints. But sometimes I catch him looking at me as if he might be really seeing me.”

“Maybe be direct? If there’s no chance, he’ll tell you. He seems like that type of guy.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for him to completely shatter my hopes.” Niksen sat on a stool.

“I’m no expert, but I think you should concentrate on being yourself and your duties. Let him see you as a female with something to offer.” Morgan bit her lower lip. “No offense, but the way you’ve been acting doesn’t really present yourself in the best light.”

Niksen laughed heartily.

“What a polite way to say I’ve been acting like dung.”

A smile lifted Morgan’s lips.

“I have to say, I like this version of you much better, Niksen.”

“Me, too.” Niksen’s humor faded. “I thought you worked on Delizas voluntarily. I didn’t realize that was the case. I’m sorry you went through that, and I apologize that my actions caused you pain.”

“How about we start over?”

“I’d like that.”

That went much better than I expected. Too bad she’s leaving tomorrow. I might actually get to like her.