Page 33 of Healer (The Outlander Book Club… in Space! #4)
“I can see the point of mumje mining and testing it on humans. The effect of the drug goes to making humans better... slaves.” The word tasted bitter on my tongue.
“But the Ulkommanian I questioned admitted the goal of their research was to find a way to reverse the effects of the Garoot Healer on humans.” Right before I killed him, I thought, but didn’t say aloud.
I should have tortured the alien for more information, but caring for Agnes took higher priority.
“You’re right,” Tarook grumbled, rubbing his chin. “Returning humans to their aged, ill forms would not be conducive to making better slaves.”
“It does appear Nansar has some scheme against humans,” Daicon agreed, drumming his fingertips on the table. “But what?”
“That is the question,” Khaion said, waving for another round of ale. “Thankfully, the Alliance increased guardianships in Earth’s galaxy, and reports suggest no sign of attempted abductions since Emmy and her friends.”
Daicon’s data pad beeped in perfect synchronization with the Chieftain’s words. He lifted the pad to his eyes, brow furrowing in contemplation as his eyes scanned the screen intently.
“The warriors sent to destroy the Ulkommanian facilities messaged they have retrieved the Kerzak princess and her family and will return to the Bardaga within the hour.” Daicon read the message aloud.
“Thank the Valana. I worried for their safety,” I added after a relieved sigh. While Talamus and I removed every trace of battle and disposed of the bodies in a deep bog, I remained disquieted I’d left our new friends in harm’s way.
“I sent a coded message to Siemba regarding the princess,” Khaion said after thanking the crewman who’d delivered more ale. “He was stunned she still lives. He would have sent males to guard them had they declined our invitation.”
“Are we sure Nansar didn’t have a hand in the assassination of the Kerzak regent?” Tarook asked. His eyes flickered to where the human females sat laughing. I knew he thought of how close his mate Clara came to losing her life at Kerzak hands.
“Why do you ask?” Khaion studied his Weapons Master. Behind the narrow golden eyes, I could see his mind working.
Tarook shrugged. “I was just thinking... getting rid of a king who’s trying to curtail the Kerzak’s bloodthirsty ways might be something one might do if you wanted to use the beasts as hired muscle.”
“True,” I gave his thought credence. “Vienda told us the Ambassador planned to mate her when she came of age. That would have given him enough connection to the royal bloodline to claim the throne. A Kerzak king would make a powerful ally.”
“Do we have any idea of Nansar’s whereabouts?” Tarook asked while Daicon tapped on the data pad.
“Charick followed his skiff to planet Ajaxiun over a week ago, but I have heard nothing else,” Khaion said, his voice thick with worry. Charick was his second. The two had years of friendship between them.
“Communication from the planet would be risky. Ajaxiun has the best surveillance technology in the universe. Charick knows this.” Daicon said the words matter-of-fact, like giving any other strategic report. Yet I realized his comments were more to comfort our Chieftain regarding his oldest friend.
“What’s our next move?” I asked, knowing my brethren well enough to know we wouldn’t stop until we figured out the mystery. I wouldn’t either, especially if Agnes remained in danger from Nansar’s schemes.
“I have contacted the head of the Alliance council and appraised her of our recent discoveries. Siemba’s spy network is working on gathering any intel they can on Nansar. Our furlough will continue until we have uncovered and stopped his plot.”
The Bardaga’s directive was that of an Earth guardian. As such, the ship hadn’t left Earth’s galaxy in over fifty years until requesting furlough to help Emmy rescue her friends.
“Once we have welcomed the Kerzak princess on board, we will set course to the Ardeese Valout space station.” Khaion continued, his face twisting in a way that made me think he found a source of amusement in what came next. “My communication with Jutuk suggests he is near to rescuing Pearl.”
“What about Vienda and her family? Will Tau Ceti welcome them?” I asked.
While I’d suggested the planet to Talamus and Vienda, I knew given their species’ reputation, finding the family a safe haven might prove troublesome.
Especially on a planet called home by rescued humans who tended to be skittish.
“I think so,” Tarook nodded. “Mei, the newly elected mayor, is kind and welcoming, especially since taking a Romvesian as a mate.”
I nodded, accepting Tarook’s judgment since he and Clara recently returned from spending time on Tau Ceti.
“The Kerzak royal family will travel with us for the time being,” Khaion announced. “Once we have rescued all the human females, the Alliance council has commanded our presence and wishes an audience with the Kerzak princess.”
“Why? She is not in line to rule by Kerzak law.” Something twisted low in my gut. It wouldn’t be the first time the Alliance used others for their own gain.
“No.” Khaion placed a hand on my shoulder, recognizing my discomfort. “But she can testify to what happened with her family and help the Alliance rid itself of Ambassador Yaard’s influence.” The Chieftain’s eyes shot Tarook a knowing glance. “If the Ambassador isn’t dead already.”
“If he gets anywhere near Clara again, he will be dead,” Tarook grumbled before finishing his ale.
The raucous, joyous laughter of the females echoed through the room, drawing our attention like a siren’s call.
Though we all took oaths promising allegiance and duty to the Alliance, our hearts belonged to our mates.
The bond between a Vaktaire and his chosen one was unbreakable.
An unspoken understanding and depth of emotion that went beyond mere words.
As the female’s laughter continued to ring out, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment wash over me, knowing Agnes was among them—healthy and whole.
“Your mate looks well, Hakkar,” Khaion commented, although I would bet his gaze lay upon his own female.
“She is.” I smiled, unable to tear my gaze away from her lovely face. “George and I were able to remove all vestiges of the disease from her DNA.”
“We are lucky to have the young Garoot on board.” Daicon slapped my shoulder in congratulations.
“I agree. His mastery of the healer is astounding.” The youngling Daicon rescued from the mining moon belonged to the same healing species that created the Garoot Healer. Watching him work on curing Agnes, it seemed he fused with technology, guiding its healing force by will alone.
“Could you ascertain how the Ulkommanian reversed the Garoot Healer’s anti-aging?” Khaion turned his attention from his female to his ale, concern settling over his features.
“Not yet. We drew blood, but so far have not been able to identify the components of the syringe.” I hardened myself against shivering, those awful moments where Agnes regressed from young, vital, and healthy to frail and ill flashing through my mind.
“If all this is linked...,” Tarook grumbled, finishing his ale before continuing. “It makes little sense. Mine and use mumje on humans to subjugate them, only to reverse the effects of the Garoot Healer, which makes their frail bodies aged and decrepit?”
“I agree,” Daicon muttered. “I feel like we’re missing something. But what?”
“We will find it, my brothers,” Khaion promised with the confidence of a born leader. “But for tonight, we will celebrate Agnes’ rescue and healing, plus her mating to Hakkar.”
“Clara tells me Orzon is making a feast,” Tarook said with a grimace.
I didn’t understand Tarook’s demeanor. Orzo was a Framaddi, a diminutive species known for their immense creativity and skill in music, art, and cuisine.
Among them, Orzon ranked as one of the finest chefs in the universe.
His dishes were a symphony for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes—or so I thought.
But based on the groans of those around me, I might need to reconsider.
“I don’t understand. Has Orzon lost his skill in the kitchen?” I hoped not. After the rations these last few weeks, the idea of his Vermeliak stew made my mouth water.
“No, not actually.” Daicon laughed. “He’ll just attempt an Earth menu again, and those are...”
“Lacking?” Khaion suggested... always diplomatic.
“Distasteful?” Tarook suggested an alternative with a cock of his brow.
“Fucking awful,” Daicon snorted, making us all dissolve into laughter.
Personally, I didn’t care if the food tasted like a pile of rotting Kerzak droppings. The only thing that mattered was celebrating Agnes’ happiness, health, and that she finally was officially mine.