Page 55

Chapter

Fifty-Five

Tivek

T he bridge of the station was dimly lit compared to the rest of the gleaming white interior, reminding me more of a Drexian battleship than a tribute bride facility.

Dark consoles lined the circular command center, each staffed by a focused Drexian officer.

The soft beeping of sensors and occasional static burst from communications terminals created a rhythmic backdrop that was oddly comforting after a night of sleeplessness.

I rubbed my gritty eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue that clung to me like a second skin. Sleep had eluded me entirely. Every time I'd closed my eyes, Morgan's bright smile had appeared in my mind, alongside her casual dismissal of what I'd thought was something meaningful between us.

"Thank you for coming, Tivek," Captain Kalex said, stepping away from a discussion with a junior officer. His uniform was impeccable and his posture rigid, yet there was an ease about him that suggested comfort with his authority, rather than being burdened by it.

"It's an honor to see your command center," I replied, falling back on formality to mask my exhaustion.

Kalex studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Would you mind if we took a walk through the station? I find that a change of scenery helps me think more clearly."

I nodded, grateful for the chance to move. Perhaps physical activity would help clear the fog from my mind.

We left the bridge, Kalex nodding to his second-in-command as we departed. The corridor outside was brighter, the transition making my eyes ache momentarily.

"The Kronock threat concerns me," Kalex said as we walked, his voice low enough that passing crew members couldn't overhear. "I have a responsibility to keep the tributes, the Drexians, and all the workers on this station safe.”

"From what we observed during our mission, I truly believe the Kronock are actually in retreat. Their forces are not as strong as we initially feared."

"That's somewhat reassuring," Kalex acknowledged, guiding us toward an inclinator. "Though in my experience, a wounded enemy can be more dangerous than a strong one. Desperation breeds unpredictability."

We stepped into the inclinator, the transparent tube giving us a panoramic view of the station's central core as we descended. Drexians and humans moved about on various levels, crossing bridges connecting the two sides of the cylindrical structure.

"When do you need to return to the academy?" Kalex asked, breaking the momentary silence.

"I should return as soon as possible," I replied automatically. "My duties?—"

"I spoke with Admiral Zoran yesterday," Kalex interrupted. "He seemed quite concerned about your wellbeing."

I tensed. "Has he ordered me back?"

"Quite the opposite." Kalex's expression was unreadable. "He suggested you rest here at the station before returning. He mentioned something about a new assignment in your future."

My promotion. Of course, Zoran would have been informed since he was a key component of my current assignment and would be impacted by my departure.

I appreciated Zoran’s concern, but the thought of remaining on the station, with Morgan in the suite next to mine, was a special kind of torture I wasn't sure I could endure.

"I would prefer to return to my post," I said stiffly.

Kalex eyed me curiously as the inclinator reached the Promenade level. "You look like a man who needs some of that human drink called coffee." His lips quirked. "We have a Drexian version that the humans insist is weak substitute, but it does the job of waking you up."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Every fiber of my being wanted to return to the academy, to put as much distance as possible between myself and Morgan.

Once I officially accepted the promotion and began my undercover work on Earth, I would be too busy to be tormented by thoughts of her, and I would forget her. I had to.

We walked along the Promenade, as couples strolled arm in arm and small groups of human females gathered at café tables, their laughter a jarring counterpoint to my mood.

"The café is just ahead," Kalex said, continuing to explain the magical properties of coffee.

But I was not paying attention. I’d stopped abruptly, my heart lurching painfully in my chest.

Through the large glass windows of a shop, I could see Morgan inside with Serge. She was standing before what appeared to be some kind of white gown, her expression thoughtful as the Gatazoid gestured animatedly beside her.

"Ah, the bridal salon," Kalex said, following my gaze. "Those are dresses that humans wear at their weddings. Zoey wore a beautiful one, though Serge complained it wasn't glittery enough."

I couldn't speak. Why was Morgan looking at wedding gowns? It had been mere hours since she'd rejected me, insisting I should take the promotion.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Serge has roped her into becoming a tribute bride," Kalex added with a chuckle. "He's always recruiting. Since the latest ship of tributes was delayed, I’m sure he’s pounced on her.”

A tribute bride. The words were a blade in my heart.

Even if she wasn’t picking a mate today, Morgan would clearly move on, while I returned to the shadows and the secrets and solitary existence I'd built my career upon.

"Tivek? Are you all right?" Kalex's voice seemed to come from very far away.

I forced myself to nod, tearing my eyes away from the sight of Morgan examining a gown. "Fine. Just weary from the mission.”

"Perhaps we should skip the coffee and find you a place to rest instead?"

"No," I said, more sharply than I'd intended. I modulated my tone. "No, thank you. I believe I should contact Admiral Zoran directly. It just occurred to me that I may be able to begin my new assignment immediately, without returning to the academy at all."

Kalex looked surprised. "Are you certain?"

“I think I am,” I replied, already calculating how quickly I could pack my few belongings and arrange transport to Earth.

The sooner I was away from this station and away from Morgan, the better. Earth was the perfect destination. I could lose myself in its billions of inhabitants and bury myself in my work until the memory of Morgan no longer haunted my dreams.

"Very well," Kalex said, though his expression suggested he didn't quite believe my sudden urgency. "You can use the secure communication channel in my strategy room.”

I nodded, turning away from Morgan without a backward glance.