Page 18

Trex

I STORMED BACK ONTO the bridge, settling into my seat beside Krin and letting out a noisy breath.

‘Is everything fine with the females?’ he asked.

Scratching my head, I sent him my thoughts . ‘My suspicion is that two of the females will attempt to leave at their earliest opportunity. It is not safe to let them leave the ship at the Javar Outpost.’

It made me happy that Grace decided to stay on the ship rather than leaving to live among other humans in a colony.

Hopefully spending time with the other females, Grace could assure them they were safe with us. But I hoped that the anger from the others would not cause her to reconsider her opinion of me.

Clenching my fists, I fought the urge to let out a frustrated roar.

The bridge’s silence was broken by the voice of a helmsman. “Captain I’m detecting three ships approaching at FTL speed.”

“Can you detect whose ships they are?” If it was the Zinids trying to recapture the females, they didn’t stand a chance.

“They are Krilex ships.”

“Drop out of FTL and see if they do the same.”

Several moments passed while I waited.

“They appear to be dropping out of FTL too, Captain. They’re bringing their weapons online.”

“Strengthen shields and prepare to face them and fire.” I was not going to allow a known enemy to threaten anyone in the Alaran system.

The Krilex and Zinids were not welcome in our space, and I was tired of having to deal with them.

“Turning to face them now, Captain.”

I watched the holo-screen from my seat as several Krilex ships began shooting at us, but with the shields in place they were unable to penetrate them.

The ship remained intact, showing no signs of damage. The unmistakable sounds of their blasts reached the ears of everyone on board.

I let out a string of expletives, unable to contain my anger. Even for these reptilian devaras , this behavior was unusual. It was clear they were looking for the females.

“Fire! Take the flutzing griks out.” I said not taking my eyes off the screen.

The thought of Grace being taken again or hurt made my anger surge, and I could feel my body tighten.

I watched as our ships phaser canons blasted them when they approached. One of their ships was disabled while two more continued to fire at us.

They were getting within transport range and I debated teleporting to their ships with my men and taking them out in hand to hand combat.

“Again!” I said aloud, clutching the arms of my chair.

Glancing at Krin, I shook my head. ‘ The damn devaras are not getting the females back.’

He nodded in acknowledgement.

“Get us closer if you can.” My head spun to the weapons and security officer. “Assemble teams to board their ships.”

Dril acknowledged me and continued to fire upon the Krilex.

Krin and I stood to leave the bridge when Orin’s voice entered my mind with a telepathic message.

‘The red-haired female is asking to speak with you, Captain.’

Flutz.

‘I cannot get there right now. Find out what she wants and get it for her. Keep the females calm while I take care of things up here. I will be there as soon as I can .’

I longed to go to Grace, but my commitment to my men, our ship, and the Alaran system held me back. It was crucial to put an end to the havoc caused by the Krilex.

Allowing them to stay in Alaran space was out of the question. I could not let my men see me as a weak or an ineffective leader.

Now was not the time to be distracted.

I ran a hand down my face, grumbling to myself. Glancing at the viewscreen, I saw two of the ships exploding.

“There is only one ship left, and it is disabled,” reported the helmsman.

“Good. Send them a message telling them to leave our space and tell their leaders that the Protectorate will shoot to kill.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Keep to our heading, but contact the Drakkari fleet and tell them we may have company when we arrive at Javar Outpost.” I growled, battle rage still coursing through me, blinding me to everything else.

Something told me the Krilex would not give up the females easily.