CHAPTER 5: MORE THAN FRIENDS

ALEX

 

 

Since our secret sparring session the other night, Raeden and I have been doing much better together during training. We’ve even organized a few nights of sparring on our own, where I’ve been giving him pointers on his form. He’s even been teaching me a few moves he’s picked up from other cultures, which I’ve added into my repertoire. Today, the energy feels great between him and I, and I actually think it’s cute when he smiles. We haven’t really talked about anything much other than fighting, and a few stories of our space travels, but the way he views the world is just so interesting to me. He’s not rough and tough like the other men I’ve seen on the ship. He’s gentle, treating everything with kindness and not fighting when he doesn’t have to. It’s a rather beautiful motto I think.

We’ve been excelling in our recent training, preparing for our first landing on Ventra, in just a few days. Raeden and have reached the top of the class in sparring. The instructor has even talked about us working together to teach the lower level classes, something I would have dreaded, but don’t really mind so much now. When Raeden and I aren’t fighting together, I find myself watching him from across the training room; keeping an eye on his form. Well, sometimes I do. Mainly I catch myself admiring his firm muscles, and how his back contracts when he’s throwing a hefty punch. The rest of him isn’t too bad either, even if he does have green skin. I’m open to anything honestly, as long as you treat me right.

I’m getting ahead of myself though. What about Cal? In this moment I’m having a hard time wanting to be around him. The more I think about Raeden, the less I start to feel for my Cordelia flame. Cal and I don’t really even talk that much other than what he hears being discussed on the bridge, and even that gets old sometimes. He also agrees a lot with my father, especially on his views about intergalactic law - things that I don’t necessarily agree with. Still … he’s really great in bed, and he hasn’t done much to upset me or anything like that.

Raeden catches me staring at him, and I make a funny face in response, trying to hide the fact that I had been daydreaming about him. He smiles, revealing a row of sharp teeth. A little kinky if you ask me. I’d like to see what his bite is like.

 

We’re dismissed for the day. I say goodbye to Raeden and gather up some papers I have to take to the bridge. I’m surprised to see someone waiting outside in the hall for me. Cal. He’s leaned up against the wall, and he doesn’t look happy. At first I think it’s just some drama from the bridge.

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound friendly. “What’s up?” Cal glares at me, waiting until the rest of the class has made its way to the lifts.

“Quit the act,” he tells me sternly, and I realize this isn’t about the bridge at all.

“Something wrong?” I ask him.

“You know what’s wrong,” he says. “You’ve been having those secret little meetings with your new alien boyfriend.”

He must be able to see the confusion on my face because he adds, “Someone showed me the security footage of the past few nights, and all your little sparring meetups in the middle of the night? What’s up with those?”

I look into his eyes, even though I’m embarrassed, and a little upset.

“I was just training him,” I say defensively. Cal sees that we’re completely alone now, and to my shock I’m suddenly pressed hard against the wall. His face is inches from mine, and I can feel the malice on his breath.

“You’re mine, you know that?” he says.

I’m completely floored, I can barely move. He’s never acted this way towards me before, and the look on his face is terrifying.

“I don’t belong to anyone,” I tell him. “You even said so yourself. Once the Cordelia’s back on Earth, we go our separate ways. Did you forget that?”

He shoves me harder into the wall, his hands like iron grips on my arms. I’m terrified, but I never let it cross my face.

“I don’t like to share.” He says through his teeth. “Especially not with any Ventran scum.” This remark really sets me off. Nobody should talk that way about any species. I throw him off of me, despite my shock.

“I’m not a piece of property,” I tell him. “And we’re done anyway… as of right now, actually.” This seems to hit a note with him, fueling his rage.

“You don’t mean that,” he says.

“Every word,” I nod, feeling my knees shake. “I thought you were different, but you’ve really showed yourself today, and I’m not letting myself get kicked around,” I add for good measure. He steps forward, about to lunge for me again when someone shouts

“Hey!” from the doorway.

It’s Raeden, to my relief.

“Speak of the devil,” Cal huffs. Raeden steps next to me, creating a wall between Cal and I. Cal already looks much smaller than him from this angle. Cal seems to realize this too, and steps away. “Something wrong here?” Raeden inquires. “It looks like you’re causing her some distress.”

“Piss off, Ventran,” Cal snorts as he takes another fiery look at me before walking towards the lifts. As soon as he’s gone, I slide my back down the wall, holding my knees towards my chest. I can feel Raeden’s warmth beside me. He keeps his distance, giving me space.

“Are you alright?” He asks softly. I nod, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.

“He’s an asshole…” I mutter. “’ Wasted so much time with him…”

I look up at see Raeden extending his arm, waiting.

“May I?” he asks.

I nod again, and he puts his arm around me. I lean my head against his shoulder, taking in the comfort of his presence.

“Thanks,” I say. “I could’ve taken him, though.”

“I believe it,” Raeden says with a faint smile. I return it, grateful that he was still around to help de-escalate everything.

“Hey…” I ask him. “Have you eaten yet?”

 

Raeden sits across from me in a corner table of the mess hall. We both pick at our trays, slightly more interested in each other than our food.

“So,” I say. “You never told me you were a Ventran.” Raeden looks around, a little concerned. “I have a hard time talking about my home sometimes,” he says.

“I’ve heard Ventra is a beautiful planet, though,” I tell him. “Aren’t they a peaceful people?”

Raeden nods. “We’re very peaceful. Our military is not that strong. I’m more concerned about this mission, though,” he tells me.

“How so?” I ask.

He leans forward in his seat, closer to me. “Ventran mineral is extremely powerful,” he explains. “It has properties that allow it to bend the space around it. It also holds an incredible energy.”

“But that’s what Earth is using it for. Our planet needs sustainable energy to survive,” I say.

Raeden shakes his head. “The Krillux are hoping to use the mineral for weapons,” he explains. “I don’t think they realize how strong this material is. My people can build a thriving city around just one piece of the mineral, though we choose not to.”

“Why don’t they?” I ask. “I mean, something that powerful would be incredible to have.”

“My people don’t believe in excess,” he says. “We live simple lives, using only smaller resources around us. We believe the mineral is precious to us, a gift from a higher power that must be respected. We don’t want to use it unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Then what are they trying to accomplish by giving it away?” I ask. Raeden looks even more concerned, and sad at this question.

“We never wanted to,” he says gravely. “I fear there is something forcing us to give up our land. What it is, I’m not sure. I haven’t seen anyone from Ventra that I could ask. I’m the only one in the Krillux so far. Nobody on my ship understands the dangers of what this mission could bring.”

I didn’t realize how dangerous this mission was supposed to be. Dad never disclosed this kind of information to me, especially if land was being taken away from other people. There are rules that are made, contracts that are signed, and very carefully orchestrated regulations to follow. Surely my father would know not to violate any of those, wouldn’t he? I ponder this for a moment, and I can tell Raeden is wondering if something is wrong.

“What about you?” he asks, turning the conversation around. “What brings you on the Cordelia?”

I take a sip of my protein-modified juice and roll my eyes. “I’m pretty much here against my will,” I tell him jokingly. He nervously laughs at this turn of phrase, not sure if it’s a joke or not. “My mom passed away when I was a kid,” I explain. “After that, I was pretty much dragged around military bases on Earth with my dad until the Space Resource Program became a thing.”

“Sounds like an exciting childhood, seeing a lot of places,” he says.

I shrug. “I reached an age where I could do whatever I wanted, but couldn’t think of a single thing to do. Dad told me there isn’t really anything more valuable to do with your life other than serve your own country. For some reason I thought this was my only option. So when he was assigned the Cordelia a few months back as the captain, I of course, decided to tag along with him.”

“Sounds like quite the responsibility,” he says.

“It has its perks,” I tell him. “But it’s still hard to live up to my dad’s expectations.”

“And what are those expectations?”

“Oh, there’s plenty. Do what you’re told. Don’t make the captain look bad. Don’t jeopardize any missions. Know what your purpose is at all times. There’s more but I can’t keep track of all of them.”

Raeden swivels his cup from one hand to the other, thinking. He looks up at me softly, as if he’s been thinking of this for a while.

“Are you jeopardizing your mission by spending time with me?” He asks.

I never thought about it, but it probably doesn’t look the best that we’ve been spending so much time together. Then again, aren’t we supposed to be working with the Krillux in the first place? What would be the harm in spending time with Raeden?

“I just might be,” I tell him with a smile. “But, it’s worth it I’d say. Wouldn’t you?”

Raeden looks into my eyes, and I can feel my stomach fluttering. I really meant it, but would he?

“I’d say so, too.” He replies. Relief washes over me, followed by a strange sense of longing. I think about how he held me earlier in the hallway, and how I wouldn’t mind if he did it again … or a number of other things.