Chapter 30
Kate
Rennek strides over to me and starts inspecting me from head to toe. He is practically shaking. I haven’t seen him like this. In all the life or death stuff we have been through, I’ve seen him angry and wild and brave and courageous… but never shaken.
“I’m fine,” I tell him. “Are you okay?” He presses his forehead to mine and lets out a long exhale. When he pulls away he smiles at me. That cocky smile that makes me want to slap him and kiss him at the same time. I can’t help but laugh.
“I do not like you being in so much danger in one rotation,” he admits to me.
Rennek swings around and finds his brother. Reaching out to him, he clasps his shoulder--like I saw him do with Gorrard. Tennir pushes his hand away though and pulls Rennek into an embrace. I see Rennek’s shoulders sag, like a weight has been lifted and he can finally relax. I hear the pair speaking quietly to one another, but I can’t make out their words. When they release one another, I see tears in their eyes. I can’t help but think their brotherly love is insanely adorable--but I keep that to myself.
“We must all talk,” Rennek says. All his men are already on the bridge, so Allison and I assemble the humans via the comms. When they make it to the bridge I’m met with hugs from everyone while Allison stalks away before she has to engage in physical contact with any of us. I get teary when Reagan hugs me and I see she does too. BFFs. I knew it.
“Oh my God, we were so worried,” Reagan says wiping at her eyes like a criminal trying to hide the evidence.
“Was it scary?” Vivian asks.
“You have no idea. It was also awesome and wonderful too, but I think you’re going to hear all about it and then some…” I tell them before all us humans pile onto an outcropping near a control panel that creates a little bench-like seating space. We snuggle into each other like kids at story time. I look around at my girls and smile. It’s weird how glad I am to see them again. It’s like this whole alien abduction situation made instant sisters out of all of us. April reaches over and squeezes my hand and deep down inside me I have this sense that everything is going to be okay.
“We are all in grave danger,” Tennir says, deflating my ballooned sense of security. “The Ju’tup you rescued the human females from--their leader, Ju’toktah was the nephew of Ju’tok Mah’goh.” The men nod knowingly, but we humans need someone to fill in the blanks.
“Ju’tok Mah’goh?” I ask.
“A leader in interstellar crime. Very rich, untouchable,” Dax explains.
“He is garbage--the scum of space,” Kellen adds.
“And the head of a massive trafficking ring, which he had foolheartedly allowed his nephew to participate in,” Tennir continues. “Ju’tok Mah’goh was angered by the death of his nephew and at the loss of slaves as a result of the death--it is he who placed the bounty on you.”
“So those were bounty hunters back there who attacked us then?” I ask.
“No, those males were UPC,” Tennir replies.
“I thought as much,” Rennek adds. “Why were they on a space station in dark space?”
“They were in my lab as well,” Tennir reports, but Rennek and his crew look skeptical.
“The UPC broke into my lab and killed every living thing, including all the animals within my study.”
“Impossible. The UPC is an honorable organization…” Kellen stands, outraged at this accusation.
“Any organization can have corruption, even the most honorable ones,” Da’vi puts in dryly.
“It is true,” Tennir says, steel in his voice. “I… interrogated... one male before I evacuated the station. That is how I obtained much of this information.”
The men all look grief stricken, even the usually jovial Dax looks inconsolable. In the short time I have known Rennek and his friends I have come to understand proving they have honor is vital to them… sins of their fathers and all. It seems the UPC and what it represented was a big part of their identity and this new revelation has them deeply unsettled.
“So how does the UPC fit into all this?” Allison asks.
“It seems Ju’tok Mah’goh was giving large credit deposits to a corrupt faction of the UPC in exchange for protection--to keep their operation from being discovered by those who would fight against the trafficking,” Tennir explains. “It is they who reached the Mangan moon first and destroyed any remaining evidence. They have swayed the media as well, which sadly, was an easy task. No one wants to believe such a thing could happen in the United Planets--so they choose to believe any alternative.”
“And the acceptable alternative is that we are dishonorable, spouting falsehoods? That we are criminals like our fathers?” Rennek says with a harsh voice. “Because that is easier to believe.”
My heart aches for him. “People believe what they want to believe, Rennek. That doesn’t say anything about you, it just means people like to feel safe,” I tell him.
He sighs heavily, raking a hand through his wild black hair. He looks like he has been through hell and back. I slide out of my spot, surrounded by my human friends, and go to Rennek’s side. He wordlessly pulls me into him.
“Besides, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks… we happen to think you guys are awesome,” I say. The strife melts from his face.
“Hear! hear!” Reagan seconds.
“There’s an old saying on our planet, that always helped me when I felt overwhelmed by other people’s negative energy,” Allison says and we all look to her for some much-needed words of wisdom to help the men out of their funk.
“What is it Allison? We would love to hear more of your human culture. Share with us your axiom,” Rennek asks.
“Haters gonna hate,” she shrugs and we humans erupt in laughter.
The guys on the other hand don’t share our humor and just seem confused, but too polite to say anything. I try to ease their confusion.
“It’s just a simplified way to say people with hate in their hearts are going to look for something to hate and if it’s you they focus on, don’t take it personally because it has more to do with them than it has to do with you.”
“These are wise words to remember,” Rennek says.
“What is the saying again? Haters are going to hate? Yes, I like that. ‘Haters’ do hate me!” Dax proclaims. “I like that very much. I will use this human saying.”
“Wow, the first major contribution of humanity on the galaxy: Haters gonna hate. Good job everyone,” Reagan laughs.
“You are right my Kate. The only thing that matters is your opinion of me,” Rennek says looking into my eyes in a way that makes the butterflies in my tummy go crazy.
“Tennir, I have not properly introduced you to my mate. This is Kate.”
“She is to be your mate then?” Tennir asks, looking more at me than at Rennek. I feel like he is expecting me to chime in. Too bad I really don’t know how to respond to that… and I’m starting to feel a little nervous about the fact that I have been sweeping this whole ‘mate’ thing under the rug. The title seems even more serious now that he’s using it to introduce me to his family. I’m nervous so, I do the only thing I can do: smile and nod.
“Blessings be to you and your union. May you be prosperous and fertile in your lives together. Congratulations my brother.” I gulp as Tennir gives hugs to both Rennek and myself. When I look at the girls everyone’s eyes are wide. “Madreed will demand a blessing ceremony,” Tennir laughs.
“I had not yet thought of that, it sounds pleasing. Perhaps we could include some of your people’s customs at the ceremony as well?” Rennek suggests.
“Just to give you a fair warning about Madreed though, she will want a hand in planning,” Tennir tells me with laughter in his voice.
“We’ve been in space for what, like just over a week and you already have an alien mother in law?” Reagan laughs, “The good news is she sounds just like a mother in law from Earth. The bad news is she sounds just like a mother in law from Earth,” Reagan says in English and the girls all laugh. I laugh too, but probably a little too strained for it to sound normal.
“We have other news too!” I blurt out.
“What? Are you pregnant?” Allison says, actually breaking a smile… though it is likely at my discomfort.
“No!” I shriek, “I mean, no. Rennek met someone on the space station…” I look at Rennek and he becomes somber again.
“It is true. There is more to discuss.” He looks at each of his friends, his fellow Vendari. “I met a male like us. He called our breed Vendari. He told me of our people,” This statement causes Dax falls back into his chair and Kellen and Bossan jump to their feet.
“There is bad news though, I must tell you that first. I do not want you to get your hopes up. Our people are lost, missing in space. This Vendari, Gorrard, was searching for them… but he died ensuring Kate and I made it off the space station. Any further information he had was lost with him,” Rennek tells them and the pain on their faces is palpable.
“Rennek, no! I’m sorry, I didn’t have the chance to tell you.” I pull Gorrard’s pendant from around my neck. It had gotten tucked up into the neckline of my dress. “He gave this to me. He told me it has the coordinates of Elysia and his data from the scans on it.” Bossan is up and snatching the pendant from my hand before I know what’s what and Rennek scoops me up and hugs me so tightly I could pop.
“My Goddess! Words cannot express my gratitude. You are my salvation, Kate, in so many ways,” he exclaims before kissing me. All this weird pressure about ‘mates’ aside, his kiss feels so right. Something about this all just clicks and I sink into my gargoyle’s kiss, feeling enveloped in his joy.
It comes time to split up. The guys are all hunched over the computer screens, multitasking between ensuring our safety and assessing all of Gorrard’s information. Allison already took off to go eat and knock out, so all the other humans are relying on me to fill them in on the details of our adventure. We gather in the dining hall and they show me some new foods they have been trying out while I tell them about my harrowing attack in the alleyway and the war-like scene that broke out in the bar.
I start crying when I remember how Gorrard saved us and the terror I felt when his arm was shot. Vivian cries too and everyone hugs me. I also tell them how badass Allison looked running from the bad guys, like she belonged in an action movie. Everyone is entranced by my description of the space station and all the different aliens on it. Everyone except for Vivian that is, she just cries some more.
Dax chooses that moment to come in. He is carrying a huge crate on his shoulder. “Do not cry tiny human female!” He shouts, “I come bearing gifts!” He slams the heavy crate down onto a table.
Vivian swipes her at her eyes, unaware of Dax’s words. “Ugh, I thought they were all supposed to be looking at data or something,” she says meekly, looking embarrassed by her tears.
“Yeah, what’s up? Don’t you guys have some homework to do or something?” Reagan asks Dax.
“Such work is not for me. I have too much energy to sit still for so long. I will leave it to the professionals,” he laughs.
“Too much energy or too easily distracted,” Reagan teases.
“Ah! But it is easy to be distracted with so many beautiful females on board! In fact, it is my favorite type of distraction,” he beams proudly.
“So, what’s in the box?” I say and my mention of it seems to remind him he came in here with a purpose.
“Oh, this? It is nothing much… You probably will not like it. In fact, I will take it away. Perhaps it will fit in the trash compactor,” he moves to take the crate away.
“No!” we all beg. “Come on Dax, what’s in the box?”
“Okay, but only if you show me a smile, sad little human,” he says to Vivian, ignoring the fact she cannot understand him. She blushes, unsure why he is staring at her.
Reagan just laughs. “Smile for him Vivian,” she translates.
“What? Why?” Vivian asks flustered.
“Just do it, otherwise he won’t show us what’s in the box,” Reagan explains. So she pastes on a tight fake smile, but it’s gone before anyone can blink.
“There. Now, what’s in the box?” she asks.
“I want a better one, a real smile,” he demands. His eyes are still smiling, but there is something about his request that doesn’t sound so much like the playful side of him I have seen thus far. None of us translate as he continues to stare at Vivian until a blush creeps up her cheeks. She doesn’t quite smile, but her eyes soften and that seems to be enough for Dax.
He smiles and saunters over to the crate like he just won a bet. Slowly he moves to unlock the latches. He watches our expressions. He almost seems more excited about the big reveal than we are. “Inside this box... there are…” he swings the lid open, “new garments.” There inside the heavy crate are stacks and stacks of neatly folded articles of clothing.
“Oh my god!” are the only intelligible squeals to be heard. We attack that box like wild animals, pushing Dax out of the way. “Oh my… thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“Do not thank me. Rennek purchased it on the station. He only just remembered he ordered the garments and had them delivered to the pod. I simply offered to bring them to you. I am no good to anyone on a computer, but making females smile is one of my specialties,” he shoots a beaming smile to Vivian.
“Okay, now tell him to go away so we can try these on,” Vivian says making a shooing motion with her hands.
“I can stay if you like. I would love to learn more about human fashion, or answer any questions you might have about these foreign garments,” he says with teasing eyes on Vivian.
“Oh my god, get out. You’re like the annoying older brother we never wanted,” Reagan says, throwing a belt in his direction.
“Fine, but if you need me do not hesitate to call,” he says, winking at Vivian before he leaves.
“What was that about?” I ask.
“Nothing,” Vivian says quickly.
“Oh yeah, nothing at all,” Reagan says sarcastically. “He’s been following Vivian around the past two days trying to lighten her up.”
“It’s just because I’ve been so emotional lately. I’m not normally like this guys, I swear,” she says apologetically.
“Don’t even worry about it Vivian,” April tells her. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry myself to sleep most nights. This has been hard on all of us,” she says sympathetically.
“Yeah, well Dax seems to be trying to bring out Vivian’s less weepy side and I’m the poor chump that gets to help translate everything. We really need to get these girls their own implants or downloads or whatever. I didn’t realize I was signing up to be the freaking narrator around here.”
“Hey, at least you know what’s going on all the time. I feel like I’m watching one of those novellas on the Spanish channel. It’s like, you know drama is going down, but you have no idea what or why,” April says.
“Oh my god, I love to watch novellas!” Clark thrills.
“How cool, you speak Spanish?” I ask.
“No. I just like my novellas,” she shrugs.
“Fair enough. Okay, someone pass me some clothes. I’m tired of wearing a damned blanket,” I say.
“Right there with you. Just about anything else would be an improvement compared to a blanket,” April agrees.
“Should we call Allison?” I ask.
“No,” Reagan quickly answers. So, I give her ‘the look.’ “Okay, fine. I’ll call her,” she rolls her eyes and makes her way to the comm unit.
“Earth to Allison. Earth to Allison,” Reagan says. “Come in Allison.”
“What is it? I’m sleeping,” comes a groggy reply.
“No big deal, just a delivery of real clothes in the dining hall. But if you’re busy sleeping…”
The comm is silent.
“Allison? Honestly though, there’s some new clothes down here for all of us if you’re interested… Hello, Allison?”
“Did someone say clothes?” Allison says bursting into the room panting.
“Dang girl, did you sprint?” Reagan laughs.
“Shit, I’d have been here sooner if I didn’t have to wrap this godforsaken blanket around me one last time.”
And soon, for better or worse, we have all ditched our blanket dresses and found some real clothes to wear. Rennek did a great job of picking a variety of things and there is even enough for all of us to have two or three different outfits. Not surprisingly everyone chooses to wear pants and the few dresses and skirts that are left in the box will just have to wait for their day in the sun. Now, we just need to figure out where we can get some shoes. This whole barefoot thing is really starting to wear and tear on my feet.
As we start to walk back to our rooms I can’t help but think about what’s going to happen next. The danger we are in seems to be growing and compounding. I look at the others with worry building in my gut. Everyone is so pleased with the fact that we have clothes now--they are all smiles and laughter. Even Reagan and Allison are getting along. So, I keep my mouth shut. I sure as hell don’t want to be the one to ruin the moment.