Chapter Fifteen
The next few hours flew by in a flurry for Taryn, filled with last-minute essential phrase lessons and ensuring that there were enough supplies synthesized by the computer for the coming females. When it finally came time to head to the cargo bay, Taryn downed one last energy drink, adjusted her new outfit that walked the line between concealing curves and allowing movement, and then nodded at Evaine and Kalahn. “Here’s to hoping this works.”
Kalahn replied, “Since I usually only give hope-filled speeches about nothing, I’m excited to be useful.”
Evaine spoke up, “Not only that, I think after this, women on your planet might start demanding change.”
“Maybe. But we can think about that later. We only have a few days to train the women and ensure they can handle the pressure,” Taryn added.
As they exited the room, they found Vala waiting for them in the hall. After Taryn waved hello and they all walked down the corridor, she continued, “Speaking of handling the pressure, where did Kason and the others find them?”
Kalahn shrugged. “Just because females can’t participate in the military or politics doesn’t mean they can’t hold other professions. Most are high-ranking entrepreneurs, educators, and even law clerks, which is the closest thing to a lawyer they can be on Keldera.”
“In other words, strong, intelligent women who should pick things up quickly,” Evaine pointed out.
“Exactly.” Kalahn guided them down another corridor. “There are even a few engineering assistants, which will probably be working with you and Enishi.”
Evaine rubbed her hands together. “I’m curious to meet him, especially since he’s open to training women.”
“He knows some CEL, which will help.” Kalahn looked to Taryn. “Jerrick doesn’t, however. So try your best with the guard and sentry training.”
Taryn raised her chin. “There’s a lot you can do without words when it comes to defense and attack techniques. I actually look forward to trying to best the warrior.”
Kalahn smiled and lowered her voice. “Just don’t get too cozy or Kason might punch the male. That will draw suspicion and the rest will come out soon enough after that.”
Taryn rolled her eyes. “Once this is over, it’ll be nice not to have to worry about my every action.” She touched Kalahn’s arm. “I hope you can come to my planet in the end.”
“Me, too. I’m not sure I can go back to being cooped up with little interaction with others beyond the servants or the Barren. Being a princess isn’t all that grand and not a fate I would’ve chosen.” Kalahn stopped in front of a large metal door. After placing her thumb on a panel, it slid open to reveal the cavernous cargo bay. “Here goes nothing.”
Kason and several other important-looking and bare-chested men stood to one side, their heads together and talking. Taryn recognized Thorin, but none of the others. However, one had to be Jerrick and another Enishi, not that she could tell who was who since they were all muscled and wearing almost identical outfits of tight pants, boots, and weapons holstered at their sides.
They were only halfway across the floor when Kason looked up and met her gaze. The lack of heat or any emotion for that matter was strange to see, even if she understood the reason behind it.
All too quickly, she’d become accustomed to him looking at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world.
Stop it, Taryn. We have much more important matters to worry about. Straightening her shoulders, Taryn gave her most distinguished, take-no-crap expression as they closed the distance. One of the warriors spotted her and the corner of his mouth ticked up. He might be a potential ally. Especially since Thorin didn’t hide the disgust from his eyes as he looked at each of the four females. He nearly sneered when his gaze flicked to Vala.
To her credit, Vala ignored the look. It was sad to think the Barren might endure such disgust on a regular basis. She hoped it was just Thorin’s reaction and not the norm.
They reached the males and Kason spoke up in CEL. “The females will be here in the next few minutes. Evaine, this is Enishi”—Kason waved toward a man in his late-thirties with golden hair and light blue skin—“you’re going to work with him.”
Enishi smiled. “Welcome.”
Evaine moved to Enishi’s side. “If possible, I want to work with the engines.”
“Engines?” Enishi echoed. “If you have right touch, maybe.”
Before Evaine could ask another question, Kason waved to the black-haired, golden-skinned man who had smiled at Taryn. “This is Jerrick. Taryn will be working with him.”
They nodded at each other, but before Taryn could think of what to say, Kalahn interjected, “And me?”
“You and Vala will be working with Syzel. He’s going to train you in how to pilot and use the communication systems.”
Kalahn’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Yes. Those will be some of the most vital roles, and I’m hoping your presence will encourage the others.” A beeping sound echoed inside the room. “That would be the ship with the females approaching. Just one last thing for Taryn and Evaine—you’ve temporarily been granted access to the AI system to assist with the language barrier. While she can do some interpreting, it will be delayed, so try to rely on yourselves as much as possible.”
The cargo doors opened, but due to the force field across the entrance, Taryn could see the ship and space beyond it without being sucked outside.
Even the small glimpse of the vastness with pricks of light was beyond words.
Maybe someday Kason could take her to see a planet from afar.
Then the shuttle stopped inside and the craft’s rear door opened. Once the stairs extended, a male warrior descended and soon was followed by a steady stream of women.
Each of them gaped at the cargo bay, much like how Taryn had done. However, the lead warrior barked an order in Kelderan and the women picked up their paces. When the Kelderan females spotted Taryn, Evaine, and then Kalahn, many of them stopped in their tracks.
Kason said something and they started walking again. Kalahn leaned over and whispered into her ear, “He told them to treat all of us as friends. I doubt it’ll happen straight away, but try not to display any signs of anger or disappointment unless absolutely necessary. As many have said, change can’t happen overnight. It’s scary for them to be aboard a starship, let alone with one full of men.”
Kason and the warrior from the shuttle talked for a minute longer before the unknown warrior directed the women to each of the leaders. Kalahn gave her arm a squeeze before heading over to Syzel. Taking a deep inhalation, Taryn moved to where Jerrick stood.
“Urani, Taryn,” he said, and she returned his greeting.
Thankfully the group of females assigned to them arrived and prevented Taryn from trying to communicate with the warrior. Still, she was grateful it was Jerrick instead of Thorin.
She didn’t think it was a coincidence that Kason had kept her, Kalahn, Evaine, and Vala away from that man.
Once the group of forty or so women each had a place, Kason raised a fist, and the cargo bay fell silent except for the sound of a few cargo bay staff running around in the background.
Taryn watched Kason’s face and gestures as he gave a booming speech. Whatever he said made the women nod and stand taller. Even at her side, Kalahn stood a little straighter.
With a clap, Kason turned from the crowd and walked up to Taryn. He tugged her to the side and whispered, “I’ll check in later. I’m counting on you to help Jerrick. If anyone can convince a female that she can win against a male, it’s you.”
She smiled. “Watch out, or you might have a mini-army that can take you and your men down.”
“Unless they have poisoned darts, I’m not worried.”
“I might just have a few.”
He nearly smiled. Taryn had a feeling if they had been alone, he would’ve laughed. “We’ll talk later. Good luck, Taryn Demara.”
“Luck? More like ‘I rely on your skill, oh great human.’”
Shaking his head, Kason murmured, “Human females.”
She bit her lip to keep from grinning. She needed to be more distant with Kason in front of the others.
Clearing her throat, she made a fist and thumped her chest, like she’d seen the Kelderans do earlier. “I won’t let you down.”
With a nod, Kason headed to Kalahn. Taking that as her cue, Taryn walked back to Jerrick. They acknowledged each other, and he motioned toward the exit. As Taryn took up the rear, she ran through several training options inside her head. Prepping the women in a few days to full-fighting force was impossible, but even a few well-rehearsed moves could trick the unsuspecting.
No matter, she would succeed. Not just for Jasvar’s future, but for her own, as well. There was no way in hell she would let Kason down.
~~~
Kason stood with Thorin inside the cargo bay command center. They watched from behind a glass wall separating them from five females, who sat in front of individual computer panels. Each one was studying the basics of cargo bay mechanics. While it was impossible to teach them everything, he just needed them to fool the enemy if they boarded the ship.
Thorin changed the position of his arms over his chest. Since they were alone in their section, and the walls and glass were soundproofed, Kason decided he’d put off the conversation with Thorin long enough. “I know you don’t approve. However, I need to know if you will follow my orders. I can’t be second-guessing my second.”
Thorin glanced at him. “I’ve always followed orders.”
“In the beginning, yes. But recently, you’ve been making decisions that you should’ve cleared with me first.”
Looking back to the females on the other side of the glass, Thorin replied, “You are the one who should be careful. I’m close to proving who the human female is to you. Once that happens, I can assume command. Then I’ll call off this ridiculous exercise and implement a winning strategy.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Speak freely.”
Thorin raised his brows. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Threats aren’t wise. I’m one of the few who knows the true identity of your father. You were lucky that you inherited your mother’s looks. If our superiors knew you were half-Brevkan, you never would’ve been allowed into the army. You owe my father for your mother’s pardon and the fake birth register.”
“I am Kelderan. I claim no allegiance to the dishonorable animals who raped my mother and left her to die. And let’s not forget it happened while she was trying to save your aunt, I might add.”
“My father has repaid that debt already. So let’s just make sure your allegiance is true for this mission. Do your duty, avoid gossip, and I will find you a position so that you can command your own ship. Try to betray me or usurp my place, and I will ensure you are banished and never employed as a warrior ever again. Understood?”
“As long as you speak the truth once the battle is complete, then I will go against my better judgment and follow your plan.” Thorin met his eyes. “However, the crew has a right to know the human is your bride.”
“If that is true, the people will know. Dealing with the upcoming threat is all that is important.”
“The female has made you soft.”
Kason wanted to punch the bastard for insulting Taryn, but resisted. “Your loyalties?”
“I vow allegiance, your highness.”
Thorin’s words dripped with disdain, but Kason was going to give him a chance. “Good. Then oversee this work while I check on the others.”
Without another word, Kason left the room and exited the cargo bay. Bringing up Thorin’s secret was risky, but his second needed to understand his place. Until Taryn had boarded the ship, Kason had never had reason to question Thorin’s loyalty. He suspected Thorin was acting this way partly due to his own future, or lack of one. While his appearance seemed Kelderan, there were other signs that could reveal his Brevkan father during a sexual claiming.
In other words, Thorin may never find a bride of his own. No Kelderan female would want to be associated with a half-Brevkan male.
Of course, joining the colony might solve that problem. Kason would have to think about it.
As he finally reached the training room, he opened the door and stepped inside. Taryn stood in front of the class and was repeatedly saying, “Volunteer?” in Kelderan.
As no one stepped forward, Kason answered, “I’ll do it.”
Her eyes met his and her lips curled up ever so slightly. Yes, sparring with his human bride would be a good way to forget about Thorin for a little while.
The females cleared a path for him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed their looks of awe. Kason’s status as a general was well-known, but apart from mandatory celebrations, he tended to stay out of the public’s eye.
Watching a human female try to best him was unthinkable to his people. He hoped none of the Kelderan women would suffer heart attacks.
He reached the front and waited. Taryn finally said, “Computer, interpret into Kelderan until I tell you to cease.”
“Understood.”
Taryn faced Kason. “When facing an opponent who is bigger than you, the key is to focus on their weaknesses.” Once the computer caught up, Taryn continued, “Even the strongest warrior has vulnerable spots. However, your greatest advantage is playing on their arrogance. Most men will see a cowering female and expect her to be an easy target.”
Motioning him to come at her with her hands, she ordered, “Try to tackle me.”
He wasn’t going to pass up the chance. However, Kason approached slowly, and they circled one another. Eventually, Taryn tripped and tumbled to the ground with a smack.
Afraid she had broken a bone, he rushed down to her. As he checked her for injuries, she kneed him in the groin. Pain shot through his body and Kason rolled to the side. Taryn then kicked him in the kidney.
As Kason tried to gather his wits, Taryn said, “Cowering is good, but so is feigning weakness. This may not work on all enemies, but it’s a start and gets you thinking outside the box. Now, work in pairs and think of how to attack a vulnerable part of a male as they try to attack you.”
The computer translated, and Taryn crouched down beside him. While his balls still throbbed, he found his voice and murmured, “Was that necessary? The Brevkan won’t fall for your injured female trick.”
“Maybe not, but it broke the tension. Look at the others.”
Kason managed to roll to his side. The women were busy pointing out places to attack or discussing how to disarm someone in a less than honorable fashion.
Taryn’s voice filled his ears again. “See? Your pain has a purpose.”
He wanted to tell her she had payback coming, but Jerrick came over to him and asked in Kelderan, “Are you all right, your highness?” Jerrick glanced to Taryn and back. “She’s quite the feisty one.”
Kason sat up and answered in the same language. “Believe me, I know.” He slowly stood and forced himself not to cup his genitals. “What do you think of the women? Will they be ready?”
Jerrick looked to the crowd. “I was skeptical at first as no one would even speak. However, the human seems to understand them better than me.”
“She is clever, but you understand the Brevkan. Make sure to cover their strengths and weaknesses, too.”
“Of course, your highness.”
Both watched as Taryn walked among the women. As Jerrick’s gaze drifted down to Taryn’s rear, it took everything Kason had not to punch the male in the face.
Their mission couldn’t be over soon enough for many reasons.
Kason spoke up. “Then I’ll leave the training in your capable hands. I’ll check back later if I can. Otherwise, you can report everything at the meeting at the end of the day, before evening meditation.”
Jerrick made a fist and pounded his chest as he bowed his head. Kason did the same and exited the training room.
For once, he was glad of Taryn’s language barrier. It gave him less competition.