“Did that. They aren’t responding.”
The shuttle rocked as they blasted us.
“I think we have our response,” Krin grumbled from where he stood in front of the door.
I cursed under my breath and angled my head toward the pilot. “Contact the Chetok and notify them we could use a hand. Then get us out of here as fast as possible.”
By precisely adjusting the ship’s angle, Aza swiftly dodged the enemy’s attack and gained speed.
The women squealed as we were jolted in our seats, causing the experienced pilot to show off even more.
“Stop scaring them’I admonished, and shook my head.
He gave his usual mischievous grin with a quick nod to acknowledge me.
Aza was one of the best pilots we had though I would not tell him that to his face because it would go straight to his head.
He had a penchant for pushing boundaries and enjoyed flaunting his abilities in activities like shuttle flying.
A few moments later, Dril’s voice, the pilot of the Chetok, and partner of Aza, crackled through the comms. “We are above you. Give us a moment to handle the Krilex.”
The holo-screen showed the Krilex being fired upon. A single blast from the Chetok had taken out the weapons section of the ship.
“Looks like they’re leaving,” said Aza, running a hand across his head and grinning before easing the shuttle toward the Chetok.
“Flutzing griksknow they are outgunned.”
“Take us in,” I said.
THE CREWMEN ESCORTEDthe females off the shuttle and into the shuttle bay area of the Chetok while Krin and I hung back.
Fortunately, the females showed little distress after our run-in with the Krilex. Their agitation seemed only mild at this point.
While their behavior caught me off guard, I reminded myself of what they had likely already faced, being seized by the Zinids and almost being trafficked to the Krilex.
I never knew human females were so tough.
Letting out a sigh of relief, I was grateful we had managed to intercept the females transfer to the Krilex.
Krin shared his thoughts with me.‘The Krilex may put up a fight to get the females back.’His eyes narrowed in the corners as he looked at me.
Nodding, I pursed my lips in agreement. ‘Perhaps. We need to talk to the Calti and return her to her people right away. Then we’ll handle the situation with the human females.’
It was essential for me to learn more about what the Zinid’s and their overlords, the Krilex, were plotting before making our next move. And it was my responsibility to put a stop to their activity in Alaran space.
WHEN WE STEPPED OFFthe ship to join the others in the shuttle bay, we looked at the group of females surrounding the Drakkari female, their voices overlapping in a flurry of questions.
With quick steps, I made my way to the group, sensing the tense atmosphere as I directed my attention to the Drakkaridiplomat. “Calti, your people have been notified that we’ve located you.”
I scratched my chin, avoiding the other females, even though one of them huffed in frustration.
The air was heavy with the mingling scents from our ship and the females, causing my nose to twitch.
My attention shifted to the torn clothing my favorite female was wearing. Watching her struggle to untangle her matted, dirty hair, I felt a wave of compassion. Her face glowed a deep red.
To avoid causing her more embarrassment, I shifted my gaze to the Calti and cleared my throat.
“How long have I been gone?” the Drakkari female asked in a curt tone.
