“If it is the females you are referring to, you do not have ownership over them. They were rescued from the Zinids byus.They arenotyour possessions.”
I sent instructions to Aza to fire on the ships.
Laser cannons and pulse weapons were fired in rapid succession. The Zinid ships and one of the Krilex were destroyed instantly.
“If you withdraw, we will end our assault on your ships.” I stared back at Zerek.
The Calti’s fierce glare was directed at the Krilex Commander on the screen. He laughed and met my gaze again.
“You are forbidden from entering this section of space. Leave immediately,” I ground out.
“Last chance, Captain. Send us the females, including the Drakkari.”
“We are not handing over anyone to you. Retreat or face permanent removal from Alaran space.” I warned, knowing he would likely give us no other option but to destroy them.
The creature laughed. “You’re outnumbered. Don’t you see that? The odds are against you.” He glanced at someone I could not see, and then turned his attention back to me, wearing a smug grin.
I was aware that my warriors were gearing up, checking their weapons and searching for any weaknesses in their ships. I had complete confidence that the Krilex leader was posturing.
“Return the females or die.”
I gritted through clenched teeth. “We will not.”
Then, nodding, I sent mental orders to take them down.
‘Sir, I've detected six enemy life signs that just teleported onto our ship.’
‘Can you tell me the location?’I asked, feeling a tightness in my chest.
“The guest quarters and...” His sentence was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a Krilex warrior on the bridge.
With something covering his ear holes, he dropped a small disk onto the floor, its metallic clang echoing in the room.
A high-pitched sound vibrated on contact with the floor. Agony tore through me, making it impossible to move. Before losing consciousness, I sent a mental warning to Orin to protect the females.
“CAPTAIN?” A DISTANTvoice echoed. “Captain, can you hear me?” this time the voice rang out across the bridge as I opened my eyes.
In an instant, I was off the floor and opening my thoughts in search of Grace.
My heart froze when I couldn’t detect her presence.
She was no longer on the ship.
As the helmsman stirred, I gazed at the holo-screen at the helm and witnessed a formation of Drakkari vessels encircling the last two Krilex ships. The two unidentified ships had disappeared.
“Captain, can you hear me? Should we unleash our firepower on these reptilian scum?”
Filled with panic, I pushed the communications button. “Negative! They’ve taken the females. They are aboard one of the enemy ships.”
I prayed they hadn’t been taken by the unknown ships.
Dril took over the helm as I sat down in my chair, still trembling from the unfamiliar weapon’s aftermath.
The helmsman moved his hands over the panel, causing the main screen to illuminate with the image of a female Drakkari warrior.
“Captain Grilock here. Are you and your crew alright?” The Drakkari Commander bowed her head in greeting. The equivalent of a Drakkari salute. “Captain.”
My lips came together in a tight line. “I think we’re good. The Krilex boarded our ship and used a new weapon, which left everyone unconscious. The females have been taken.” My voice was brimming with anger that I struggled to suppress.
