Zerek and the other Krilex would be held accountable for taking the females. No one would escape the consequences of touching my K’sha.
“I understand. I will send teams, armed and ready, to neutralize those on the two ships. But Captain, just as we approached, two unknown ships vanished.”
She kept her thoughts to herself, but the strain in her voice hinted at what we were both thinking.
My heart raced as I sent Dril a telepathic message, urging him to scan the two remaining Krilex ships. He turned in his chair to face me and said, “There are five life signs other than Krilex, but they seem to be unconscious.”
I nodded, feeling relieved. They failed to escape with the females. We had the opportunity to save them.
“We will join you on those ships, Captain Grilock.”
I motioned for some of my warriors to accompany me. At that moment, I saw Krin standing up. I gestured for him to come along and I would fill him in on the way.
WE TELEPORTED ONTOZerek’s ship and discovered the Drakkari were already engaged in combat with the aliens. The male and female Drakkari warriors were effortlessly defeating the Krilex, outnumbering them four to one.
“Spread out. Find the females,” I commanded my warriors.
Krin turned to me. “We will find them. Go take care of Zerek.”
Grinding my jaw, I nodded in agreement. I was familiar with Krilex vessels from previous boardings, so I knew my way around their different ships.
The halls were already littered with bodies as I stormed toward the bridge, searching for Zerek.
He would be made to pay for taking my K’sha. Gods help him if any harm came to her.
Two dead Krilex bodies were propping the bridge door open, which I stepped over to enter. The remaining crew were in combat with the Drakkari.
“Save the flutzing Captain for me,” I yelled, racing toward Zerek.
With perfect timing, he turned and caught my fist square in his jaw with a crack, sending him stumbling backwards.
A brief shake of his head was followed by a sudden lunge at me, but I struck him again before he swiped at my arm and chest with his massive claws, drawing blood.
He taunted, saying, “We are not as weak as you believed.”
I grabbed my sword and moved away to dodge his claws a second time.
He sneered with contempt. “With our new friends and their technology, Alaran space will bel-”
With a battle cry, I leaped into the air and cut him down where he stood. I gazed down at him, standing over his lifeless body.
“You talk too much, you worthlessgrik.”
As I wiped my blade off, Krin’s voice echoed in my mind.
‘Captain, We have located the females, but we will need help to transfer them to our ship.’
‘Why? Have they been injured?’
‘No, sir. They are unconscious.’
21
Grace
THE MOMENT I WOKE UP, I was hit by the distinctive masculine scent of Trex, which was strange considering I couldn’t remember being in his quarters, let alone his bed.
My eyes opened, and I found myself on a firm surface, covered by a blanket. The overhead light was blindingly bright, causing me to squint.
