Page 64 of Abalim
“What made you decide that?” Abalim’s stiff posture made it clear he didn’t trust what the alien told them.
“We were impressed when you worked together without having any sort of history with each other. You respected each other’s vastly different upbringings. And when you went into the Lumarian village, you did not try to force the villagers into doing what you believed would be the right thing. You worked with them to help them discover a better alternative. Even if the alternative went against their traditions.”
Rerqel glided to the rounded display showcasing his rotating planet. He appeared to be studying it before he turned around to face them. He clasped his spindly fingers together and tilted his head. “But most of all, you were able to work with the Krystalii called Aollu, even after he threatened you. Both of you went out of your way with him while ensuring his actions would not harm the Lumarians. This shows an ability to decide what is best for all involved rather than your own small, petty concerns.”
Lisa’s lips thinned. Damn. He just insulted them with praise. “So, what now?” She asked, crossing her arms.
Rerqel once again focused on the display of Qorath. “For the first time in several millennia, we cannot foresee the future.” His voice retained the sound of multiple people talking, as if they all spoke in one voice. “The only thing clear to us is I must go with you. Only then will we have a chance to halt the dimensional invasion from the Krystalii.” His large eyes blinked sideways as his pasty skin darkened. “We are ashamed to admit their capabilities far outweigh ours.”
Wow. That must’ve taken some heavy-duty balls to admit that. From the moment she’d met the Xeltians, they acted godlike, as if nothing could touch them. It was kind of scary they felt as vulnerable as anyone else.
“We are very grateful for your support.” Abalim put an arm around Lisa's shoulders and pulled her close. “Is there anything you need from us before Saphira and her crew come back?”
“No.” The sound of his reply came out wispy. “I will await here for the crew to return and discuss my intentions with them at that time.” This tiny mouth once again curled into a slight grin. “If they are resistant due to the way we took their fellow Crichians, I may need your assistance to ensure my continued health.”
“Yeah, imagine that. The nerve of some people getting a little testy when you go around kidnapping and threatening their family.” Lisa snorted. “I think when this is all over, I’d appreciate it if we could revisit that little zoo you’ve got going on.”
Rerqel stood frozen, his unblinking black eyes staring at her.
She stiffed so she wouldn’t squirm under his scrutiny.
Abalim squeezed her shoulder. “Something to consider much later,” he said. “But for now, Lisa and I are going to find something to eat and retire until we leave.” Abalim gave a slight nod. “If you have need of us, just send me a mental query and I will respond.” He tugged her close. “Hang on.” He whispered in her ear before the scene changed in an instant.
Instead of standing on the alien bridge, Abalim teleported him and Lisa to the room he’d been given to sleep in aboard theGalactic Serpent. It wasn’t much to look at. Just a small, windowless room lit by soft blue-green light reflected against the black metal walls. The only furniture in the room was a single bed jutting from the wall without any visible means of support hovering over the floor. On top of the bed was a pile of blankets made of plush, patterned materials and a few fluffy pillows.
Lisa pulled away and glanced over her shoulder. “Where are we?”
Her cute little nose scrunched.
“I teleported us to the room they let me use on theGalactic Serpent.” He couldn’t resist caressing the back of her head to feel her silky blonde strands. “I thought while we waited for Saphira and her crew to come back, we would take this time for ourselves.”
She stepped back and held onto his forearms with her head tilted. “You’re just going to leave Rerqel on the bridge all by himself? Do you think that’s a good idea?”
He nodded. “Good point. JR15? If I teleported you back to the bridge, would you keep an eye on our Xeltrian guest and let me know if he does anything suspicious?”
“I will, Mister Abalim, sir!” The butt of his green and silver body wiggled as if excited. “And I will let you know when the Crichians come back.”
“Have you linked back with theGalactic Serpents communications?” Saphira may have told him that JR15 couldn’t access the ship's systems, but she didn’t say anything about him not accessing their transmissions going in or out of the ship. Not to mention any interesting internal talk.
“I never closed the channel I have with the ship, Mister Abalim, sir,” JR15 replied.
Abalim grunted. He should’ve known that was something his little droid would do. “That’s good. Listen, I want you to contact your father and update him on what’s going on here. If you have to, use the communications on the ship’s systems to give you a boost.” He held his hand out.
JR15 scuttled from his shoulder and settled on his palm. “Yes, Mister Abalim, sir. I can’t wait to tell him everything we’ve done!”
Abalim brought the bot closer to his face. “I’ll set you on the communication panel there on the bridge. Keep yourself out of sight and try to make sure Rerqel doesn’t know you’re watching him. If you have any trouble, don’t hesitate to come back here right away. Okay?”
“I’m quite sure I won’t have any trouble.” JR15 gave a little dance.
Abalim gave his companion one last look before sending him back to the bridge. With a sigh, he lowered his hand. Not for the first time, he wished he had some type of psychic connection with his droid friend. He didn’t like sending the small bot to places where it might not be safe for him.
“There he goes again,” Lisa stated in a soft voice, with a gentle touch on his elbow.
He gave her a reassuring smile. “I don’t think Rerqel would do anything to hurt him.” He gave a small chuckle. “Besides, that Xeltrian is psychically strong enough that he could do anything he wanted to us. It’s not like a small droid could stop him.”
“Well, that’s a comforting thought.” Lisa hummed and glanced at the messy bed he’d left behind.
Her sarcasm made him grin. Putting his forefinger under her chin, he brought her face around.