Page 44 of Captured By the Alien Captain
At the start of a smile on my lips, there’s no denying the way their brows lift in surprise. Can’t even smile without throwing them off. It’s been an intense last few days.
With Gailor at my heels, I go to grab a platter.
“The king wants you to eat plenty,” he explains behind me. “He mentioned you may have exhausted yourself through the night and wants to make sure you are well-fed for today.” Ever so nonchalant, he points out a dish that is full of protein.
“Thank you,” I hiss, hoping he won’t say another word.
If Runar hadn’t made himself scarce, there’s no question that I would’ve killed him by now. He’s going to get an earful once he’s freed his hands.
Filling my platter, I huff as I join my crew. Ordering Galior to give me a few feet of space, he stands with his hands resting on the handles of his daggers. I’d think he was preparing for the worst if it weren’t for the boredom written all over his face. Good to know we both think he has better things to do.
As I sit down next to Dasha, I feel many eyes point in my direction. Despite making a deal about eating before talking, I realize these guys aren’t as relaxed as I originally thought.
“What is the plan, commander? How do you intend on getting off of this vessel?” One of them asks, whispered lowenough to possibly avoid being picked up by the enhanced Medarian hearing.
Plunging my fork into a bluish-colored slab of meat, I purse my lips.
“I do not plan on leaving.” Getting the words out there, I realize I can’t avoid this conversation any longer.
What if these guys only came on the vessel willingly because they hoped to rescue me? I don’t want them to think I need saving.
As their confusion makes the table quiet, I take a bite of food. Dasha’s right, it’s delicious. Unfortunately, Galior is right as well. I need the fuel.
“Our fight with the Medarian’s is over.” Now it’s quiet enough to hear a pin drop. “Captain Hendrick and his men were once warned that the planets we’ve been trying to inhabit were unlivable and poisonous. Instead of taking their warnings with gratitude, Hendrick gave the order to start the fight.” As I stare at the meat on my fork, my stomach clenches. “If you haven’t already gotten a report, then know that Hendrick is dead.”
There’s a gasp or two that plucks at my chest. Unable to hide my grimace, I straighten up.
“Therefore, I will be drafting up a message for an invitation to all those willing to put their weapons down. You all have been invited to give you a chance to live as normal of a life as you can. I don’t know about you all, but I’m tired of fighting. The leader of these aliens will take care of us.” Thinking about Runar being willing to forgive despite everything leaves a warmth dwelling in my stomach.
“What’ll happen with theInferno?” Gunner is the one to break the silence after a few slow seconds. As the pilot, flying the ship is all he’s ever known ever since this fight started.
“We’ll still protect our own. The universe is vast. I’m sure there will still be a few species who will want to pick fights. Our ship isn’t going anywhere.”
More questions come my way. Are the Medarians trustworthy? What about those who don’t want to stick around? Can this vessel truly be called a home to our kind?
Making a mental checklist for later, I address whatever I can. Without Runar to help reassure my answers, my word is the best I can give. Though, I’m sure if I ask him something, he might be willing to bend some rules.
As the shock slowly disappears and everything starts to settle, I get to finally eat. My food has grown cold, but I hardly notice. I’m too busy clinging to the relief of not being abandoned by this bunch. While I’ll completely respect their decisions of staying or leaving, it feels good that none have made a scene.
Dasha sighs at my side and attempts to sneak a glance at Galior. “I’m curious to know what it was like to stay with these creatures for the last few days. Are they just as savage-like when they aren’t fighting?”
“They eat, sleep, and train as far as I can tell.” Not wanting to admit that I’ve been distracted by Runar for most of my time here, I shrug. “They’re not monsters.”
She hums softly. “Is it bad to think that when they aren’t covered in blood they don’t look too bad?”
“He can hear you, you know.” I point out with a scoff. Distracting her to avoid answering, I watch her quickly turn away with flushed cheeks.
“Good luck on telling everyone else,” she continues as if she wasn’t just staring at Galior like he’s eye candy. “I hope we truly can call an end to this fighting.”
Nodding my head in agreement, I enjoy what time I have before I have to go through with repeating this on a larger scale.
* * *
Galior continues to follow me as I try to look for Runar once I’m full. He’s not in his captain’s chair, and he’s not in that meeting room either.
“Can’t you make this easier by just telling me where he is? It’s been over an hour. If he’s still not done, then at this point, I’m going to think he’s purposely staying away.” Grumbling that last bit, I cross my arms. “Can you take me to Flora? Her company has to be better than yours, no offense.”
He tilts his head, his eyes squinting. “Why does it feel like you’re avoiding your responsibilities?”