She needn’t have asked. The big guy was already barreling through the freaky hologram-like doors, his eyes wide and anxious. He was at her side in an instant, checking her over. A kind of black mask covered the lower half of his face now. It must be a new damper mask. She frowned.
“She is fine now, yes?” he asked Katan.
Katan chuckled. “Yes.”
“Wait, how can I understand him?”
Maelic smiled, kissing her cheek. “You were given cipherbots while your body healed. I hope this does not upset you. It is standard practice and painless, but if you do not want them, they can be expelled.”
Delaney curled her lip. The idea of expelling them sounded gross, and she didn’t care anyway. She shook her head.
“It’s okay.” She checked him over, pleased to see he was healthy and in a jumpsuit thing again—this one not mangled. She’d miss the sight of him in Grandpa’s hideous Christmas sweaters. “But more importantly, are you okay?”
“Yes, I was luckier than you in this.” His hand moved to cup her face, frowning. “I swear to you, I will never let anyone ever hurt you like this ever again.” His lips brushed against hers.
Katan cleared his throat, a little scandalized by the mouth touching if she had to guess.
Maelic’s gaze flicked to Katan. His expression sobered.
“We lost Barvarti’s ship.” Maelic hung his head.
Katan shook his head. Something flickered in his gaze.
“Even had you commandeered it, you were injured. And your mate was—” His gaze flicked to Delaney. He didn’t finish the sentence. “It does not matter. You managed to take down that scum. You will not be punished.” He paused. “But you will take time off.”
“Wait, that is—”
“That is what you will be doing.” Katan’s voice was final. “You have a new mate who needs tending to, as well as support as she acclimates to a whole new life.”
Maelic’s jaw tightened, but he nodded.
“I have received word that Barvarti’s crew may have abducted some natives of this planet Earth,” Katan continued. “I will be embarking on a mission soon to intercept.”
Maelic raised a brow. “It has been a long time since your boots were on the ground, Captain. Are you sure?”
“I think something big is happening.” Something shifted in Katan’s eyes. “And you are correct, it has been a long time. Too long.”
Delaney’s stomach dropped. “Abducted? You mean… taken from Earth?”
Katan’s expression darkened. “Yes. Barvarti’s crew had been operating in this sector longer than we realized.”
Her chest tightened. People. Real people, taken from their homes, their lives. “How many?”
“We do not yet know.” Katan’s voice was firm. “But I will find them.”
Maelic’s hand covered hers. “Katan is the best of us,” he said quietly. “If anyone can bring them home, it’s him.”
Maelic hesitated. Something still seemed to be weighing on him.
“Captain, there is something else.” His voice was low. “Before he died, Barvarti said something. AboutPiotecha.”
Katan’s expression didn’t change, but Delaney felt something in the room shift. The air seemed to thicken.
“He saidPiotechadoesn’t forget. And then he told me to ask you about…” Maelic paused. “Neraxis.”
The effect was immediate.
Katan went completely still. The bright cyan color of his eyes flared to a blinding hue. His jaw locked so tight Delaney could see the muscle jump beneath his scaled skin.
