Motok tilted his head to the side as if confused. “Yes. We’re almost ready to dock with theVindicator. I can answer more of your questions once we’re safely aboard.”
Was he completely crazy? Didn’t the crazy alien realize he’d just kidnapped me?
“Listen, I appreciate all your protection and heroics, but I don’t want to leave Earth. Thanks, and all, but I want to go back.Now.”
A loud chuckle came from the front of the little vessel. I didn’t notice before that we weren’t alone. Another alien was piloting this flying thing . . . ship. Transport. Whatever.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Kerra –”
Poking a finger directly into his chiseled chest – which was entirely too muscled and attractive with the silver skin glistening in the low lighting and revealing every deep groove and valley – I enunciated my point. “Take. Me. Back.”
“E.T.A. ninety seconds. Counting down.”
I spun around on his lap and glared at the two alien men playing with the complicated controls and viewing screen that flashed various lights, some kind of star chart, and other images that resembled planets. Small clicks and occasional bleeps or beeps would follow the movement of their silver fingers. My jaw dropped when I saw the massive spaceship that loomed directly ahead through some kind of viewing screen. The side of the hull was painted with the nameVindicator.
“Holy shit,” I whispered, sliding off Motok’s lap and falling to my knees. “I’m on an episode of Star Trek.”
A deep laugh echoed behind me and I was lifted back into Motok’s arms. He cradled my body close as I watched the large vessel approach. I barely paid attention as I was strapped into a chair next to my alien rescuer and we glided smoothly up to the ship’s side. Something made a loud click followed by a sucking sound that grew progressively louder until there was a slight pop. The ship creaked a moment and then another loud click, followed by a quick snap. Seconds later everyone unbuckled and picked up bags as they headed toward the rear of the transport.
I’d just experienced my first vessel docking with anotherin space.
Holy shit! Kacie would be shocked!
The other two silver warriors moved ahead of us as Motok gestured to my seatbelt. I managed to be rid of the thing without issue as he pulled me close and held onto my upper arm while we moved through a cylindrical corridor. A hatch opened up ahead and we stepped over the grooved metal ridge into an open hangar. Boxes and crates full of unknown cargo were stacked against the inner walls. Every surface was clean and polished, like a shiny new coin.
I paused as my eyes scanned the interior. “Wow,” I whispered.
“Welcome aboard theVindicator,” Motok laughed. “I am Commander of this battle cruiser. Uh, starship would make more sense to you. You’ll meet the crew soon enough.”
“It’s huge,” I gasped. “Is this some kind of hangar or docking bay?”
He nodded. “Yes, I will show you to your quarters and allow you the chance to rest and freshen up before I give you a tour. Findu is in the galley. He’ll gladly fix whatever dish you desire. He was lately trained in diverse alien cuisine.”
It was the wordalienthat snapped me out of my stupor and back into the present. Narrowing my eyes, I looked up and caught his guarded expression. “How long am I prisoner?”
Rendered speechless, he sputtered before vehemently denying my accusation. “You arenota prisoner,Hoy’nva. You’re free to roam the ship and do as you wish.”
Right. “Then take me back home.”
He sighed softly as if my response was expected but not appreciated. “I’m unable to do that at present.”
“Why?” I demanded as I planted my hands on my hips. “Tell me. Stop being a pussy. Just tell me the damn truth.”
A loud guffaw sounded behind us. I turned to glare at the next big silver alien and couldn’t help a small twitch of my lips. He was a slightly smaller version of Motok with longer hair that was double braided. The silver flowed backward and down his shoulders and seemed to intertwine with those quill-like things on his back.
“I’m Rexnor, Motok’s younger brother.”
“And I’m Orion.” The other male who approached was clearly older with a few lines and grooves etched around his mouth and eyes. “The eldest.”
“Hello,” I greeted awkwardly. “Nice to meet you but I’d like to go back to Earth now. Field trip over.”
Neither Orion nor Motok had a clue what I meant. Their expressions were almost comical.
Rexnor was greatly humored and hugged me close to his side as his boisterous laugh filled the vast, nearly hollow space. “You’re a refreshing and welcome change aboard theVindicator.”
I couldn’t suppress my answering giggle. He was sweet and charming, obviously knowing quite a bit more about Earth social customs and culture than his brothers.
“Step away from her.Now.” Motok’s growl was nearly a snarl.
