Chapter 9 – Kerra
“You think I’m markedand special?” I’d listened to Motok’s explanation of the mark on my wrist, the missing human females taken by slave traders, and the Galactic Conclave’s suspicion of the planet Vindar and its people. I understood that he thought I could help but the attacks on Earth only proved aliens wanted human females, not much else. “Sorry to disappoint you, Tok,” I continued with a smile, trying to soften my next words as I shortened his name intentionally, “but I don’t have any knowledge or answers that will help the Braxthar people. I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.”
He arched a silvery tinted brow at the nickname. Funny, but this was the first time I noticed that he had a light dusting of hair on his body. The color blended into his skin, so it was hard to see unless you were up close. Even his hair was cropped short like a typical American military style, but I supposed that was necessary with the thick, pointy quills as it blended into them effortlessly. His muscles rippled with every movement and the power that was held within such a lithe and graceful form was both intriguing and unnerving.
“You’re a miracle,” he argued, not understanding my words. “I am certain of this.”
Go figure. Just what I needed. A stubborn alien rescuer. Make thatkidnapper.
“Listen, I’m sorry your people are in danger and everything, but I can’t fix that.” His expression indicated he was about to argue so I rushed on. “I can’t help. You need to get your people off the planet and find another home world if that’s the issue. Get them to safety and worry about the Galactic Conclave once you’re ready.”
He looked appalled at my suggestion. “You would have my people homeless? Scattered across the galaxy? Millions would die in the evacuation process without the specific conditions we need to survive. There’s only so many that can be safely transported at once. We’d risk losing our beloved females and offspring. It’s unthinkable.”
“I would rather see your people survive to fight another day than be forced into war or worse. If it was Earth, I’d leave in a heartbeat and go to another planet if it was my only option.”
A smile lit up his face and I thought he must have lost his mind. “Leaving our ancestral home of Vindar is not the only option. We haveyou,” he emphasized, puffing out his chest with what I could only describe as pride. “We will survive because of your help. You will make the council understand this crisis and help them with human culture and government. The Galactic Conclave will listen to you and be forced to confront the lies that have been brought against us.”
He didn’t comprehend what I meant.At all.
“I don’t think you get it,” I repeated for the third time during this conversation.
“I can prove that you are special, that you are more than you believe,” he replied smugly.
“How?” I asked, placing my hands on my hips in agitation.
“May I?” He approached slowly and lifted my wrist, turning it over with care. His thumb rubbed over the skin gently as he smiled. “You bear the mark of our people as I’ve already explained. A starburst of silvery blue. Only a warrior or a sanctioned citizen of Vindar has such a mark of high rank.” He pulled up his sleeve and revealed his own mark. It was identical to my own.
Dumbfounded, I snatched my wrist away. “Tok, this is only a tattoo.”
“How long have you had it?”
Gulping loudly, I couldn’t remember. “I’m not sure,” I admitted.
“Then perhaps it is special as I suggest.” He crossed his arms over his chest as if he dared me to argue the point further.
“It’s atattoo,” I emphasized stubbornly.
“We will go to the medical bay. A simple body scan can resolve our disagreement. Your DNA will prove your origin and the connection to my people and then we can discuss this subject in greater detail.”
“You’re gonna be awfully disappointed. When I’m proved right you can apologize for being such a stubborn ass.”
Motok tilted his head to the side for a moment before a burst of laughter caused my frown to disappear. “You humor me.”
“Glad to see one of us is amused,” I replied wryly.
The ground beneath us shifted as a loud boom rattled the side of the hull. I lost my balance and pitched forward, my body hurtling toward the glass observation window. Seconds before I slammed into the cold glass, Motok caught me around the waist and we tumbled to the ground.
“Are you alright?” He was panting, his eyes searching mine with distress.
