I decide to watch EvO, the captain of this flying tin can, because I figure if anyone would be talking to this Commander, it should be him. My skills pay off when I see several of them gathering in what I’ve been calling the viewing room.
Before ViN can shut the door, I slide in behind them, but unfortunately, they all notice me right away. Nevertheless, Iwalk right up to the huge, ghostly man standing in the middle of the room, trying not to get distracted by the fact that he is overwhelmingly gorgeous.
“Are you the Commander?”
“At your service, and who might you be?”
“Please, I need to speak to you. My name is Ginger and I’m desperately searching for my husband.”
“Oh, the beloved Ginger I have heard so much about. Your Ricky is fine … were you not told of his status?”
“I was, but it’s just not enough. I need to talk to him; I need to hear his voice.”
“I understand your frustration and if I could fix this for you, I would. Comms are down on Ethra, so until we get them back up, all I can give you is my word.”
“Does he know I’m coming?”
“No, what little information I have received has been sporadic and mostly about injuries and the damage caused by the intense freeze. The planet was plunged into a deep freeze with little warning, and without your husband, who is my main guard on Ethra, and a few others, many would have perished. He has never stopped looking for you and has even designed his dwelling … how does my Kira say this … oh yes, ‘to my wife’s standards’. He never lost hope that you would be reunited one day. I give you my word, the moment you are all offload onto ANDI, we will get you planet-side as quickly as possible. Would you like me to try to get a message to him?”
“No, I understand there are more important things, if what you are saying is true, but how much longer?”
“Kira calls them days. I believe in a day or so, you will be back in his arms, and I will personally take over his shifts so that you two can have some well-deserved time together. I want to be there when you walk off that ramp.”
“Thank you. I imagine if I’ve waited this long, a few more days won’t matter.”
“When it comes to someone you love, every moment does.”
“Thank you for seeing me.”
He nods his head, and I walk out the door with tears in my eyes. I just want my husband, and I feel like everything is keeping us apart. But I swear to whatever gods are in this part of the universe that if I’m ever in his arms again, nothing short of death will take me out of them.
CHAPTER 18
FALON
I cannot keep the smug look off my face as we walk down the hall hand in hand, following the lights on the floor that Destiny said would show us the way.
I pause when I see a huge door approaching, and when we step inside this oddly round room, the spines on my shoulders, which have lain dormant most of my life, start to lift as I am suddenly surrounded by males I am not sure are friends or foes. I pull Edie behind me and growl out.
EvO steps into the middle of the room. “Be at ease, Falon, you are among friends here. Let me formally introduce you to everyone here. You have already met ViN, Rafe, and SCOUT.”
I nod my head at them, but my eyes have not left the largest male in the room. His mere presence screams danger and respect.
“Even though this is odd and it is probably a first in my father’s life, let me introduce Commander DaR.”
I nod my head at him, not exactly sure how to address him. I feel Edie lean around me slightly, trying to see the Commander.
SCOUT steps forward, “Falon, do you know why you are here?”
“I guess there could be many reasons.”
Before I can say anything else, Destiny pops in, along with another hologram and this one is dressed strangely and wearing an enormous hat. That is when I notice the Commander is a hologram as well. He has not said a word, simply stands in the middle of the room with his huge arms crossed, and I know my fate lies in his hands.
SCOUT walks up next to the Commander. “Falon, we are here … all of us, to discuss the things that occurred the last few risings and to plead your case. You are aware that stowing away on a ship commanded by Commander DaR is a sentence for immediate death.”
“I am … was aware.”
The Commander does not even blink, and I feel like a youngling under his gaze.
