Chapter 22
Jeffrey strode down the corridor, hoping he was headed in the right direction. He’d just received orders from the Supreme Regent of Zanthar to report to the transport hangar for a special assignment.
He was a tad disgruntled at being at the regent’s beck and call. He’d been putting the finishing touches on theEarhart’s repair with his captain when word of this new mission came in.
“Come on, Captain,” he’d said to Brook as she wiped her hands on a dirty rag and smiled at him. “Can’t you use your pull to get me out of this?”
Brook laughed. “I don’t have any pull with the regent.”
“Yeah, but you’re shacking up with the major, and he’s friends with the regent, so…”
“No can do,” Brook had said, picking up a laser driver and returning to the panel for more repairs. “You better get moving. The regent doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Jeffrey grumbled as he pushed his way through the crowd of protesters. He’d been assigned his own security team, comprised of two of the soldiers who’d accompanied him on this mission to recover theEarhart. Although the sight of the guards put most protesters off, he’d had to use force on a few who’d grappled their way to the front to take a swing at him.
In a way, he was thankful for the riotous crowds howling for his blood. The few Zantharians who had been spoiling for a fight had found an eager opponent. His knuckles were bruised on both hands, and he’d decided not to use the Zantharian miracle salve.
The pain helped keep him focused on something other than his dismal and disappointing love life.
It figures that I finally find the girl of my dreams, and she rejects me only after providing the single most exquisite sexual experience of my life.
What a shit show this mission has turned out to be.
Jeffrey wondered if regret would plague him for the rest of eternity.Maybe I should be grateful that she blew me off. I have no idea how I would fit an intergalactic girlfriend into my lifestyle.
He didn’t feel grateful. There was a black hole in his chest that was sucking all of the joy out of his life.
For a guy they called Cheerful, he really didn’t live up to those expectations.
Last night he’d lain in bed, staring at the strange lights from the ocean depths the window let in as they chased each other around his ceiling. As he’d stared, he’d considering going to Kat and making his case one more time.
She’s turned you down three times, buddy,he’d argued.What makes you think one more time would make a difference?
And if she rejected him again, he didn’t think he could take it. So he sat and stared and wondered if he’d ever feel happiness again.What is happiness if she’s not by my side?
Jeffrey reached the entrance to the transport hub and checked in at the desk. “One moment please,” the Zantharian functionary said, stepping away from his station and disappearing down a narrow hallway into the depths of the transportation department.
He drummed his fingers on the desk, waiting impatiently to get his new assignment underway. Perhaps it would keep his thoughts occupied long enough for him to forget his broken heart.
He doubted it.
Suddenly a towering form emerged from the hall and beamed at Jeffrey from behind the desk. “Good to see you again, Lieutenant.”
The Supreme Regent of Zanthar held out his huge hand. Jeffrey took it and shook, trying not to wince at the force Rasveen used.
“Earthling handshake,” the regent said. “I’m learning your customs.”
Jeffrey quirked an eyebrow. He wondered how much Dr. Cohen had to do with Rasveen’s desire to educate himself about Earth.
“Now, if you’ll follow me this way,” the regent said, sliding out from behind the desk, “I’ll show you to your vehicle.”
Jeffrey wasn’t sure why the regent himself was playing tour guide.Must have gotten bored sitting on the Coral Throne. They passed several small crafts, each resembling sleek and exotic sea creatures.
The regent came to a halt beside one of the crafts and handed him an electronic data pad. “The details of your assignment are in there. And your pilot is already on the ship.”
Rasveen slapped him on the back. “I appreciate your help with this. I couldn’t think of anyone better for the job.”
Then he was striding away, the muscles in his broad back rippling.
