Chapter 19
Three days later
They orbited the Colonial Planet and Teagan was anxious to get on some solid ground. Several times they’d had to boost the Morinian transport’s systems to keep it going. It really was on its last legs and was ready to die.
“Why are we having them stop so far out from the planet?” she asked, standing next to LemAN on the command bridge.
“Their transport is nearly useless. We can’t let it orbit the planet. It could get caught up in the planet’s gravitational pull and crash, causing damage or even fatalities. We’ll begin to ship the Morinians down with our shuttles, the few they have left, and Leader LarIS is sending some of their shuttles.”
“Okay. When do we leave? I’ve always wanted to visit the Colonial Planet.”
“I can’t convince you to remain here?”
“Nope, I want to go. Besides, I need to help Lieutenant ComEY with setting Leader LarIS up with the decloaking program and satellite dishes.”
He didn’t look happy about it but didn’t try to argue with her. “How long will that take?”
“A few hours for the program but I want to make sure that the satellite dishes are up and running properly. It could take them one to two days to get it done.”
“That will give us enough time to get the Morinians settled in the mountain village. We will be leaving in the next hour.”
“Oh, let me go back for a few things. Do you want me to pack anything for you?”
He looked surprised at her offer. “Yes, a couple of uniforms would be much appreciated.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you in the docking bay in an hour.” She leaned up and kissed him quickly on the lips before leaving.
*****
LemAN stared after her, still stunned that she’d offered to do something as simple as pack for him. She never pressured him for anything but just seemed to give him acceptance and understanding. He couldn’t ask for a better mate.
“The Goddess blessed you with that one,” BorIS commented next to him.
“She has and I am eternally grateful. Teagan is amazing—better than I deserve.”
“That’s not true. You’re a good male, one of the best, and deserve happiness,” BorIS said with conviction.
LemAN felt heat rise to his cheeks as he looked around and noticed some of the other warriors were nodding in agreement. He cleared his throat. “Second Commander BorIS, you will destroy the Morinian transport once we have relocated its crew.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Get me Leader LarIS on communications and send it to my ready room.”
He left, feeling so many emotions he didn’t want the others to see. LemAN had hidden his pain when his mate and young died. He pushed it down and worked to give himself something to do. He dedicated his life to serving his people. Never had he believed he would have another chance at life with a mate and possibly a family. The thought of Teagan breeding left him sucker punched. By the time he got to his ready room he was perspiring. His comm link beeped.
“This is Commander LemAN.”
“Sir, we have Leader LarIS on the line.”
“Connect us.”
A few seconds later, Colonial Planet Leader LarIS’s image came up on his monitor.
“Leader LarIS, we are preparing to shuttle the Morinians in the next hour.”
“Very good. Prime Leader RendEL has sent some supplies and a few of their medics and Earth medics to assist.”
“Good…that’s good.” LemAN wiped the sweat from his forehead. His thoughts were swirling with images of Teagan rounded with his young. He felt fear that he could lose her as he had lost his first mate.
