Chapter 20
Colonial Planet
“Keep your eyes open for trouble,” LemAN ordered his warriors as they left the shuttle. Teagan walked behind him per his insistence. She wouldn’t argue with him since it was security and her safety, along with that of the others, that he was worried about.
This was Teagan’s first glimpse of the Colonial Planet. It was lush with greenery and vegetation. The spot they landed in reminded her of the way Earth’s tropical forests used to be before pollution contaminated their natural resources.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It is,” LemAN agreed.
A loud animal cry somewhere close by had her jumping in place. “What the hell was that?”
“A bamboosa,” a male said from the left of her.
She turned to watch as a very attractive red-haired man stepped forward to clasp forearms with LemAN.
“Nice to finally meet you in person, Commander LemAN.”
“It is an honor, Leader LarIS.” Leman greeted him and turned to introduce Teagan. He reached out his hand to her and she took it. “Teagan White, my mate, this is Colonial Planet Leader LarIS.”
She smiled shyly. “Nice to meet you.” She didn’t clasp forearms because LemAN wouldn’t let go of her hand. Was he jealous?
“He’s extremely protective of you, Miss White. Clasping forearms is more for warriors anyway. Usually a male greeting a female would kiss her hand.”
LemAN growled out, “You won’t be touching her.”
LarIS laughed. “Be at ease, Commander. I am happily mated, as you know.”
Suddenly it occurred to her that she hadn’t spoken out loud but LarIS had answered her unspoken question.
LarIS looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. “That’s because I have the ability to read minds.”
“Really? Wow, that’s incredible. I have so many questions—”
LemAN cleared his throat. “You can ask them later. I need to introduce the Morinians.”
“Right. Later, then.”
LarIS smiled. “I look forward to introducing you to my mate. She is also from Earth.”
“Cool.” Teagan stepped back as the Morinian council, leader, and commander all approached suspiciously.
LemAN motioned them over and made the introductions. LarIS greeted them and spent a moment studying Commander Kayley then he turned to LemAN.
“You can assure the other leaders that these people have hidden nothing. They are who they say they are, enemy to the Morins, just as we all are.” He turned to face the Morinians. “You are welcome here on the Colonial Planet for as long as you would like to be.”
Leader Lidia spoke. “We thank you for your kindness, but we will only stay as long as it takes to find a suitable planet for us. I don’t want to cause disruption among your people, and ours need time to finally feel safe and establish our own home.”
LarIS nodded. “I understand completely. Have your people remain in the shuttles. We have our own shuttles that will direct you because the location of the village is to be kept completely secret for the safety of our people who live there.”
“We understand.” Lidia turned with her council and started walking back to the shuttle but Commander Kayley was staring off at a crop of trees.
LarIS also stared in that direction. He turned to LemAN. “We have shooters in the trees. They’re not my warriors.”
LemAN pulled Teagan behind him and motioned his warriors to take defensive positions. Teagan tried to peer around his tall body. Her heart beat faster and her palms were sweaty. What was happening?
“Teagan, when I tell you to, run for the shuttle. Don’t stop until you are safely inside.”
