“You are making a difference. Every day you ensure that the humans get what they need to survive, despite the conflicts between our people.”
“Not enough.”
“Father, our people are warriors, not goodwill ambassadors. We’ve done a great deal to help those we’ve come across who needed aid. The fleet lent our battle expertise to ensure that those who are weak could defend themselves. You’ve always told us to do what we can and move on. You need to take your own advice.”
Devlon shook his head, amazed at how good and strong his son had become. “How did you become so wise?”
Liam smiled. “I had a good role model. I worry about you.”
“That’s suppose to be my line. I’m the father here.”
“Just promise you’ll be careful. There are people who would love to kill off the commander of the Drastan fleet and take over. Who knows what they would plan to do after that. Maybe attack the humans, who are pretty much defenseless.”
Liam made valid points. He couldn’t dispute at all that the humans were basically defenseless, except for hand weapons and a few tanks that had protection against nuclear and biological elements, they were useless when the radiation winds came through in hard waves making it impossible to see or maneuver. The tanks were used to travel dome to dome in good weather.
“The Earth leaders have been asking what weaponry we will give them before we leave. I can’t make that decision without the high chancellor’s agreement.”
Liam nodded his head. “Exactly why they’re sending a representative here to evaluate things. Personally, I don’t think we should leave them with anything except laser guns. They’ve proven to be self-destructive. Imagine what kind of damage they would do with a fighter.”
Devlon agreed with that. “It’s something that bothers me a great deal. I’d be horrified to put all this energy, supplies, and manpower into trying to help these people only to have them turn around and self-destruct all over again. However, I can’t leave them defenseless against other non-humans who may see their weakness and attack them.”
“We’ll have to come up with a defense plan that will satisfy the humans, to aid them in protecting their planet without giving them more power than they can handle. Since I can’t convince you not to go down to the tunnels, you’ll need to have a security detail go with you.”
Devlon rolled his eyes and groaned. “As long as it’s not Nix and Corey. I can’t handle the two of them together. The constant bickering gives me a headache.”
Liam chuckled. “Those two are something else. They’re verbally sparring all the time, and when they spar in combat practice, it always draws the attention of most of our warriors. Despite the fact that Corey wanted Maggie in the beginning, I have to admit that he’s proven himself a fast learner and will one day make a great warrior.” Corey Nash had lived in the same tribe as Maggie and Lily.
“He certainly has put on muscle. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by our females, especially Nix. I see an attraction between the two. I’m not sure if I approve,” Devlon noted.
“I hadn’t noticed that. I’ll speak to Nix about it to make sure the male isn’t bothering her.”
“Good. You know I think of her as a daughter. I won’t have a male abuse her.”
“Of course not, but I don’t think Corey would do such a thing. I see how he is with Maggie and Lily. He’s a kind male.”
“Keep a watch on him all the same. I need to prepare for my departure.”
“I’ll have a shuttle prepare to leave when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Liam.”
“Will you come by tonight for dinner with the whole family?”
Devlon cringed at the idea of Maggie fixing dinner. The last meal she made, she’d burned the pan so badly it had to be thrown away, along with the food which was inedible.
Liam chuckled. “Don’t worry. Lily and Mrs. Gordon are going to help her cook.”
“Thank goodness for that. I honestly don’t think my stomach can handle Maggie’s concoctions.”
His smiled wide, “I didn’t join with her for her cooking abilities.” They both laughed.
“I guess not. I’ll see you tonight.” Devlon checked on the status of the projects going on with his crew and the training of his warriors. A few injuries had occurred, but nothing that wasn’t easily fixed with a trip to mediko. He would make sure to have Liam check in on the injured warriors to make sure they had a full recovery before going back to training. He’d always made sure that his crew was taken care of.
*****
The next day Earth’s subway station
Heather felt nervous for some reason. She reached up to check her hair, making sure it was pulled back in her usual ponytail. Standing there at the tunnel entrance, she watched as the floating golf-cart-like vehicle pulled up with Commander Estro and four other men. Devlon got out and headed toward her, and she couldn’t help but react to him. Her skin tingled, her heartbeat raced, and she suddenly had a bad case of dry mouth.
