Chapter 12
Devlon was stunned over Heather’s revelation that she was unable to bear children. It seemed wrong somehow that a female who cared for so many others would have that denied her. He’d watched her with the child earlier and saw the bond that they shared, yet she gave the girl up so that she could have a family.
For the first time he began to understand Heather’s stern demeanor. Her husband had abandoned her, and she had no family to call her own. She had people depending on her, and some of those she thought she could trust had betrayed her. Of course she would have a hard time opening up to others. He couldn’t help but want to be the one to break down her barriers.
“Sir, the situation…”
His lieutenant reminded him of the reason that he and Heather had been interrupted. He activated his communicator. “This is Commander Devlon.”
“Commander Devlon, this is Senior Commander Drake Bond of the Red Fleet. I’ve been commissioned to come and review your status and relieve some of your ships so that they may continue traveling back to Drasta.”
He sighed. He’d known that this was coming, that the high command was sending someone out, but Senior Commander Bond wasn’t the easiest commander to work with. It didn’t help at all that he was Devlon’s senior officer, but the same age as Devlon’s oldest son Jared.
“Sir, we welcome you and your fleet to this area. I am currently overseeing the reconstruction of the tunnels some of the humans call home. I shall return to my command ship in a few days. Captain Liam Estro is in charge until I return.”
“Very well. I’ll be debriefed by Captain Estro and then join you down in the tunnels myself in two days.”
By the stars! Could he not catch a break? Now was not the best time to have someone possibly interfering with all the groundwork he’d laid with the humans. That was all he needed, a young upstart looking over his work. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in a position to refuse him.
“I look forward to meeting with you and seeing the progress you’ve made, Commander Estro.” The communication ended.
The impulse to throw his communicator across his tent was strong, but he’d learned a long time ago to control his temper. It wouldn’t do any good to break a communicator. He would show Senior Commander Bond the progress, answer his questions, and then send him on his way.
*****
The next day
Heather marveled at how fast the foundation of the apartment complex was going up. Once the big shiny silver equipment had arrived and the training started with her volunteers, it seemed to be exactly what her people needed. They had a focus and a purpose now, where before they were just consumed with surviving.
The machinery used liquid metal to form foundations and walls. It set fast and cooled quickly, so it was easy to make mistakes. This would keep her people busy for a while. Busy people couldn’t get into trouble. At least that had been her father’s logic for always having work for her and siblings to do on the farm.
“I can’t believe how much they’ve done in mere hours,” her new second-in-command, Mabel, commented. She stood watching next to Heather, fascinated.
“It sure helps that the equipment the Drastans are using is so incredible. Their liquid smart steel pours where it’s programmed. I never even thought something like that could be possible.”
“It doesn’t hurt that the alien guys are easy on the eyes, too, right?”
Heather rolled her eyes and snorted. “Mabel, aren’t you a little too old to be checking men out?”
“Honey, I’m older, not blind or dead. Besides, none of these young ones hold a candle to your commander.”
“He’s notmycommander,” Heather denied.
Mabel raised her eyebrow. “Really? That’s not what I hear.”
Oh God. Heather groaned. “What rumors are going around now?”
“That you and the hot alien commander did the dirty deed yesterday and that you spent all night in his tent.”
“I didn’t spend the night in his tent.”
“You’re not denying you had sex with him.”
Heather shrugged, “I’m a grown woman. I can have sex with whomever I like.”
“True, and no one is begrudging you any happiness. You’ve been too long without anyone to share your burdens with.”
“Mabel, I can’t afford to get involved with anyone right now.”
