Chapter 22
MarIK followed the guard, who had arrived to take him back to the holding cell. Sharon held his hand and refused to let him go without her. He didn’t want to part from her again either. The guard’s comm link vibrated.
“Halt,” he ordered them while he answered the call. “Lieutenant BivIN here. I was taking him back to the holding cell. Yes, I’ll bring him up immediately.” He ended communications. “Commander BrAX wants me to bring you to his ready room.”
They turned directions and headed for the lift. A few minutes later, the warrior knocked, then opened the door to the ready room. MarIK entered first, keeping Sharon behind him. He saw Commander BrAX and Lieutenant Commander LazAR, but what surprised him was seeing StrykER and Commander TylOR.
“Come in, MarIK. Miss Task, perhaps you could wait in your quarters.”
“I’m staying with MarIK.” Sharon crossed her arms over her chest.
Commander BrAX frowned and Lieutenant Commander LazAR sighed. “She will only cause a fuss if she is kept out of the conversation.”
“Commander BrAX, it does not bother us to have her here,” Commander TylOR reassured them.
“Very well, everyone take a seat. Interrogator StrykER has come here to interrogate the prisoners about the Morins and the rebel infiltrators. Time is of the essence. We couldn't wait until we reached Katiera. He will also question you to see if you have any other information. Our transport will continue on its way to Katiera where all the prisoners will be going before the council for judgment, including you, Commander MarIK.”
“That’s bullshit! MarIK risked his own life to save your men and StrykER. He warned you and gave you information to help. He doesn’t deserve this treatment.”
“We agree, but he still needs to face judgment for his crimes of betrayal,” Commander TylOR said.
“You know what, you speak of honor but you have none!” Sharon was furious. MarIK tried to reach for her hand to calm her but she stood up and began pacing back and forth. “The Katierans and Kiljorns sent me on this damn mission knowing that I would probably die. Where’s the honor in that?” All the males looked uncomfortable at the way she questioned their male egos, but Sharon wasn’t done. “I took the mission despite the risk and asked nothing from you. Well, I’m asking — no — demanding, that my mate be absolved of any charges. If you don’t, we’ll see how the rest of the women from Earth feel when they find out how my life meant nothing to you.”
“She is right,” a voice said from the viewing screen on the side wall. She turned in surprise and felt flustered to find the three prime leaders, RendEL, KadEN, and LarIS, appearing on split screens.
RendEL was the one speaking. “The Katieran council has already spoken and ruled that all the rebels, once interrogated, will be banned from returning to Katiera. They can choose to help relocate the Morinians or choose to live on a remote lunar post.”
Sharon looked at MarIK, worried about how the inability to return home would affect him. He showed no emotion — but that was his typical demeanor in front of others.
“I accept the judgment,” MarIK told them.
KadEN spoke next. “Because you risked yourself to save one of my people, and Sharon risked her life to help us on this mission, I offer you both a place here on Kiljor.”
Sharon narrowed her eyes at the leaders, frustrated that she couldn’t get them to absolve MarIK completely. “We’ll discuss it and let you know.”
The leaders didn’t seem bothered by her directness; if anything, they seemed amused. The communications ended and she turned around to glare at Commander BrAX. “MarIK and his team should not have to be kept in the holding cells any longer. They have earned the right to be treated with more respect.”
Commander BrAX raised an eyebrow but he nodded his agreement before stating it. “I will have them taken to quarters as soon as their interrogation is over.”
She looked at MarIK. “I’ll wait for you in our quarters.”
MarIK stood and kissed her briefly before she left. She didn’t hear what the males said as the door closed behind her.
“That is one formidable female,” Commander BrAX commented.
“She is, and she is all mine,” MarIK said with pride.
