“Wow, that’s impressive. You could go into this meeting and convince OrIN to agree to your terms.”
“Not quite. There are those who can withstand my influence. Those with strong emotions to do the opposite of what I want. It also makes it hard to have a relationship because if the female I’m with does not have a strong will…”
“You could manipulate her without meaning to.”
“Exactly. A relationship where one person imposes their will on another is not what I want. I’m looking for someone who could withstand my influence and see me for who I am — just a male seeking love.”
She put her hand on his shoulder and stopped them from walking. “You will find her. She’s out there. You’re a good man and deserve love.” She bit her lip before asking, “Have you used your influence on me?”
He hesitated before answering. “I apologize, but yes, I have. When I first brought up the idea for us to act as a couple, you were hesitant about the idea. I pushed a little to make it seem logical for you to agree. Then when we came on board the Intrepid, I pushed you just a little to get you to hold hands as a show of our affection for the crew.”
Sharon glared at him. “Don’t do that to me again.”
He sighed. “You see why I have no mate.”
Her anger easily deflated. He hadn’t done anything except ease her into what she would have agreed to anyway. “I’m sorry, TanAR.”
He shrugged and motioned for them to continue. “Let’s go for Midday Meal. This afternoon we’ll be passing a new solar system which will be more exciting for you to see.”
“Oh yeah, anything besides all this blackness.”
“Has anyone bothered you since coming on board?”
“No, your idea to appear as if we’re dating has worked. I appreciate that. I know these guys here are all good ones and would make any girl happy but...I’m not one of them.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Most of the Katierans and Kiljorns I’ve met are looking for a female to take care of. I’m strong and independent. I think for myself and can hold my own in a fight. I don’t necessarily need someone to protect me. I want a partner in life, someone to stand beside me, not in front of me. I need someone who will listen to me, really listen, and take my concerns into consideration.”
“You haven’t met anyone in these past few years who came close?”
“Not really. They all want to take care of me like I’m a porcelain doll that could break. I’m a fighter, I come from fighters, and I hate it when people look at me as if I’m weak.”
“I heard that you took Commander TylOR down. The news of that spread quickly on Kiljor.”
She laughed. “It was skill and luck. If that man had gotten his hands on me, a good grip, I would have been a goner.”
“He is known to put many males in the medic wing. His younger brother, Colonial Commander AshOR, is not as tall but just as dangerous.”
“Oh my God, there’s another one like TylOR?”
They both laughed as they entered the meal room. She felt eyes on them as they walked over to the counter to select their food before sitting down. Lieutenant Commander LazAR came over to sit down at the table with them.
“We will be arriving tomorrow at the old trading post on the Sozin Luna.”
“Trading post?” Sharon asked curiously. She had images of the American West settlements playing in her head but was sure it couldn’t be anything like that.
TanAR explained the reason for the location to her. “We used to have trading posts set up on small planets or lunas. It allowed us to trade with other alien species traveling by and we would be able to see if our species was compatible with theirs. Most were not compatible and after a time, the trading posts on the far outskirts of Katieran solar system were eventually shut down.
“So, we’re to go to this solar system and meet them at the trading post?”
“Yes, we’ll get a shuttle to take our team down. The luna’s atmosphere is only partially habitable. We’ll have to wear a pressurized suit until we get inside the trading post. Hopefully the power for the atmosphere adjuster will still be working.”
“What about…”
“Miss Task, we’ll do a private briefing in the morning to discuss more. This is not exactly the time or place to do it.”
She wanted to ask them about the Morins, but she wasn’t sure who all was listening. Part of the problem with these purist rebels was that rebels could be anyone or the sympathizers could be anyone. The Prime leaders have had problems with rebels acting out on all three of the planets in the alliance: Katiera, Kiljor and the Colony.
