Chapter 4
The next morning
Nix walked around checking the shuttle that would take them down to the planet below. She would pilot the ship and Corey would act as her co-pilot. They would be leaving early to avoid others seeing them go. There were still Drastans on board that may tip off the rebels. While waiting for him to show up, she decided to do the inspection.
As a rule, she never flew a ship she hadn’t inspected herself prior to taking it out. It had been drilled into her during her training and she drilled it into the warriors she trained. She made sure that every bolt was in place and that all computer systems functioned properly.
Having already completed the computer diagnostics, she ran her hand over the sleek metallic material on the outside of the ship. It was made from a metal from the mountainous region of Drasta, pliable until tempered by the hottest fire. Once it cooled, it became the toughest material in the galaxy. Short of a laser blast, it would be nearly impenetrable.
On checking the other side of the ship away from the entrance of the docking bay, she could hear people approaching. Recognizing the voices, she froze, staying hidden so that she could listen to what they were saying.
“I wish you weren't going,” a woman’s voice said. Maggie.
Nix knew the pretty female had been someone that Corey had feelings for back when they were on Earth. Corey had actually come to the command ship for her mating ceremony, then stayed to train as a warrior. They were clearly still very close.
“I won’t be gone that long. We’ve both gone back to visit the tribes below before, and you know how important it is to reassure them that the Drastans are here to help them.”
“It’s not just that you’re going; it’s that you’ll be in danger. No one will tell me what this mission is, but I know it’s dangerous. I don’t like it.” There were tears in her voice.
Corey mumbled something reassuring. Nix couldn’t help it, she moved so she could peer around the side of the ship to look at them. Corey had his arms around Maggie, his back towards Nix. She felt a deep, sharp pain of jealousy pierce her heart. She clutched her chest as she pulled back quickly before she was seen.
Why did it hurt to see Corey with another female? She knew that Maggie was completely devoted to Liam, but still...it hurt to see how emotionally close the two of them were. Had they been lovers back on Earth? She hadn’t thought so. Was that why he acted like their one night together never happened? Was he ashamed, or did it really not mean anything at all to him?
It was clear he still had feelings for Maggie. Nix didn’t want to be his second choice, or someone he used to dull his pain and longing for another female. That wasn’t fair to her or to him. He would eventually realize that she was too different from Maggie and would once more feel that emptiness.
She knew all too well what that emptiness was like. No matter how many achievements in school or warrior training she had made, nothing seemed to be enough. Nix always felt she had to prove herself. No romantic relationship satisfied her craving to be loved, to feel like she belonged with someone. Growing up with a no-show father in a home with a family that wasn’t hers had long ago established her feeling of being misplaced in life.
Realizing that she was still standing there hiding and spying, she straightened her shoulders and made sure her expression was blank. She wasn’t a coward, she could handle this situation. She walked out into the open and greeted them. “Warrior Nash, Maggie, it's good to see you.”
“Hi Nix. Are you going with Corey on this mission?”
She was surprised that neither Corey nor Liam had told Maggie that Nix was going on this mission. She couldn’t help but wonder why. “Yes, I’m lead on the mission.”
Maggie nodded, looking worried. “You’ll look after Corey, won’t you?”
Corey snorted. “I can take care of myself.”
“I used to have to check the area for mice before you went into a room. Excuse me for wanting to make sure someone has your back.”
Nix turned her head to hide her smile. So the story he had told her about the mice was true. She hastened to reassure Maggie, “He’s been trained, as long as he follows orders, he should be fine.”
Maggie still looked doubtful. “Maybe someone else should go…”
“Mags, this is my job. I’ve trained to be a warrior for almost a year now.”
“Tell me this mission isn’t dangerous,” Maggie demanded, wrapping her arms around her waist.
“No one can predict how their missions will turn out. I can tell you that I won’t take any unnecessary risks. I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”
Nix felt a little uncomfortable standing there watching them. She cleared her throat. “We need to go while it’s still early.”
Corey hugged Maggie one last time and had just started to turn toward the shuttle when Liam entered the bay. “Lieutenant Saber, I need a word with you.”
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
Liam stopped to take his mate Maggie into his arms and hugged her reassuringly. He whispered something in her ear before kissing the top of her head. He then motioned for her to wait for him at the entrance of the docking bay. Nodding at Corey, Liam moved past him and pulled Nix further away.
“Captain? Is there something wrong? Is there a change in the mission?”
