“The Stars have graced us tonight, for we won the battle,” Idris announced, surveying the crowd. “Thanks to Wing Captain Lian and her Lime Wing, we were able to use inside information to successfully prepare for their attack. The CTA and the Vresqoxk didn’t plan for us to arrive as backup for the main fleet. By adjusting to the battle’s development, we were able to use their own strategy against them and prevent them from escaping.”
The crowd cheered, and he waited, patiently, until they calmed, falling silent so all could hear.
“The CTA turned on us at the last minute to ally with our enemy. Little did they know that their fickle alliance with the Vresqoxk was a scam, nothing more than a tactic to prevent them from allying with us. They turned on the CTA, making the battle three-sided.
“Once the Vresqoxk were defeated, the CTA asked if we could aid them and would still be willing to form an alliance. Princess Ushyaz respectfully declined, but she allowed them to leave the battleground. Now that the Vresqoxk fleet is destroyed, and the CTA fleet is a fraction of its former strength, we finally have room to breathe and recoup, before we attack the Vresqoxk in their own territory.”
His people cheered on again. Their happiness was overwhelming as they celebrated the change of orbit. For once, their war against the Vresqoxk was looking up—and the humans had played a part, one way or another.
“This joyful moment could not have been achieved without the great sacrifices of the warriors whom we have lost. May their souls burn brightly and shine upon us in battle.” He shifted his gaze to the hornless humans in the back, their leader’s irritated stare still fixed on him. Confusion laced her features as she noticed everyone's attention was brought upon her once again. “I would like to thank Wing Captain Lian and her crew for risking their lives to deliver your warning, and for fighting alongside us when our fleet needed you. Once Warrior Princess Ushyaz returns, we will hold a celebration to honor those who have served this war.”
Jaiya looked mortified, her mouth ajar, and shocked expressions crossed the rest of the human wing’s faces. He could imagine how difficult it would be for them, as the minority on a starbase filled with a species that had once been their enemy. Idris hadn’t heard of any incidents between the two species within the base, but he knew that tensions were still running high, so sooner or later, a fight would break out. Other than Jaiya, the humans didn’t understand Dzexet, at least not enough to carry on a conversation. They depended on her to translate for them. That needed to change, soon, if the wing was going to swear their loyalty to him.
“In closing, I would like to tell everyone to burn your battle lust—and do it well, for it may be a while before we have any downtime again. We may have been victorious in this battle, but the war has not ended. The Vresqoxk may have many more fleets to come. We must not forget that. Rest well. I will see you all at the celebration when our fleet returns.”
The hangar bay went wild.
His squadron pilots found their starmates, flings, or whoever they were going to burn the night with and rushed to leave the hangar bay. The ground crew remained, resuming their inspection of the ships.
An itch coursed through his veins, begging to be scratched. His earlier display of jealousy had only added to his need.
“Do you need to go relieve the pressure?” Erlyn asked, appearing beside him with his tablet out. “Or are you fine until tomorrow? Reports from Hwonk state that the fleet will be here in a few days; your sister says to prepare the ceremony in a week’s time. But you may need to talk to Jaiya about that.”
“Why?” he asked, searching the room for her. He didn’t find her where he had last seen her.
“She left in a rush as soon as you dismissed the crew,” Erlyn explained, following his gaze. “I wasn’t the only one who saw you two holding hands, nor will I be the last to hear about it. But if you’re serious about pursuing her, you have my blessing—not that it matters much. Even the short time she’s spent working with you as an acquaintance has changed you.”
“Changed me how?”
“You seem happier . . . and more hopeful about the future. You’re no longer going through the motions of winning this war.” Erlyn squeezed his shoulder. “I am telling you that it’s okay to be with a female, to seek a starmate. And I can’t think of another female more perfect for you.”
“Do you think she would accept me?”
“Not if you don’t fix what you’ve done to her this time.” He winced and gave him an apologetic look. “You disrespected her in front of the whole starbase.”
The itch continued to grow, traveling straight to his cock.
He needed to go and right his mistake. He hoped she would accept his apology because, in the end, nothing else mattered to him.
“I have to go.”
