“The barrier…” I mumbled, struggling to keep up as my attention was drawn to the baby sling.
Micah should reactivate Pedro’s shields…
As ifhewas suddenly a mind-reader, my mate did exactly that, and I breathed a sigh of relief as I was able tofocusagain.
“Uuktar, you said?” I repeated, determined to get the facts and get out.
“Yes,” Uulvin snapped, their patience obviously wearing thin. “Our sibling. Ourfamily.”
I glanced at my stellar collision, who gazed at me with so much hope in his expression, I was momentarily lost for words.
Does he actually think I’d say no to anything he wants?
“We will go speak to thesematter manipulators.”I nodded at my mate before glancing at Uulvin. “And do our best to save your… family.”
Then, I can focus on mine.
Micah’s grin was dazzling. “It sounds like we’re going on another adventure, Zig. For science!”
For science.
I had to admit, I was a bit curious about the possibility of discovering more creatures like Micah. It wasn’t that I expected any of them to be half as impressive, but I wanted to know if my mate was something more than just anEarthling.
Something even more perfect for me.
“Very well.” I rose before helping Micah stand beside me. “What are these matter manipulators called, and where would we find them?”
The Hydrassian was back to smiling slyly. “They’re called the Eki, and whileyou’llbe fine on their planet in your current vessel,” they eyed my pelt appraisingly, “your stellar collision will need something warmer to wear.”
20
MICAH
While I knew Ziggy wanted to leave the star hop cockblock cave as quickly as possible— and understandably so—there was one thing Ineededto do first.
Take a selfie with the Dionaea muscipula, duh.
This was mostly because I wanted to send a photo to a certain Mafia Queen back on Earth, so I could show the tiny tyrant his miniature “carnivorous child” ain’t shit.
How you like them apples, croissant-muncher?
Once Zig, Pedro, and I were back on the Lodger and en route to the ice-planet EX-36740–locally known as Ekistron—I realized there was something else on the space mercenary to-do list.
The family video call.
While we occasionally did check-ins like this with Zion and Balty—and only rarely with Simon, which was just fine with him and Ziggy—I insisted on regular face time with Theo and the twins. It wasn’t just because I wanted to see Gabe. I legitimately felt it was important, especially for Zig, to maintain a strong connection with those who shared our resonance.
Our Stellarian family.
Or… alien polycule, whatever.
Ziggy had insisted on changing back into his Earthling outfit for the call—much to my disappointment—but he reminded me he’d be in Borque-mode again once we landed on Ekistron. I didn’t push, since I understood he wanted to be wearing the skinsuit he felt most comfortable in for a situation he was still getting used to.
Plus, my man probably didn’t want to hear the Wookie jokes.
Since this crew is merciless.
However, therewasa different celebrity appearance I wanted to surprise the others with on today’s call.
