“Sara, does that mean you’re going as well?” I ask. Sara is one of the most quiet, timid people I’ve ever met. I can’t picture her fighting in a war.
No, that’s not true. She might not seem like a fighter, but I know she is. I need to give her more credit. She fought like hell to save D’Annon out in the desert. Being quiet doesn’t mean weak.
“He’s the general. Hehasto be there. So, I will be there with him. But he told me that they’re going to have a couple of ships pulled back to a safe distance where most of the women will be cloaked and hidden.”
“I wish you guys didn’t have to go,” I whine.
Near the riser, the massive form of several Hisk fills up the space, blocking my view of everyone standing on the platform. The Hisk are so enormous, they’re almost the same height as the group standing on a two-foot-tall riser. I still can’t get used to the strange-looking aliens. They look like someone put a camel’s face on a thick, shaggy-furred centaur’s body. Then, instead of mounting that camel-alien’s torso on a horse’s frame, someone decided to use a wooly mammoth in its place. Despite their somewhat intimidating size, the Hisk are sweethearts. They are so unflappable, kind, and serene.
Suddenly, I get a glimpse of familiar blonde hair and thick-rimmed glasses from between two Hisk.
Without thought, I am racing across the hangar bay, screaming, “Ally!”
I can hear Sara and Maya behind me bellowing our friend’s name. She was away for almost a whole month, and we’ve missed having her around. I missed her enthusiasm for all things nerdy.
Ally’s head whips around to spot us, and then she’s yelling our names and running towards us. We crash into each other, hugging and laughing and talking excitedly over one another.
“How do you run in those heels?” Ally laughs at me. “I would break my neck.”
“It’s my superpower!”
“I missed you guys so much,” Ally exclaims. “You would have loved the trip. Trinh, the trading market on Imannis was amazing. Wait till you see all the stuff I got!”
I notice L’Zaen – the Cerastean guy Ally has a crush on – hovering nearby, watching us all hug and cry. I can see the devotion in his eyes as he looks at Ally. I called it! I’m going to be collecting on a few bets. L’Zaen just needed time to pull his head out of his ass and see that Ally is perfect for him.
“You get some of that?” I whisper to Ally, pointing my chin subtly at L’Zaen.
Ally blushes bright crimson, up her neck to the very roots of her hair in response.
“Good for you,” I cackle.
Ally opens her mouth to say something, when a “Thank you for being here.” sounds out across the intercom system. Looking at the platform, I see Chancellor L’Forn is the one speaking.
“I’m sure you are all wondering why we’ve asked you here. I would like to speak plainly. As you all know, many years ago, everyone on my home planet Ceraste died. We had always believed it was a disease that killed my people. Recently, we discovered that the queen of another species called Ostiums ordered the genocide of my people. Queen Diamalla has now turned her attention to Earth. We have managed to thwart two attempted attacks against facilities on your planet,” L’Forn states.
He has to pause in his speech as gasps and shocked murmurs ring out through the large space.
“In an effort to sow dissent between our people, the Ostiums attempted to poison everyone in one of our healing centers. When that didn’t work, they kidnapped one of our bride volunteers. The Ostiums have been supplying the Earth First terrorist group with weapons and the poison they used against my people.”
I watch the crowd as they all look over at Sara, knowing she was the kidnapped bride volunteer. Sara straightens up under the scrutiny and tilts up her chin, showing her inner strength. As L’Forn continues to explain what happened and why they need to remove the Ostium queen from her throne, I watch the faces in the crowd. None of the mated women look surprised.
“The Ostiums also placed bombs on the Hisk’s planet in an attempt to wipe out their entire species. We cannot allow the Ostiums to make another attempt on any of us. We can’t risk the chance that they might be successful next time and are choosing to take pre-emptive measures. Most of our people will be deploying to Osti next Wednesday. We will be leaving several of our ships around the planet to ensure your people’s safety. Bride volunteers, I understand this situation may change your desire to stay in the program. Anyone who would like to leave the Bride Program needs to let Liaison Simson know by Sunday. Once this conflict is over, we would be delighted to have you back.”
The rising din of voices and shocked gasps grows in volume like an approaching storm.
“Are we in danger on this ship?” a woman asks loudly from my left. Her voice sounds scared and unsure.
“We don’t believe so. The Ostiums do not know that we are aware of their actions. The plan is for the combined forces of human, Hisk and Cerastean militaries to catch them by surprise. All of our intelligence says the ships, and Earth, are currently safe from the Ostiums,” L’Forn replies.
Rosie steps up next to the chancellor. “Program Director L’Corte and I will stay behind after this meeting to answer any questions or concerns you have. Please feel free to approach us with even the smallest issue.”
Time to work the crowd. As I turn around, I spot my roommate Natasha twisting her hands together worriedly.
“Hey, are you okay?” I ask as I approach her.
“Oh my gosh! I don’t know. I’m kinda freaking out,” Natasha rushes. “Are you planning on leaving the program?”
“No, I’m staying. I would be dead if it wasn’t for the Cerasteans, so I’m not leaving. With most of the crew leaving, the remaining Cerasteans could use our assistance,” I tell her.
