“They’ve proven they know nothing of military use, but they are providing other information that has been insightful.” I laughed without humor. “Besides, what resources are three small humans taking?”
Frustration crossed his face. “Should I remind you of our first interactions with the humans only a few galactic years ago?”
“There are billions of humans, they are not all wholly evil.”
His jaw went slack. “Vorazyr. They should be wiped out. The humans are a plague on the galaxy. You remember what happened when our species first tried to get along. They will only get worse as their capabilities increase with the help of the Intergalactic Committee. They are the same as the ‘Gak.”
I stood so quickly my chair almost toppled and rounded the desk to face him. He tilted his head up to keep my gaze. “Are you finished calling for the annihilation of an entire species and condemningmydecisions?” I lowered my voice to a growl. “Do not make me remind you who the Vorazyr is.”
He dropped his gaze. “I never intended to question you, Vorazyr.”
“Then don’t. I have ensured the safety of our vorpyrren. The humans aren’t a threat, and I am using them for the knowledge that they possess.”
He stepped back. “Yes, Vorazyr.” He still didn’t look pleased.
“It’s a victory, having the humans here. They are a statement to our vorpyrren. We have full control of the small, weak species.”
“Yes, Vorazyr, you are right.” That seemed to appease him, and he clapped his wings before leaving.
Thinking of the humans, I left the office after sending a message responding to Zyroth, who wanted more information about my encounter with the humans and the ones I had captive. The other Vorazyr wasn’t born into and trained for the role, he'd clawed his way into it and he took security to another level. Not that anyone would invade his territory first. He had the most inhospitable land, and he liked that his vorpyrren were tough and he didn’t get a lot of visitors.
The humans were awake when I slid the bar aside and checked on them. They looked tired and worse for wear, some parts of their skin cracking, with tones ranging from red to violet on the younger, darker female. It was likely the sun and being out in the elements that caused the odd discoloration and painful looking dryness.
When they saw me, they rose from the table where they’d been speaking in soft tones. My gaze immediately sought Jacqueline.
“Arrazyl?” She stood from the table.
“Did you eat?”
She made a face I couldn’t decipher. “Not yet.”
I stepped forward. “Are you feeling unwell?” Her bandages were off, and she seemed healed except for some reddened skin.
“I just haven’t wanted to eat yet.”
“Perhaps a walk will help.” I didn’t know why I was saying it. I had come to tell them about the upcoming trip, but I found myself wanting to linger and check on how Jacqueline truly was.
“Oh. That would be nice.” she said it hesitantly, watching me carefully.
“If you have any other needs,” I told the other two, “Junyv will be back soon to check on you.”
Jaron was looking at me with suspicion, something he did often. I had a younger brother and sister and understood feeling protective, but it irked me that he didn’t trust me with Jacqueline. Maybe I had overstepped before, when she’d beentoo vulnerable, but I doubted she had told him we’d kissed, so that couldn’t be the reason for his glare.
She squeezed his arm with a reassuring smile and joined me outside. The day was beautiful, already hot from the brilliant sun.
Jacqueline shielded her eyes with her hand and looked around. “I wish I had a good pair of sunglasses.” she said, almost to herself.
I walked with her down the stairs, careful to stay on the outside as she didn’t like heights. We were making our way toward the level that had the best interconnecting walkways where we could maneuver easily, and coincidentally, where the best breakfast was to be found.
“What are sunglasses?”
She blinked at my question and glanced at me, surprise stealing over her face. Was it because I did not usually ask her about herself or her life? I realized I didn’t know as much as I would like. Certainly she’d given me information about humans in general, though I knew she’d tried not to reveal anything too deep. It had angered me at first, but now… I understood her desire not to betray her people.
“There are different shapes and styles, but they fit over your eyes and they’re polarized and dark so the sun is filtered and isn’t so hard on the eyes.”
“I believe our metal workers wear something like that,” but they didn’t sound as bulky. “Should I get you a pair for your sensitive eyes?”
She gave me a small smile. “No, I don’t think they’re exactly the same. But it was nice of you to offer.”
