“Alright, lover boy. Let's get going. The meeting with the humans is due to start soon.” Zac pushed his coffee away, his food untouched, and stood to leave the mess, T'arq at his side.
* * *
The meeting room was housed in the main administration wing of the space station, one of the earliest built, and it showed its age. Built for function, not looks, the matte silver surfaces had the combined aesthetic appeal of a cooking pot. The only soft furnishings were the cushions on the otherwise uncomfortable chairs. Unfortunately, some individual, with no creative talent, had thought that gray would be the best color for these cushions. Grey upon gray upon gray. Not the most visually stimulating environment.
Zac and T'arq had settled in next to a large view screen, maps and reports spread out on the table before them. Tomas had joined them, and they were dissecting the reports sent from Earth, detailing the Xakul attack on the humans’ colonized planet, Mars.
A beeping sound that was the electronic equivalent of a knock at the door interrupted their discussion. They both looked up as a young Taurean cadet entered the room. “The Supreme Commander is on visual as scheduled.”
“Thank you, Cadet.” Zac dismissed him.
The three Taureans moved to stand in front of the viewscreen, standing stiffly to attention, and saluting, fists in front of their chest, as the screen flickered to life to show a male, not in full battle dress as Zac was expecting, but in a flowing shirt, the collar open to show a large gold medallion resting on a broad expanse of golden skin.
Supreme Commander Karik Za'Rell had earned a reputation as a playboy second son, a reputation he had done nothing to change since assuming the highest office in Taurean society. When both his father and older brother had been killed within months of each other, he had become the leader no one had expected and, if the rumors were true, the leader that many of the political elite didn’t want.
Despite being cousins, Zac and Karik had never met as adults. Karik was younger than Zac, a toddler when Zac was sent to the military academy at ten years of age. Karik’s father, the previous Supreme Commander, was Zac’s uncle, and any events involving both families had been stuffy, formal affairs, not lending themselves to play time for children. And as adults, the two had not traveled in the same circles.
Karik returned the salute half-heartedly and then glanced down at the tablet in his hand before addressing Zac directly. “Commander Qu’Rell?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“I understand you don’t want this mission. Is that true?” The light tone of the Supreme Commander’s voice was at odds with his steely gaze.
“Not exactly, Sir.”
“Don’t call me Sir. It makes me feel old.” The young leader grimaced.
“Alright, Si—” Zac stopped himself.
Karik ignored the slip. “I’m glad to hear you will take this mission. I was told you were the best of the best—that I could rely on you.”
Well, there was no way Zac was getting out of it now. Karik raised his eyebrows, tilting his head slightly.
Zac straightened. “You weren’t lied to. I am the best.”
Or I used to be.
The Supreme Leader of all of Taurus leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I’ve been told that you are medically fit for combat.”
“Yes, that’s true.” Zac said slowly.
“Is there a problem?”
The problem? A warrior didn’t just come back from such extensive injuries and then slide straight back into combat. Zac had spent months learning how to use his arm all over again, small movements that were once second nature felt deliberate, clunky, and forced.
The problem wasn’t physical; they had cleared him for duty weeks ago. The problem was more complex than that.
They had assured him that his confidence would come back, but he was not so certain.
Zac took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “There’s no problem.” He hoped this didn’t turn out to be a lie. He was beginning the think that the new Supreme Commander was a lot more intelligent than he let on.
“Good. Now, let’s all get down to business. This assignment is of the highest importance, as you know. There are very few warriors with your skills and experience.” He waved a hand as if to include T’arq and Tomas. “Taurus needs you.Ineed you.”
The screen flickered. The Supreme Commander's image suddenly frozen before reanimating once more.
“I know you must be keen to get back in the game. Consider this one step in the right direction. Perform well and you can have your pick of missions after this.”
Zac felt more optimistic. “Yes, Sir.”
