I glance out the nearest window and see a Drathious StarEmber transport whiz by. “Vryskas?”
“You didn’t think we’d leave you to endure this alone, did you? Gory hell, brother, you’ve waited three years. And we know others might cause trouble because of what you are,” Vryskas snorts. “We do not leave brothers behind.”
I adjust my ear com. “Who all is with you?”
“Rykarn wouldn’t shut up about it. He’s spent the last three days watching every episode he can find. Osiris and Sidius are in the back, prepping.”
“They don’t allow munitions.”
“They let you in,” Rykarn replies. “And we’re basically munitions.”
“Eluni gave me a spark arrestor,” I tell them.
Vryskas grumbles. “We got them too, after Eluni told us about Brynna.”
“What is the status of the Tusks?” I ask.
“Retreated,” Osiris cuts in. “Amphirans helped us move our colony into allied space. Our kind are safe, among others who have welcomed us.”
Relief spreads through me. “How are you healing?”
“I’m fine.”
“Osiris.”
“He’s healed.” Sidius’ voice takes over the feed.
Sidius just lost his whole crew, and he’s here with my team. “Sid, what are you doing here?”
“I had nothing else to do. Cinuska removed me from service, temporarily. But…I could not bear the silence.”
Losing brothers is never easy, but an entire squad is not something I’ve had to endure. “I am glad you are with us.”
Someone stops before me. “Jorusk?”
I look up to see a huge blue Thorian in animal skins and armored plating, the uniform of his kind. He cracks a smile.
Three years is a long time, but I still remember his face and the long scar down his neck. “Hatchet, right?”
He smirks. “Hal’ta’chet, but most just say Hatchet. You helped us get the females back from Denarso. I have been meaning to thank you. My brother’s mate was among them. They now have two younglings. Purebred, not Denarso tainted.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Hatchet is my size and draws me in for a hard pat to my shoulder. “You need anything, you ask. We have not forgotten our blood pact. All Thorians know your name.”
Several of the other males who have had their eyes on me for the entire trip finally look away. Perhaps they realize now, I am not evil.
“I’m surprised you’re here,” I say. “Humans won’t keep your people pure.”
Hatchet looks away at the ABR attendant who announces our upcoming arrival: the race grounds. “We may be strong in muscle mass and bone density. But we do not have the adaptability of human immune systems. So as we venture out into the galaxy, we need many vaccinations. We are trying to improve our stock with selective cross-breeding. I applied because my Hunter wants a human. Since my brother is staying pure, I am permitted a human mate.”
“You want a human?”
“Jovie helped save Aura’s people. He told us during an economic summit last year. I hear you protected her as well. So it is an honor to race alongside you.” Hatchet grins. “Unless you want the same female. Then I will destroy you.”
I chuckle. “Not before I send you to Magmium with your ass on fire, my friend.”
Hatchet pauses like he’s pondering it, then extends a fist to me, which I tap with my own. “Hunting for anything in particular?”
