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Chapter 16

Dallin stared in horroras the Siblet raised their weapons at the ship. He had to protect Sloane, but he was so weak, he could barely lift a finger.

“Why can’t these asshats leave us alone?” Sloane jabbed a finger at the Siblet. “It’s over for them. They lost, and yet they’re still coming for us. What do they have left to prove?”

“They hate to be beaten.”

She leaned forward and peered at the control panel. “Huh! There’s a message request on the comm line. It looks like the Siblet want to talk to us.”

“It won’t be to offer us a safe journey back to the Apocalypse,” Dallin muttered, keeping focused on not passing out.

“I reckon not. Let’s see what these jerks have to say.” Sloane opened a comm channel. “This is the good ship We’re Going to Whip your Butt. How may we be of service today?”

Dallin shook his head. Trust Sloane to sass the enemy.

“Human, you and the Apexian are to surrender. Leave your ship immediately.”

“Whom do I have the displeasure of speaking to?” Sloane winked at Dallin.

“Captain Ghal. Remove yourself from that ship. You should not be here.”

“That’s the jerk who poisoned me,” Dallin growled.

Sloane’s lips pressed together as she leaned closer to the window. “We plan on removing ourselves. From this planet.”

“You’re trespassing and interfering in Siblet business.”

“And it seems you’ve been interfering with the galaxy’s business. We know you’ve been sending out those mutant beasts and using your poison on unsuspecting aliens.”

“That is not your concern. You’ve violated a galactic treaty by landing on this planet. This is our territory and we have the only legal claim on the mine. This action is a declaration of war from the humans and Apexians against the Siblet.”

“Nope. I don’t believe that. And you started the war with your plans to poison other aliens.”

“You’ll pay for this.”

“Bring it on, dumbass,” Dallin muttered.

“Your incursion into our space has been recorded.” Captain Ghal’s voice was loaded with rage. “Are you the leader of this war against us?”

Sloane looked at Dallin and raised her eyebrows. “He means business.”

“He’s desperate if he thinks they can make this our fault.”

She turned back to the window. “I’m in no position to declare a war on you. Although I am tempted after the way you treated me and my guy. You deserve a butt whipping.” Sloane splayed her hands flat on the panel in front of her. “And just so you know, everyone will soon learn it was the Siblet who’ve been killing innocent aliens. You’ve made a lot of enemies, and they’ll come looking for you, and it won’t be to shake your hand.”

“Not everyone likes humans,” Captain Ghal snarled. “There are other aliens who’d be glad to see you gone. It’s your punishment for making such close allies of the Apexians.”

“People don’t like little old us? You’re mistaken. We wouldn’t hurt a fly. Although we might make an exception for the Siblets. And if we don’t make you pay for your crimes, there are plenty more powerful alien nations who’d be happy to ensure not a single Siblet survives.”

There was silence for a second. “We’re not afraid to deal with inferior aliens. For too long, this galaxy has been run by those afraid to take a stand and make the changes needed.”

“There are no changes that need to be made, unless you’re talking about packing up your bags and getting the hell out of here,” Sloane said.

Dallin couldn’t help but smile as she continued to sass the Siblet. She was perfection, and he adored her. He should never have fought so hard to stay away from her.

Stars! He loved her. And Dallin was done fighting how he felt for this perfect human. It felt so right to be with Sloane and have her looking out for him.

A metallic grinding noise on the side of the ship had Dallin turning in his seat. “What the hell was that?”