Vukan (Scifi Alien Romance) (Galactic Mates) Page 2

  Two big, oak doors open and the secretary guides me into the man’s opulent office. He’s sitting behind his desk. I can barely see him behind the mess that’s piled up on his mahogany desk.

  I see that the stories I’ve heard about him are true. He’s a round, bald man, his uniform pulled taut around his stomach. His office is every bit as garish as I imagined it would be.

  Everything is made out of wood — a prized possession. Human trees are extremely rare nowadays as we colonized or polluted every corner of our globe, and as such, extremely valuable. Behind him, through a big glass window that spans his office, I can see the surface of Earth.

  “Olivia, welcome, welcome,” he says. “Please sit.”

  “Professor Booth is fine, thank you,” I say coldly as I sit down across from him.

  He either didn’t hear me or ignores my remark.

  “How was your trip? I hope Captain Price extended you every courtesy?”

  My lips are pulled into a tight line. Being civil is the last thing on my mind right now.

  “He ruined my research,” I say, my hands balling into fists. “The moment I’ve been working towards for over a year is ruined because of you. The dadyrs are now frightened — they won’t trust me anymore. They’ll associate my scent with that obnoxious, loud, polluting mess you call a ship. What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “Well, err, you were h-hard to find,” he stammers. “We had to send for you, b-b-because there was no way to reach you.”

  “Exactly,” I say. “I didn’t want to be found.”

  “If we inconvenienced you, I’m sorry, really.”

  “Inconvenienced? Excuse my language, but incon-fucking-venienced? A year of work, gone! I’ve lived in the woods for over six months, gaining their trust, little by little, and what do I have to show for my time?! It’s not like waiting for ten minutes before they fill your ritzy hover-car up! It’s a bit more than an inconvenience, don’t you think?!”

  The captain dabs his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief.

  “She said you could be contrarious but I had no idea,” he mutters.

  “Who said what?!”

  “Nora.”

  “Who the hell is Nora?”

  “NORA. Neurolinguistic Operating Research Assistant. I think.”

  That name vaguely rings a bell. I don’t follow the news, but I do try to stay up to date with the scientific journals, and I’ve seen that name mentioned once or twice. Some fancy new AI that’s supposed to help us unlock the secrets of the galaxies or some such nonsense. I prefer doing my research the old-fashioned way: in the field.

  “What did she have to say, hm?” I say as I cross my arms over my chest.

  I don’t like the idea of AI blabbering about me behind my back one bit.

  “Uhh, p-perhaps she can e-explain,” the captain stammers as he fiddles with a few buttons on his desk.

  A glowing blue ball forms in front of me, hovering above his desk.

  “Hello, professor Booth. A pleasure to finally meet you.”

  I stare the ball of blue light.

  “Are you Nora?”

  “I am, yes,” she answers.

  I expected a cold and distant robot, but Nora has a full, warm voice, with just a hint of a southern accent.

  “I understand the ship we sent for you arrived at a bad time. On behalf of the Federation we apologize, however, time is of the absolute essence. Captain, if you will please hand her the file?”

  “Oh, right,” Simopoulos mutters as he looks through a stack of papers on his desk. He hands me a manila folder.

  “Several days ago, Cindy Knox crash-landed on an unknown planet in sector Omega VI. She managed to escape with the help of the local wildlife. If you turn to page three, you can see the note they left her.”

  I flip to that page, but all I see is strange, hieroglyphic-like scribbles.

  “Cindy dubbed them ‘Ypes’. They are small, green primate-like beings, who display an incredible amount of intelligence. They made her rescue possible.”

  “I don’t understand,” I say. “What does any of this has to do with me?”

  “That’s easy,” Nora says. “You are the premier human expert on alien wildlife.”

  “I am?”

  “Correct.”

  “That’s news to me,” I whisper under my breath, staring incredulously at the blue ball of shining light.

  “I have analyzed every published paper with regards to alien wildlife,” Nora says matter-of-factly. “I can say with full confidence that you are Earth’s brightest, and that is why I recommended you for this mission. Again, I apologize for disrupting your ongoing research.”

  I don’t even know where to begin with that bombshell of information.

  “What about Hawthorne? Fitzgerald? Or Arlington, of all people?” I ask.

  “Those men? Their theories are inconsistent and their claims unfounded. After analyzing their work, I can say with a certain degree of confidence that their stature and reputation is based on their ability to socialize and network; not their professional output.”

  “Wow,” I breathe. Those men are the giants of my field, the ones everyone aspires to be. And this AI just brushed them aside like they were overambitious freshmen. “Talk about taking down the old boys’ network.”

  “Err, let’s get back on point, shall we?” Captain Simopoulos says, shifting around uncomfortably in his seat.

  “Yes, you mentioned a mission? Am I to understand I’m being drafted?”

  “Correct,” Nora answers.

  I feel a tad lightheaded. This is all going so fast.

  “What if I refuse?”

  “Failure to comply is not an option.”

  Now it’s my turn to shift uncomfortably in my seat.

  “I want to get back to my research,” I try.

  “Negative. Refusal would be analogous to treason.”

  “Treason?!”

  “Correct. This mission is paramount to the security of the Federation.”

  My mouth feels arid. The last place I want to be is on some military vessel, being used as a tool for war. That goes against everything I stand for, everything I tried to accomplish in my life.

  “And what is this mission?” I croak.

  “The message the Ypes scribbled translates to ‘help’ in ancient Tyk’ix. The Federation needs to know what they need help with. That’s where you come in.”

  I lick my dry lips. “That can’t be it. The Federation is not in the business of helping animals. What’s the real story?”

  “Perceptive,” Nora says. She sounds almost pleased — but she’s an AI. Artificial. Yet, she sounds completely alive… “Information is on a need-to-know basis. You will be briefed when the time is right.”

  “Do I have a choice in any of this?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  Well, that’s just peachy.

  4

  Vukan

  “King Vinz,” I say, bowing my head.

  “General Vukan.”

  I am taking the holographic call in private, in my personal quarters. Vinz’s face is like granite, his lips a tight line.

  “You wished to speak to me?”

  “I did, but I was unable to reach you. Am I correct in understanding you disobeyed a direct order and attacked a Ygg hideout without sending out any reconnaissance or waiting for back-up?”

  I don’t move a muscle.

  “I killed a Ygg Queen,” I say.

  “That, while impressive, does not answer my question at all, General.”

  “I followed my instinct, my king. And my instinct was proven right.”

  “Bullshit,” Vinz says. “You wanted to play the hero. You risked not just your own life, but the lives of your entire crew by doing so. Somewhere, on some hidden planet, is the Ygg motherlode. Their Queen Mother, from which all the lesser queens are born. If you stumbled across that, you wouldn’t have just been overwhelmed and killed, but you would have wasted our only chance of
surprising the Ygg and destroying them once and for all.”

  I feel like a boy being chastised by his teacher. It’s like being back in the Academy all over again.

  “Yes, sir,” I say, swallowing my pride. “I am not driven by my ego. I encountered resistance and I dealt with it. Swiftly.”

  The stinging pain in my shoulder is a poignant reminder of what a total lie that is.

  “Spare me your lies, Vukan. I’ve known you longer than today. I’ve watched you ascend through the ranks. You are a skilled warrior, one of the best, but you are reckless. A volatile combination. Now, I didn’t call you to berate you. I have a mission for you — but I do have my reservations now.”

  I snap to my attention.

  “You can trust me, my king. You have my word.”

  “You always say that,” Vinz smirks. “Yet you’ve broken your word before.”

  “Only because an opportunity presented itself,” I say. “Have I ever lost a battle?”

  “No. Never.”

  I struggle to suppress a proud smile. Even my king knows of my prowess.

  “Which only makes you more daring. A defeat might teach you some humility,” he says.

  “Well,” I answer. “I guess we’ll never know.”

  My king shakes his head, chuckling.

  “Never change, Vukan.”

  He sits up straight, pushing his broad shoulders back.

  “Now, back to business… I’ve received a disturbing report from a former Zoran Forces officer named Zivan.”

  He taps a button and the report flashes by on my com.

  “He rescued a human prisoner named Emily Forrester from a Tyk’ix transport vessel, together with a human detective, one Mia Frost. Forrester was abducted from the Observer, seemingly with help from the Order, the Intergalactic Alliance’s secret police force.”

  A frown forms on my face.

  “This is disturbing news.”

  “Indeed,” Vinz says. “If this is true, then… well, we’ve got a war brewing. If the Tyk’ix are truly abducting members of the Alliance, and wielding the Order as if it was theirs… then the Alliance itself is doomed to crumble.”

  “Do you know this Zivan? Is he trustworthy?”

  “His report seems credible, but he’ll be questioned further. Regardless, I want you to travel to the location of the abandoned transport vessel. Find out where that ship was headed, and if you can find any proofs of his claims on board. I don’t think I have to tell you that secrecy is of the utmost importance.”

  “Sir yes sir,” I say. “You got it.”

  “Oh, and Vukan?”

  “Yes?”

  “If you encounter any resistance… don’t charge headfirst into it. Inform me first. This is not just Yggs you’re dealing with — the entire galaxy could be at stake.”

  I nod. “Of course, sir.”

  The transmission ends, and I’m left in darkness with my thoughts. The Tyk’ix are one of the founding members of the Alliance. If this report is true, then the findings of my research could prove explosive.

  They could thrust the entire universe into an all-out war.

  The Alliance is the glue holding the universe together, preventing many squabbles from getting out of hand. If that glue disappears, there will be chaos.

  My king is right. This is very different from sparring with a few insectoid beasts. This is the real deal.

  “Vukan to bridge,” I say, tapping my com. “Recall all soldiers from the ground immediately and prepare for a ship-wide briefing.”

  “Sir yes sir,” my com-officer responds.

  I read through the file, committing every detail to memory. It seems this Zivan was a member of the Zoran Forces, working as border patrol, before he was reassigned to Observer Security for unclear reasons. He met Mia Frost, a detective from the New Atlanta Police Department, and together they managed to track Emily Forrester down. She was being transported on the Tyk’ix freighter Wrath of Moss, which they ambushed in sector Omega VI.

  I walk to the bridge, my eyes glued to the digital paper as I absorb the riveting tale. It reads like an adventure — they boarded the vessel by literally dropping in from space? That’s so damn ballsy that I wouldn’t even dream of doing that!

  And my reputation of recklessness has even reached my king.

  When I read that Zivan defeated his captors by shooting out a window and risking his own life, my respect for the man grows tenfold. He may not share my rank as general, but he has shown more courage than most. I’d be proud to call a man like him my equal.

  There’s nothing I respect more than sacrificing yourself for the greater good, putting your life and limb on the line for what you believe in. I’d ask the same of any one of my men, and they can expect the same from me.

  “Sir?”

  I’m so absorbed in my reading material I bump right into Teodor’s broad chest.

  “Is there a new episode of The Zoran & The Beautiful out?” he smirks, arching one eyebrow.

  “Much better,” I growl. “I have a mission for us. A proper one. Assemble the crew.”

  “A mission?”

  “Yes, did I stutter, lieutenant?”

  “Err, no,” Teodor answers. “I will, sir.”

  He walks off as I slide into my captain’s chair, my eyes still glued to my com.

  The one thing I don’t understand about Zivan is his love for the human female. The one called Mia Frost. As I understand from this report, they’ve grown quite close together during their joint investigation — he even refers to her as his ‘mate’ on a few occasions.

  I could never mate with a human. They are not like us at all. I know some Zorans have fallen for their curves, but I cannot say I understand them.

  “Sir,” Teodor says, rousing me from my thoughts. “The crew is standing by.”

  “Ah, yes,” I answer. “Thank you. Put me on the speakers.”

  I lean back and stretch my arms above my head. I love delivering a speech to my men. I know a good speech can make the difference in a battle. It can give man that extra something he needs to give his all.

  Now is not the time for my death-to-our-enemies speech… but, if this report is based on fact, then it might not be too far off.

  “Men,” I start. “This is your general speaking. I have received a mission directly from King Vinz. We will travel to sector Omega VI immediately for reconnaissance. We are on high alert until further notice. All off-ship communication is strictly forbidden. Vukan out.”

  I nod at my helmsman. “Set a course for sector Omega VI and locate the Tyk’ix freighter Wrath of Moss.”

  “Sir yes sir.”

  I lean back in my chair and browse through the file again.

  I hope I get a chance to prove myself as brave as Zivan when faced with certain death.

  5

  Olivia

  “Can I get you anything?”

  Captain Price has been nothing but a gentleman to me. I almost feel bad about yelling at him back on Audur.

  Almost.

  He’s standing in the door opening, his cap pushed back.

  “I’m fine, thank you,” I say.

  “You sure? We’re about to have dinner together, why don’t you join us?”

  “I’m fine on my own, thank you. Really.”

  “Alright then, suit yourself. You’re welcome to join if you change your mind.”

  He leaves and the door automatically closes behind him. Having dinner with a squadron of loud-mouthed, rowdy soldiers sounds like the worst time in the world. After all, I’m the only female on this entire ship…

  I’ve stayed hold up in my own room, where it’s nice and quiet. Nothing like the calm of the forest — I can’t escape the humming of the ship’s engine, or the ever-present sound of boots patrolling down the halls — but it’s not as bad as I expected.

  Captain Price was nice enough to assign me a private room, a luxury not many of the crew get; I’ve heard the soldiers grumbling and complaining outside my do
or about it.

  That hasn’t stopped my nightmares, though.

  I don’t ‘do’ space very well. There’s nothing out there but silence, coldness, just bleak nothingness. It freaks me out. I prefer being in nature, barefoot, with my toes in the grass and my fingers touching some bark.

  Here, on this giant metal monstrosity, there is no grass. There are no chirping birds that greet you good morning, no trees swaying in the wind, no fresh pool of water to dip your toes in.

  There’s only cold, impersonal metal.

  And a whole battalion of armed soldiers.

  I hug my pillow to my chest, counting down the seconds. Only a few more days until we reach our destination…

  My com peeps. Incoming call from Cindy Knox.

  The mystery woman whose adventure inadvertently put me on this path.

  I accept the call, quickly combing my fingers through my unruly hair. The form of a beautiful, blonde-haired woman fills my room.

  “Hi! You must be Olivia!”

  “Hey,” I say, feeling slightly awkward. She’s so much prettier than me.

  Cindy looks at me through a pair of glasses that are perched on the tip of her nose, a friendly smile on her face.

  “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

  “No, not at all.”

  Not like I have a whole lot going on right now.

  “First off, I’d like to thank you for taking on this mission,” she says, bringing her hands to her heart. “It means the world to me. I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for the Ypes and their help, so I’m eternally grateful that the Federation is really making work of this.”

  “Uhh, no problem,” I say.

  Do I tell her the Federation forced me into this mission? Nah…

  “Nora told me you are the best alien animal expert there is.”

  “Yeah, she told me that as well,” I say, scratching the back of my neck.

  “Well, I’m very happy that the mission is in such capable hands.”

  I don’t even know how to respond. Why has everyone suddenly decided that I’m the golden child? I’m a nobody! I only just started. The more faith people place in me, the heavier the load on my shoulders gets. I’m not used to working in a team, especially not a military one. What if I screw this up?