Captor, p.18
Captor, page 18
Whether she approved or not.
CHAPTER 13
Krakar
Loneliness.
I’d never cared about the time I’d spent alone fighting battles or with other warriors. I’d been trained to endure long periods of time fending for myself, using whatever resources necessary to provide cover and nourishment. Days had turned into months, years following. Darkness and time spent in the wild had been my life.
Now?
I was feeling sorry for myself, loneliness difficult to abandon. The reason was clear. The frustrating, dynamic human continued to furrow under my skin, requiring me to question certain decisions I was intent on making. I ruled from the darkness dwelling inside of me instead of embracing every scrap of information I could get my hands on.
That would change today.
I’d retreated to my quarters, accessing what limited information I could find on Prime Minister Walter Young. While Earth wasn’t unlike any other planet within the alliance, regulating what data would be provided to the secure systems only accessible by Coalition members, given he wasn’t a direct participant, what I’d been able to find had been rationed, perhaps glorified. The man had exploded into the political front only eighteen months before, but my instinct told me he’d been able to sway certain decisions.
Soon after that, President Brandon’s method of handling his public office had changed, or so it would seem. I was certainly no expert in Galactic politics, but I sensed Brandon was under duress. Was it wishful thinking on my part? Perhaps.
I sat back, tapping my claw on the table. However I decided to handle the Skotors, we could face catastrophic effects, damning Dragonia to extinction. Then there was the concern how President Brandon would retaliate against his daughter’s selection, and I knew he would. He seemed desperate, a man who’d sold her as goods without having her fully in his possession.
The nagging memories of the time spent on Skotor refused to leave. I slipped my fingers under the edge of my shirt, rubbing the tip against the same scar Sasha had kissed more than once. Her touch had been so soothing, allowing feeling in the nerve endings, which hadn’t occurred since my incarceration. Was this because of the power of love she’d talked about?
I snarled, yanking my hand away. I wanted nothing than to crush the captives we had confined in our harsh prisons, but did that make me any different than the creatures who’d beaten and electrocuted me to within an inch of my life? The answer had been one I’d refused to face.
Until now.
An incoming videocan from Dragonia interrupted my train of thoughts. I bristled at first, assuming my request to terminate the communications connection had been ignored until I noticed the incoming exchange was limited, the low-track system used. I’d only have a few minutes before the data port was forced to shut down.
“Dr. Sakat. To what do I owe this honor?”
The aging Dragonian had been working tirelessly with his team to try to begin repairing our atmosphere. He seemed more on edge than I was used to seeing.
“Rykane indicated you required an update.”
It would seem my second in command was still handling me. “Very well. What’s the status?”
“You’re not going to like what I have to report.”
“Neither of us have time to languish over the details. Speak.”
“We don’t have enough components to even begin to transform our atmosphere. Granted, I’ve been able to develop an air system that will buy us time, but without uranium, there is no chance our atmosphere can be repaired.”
Hissing, I closed my eyes briefly. “Then how much time do our people have?”
“In Earth years, eight months, perhaps a year. But no longer.”
Uranium. I knew the substance. It had been used in warfare for decades, the use forbidden. However, a significant volume had been stored on one planet.
Earth.
“There’s no other way?” I asked, although I could tell by his serious expression that I already knew the answer.
“None. I suggest you make a deal. I will continue to try and find an alternative.” He still seemed more pensive than usual even after delivering the damning news. “Are you returning to Dragonia soon?”
“Tomorrow. Is there an imperative reason?”
“I could use Dr. Neglatin’s assistance, if it will not undermine the king’s efforts.”
His relationship with my father had been terse. It would seem his reaction to me was no different. While the ship’s doctor deserved the punishment I’d doled out, his qualifications were equal if not superior to Dr. Sakat’s. “I will have him report to your quarters as soon as we arrive.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything else?”
He took a deep breath, the odd look in his eyes becoming irritating. “I heard you took a pet.”
It would seem even with curtailing communications, news still found a way of making it to our home planet. “I have. Is there an underlying issue?”
“You injected her with the serum?”
“Neglatin did. We have limited time left on this communique. I assume you mean the vaccination you and your colleague recommended years ago. What is the issue?”
“Yes, King Krakar. The one I developed, although I wasn’t given the opportunity to explore any of the side effects given your father pulled me off my research to fix the problem he created with the atmosphere.”
My fury breached the surface, but I chose to ignore it. “Go on.”
“She can never return to Earth.”
The news was as stunning as it was unexpected. “The reason why?”
The connection was already starting to fade.
“There is no way to reverse the effects. If she sets foot on Earth, she will die within several hours. I have a preliminary alternate solution prepared, but for anyone given the serum, I have no way of knowing if that will help. I’m sorry, Sire. I thought you should know.”
“And the prisoners secured on Dragonia?”
He shrugged. “I’m uncertain but—”
There was no time for me to answer, the communication aborted. Rage swelled in every interior corner of my mind and body, my pulse skipping. How dare the men and women refuse to share the horrific information with me?
I pounded my fist on the table before jerking to a standing position, immediately pacing the floor. I continued to have mixed feelings about how to handle Sasha but sharing this news could destroy her.
A deep and husky snarl rushed from my lips, and it was almost impossible to control my rage.
It was time to make difficult decisions.
It was time to face the future.
I moved to one of the container units, glaring at the gilded metal sash and steel wrist cuffs, remembering the first time I’d seen my father adorn them. He’d been preparing to address our people, ready to announce the latest skirmish we’d face. I’d thought him regal, enamored by the jeweled crest positioned at chest level on the heavy sash.
It had been one of the few times he’d acknowledged that one day, the throne and responsibility of leadership would be mine.
I yanked the items into my hands, wanting nothing more than to crush them between my fingers. Sasha’s words haunted me, but her thoughts were as on point as Rykane’s. This was my empire to lead, not to control. I laughed bitterly as I snapped the cuffs around first one wrist then the other, the sash heavier than only a few hours before.
Then I stared at the weapon I never wore but always carried with me as a reminder of the two Earth years lost. The memories of when I found the Vexan sword still festered but keeping it had provided some level of comfort up to this point.
I reached for it, running my fingers down the engraved handle. I’d had the simple words translated, finding them amusing.
Fight or die.
Perhaps that was an excellent motto and one I should adopt. I yanked it free, sliding it into my sash before leaving my quarters. Let the Skotor scum fully understand what they could be facing.
As I’d done so many times before, I stormed through the corridors, not bothering to acknowledge anyone passing by. In less than twenty-four hours, we’d either face a battle with the Skotor ships or dock on Dragonia. I couldn’t imagine the insects allowing us to pass without incident. They’d come for a fight, or so it would seem.
As I rounded the corner, prepared to enter the communications room, I couldn’t seem to get my mind off my sensual pet. Maybe she’d altered my mindset permanently. What I needed to ensure was our return to Dragonia without incident. In order to make that happen, I’d need to attempt to use negotiation skills instead of threats. The little human was formidable.
When I walked in, as expected, I found Rykane hovering over the communications team. He spun around to face me, shaking his head. Then his gaze shifted to the sword, his eyes opening wide.
“You’re making an official representation. I think I’m unsure I want to know to whom, but I can guess.”
I moved toward the console, finding the Skotor ship then adjusting the coordinates.
“I hate it when I’m right. You’re contacting the Skotors? What do you think that will accomplish?”
“It will enable me to determine their plans. You forget, Rykane, the Skotors enjoy boasting.”
“You can’t inflame them. You know what could happen. The sight of that sword will send a direct jab. Do you understand?”
“Good. That’s what I want,” I snarled.
Rykane huffed. “I’m recommending that you reconsider.”
As I shifted the coordinates, prepared to make the call, I glanced in his direction. “You seem to underestimate me. I am very well aware of the possible ramifications. Please have Dr. Neglatin prepared for his release, which I will handle when I am finished with business.”
He scoffed. “I’m surprised. What changed your mind?”
“Necessity, Rykane. His services are needed on our planet. Open the main communication lines,” I directed to the others.
Rykane grabbed my arm. “What are you doing? They will know our direct coordinates.”
“You mean like we know theirs? I want to look the ship commander in the eye when I make them an offer they can’t refuse.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Stop doubting me, Rykane. I am your king.” When I threw him a stern look, his expression remained smug.
“Go ahead,” Rykane stated over his shoulder. “Open the lines.”
One of the communications officers reacted, albeit far too slowly in my opinion. “There you are, Sire.” The young man seemed flustered, constantly glancing toward Rykane.
After attempting to make contact, I stood back, as impatient as ever.
“There is no chance they will accept your videocan. None. You know how they are.”
“I guess we shall see, Rykane. Besides, I have an offer I doubt they will want to ignore. If they do, I will send them an entirely different kind of message.”
“Your pet. That’s my recommendation.”
“Not an option, but I do have something else they want.”
Rykane huffed, moving close enough I was forced to stare at his face. “The prisoners?”
“Yes.”
“That’s crazy, Krakar. They provide us with leverage.” He was horrified at my decision.
“As I said before, I have a plan in mind. What I determine is what will be. Understood?” I could tell he heard the warning in my voice.
“Yes, King Krakar.”
He took a step away, still staring at me.
“You can’t have it both ways, my friend. Either I exterminate the insects, or I attempt to make contact.”
“I just don’t understand what you think that will accomplish.”
When I noticed my incoming communique had been accepted, I placed my hand on my weapon. As the face of the Skotor appeared, I took a deep breath.
Our stares were ice cold. Then he was the first one to switch on his translator. “King Krakar of Dragonia. I’m surprised.” The disgusting look on his face changed when he noticed the sword. I could hear his scaled fingers being flexed and fisted. I’d pissed him off. What a shame.
I waited several seconds before making the switch on our translator device. “Commander. I believe we have some things to discuss.”
“And what would that be, other than your eventual eradication?” He slithered, allowing his reptilian tongue to slide across his misshapen lips. I could almost smell his stench from where I stood.
“The transfer of prisoners. I will return half to you now and the other half within six lunar moons. Those remaining will be treated fairly.”
He reared his head, stretching his tentacles. “In exchange for what?”
“In exchange for you and your ships to leave our air space and not return.”
The damn slithering sound was getting on my nerves.
“For how long?” he finally asked.
“Until a treaty can be written that both our civilizations agree to abide by.”
The creatures behind him were physically agitated, speaking in their language, all of them animated. It was obvious as to their opinions.
His breathing was ragged but if I didn’t know better, I’d say he had a glint in his eyes. “I will consider it but must speak with King Centario first.”
“You have forty-eight Earth hours in which to do so. If I’ve not heard from you by then, I will be forced to take alternative measures. Please give your king my regards and ones from my father. I will contact you then.” I ended the videocan, satisfied with the results.
How would the great insect king respond? I had a feeling the bait was too good to resist. Then again, the bad blood between us obviously remained.
“What the hell was that?” Rykane threw out. “We’ve never discussed a treaty with them.”
“Maybe it’s time we did.”
He was flustered. “You know you can’t trust them. They will ignore the treaty, using your generosity against you. You must think of another way. Give up the human. They will feast on her for weeks.”
“You didn’t seem to notice that if they honor the timeframe, we’ll have an opportunity to dock. I think that’s what we’d all prefer. Don’t you?”
“You’re assuming they have honor.”
“What I’ve learned in my short duration as your king is that all species do. However, they also want something in return. The Skotors might be reptilian scum, but they are closely knit together. The offer will be one their superior commander can’t refuse.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Once we enter our atmosphere, they will have a direct shot.”
He’d forgotten my extensive studies of other species. “I’m no fool, Rykane, or have you forgotten about how successful my strategic commands have been over our many shared battles? If you followed my earlier orders, our ship as well as those on Dragonia has been prepared for a possible attack. That clear shot you were talking about will be more powerful coming from our weapons.”
“Sire. What do you want me to do about the communications system?” the lieutenant asked.
“Leave it open.”
“You are mad. That will allow the Skotors to listen in on any further conversations, pinpointing the direction we’re coming in,” Rykane reminded me.
“As you might imagine, I am completely aware.”
As I started to leave the room, he grabbed my arm once again. This time, I slowly lowered my head, surprised at his boldness. I’d given him leeway since ascending to the throne given our previous relationship, but his insubordination would no longer be tolerated. When I lifted my head, he could tell he’d riled me. Instead of confronting him, I left the area, moving into the empty corridor.
He made the mistake of following me. “Krakar. This is unlike you. You can’t do this.”
His statement yanked away the last of my patience. I tossed him against the wall, holding my forearm under his throat, using enough pressure he already had difficulty breathing. “That’s King Krakar to you and to everyone else, Rykane. I suggest you remember that. As you enjoyed expressing on several occasions, it was time to think differently than my father and that’s what I intend on doing. While I’ve valued our friendship and would like to continue doing so, you will never speak to me in that manner again. Do you understand?”
His gurgling sounds continued until I released the pressure. After rubbing his throat, he lowered his head, attempting to provide the respect I deserved. “Yes, King Krakar.”
“Good. I will return.”
“If I may, what if they don’t agree and ask for more? Will you consider the human at that point in order to save your people?”
His continued lack of respect surprised me, his eagerness to get rid of Sasha troublesome. “She is not for sale or barter to anyone. You will not make that suggestion again, Rykane. Do you understand me?”
He dropped his gaze, his breathing labored, and he took far too long to answer. “Of course, Sire.”
After glaring at him, I walked away. For the first time in my life, I was uncertain I could continue trusting the one man I thought would always remain a warrior by my side.
For the first time in as long as I could remember, I knew exactly what I wanted. Not only for Dragonia and the people I’d sworn to protect on the day I’d sat on what I’d always considered to be my father’s throne, but also for the brutal warrior who’d never wanted to become a king.
Times had changed and so had I.
All because of a feisty, opinionated human.
* * *
By any standards, our prison systems were brutal, but certain areas located on our battle ships as well as on Dragonia were merciless, the conditions deplorable. My father had been responsible for the change, offering little in the way of basic necessities for anyone who faced condemnation or had been given a life sentence. He’d wanted anyone who’d crossed him to suffer significantly.
And they did.
I’d thought that the treatment was justified, the crime fitting the punishment, but I was beginning to question everything. The confinement areas were nothing like what I’d experienced on Skotor, but I considered our species more civilized. I was also questioning that as well, our methods of torture also capable of providing permanent damage to any species.
