Abalim

Chapter Seven

Abalim crossed his arms with a frown. This crazy situation reminded him of a strange saying his brother Arakiba picked up since they transported into the future. He liked to call situations like this a “shit show”. For the first time, that saying made sense. Even though his brother tended to exaggerate, this was a perfect description of what had happened.

On one hand, he was finally with Lisa, the captivating human woman he was fast becoming obsessed with. It was hard to fight the urge to whisk her away from all this bullshit and spend some alone time with her. Just the two of them, safe and alone, where he could take his time getting to know her on a more intimate basis.

On the other hand, there was the whole fate-of-the-galaxy thing resting on how he and Lisa reacted to an alien society sacrificing one of their own. Added to this ridiculous scene were the Xeltrians. They didn’t seem to care if a primitive society murdered one of their own, or let an entire village die instead. For all their so-called powers, they were like little children eager to play with new toys rather than solve any life-and-death situation for another species. The arrogant jerks only cared about watching to see if two separate beings could work together in a no-win situation with the threat of death hanging over their heads.

And he wasn’t na?ve enough to think if he and Lisa didn’t cooperate, they wouldn’t be snuffed out in an instant. It galled him he couldn’t do anything to stop it.

He clenched his hands into fists under his arms. Not that he forgot about the Krystalii threat. If he and Lisa didn’t choose the outcome the Xeltrians wanted, there was a good chance they wouldn’t stop the aliens from another dimension from committing mass genocide throughout the galaxy.

The biggest question was, how did the Xeltrians want what happened to the villagers on Nexoros to go down? Did they think it was better a society made their own decisions? Or did they want him and Lisa to interfere with the choices those primitive aliens made, even if they didn’t agree with that choice?

Well, he might not have control over all that, but at least he could check on Saphira and her crew. No telling what would happen to them if he and Lisa weren’t successful.

“JR15, are you still connected to the Galactic Serpent’s computer?” He kept his voice low.

“Yes, Mister Abalim, sir. I have verified the captain and her crew are still in stasis but unharmed.” The little bot’s voice retained its normal slight quiver.

“Can you connect with the ship’s computer to monitor them?”

“That is done, Mister Abalim, sir.”

“Good. Let me know if their condition changes.” Abalim glanced around the room. “So far, I don’t think anybody has noticed you yet. Be sure to keep yourself hidden for now.”

The little bot jumped with a squeak before scrambling deeper on the nape of Abalim’s neck.

The feel of JR15’s pointy little feet scrambling made goosebumps rise. He turned his attention to the Xeltrian. “How we going to go in and not cause terror among the Lumarians because of how we look? I doubt we’ll blend in.”

The gangly Xeltrian cocked its bald head. “You agree to full participation?”

“Like we have a choice! Someone has to save…”

“Yes, we both agree. But you have yet to answer my question about us blending into the Lumarian village.”

Rerqel held out his hand, and a shimmering garment appeared in his palm. “You will wear the same clothing your female has on. To the primitive mind such as the Lumarians, they will only see what we programed into the clothes.”

He tossed the garment at Abalim, who had no trouble catching it in midair. He unfolded the material and noticed the one-piece suit didn’t have any openings except holes for his head and hands. What the Xeltrian couldn’t know was the Akurns who’d created and enslaved him forced him to wear a similar garment. The clothes gave him optimal freedom of movement when they ran their various physical and psychological tests on him.

Glancing at Lisa, he made a quick decision. Instead of using his telekinesis to exchange his clothes with what the Xeltirans gave him, he’d do it the old-fashioned way. Without a word, he took his time removing his clothing until they lay in a pile at his feet. He allowed himself a slight smile when Lisa gasped.

Proud of his nudity, he put his shoulders back and watched her reaction for a moment before glancing away. No reason to make his semi-erect penis any harder if he had to. Keeping his eye on the alien, he reached for the clothes and slipped into the one-piece suit one foot at a time. After his arms went through the sleeves, he pulled the garment over his shoulders with a shrug. The garment sealed itself shut across his torso.

The breathable material molded itself to his physique. Not that he gave a shit how comfortable the damn thing was. He preferred wearing clothes he chose instead of wearing what someone else forced on him.

“Now what?” Resisting the urge to place his arm around Lisa again, he settled for standing close to her as a sign of solidarity.

Rerqel glided closer to them.

“The Lumarians will now see you as one of them. The story you are to give them is you’ve traveled from the southernmost settlement to witness the Ritual of Renewal. You joining their community is rare, but an accepted occurrence.”

The willowy form of the Xeltrian glided to the display of the village and opened his palm. “You will enter now. Immerse yourself in the doings of the people there, so you may form an opinion on what should be your course of action. Do you interfere with the workings of a sentient civilization and push your own agenda? Or do you remain as observers and let the Lumarians continue with their traditions? Even at the cost of someone”s life?”

The Xeltrian was close enough Abalim didn’t have any trouble feeling the alien”s contradictory sense of icy warmth that brought with it a scent of an electrical storm.

“Will you and your companion rely on your intellect or your emotional makeup to make an agreed decision between the two of you?” The taller alien bent to look Abalim in the eyes. His sideways lids blinked over his black orbs in slow motion. “And are you astute enough to choose?”

Abalim clenched his fingers as a muscle twitched in his jaw. He met the alien”s gaze, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Was that a flicker of a smile from the Xeltrian with those words? Abalim’s mind raced, trying to decipher the hidden meaning while keeping his expression carefully neutral. “Challenge accepted.”

Lisa jerked when Abalim said he accepted the challenge. What challenge? The minute Abalim peeled his clothing off, her brain went bye-bye. The sight of him revealing his naked body turned into a searing flame that burned its way into her heart and mind. With each tug of his clothes exposing his magnificent form, it was hard for her to remember to even breathe. Like sucking in oxygen was far beyond anything she could handle.

The man was an exquisite work of art, second to none. Each contour of his body begged to be touched, caressed, and explored. Every inch stroked by her tongue, lips, hands, and anything else she could use to bring them closer together. His breathtaking beauty ignited a fiery cascade within her, transforming every fiber of her being into a simmering pool of liquid desire.

How many nights had she lain awake and dreamed of someone like him? One of her favorite things about writing romances was creating and describing the male heroes in her stories. Damn if she didn’t fall in love with every single one of them. The hard part was letting the characters go when the story ended.

Soaring space dung, Lisa. Get a grip.She scolded herself, wiping a puddle of drool from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. Jeez, how attractive was that? Her face heated, and she glanced around. Hopefully, no one noticed she’d mentally checked out.

“Come on, Lisa.” Abalim gripped her elbow and led her to the wall showing the village on Nexoros. “Let’s take care of this.” His stride didn’t slow as he approached the wall.

“Wait, what are you doing?” She tried to pry his hand off. Smashing into a hard surface wasn’t something she looked forward to. “We’re going to get hurt!”

“I would never let anything hurt you, my inkheart,” Abalim whispered the last words.

Inkheart? What… She never got a chance to ask before the looming sight of the Nexoros village filled her sight. She put her free arm over her eyes, hoping to protect herself. Which she didn’t have to. From one step to the next, she went from Qorath to another planet. And the only way to tell she’d gone from one place to another was the change in temperature, air, and how heavy her footsteps became. She stumbled and would have planted face-first if it weren’t for Abalim’s firm hold on her elbow.

Lisa inhaled deeply.

The air on Aroonshire was rich with the scent of exotic blooms along with the gentle hum of various insects. Off in the distance light hoots, whistles, and catcalls, lending a musical tone to the air. The soft, radiant glow from the plants around created an enchanting, serene ambiance. As the villagers walked around, the patterns on the trees and bushes pulsated with life and responded as if welcoming each person passing by.

“Hello to you!”

The high-pitched, sing-song voice of a female Lumarian was accompanied by chuckles from the male next to her. Both were hale and hearty young adults coming forward with beaming smiles and open arms.

“From soil to sky, we welcome you,” the male said. Both stopped in front of Lisa and Abalim with their bodies held slightly to the side with their hands open, their palms facing outward in a universal gesture of peace.

“Life’s journey is sweeter with new friends.” Abalim returned their gesture.

Lisa tried to copy him, but it came out stilted and awkward, as if she were a shy kindergartner on the first day of school.

“Are you here to celebrate the Ritual of Renewal with us?” The female’s bright, colorless eyes were wide. “Pray tell, what village do you hale from?”

Abalim clasped his hands in front of him. “We hale from the southernmost village on the east continent.” His tone was smooth as silk. “Our humble village is called Eelry.”

The male’s pale eyebrows squished together. “I have never met anyone from the east continent before. I am surprised you were able to make the arduous journey.” He turned and gestured to his companion. “This is Nyvira.” He then placed a hand over his heart. “And I am Tharion.”

“I am called Abalim, and this is Lisa.”

Both Lumarians rounded their mouths and emitted a single whistle note in harmony.

“What strange, foreign names!” Nyvira exclaimed with a frown. “Have you two life-bonded?” She clasped her three-fingered hands together.

Abalim put an arm around Lisa’s shoulder and brought her close. “Yes, we recently performed the bonding ceremony. As a gift, our council gave their blessings for us to represent our people here at your Ritual of Renewal celebration.”

Nyvia tittered with musical clicks and whistles. “Tharion and I have also recently joined in the bonding ceremony.” She threw her slim shoulders back. “And we have also been chosen as leaders in our ruling council.” She waved a hand behind her to the rounded clearing where several small structures outlined the grove. “Come, you are fortunate. We have several domiciles set aside for any visitors. Please follow us, and we will show you to the one you can use while you’re here.”

Lisa hooked her arm through Abalim’s and followed their new hosts. She tried not to gawk as they passed other Lumarians moving about their various businesses.

Small children shouted excitedly as they laughed and played in a circle, clapping around an adult in the middle.

A braying sound caught Lisa’s attention. She glanced over her left shoulder and watched a herd of some type of domestic animals being led by a young female to the outskirts of the village.

While the sights and smells of the alien village were foreign, a lot seemed familiar enough.

Merchants had their wares on display by the massive tree with a spiraling trunk. Others had food, while some carried various trinkets or household products.

Nyvira and Tharion chatted and pointed out places and people in their village.

The pair announced names and titles that went right over Lisa’s head. She was too busy gaping at everything. Gripping Abalim’s muscled arm helped keep her steady, so she didn’t wander off or fall flat on her face because she didn’t watch where she was going.

“Here we are.” Tharion brushed aside the hanging dried leaves covering the open door of the small hut and led them inside.

It was a simple single room. The only furniture was a bed that best resembled a type of nest made up of leaves, twigs, feathers, and linens against the far wall. In the middle was an unlit fire pit under a small opening in the roof.

“You must be tired after your long journey. Rest. You have plenty of time before the end meal is announced,” Tharion said. “If you have need of anything, just ask one of the villagers to assist you.”

“We are grateful for your kindness. How can we pay you for it?” Lisa let go of Abalim’s arm.

For the first time, the two Lumarians frowned. “I do not understand.” Nyvira tilted her head. “What is the meaning of pay?”

“It’s where when one person provides goods or services to someone else, they give them something in return.”

The two slender aliens looked at each other. Each of their heads flinched back before looking at her again. “What a strange concept.” Nyvira’s whistle was low. “Here at Aroonshire, just tell anyone what you need and they will provide it for you. That way, all receive the bounty Echovara provides.”

“You Eastern-Southerners have strange ways.” Tharion shook his head. “But, no matter! As per the dictates of the mighty and all-knowing God Echovara, all are welcome here.”

“Yes, yes!” Nyvira agreed. “Enough of that. Rest, and we will see you when last meal is sounded.” She turned her body slightly to the side with her hands open and her palms facing outward.

Tharion mirrored her gesture, and then they both left.

“Well—” Lisa put her fists on her hips. “—they were, ah, cordial enough.” She put a forefinger on her bottom lip. “I guess these suits work okay, since they didn’t freak out. How come I still see the real you?”

“Remember, Rerqel said the suits were programmed for the Lumarians to see us as one of them. I guess they didn’t do the same to you and me.”

Lisa shrugged. She had to admit, seeing the real him was no hardship. “Okay then. Now what?”

“Now we get to work.”

“JR15, come out and analyze the surrounding area and see if there are any anomalies.” Abalim lifted the hair at the nape of his neck to give his bot friend an easier way out of his hiding place.

“Ack! A spider!” Lisa squealed with her fingers over her mouth. “Don’t move. I’ll swat it away.”

Abalim jerked out of her reach. “No, don’t!” He turned to face her. “That’s not a spider, he’s my AI companion, JR15.” The little bot raced down his arm, his spindly legs barely touching his skin until he stopped and quivered on Abalim’s open palm. “See? He’s a little robot, not an organic insect. Aren’t you, JR15?”

Lisa’s forehead wrinkled as she gazed at the small droid on his hand. “That’s a robot?” She looked up at him. “You said he’s an AI. Does that mean he sentient?” She sucked in a breath and clasped her hands together as she studied the little guy in Abalim’s hand.

“Yes, he is. He’s also our way to communicate with those on Earth, as well as my brothers who are looking for your other friends.”

JR15 gazed back at Lisa, and his wider-than-normal eyes blinked at her.

He must be focusing his eyesight on a different level since he didn’t need to wet them.

“JR15, say hello to Lisa.”

The little bot bowed his head with a slight smile. “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms. Lisa, ma’am.”

Lisa place an open palm over her heart. “Oh my God, he’s so cute! But you can just call me Lisa.”

“Yes, Ms. Lisa, ma’am.” JR15 nodded his silver-and-green metallic head.

“Oh, but…”

Abalim chuckled. “Don’t bother. No matter how many times I’ve asked him not to be so formal with me, he keeps calling me Mister Abalim, sir.” He focused on the tiny bot. “JR15, let’s start with this hut. Analyze the perimeters to make sure there isn’t anything electronic or organic hidden we need to be aware of.”

Abalim lifted his palm up the give the bot a boost. His spider shaped companion opened his back panels to let his translucent wings loose.

Lisa giggled as the little robot flew around and made quick work of checking out the small room.

“All is as it seems, Mister Abalim, sir. There is nothing hidden that isn’t a natural part of this environment.” JR15 gave his report once he settled onto his normal place on Abalim’s shoulder.

“Well, that’s a relief.” Lisa put her hands on her hips. “What were you expecting?” She waved a hand around. “This doesn’t look anything like what the Xeltrians have.”

Abalim shrugged. “Maybe not. But I’ve learned not to trust things on the surface.” He looked at JR15 on the edge of his shoulder. “Keep your sensors open when you go back to your hiding place, okay?”

“Oh yes, Mister Abalim, sir. I will let you know if there is any trouble.” The little bot scurried back up to the nape of Abalim’s neck.

Lisa looked at his neck with a frown. “Can you somehow psychically connect with him? Is that how you guys communicate?”

“No, I’m afraid not. We have to rely on verbal communication.” He peered at Lisa, trying to see if she was in any way uncomfortable. “I understand the Xeltrians gave you some kind of injection to open your psychic senses. How are you feeling?” He wasn’t arrogant enough to probe her mind without her permission.

Her sapphire blue eyes unfocused. “You know, it’s weird. It seems me being able to read others comes and goes. It’s like I don’t have enough experience to keep it steady.” She gazed at him with a smile. “I promise to warn you if I find myself reading your mind.” She chuckled. “You got anything in there that you don’t want me to see?”

“I’d rather you and I get to know each other the old-fashioned way, if you don’t mind.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “But first, let’s go and explore this little village, hmm?”

“Ha!” Lisa’s snicker was adorable. “I know a deflection move when I see one.” She gripped his hand back. “Yeah, let’s look around the village. It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other better.” She gave him a shoulder bump. “Think you can handle that, big guy?”

Abalim became light as a feather. He’d never had a female tease him before. He kind of liked it. “I can handle anything, as long as I’m with you.”

Lisa threw her head back and laughed. “Aw, you big softy.” She giggled as they walked through the hanging leaves of the hut to adventure in the village of Aroonshire.

Lisa couldn’t believe the breathtaking beauty of the Nexoros village. She breathed in the moist air, layered with growing things. The natural scents came with a hint of open fires blanketing the otherwise pristine atmosphere. By unspoken agreement, she and Abalim didn’t head for the center of the village, instead started walking around the outskirts. Each of the small huts they passed had to be places for visitors to stay or businesses that required things to be done indoors.

Every Lumarian greeted them with open smiles and singsong twitters. She half expected some of them to stop and talk, but all hurried off. It reminded her of the New York streets she once visited — people focused on their own concerns, not bothered by the surrounding millions. While the Lumarians weren’t nearly as populous, their intent was the same.

The other thing different from New York was the absence of the stress people there carried like a second skin. Aroonshire’s atmosphere was one of celebration and excitement. Now, she was reminded of her last trip to Disneyland. Once she stepped through the gates of the Magic Kingdom, all cares and worries were long forgotten.

A group of youngsters roared around the corner, making her and Abalim jump to the side to avoid getting run over.

Lisa smiled as the children laughed and danced, heading to wherever kids were determined to go. Abalim’s warmth at her side let her know he stood close.

“Do you feel that?” He gestured to the Lumarians intermingling in the village.

Not sure what he was talking about, Lisa glanced from one side of the village to the next and studied the Lumarians as they went about their business. She stilled and concentrated internally to see if there was anything she didn’t catch with her eyes, doing her best to flex her new psychic abilities. All too soon came a sense of unease creeping up her spine. It started in her chest, like a hot slithering snake that wound its way around her body before crawling into her mouth, making it dry. She imaged that was how a tendency toward megalomania felt.

“I sense some kind of hunger for power.” Lisa glanced at the man next to her. “Is that what you mean?”

“Yes. I believe all isn’t as it seems here in this so-called peaceful village.” He clasped her arm in a firm but soft hold and turned her to face him. “You notice something missing from this village?”

She studied his dark eyes before looking away to watch the Lumarians as they went about their business. It took a moment before the obvious became clear.

“Where are all the old people?” she whispered. She squinted, but couldn’t find any Lumarian showing signs of age. They all appeared young and hearty, either in the prime of their lives or like the children racing past them. “Do you think it has something to do with this nasty feeling I’m getting?”

“I’m not sure, but I don’t believe in coincidences.” Abalim slipped his arm around her shoulders. “JR15, can you determine if there are any elderly Lumarians around?” His voice was so low, it was hard to hear him. And he was right next to her.

“Yes, Mister Abalim, sir. Analyzing.” For some reason, the higher pitch of the little bot’s voice was easier to understand.

After a light peep, the bot answered. “On the other side of the village, I’ve believe there are a group of elderly Lumarians in one place. Would you like me to give you directions?”

“Yes, in a roundabout way. I don’t want it to look like we”re heading for any specific area,” Abalim replied.

Lisa studied the back of Abalim’s neck, but she couldn’t see JR15 under the thickness of the man”s dreadlocks.

“If you follow where the children were going”—JR15 directed—“you’ll pass by the hut where the elders are. I believe it will be easy for you to determine which one it is, since it’s larger than the other structures around here.”

“Care to take a stroll, my lady?” Abalim lifted his elbow.

Lisa smiled and hooked her arm through his. “There’s nothing I’d rather do.” Keeping close to him somehow grounded her. The harsh sense faded when they touched.

Since the village wasn’t that big, it didn’t take long to find the larger hut on the outskirts.

“Isn’t it odd the elders don’t join in on the celebration?” Lisa mused. “As open and happy as the Lumarians appear, you’d think they’d want the whole family together.”

“I agree. Something doesn’t feel right. Let’s go and find out, shall we?”

It wasn’t until they got close to the hut that Lisa noticed several young Lumarians standing around it, as if guarding the place. Humph. These weren’t happy campers. None of them smiled. The severe frowns on their faces were as far removed from the joyous celebratory villagers behind them as one could get. And each one carried a… sword?

Lisa stopped, letting go of Abalim’s arm. She swallowed the creeping feeling as it came back, threatening to take her emotions over. It took a couple of tries before she could speak without getting lost in the intense sensation threatening to overwhelm her. “Are those weapons?” She glanced at her companion. “Are they trying to keep someone out or someone in?”

Abalim closed his eyes.

For the first time she experienced a psyche tendril coming from him that was aimed toward the large hut.

“Let me see what I can find from here.” He opened his eyes and kept a steady gaze on the sturdy structure made of dry leaves and twigs. His dark eyes narrowed before he frowned.

She couldn’t pick up why he did that.

“As far as I can tell”—his deep voice was low—“those guards are there to do both. I believe the elders in the hut are the main attraction in the Ritual of Renewal tomorrow. And I don’t think all of them want to be a part of it.” He grasped her upper arm and pulled her around one of the huts close to them. “Wait, there’s somebody coming. Let’s watch what happens.”

It was a young Lumarian couple holding covered baskets.

“What are you doing here, Dravik?” One of the guards approached the couple with a scowl, gripping his weapon in a tight fist.

“I’d think it would be obvious, Xalun. My sister and I are bringing our mother her midday meal.” The young male made a twittering noise that was far from happy.

Xalun’s responding twitter wasn’t welcoming. “You know foodstuffs are forbidden to the elders before they take the journey home.”

“I don’t care!” The female Lumarian stomped to Xalun and shook the basket of food at him with both hands. “My mother was weak before you locked her in there. She’s not going to be much use to you if she dies before the ritual. And guess who the council will blame when that happens?”

“Maelani, please don’t do this.” Xalun lowered his head. The gesture made it look like his neck disappeared.

The anger surrounding the group now carried a wave of longing so strong, Lisa tried to block the sensation coming from the male. Ooh, that boy was in love with the girl. “You know I didn’t have a choice,” Xalun said. “The honor was given to me to guard the Receivers until the Ritual of Renewal tomorrow night.”

“You could have refused.” Maelani yanked the basket from away from the guard and thumped it on the ground. “How many times has my mother included you in our family since yours died when you were young? Is this how you repay her? Sending her to her death?”

The gasps from the other guards matched the one from her brother.

“Maelani, you go too far!” Dravik grabbed her arm and yanked her back. He leaned down and spoke in a stern, low voice. “You know better than to say such things out loud.”

She jerked her arm from him. “If not now, when? You know this is a farce, and I won’t stand for it.” She stomped a foot.

Xalun rushed to the siblings. “Maelani,” he whispered. Glancing over his shoulder, he motioned for the other guards to stay back. “Leave now and I’ll do my best to take care of your ma-mere.” He grabbed her by the back of her neck and rested his forehead against hers. “I would never betray you. You’ve got to trust me.”

Maelani stiffened, then her whole body drooped. Gazing at the male who leaned back, she nodded. “Would you please take her this?” She picked up the basket and shoved it at Xalun until he took it from her. “It’s her favorite.” There was a sob in her tone.

Xalun gave her a curt nod before glaring at her brother. “Dravik, take her away from here before one of the council finds her here.” He bared his teeth and snarled. “And don’t you dare put her in danger again or you’ll answer to me.”

Dravik snorted. “Yeah, easier said than done.” The two males shared a knowing stare before he turned to his sister. “Come on, Maelani. Let’s go.”

“Remember, I’m trusting you, Xalun.” Maelani gave him the parting shot with narrowed eyes. Without another word, she turned and followed her brother.

“What do you make of that?” Lisa asked Abalim as she watched the two disappear into a crowd.

“It seems all is not unified here at Aroonshire.” Abalim responded. “It looks like some of them aren’t happy about the Ritual of Renewal.”

“They’ve got to be the ones Rerqel told us would be sacrificed.” Lisa asked. “Looks like not everyone agrees with that, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, but I thought he told us only one was to be sacrificed.”

Lisa gasped. “You’re right! Does this mean…?”

“Yes.” Abalim gave a curt nod. “All the elders will be executed at the height of the ceremony tomorrow.”