Abalim

14. Epilogue

“Abalim, wake the fruk up.”

Abalim jerked and opened his eyes. Instead of snuggling with Lisa in his quarters aboard the Galactic Serpent, he found himself in a familiar room millions of parsecs away. It was his brother Adapa’s man cave that he used whenever he generated a Dreamwalk.

Glancing around the tranquil, intimate room, he enjoyed the deep, rich wood aroma of the wall paneling and floors. The homey scent of the dark leather chairs and couch. Settling into the leather recliner across from Adapa, he glanced around. It was obvious he and his brother were alone.

“About time.” Adapa grunted. “What were you, drugged or something?” The man sprawled on the couch across from Abalim. One hand was on the backrest while he held his favorite jug of dark ale with the other, with one ankle resting over his knee.

Abalim had no intention of explaining his exhaustion was due to the lovemaking marathon he’d indulged in with Lisa. Damn woman was as insatiable as he was. “Why are we alone?” He swiveled his head to make sure he didn’t miss anybody. “Where are our brothers?”

Adapa narrowed his eyes and took a long drag of his drink before answering. “Don’t worry, they’re on their way. You’re the last one I had to get in touch with.” He straightened and put the stein holding his stout on the dark wood coffee table in front of him.

Taking a full breath, the aroma of the sharp creamy hops from the drink made Abalim grin in appreciation. He couldn’t wait to get back to Earth to get the same drink in his hands.

“Things are happening faster than we thought possible.” Adapa sat back, splaying both arms across the back of the couch and spreading his legs wide. “Your little friend, Lord Baelon, appeared around the planet Zerin and its moon, where the Chancellor’s Palace is. They’ve responded with a full contingency of battleships. You’ve got to get back here now. Whether you found the human woman or not.” He cocked his head. “So? Did you find her?”

Abalim leaned back in the comfortable cushion of the leather chair. “As a matter of fact, I have. Right now, we’re waiting for the crew of the Galactic Serpent to return before we head back.” He scratched the side of his bristled jaw. “But even if we left right now, we wouldn’t arrive at Zerin for at least a month.”

The hair on the back of his neck rose at the smirk creasing Adapa’s mouth. He hated it when the damn ass knew something he didn’t.

“Lucky for you, we’ve obtained new space-folding schematics from a friendly source and downloaded them into your JR unit. All you have to do is get your, ah, hosts to allow him to share it with them.” He tapped fingers of one of his hands on the back of the couch. “Convince them it’s a boon for them helping you get back to us so soon.”

Abalim doubted Saphira would have any qualms about grabbing something like that.

“That is not needed.”

A new voice next to Abalim made him jump. Son of a bitch! How in the hell did Rerqel sneak in here without him or his brother knowing?

“Who the fruk are you?” Adapa stood with slow and measured intent. The tendons in his neck bulged as his jaw clenched.

Abalim waved his hand for his brother to sit before he did something stupid. “Sit down, Adapa, before you embarrass yourself.” He thumbed at the gangly alien standing between them. “This is Rerqel. A Xeltrian from the planet Qorath.” He laced his fingers on his lap. “He’s a powerful psychic in his own right. And has been our, ah, host for the last few days.”

“And he is here why?” His brother scowled and thumped back onto the couch.

“I have no idea. Let’s ask him.” Abalim faced the Xeltrian. “Why are you here?”

“I am here to expedite our voyage to the planet Zerin.” Rerqel’s large eyes blinked sideways. “I believe that is what you were discussing, am I correct?”

“Condescending asshole, isn’t he?” Adapa mused with a twinkle in his eye as he addressed Abalim.

Abalim snorted. “You have no idea.”

“Time is of the essence, and it is best we coordinate our efforts before the Krystalii are ready to strike.” Rerqel ignored their banter. “I fear if we don’t join our defenses now, all efforts will be in vain.”

“Didn’t you tell me you couldn’t get a clear premonition about the upcoming war with them?” Abalim frowned.

“That is so.” Rerqel clasped his fingers together limply in front of him. “However, collectively we have ascertained how the Krystalii plan on overtaking this galaxy.”

“Ah, brain over psychic visions. How original.” Adapa smirked.

“This is no laughing matter, hybrid,” the Xeltrian snapped.

Abalim’s eyebrows rose at Rerqel’s show of anger. Wow, the guy experienced fear. Now, wasn’t that scary as hell?

Adapa’s brows furrowed. “Care to share what you’ve come up with?”

“Agreed.” Rerqel widened his arms as if to embrace them. “Listen closely. There isn’t much time.”

While Lisa and Abalim have found their Happily Ever After… the adventure continues in Book 2 - Asmodel