Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
It took negotiation, and not every world leader was on board, but they eventually agreed working with the Krezikians was in the best interest for everyone. That meant it was finally time to head home.
While discussing steps, the military leaders made preparations to handle the military members who couldn’t be trusted around the aliens.
Mass alerts in every medium they could think of were sent out from both the military and the world leaders, warning against taking action against our alien visitors.
Crow himself made a video apologizing for their brash introduction and explaining that they had been concerned about their safety and the safety of the humans who would have gotten hurt in a fight.
Their intention, while na?ve, had been to keep everyone safe.
I wasn’t sure how well that message was received, but I hoped it would make a difference.
The military members who stayed behind to help the Krezikians were joined by scientists from around the world hoping to share knowledge and open conversation.
I stayed behind too because my face was now so well known, both the president and the military leaders wanted me to continue doing my part as the delegate for humans and aliens.
The best place for me to do that was on the ship.
Thankfully, I was allowed to return to Aster’s ship instead of the mothership, so I could better keep track of timezones and the like.
It got a little disorienting in space not having the sun rising and setting to mark the time of day.
When I stepped into the Command Center with Aster and Trevuk, I was met with a round of applause I wasn’t expecting. I looked around, wondering if they had mistaken me for someone else, but all eyes were locked on me. Knightley came over and clapped me on the shoulder with a big grin on his face.
“What’s this all about?” I asked with a frown.
“What do you mean? It’s for you! You finally got through to the world leaders and got our people safely home! You deserve the recognition!”
Embarrassment made my face burn. “It wasn’t just me–”
Knightley rolled his eyes. “It was like ninety percent you. You sent out the message to everyone, you convinced the Krezikians to send everyone home, you met with the world leaders and finally got them to listen. No one else did that but you. Take the win, man. I bet a promotion is in your near future for this.”
“Oh hell no,” I replied, shaking my head vehemently. I didn’t even want the promotion I had now.
My reaction made Knightley laugh, and I didn’t miss how Trevuk was watching him with something like desire in his eyes.
It was hard to tell with the guy’s resting bitch face, but I swore for a minute he looked hungry while watching my friend.
If that turned out to be a thing, he’d have his hands full.
Knightley was in the closet with most people in his life. His family weren’t nice people.
I thought about it for a second and internally smirked. I’d kind of like to see them face down someone as intimidating as Trevuk. That would be funny.
A small voice clearing behind me had me spinning around. “Landu!”
The little alien looked a lot better than the last time I’d seen them. Their coloring was back to normal, and there was no bruising or swelling. Those serums were magic, no matter how much Fimai said otherwise.
“Hello, Enzo. I wanted to thank you–” they began, nervously twisting their fingers.
I cut them off with a shake of my head. “No need to thank me. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Their shoulders slumped with relief, and when they looked up at me, their smile was wobbly, and their eyes were filled with tears.
I put my arms out for a hug because I kind of felt like they needed one, and they stepped into my embrace gratefully, head resting against my sternum as they let out a shuddering breath.
Aster, who stood by my elbow, smiled softly at his friend. “They wanted to come see you sooner, but you were busy with the world leaders. I asked them to wait.”
With a sniffle, Landu stepped back and rubbed their arm awkwardly. “I should not have opened the door. They said they were injured, and I should have called for help. It was foolish of me…”
“No, it wasn’t,” I argued. “It was kind. You were just trying to help.”
They still seemed hesitant, like they weren’t ready yet to put the blame anywhere but on their shoulders. I shot a look at Aster. This was why I didn't want to be in leadership. I didn’t know what to say to make it better.
“Perhaps instead of meal service, it would be better for you to assist Enzo,” Aster suggested. “He will be much busier now. We both will. It would be good to have someone ensuring he is fed.”
I winced because as much as I hated to admit it, he was probably right.
I wasn’t just going to be speaking with my government.
Any world leader who had questions they wanted answered would contact me first. Not all of them were willing to speak directly to the Krezikians and preferred to keep me as their go-between.
Landu’s eyes lit up. “Really? I’d be happy to assist you. Does this mean we will travel to Earth?”
“Occasionally,” Aster nodded. “Enzo will have a great many meetings with military leaders and world leaders alike. He will be very busy.”
It was my turn to slump, and I just barely resisted the urge to pout. Knightley, who knew exactly how hard I worked to avoid my promotion, clapped me on the back with a shit eating grin. “So much for keeping your head down, huh, Sergeant?”
I flipped him the bird. Then an idea popped into my head, and I straightened with my own smirk.
“You know, with me being busy, I won’t be able to do my job here effectively.
I know there are still humans on the ships who need a liaison.
I think I’ll put in a good word for you.
Your sergeant exams are coming up, aren’t they? ”
His face fell. “You wouldn’t.”
Oh, I absolutely would. If I had to suffer, I sure as hell wasn’t going to suffer alone.
I didn’t even question following Aster back to his room instead of mine. His bed was bigger, and I was becoming addicted to sleeping next to him. He made me the little spoon most nights and being wrapped up like that led to the best sleep of my life. Plus, you know, sexy alien. Who could resist?
“Are you hungry?” Aster asked as he headed for the kitchen.
With the world leaders still in transition back home and sharing all that they learned with their government now that they were back, I had a day or two to rest before things got busy.
I actually finished working at a decent hour instead of dragging back to Aster’s room too exhausted to think. It was nice.
“I could eat,” I answered, sliding onto the stool in front of the counter. “I wish you had some human food up here. I could cook for you for once.”
Aster spun around, eyes wide. “You can cook?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I mean, I’m no Michelin star chef, but I do alright. My mom made sure all her kids knew how to do the basics before moving out. And we can all make a decent pasta.”
Aster’s eyes darted around, and I could tell he was trying to figure out how to get me what I needed to make him dinner.
I chuckled and shook my head. “How about we try that tomorrow night. I don’t think we can get what we need tonight. I’m not even sure how hard it will be to find food. You stopped people from harvesting when you got here, didn't you?”
He made a face. “Yes, but we didn't leave your people starving. There were reserves in several places that we took advantage of. It was just sitting there, after all.”
I choked on a snort, gaping at him. “Are you saying you commandeered the National Food Reserves? Everywhere?”
“What?” he asked, honestly confused. “Isn’t that what it’s for? Feeding people during difficult times?”
Yes, but since most places still had the ability to farm, I assumed they wouldn’t see it that way.
I shook off the thought with a sigh. Not my problem.
My problem was staying professional when speaking with world leaders who were openly opposed to the interference of the aliens.
I knew it was coming, and I wasn’t looking forward to it.
“It’s fine. I have to go down to Earth to meet with the president eventually”—who would have ever thought those words would come out of my mouth so casually—“so I’ll just pick up food then.”
“Oh, I want to go with you,” he volunteered, practically bouncing. “I only went to the surface that one time to get your coffee. I didn’t have a chance to look around.”
I hesitated, and his face fell. “Do you… not want me to go with you?”
He looked so hurt, and I immediately felt bad.
I launched to my feet and hurried around the counter, pulling him into my arms. “Hey, hey. It’s not like that.
I do want you to go with me. I’d be happy to show you where I was living.
I’m just worried, I guess. They’re returning the military members prone to violence in the next few days, and I don’t want you to get hurt. ”
“Oh.” He blinked up at me in surprise. “Did I not mention both of us would have security if we went to the surface? My position alone requires it, but you will receive security now as well. I thought Trevuk would have mentioned that.”
I scoffed, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before stepping back and giving him room to start prepping dinner. “He’d have to stop staring at Knightley long enough to remember.”
Eyes alight with curiosity, Aster cocked his head. “Why is he staring at Knightley?”
“Pretty sure he’s interested, but I can’t be sure. Trevuk is hard to read.”
“Did he touch him at all?” Aster asked.
I didn’t know when they first started interacting, but I thought back to seeing them earlier today and Trevuk definitely reached for Knightley a few times.
Once to pat him on the shoulder, another time to steady him when Knightley tripped over his own feet.
I didn’t notice before, but it seemed like Trevuk was looking for any kind of excuse to touch Knightley. “Yeah, why?”
Aster waved one tentacle at me with a coy grin. “It’s how we find our mates, remember? After that first touch, it’s hard to stop.”
Which explained why Aster was always finding ways to touch me. During the first few days, it was a little weird, but it eventually became normal. And then it felt weird when he didn’t touch me. I craved his touch most of the time and only really felt settled when he was wrapped around me.
Stepping up behind him and resting my hands on his hips, I murmured against his ear. “Well, if that’s the case, I need to wish Knightley luck. Because you Krezikians are nearly impossible to resist.”
A slow grin overtook Aster’s face, and he turned just enough to look at me. “Is that right?”