Chapter 14
Zarath
The acrid stench of illegal substances burned my nostrils as I wove through the dimly lit corridors of Chokreini Space Station’s underbelly.
“I’m looking for information on Serenity9 distribution,” I said, my voice low and commanding as I approached a shifty-looking Tholkon leaning against a grimy wall. “Perhaps you could assist me?”
The alien’s compound eyes narrowed. “What’s it to you, pretty boy? Ain’t no one talking about that shit around here.”
I resisted the urge to lecture him on proper grammar. “I’ve merely come upon hard times, and I’m hoping for an escape.”
“You don’t look like the kind of person who needs an escape,” he sneered.
My jaw clenched, but I maintained my composure. “Your judgement of me is irrelevant. I have money, and I’m prepared to pay. Perhaps you need a little incentive to remember the truth?” I lifted a bag, quietly flashing the gemstones that many involved in illicit activities used as currency.
The Tholkon’s lips twitched nervously as he eyed the gems. “Alright, alright. Word is there’s a big deal going down in Cargo Bay 7 tonight. That’s all I know, I swear.”
I nodded curtly and tossed him a few gems before I turned on my heel, my mind already racing with possibilities. As I strode purposefully towards the cargo bay, I thought about Moslu and what this vile drug had done to a talented young man.
The cargo bay was a maze of shipping containers and shadows. I moved silently, my keen senses alert for any sign of illicit activity. A hushed conversation caught my attention, and I crept closer, my heart pounding with anticipation.
Two figures stood in a darkened corner, one passing a small package to the other. Quietly, I recorded everything on my communicator, hoping to catch some crucial evidence. When the deal was done, I slipped the communicator into my pocket and fumbled for my weapon, and for the badge Harold had given me. It was definitely some sort of counterfeit, but it would do.
“Stop right there!” I yelled.
The dealer whirled around, his eyes widening in shock. Recognition crossed his face, and he cried out, hands raised in supplication. “Moslu! I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here. Please, don’t hurt me. I swear I’ll have the credits by next week!”
I froze, my mind reeling. He had mistaken me for Moslu? My brother? That meant Moslu was still alive, and part of the criminal underworld.
“Stand up,” I managed, my voice hoarse. “You’re under arrest for the distribution of illegal substances. I may look like my brother, but I’m with law enforcement.”
To my surprise, he laughed, holding out his wrists. “Fuck, I’d rather go to jail than have Moslu mess with my mind. Just about pissed my pants there.”
“What?”
“Anything’s better than dealing with the Kavax Syndicate’s legendary enforcer, am I right?”
As I secured the dealer, my thoughts raced. My brother, alive after all these years. But if he truly was involved with Serenity9... I pushed the thought aside. I couldn’t allow my personal feelings to interfere with justice. Not again.
But as I led the dealer away, I couldn’t shake the gnawing doubt in my gut. What had happened to my brother? And how far would I go to find out the truth? I handed the dealer over to the local authorities, my thoughts still a chaotic whirlwind. As I wandered through the bustling corridors of the Chokreini Space Station, the vibrant sights and sounds barely registered.
A group of boisterous Araced passed by, their raucous laughter jarring me from my reverie. I shook my head, trying to clear it. That’s when I remembered—I’d told Dave I was going shopping.
“Delilah,” I whispered, her image rising unbidden in my mind. I thought about the red dress she’d admired, and her embarrassment at the cost. Suddenly, I had a purpose, a distraction from the turmoil in my head.
I strode purposefully towards the shop, my steps quickening, a smile coming to my lips as I imagined her eyes lit up with joy as she examined the dress.
As I entered the store, the shopkeeper’s eyes widened. “Back so soon, sir? Did you forget something?”
I allowed myself a small smile. “No. I’m here to make some additional purchases.”
I returned to the Voyager, my arms laden with shopping bags. The familiar hum of the ship’s systems greeted me as I stepped aboard, a stark contrast to the chaos of my thoughts. I knew I should head straight to my quarters and start researching the Kavax Syndicate, but my feet carried me towards Delilah’s room instead.
“Just dropping off her gifts,” I muttered to myself, ignoring the voice in my head that called me a liar.
I knocked on her door, my heart racing. When it slid open, Delilah’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Zarath! I didn’t expect you back so soon,” she said, her gaze dropping to the bags in my hands. “What’s all this?”
I thrust the bags towards her, suddenly feeling awkward. “I, uh, got you some things. That dress you liked, and a few other items.”
Delilah’s cheeks flushed as she peeked into the bags. “Oh, my. Zarath, you shouldn’t have! This is too much!”
“Nonsense,” I said, waving off her protests. “You deserve nice things.”
She looked up at me, her dark eyes shimmering with emotion. Before I knew what was happening, she threw her arms around me in a tight hug.
The feel of her body against mine sent a jolt through me. I inhaled sharply, breathing in her scent — a mix of soap and something uniquely Delilah. My arms wrapped around her of their own accord, pulling her closer.
“Thank you,” she said. “I know you’re dealing with something that you don’t want to talk about, and the fact that you thought of me, well. It means a lot.”
“You can feel it too?” I asked, and she nodded. How was it that emotions I kept locked down all the time kept leaking out around these two?
I should leave, I thought. I need to research the Syndicate. But as Delilah pulled back slightly, her face tilted up towards mine, all thoughts of leaving vanished.
“You’re beautiful,” she murmured, then blushed deeper. “Oh! I should show Dave. He’ll love this too.”
I watched as she tapped out a quick message on the com device Dave had given her before we’d boarded the space station. My heart raced, torn between anticipation and anxiety.
Moments later, Dave’s massive form filled the doorway. His eyes took in the scene, lingering on my face. A slight frown creased his brow.
“Well, well,” he drawled, lips quirking into a grin. “What’s all this then? My two pets are getting ready to be fucked?”
Delilah giggled, pulling him inside. “Look what Zarath bought me!”
As she excitedly showed Dave the clothes, I found myself studying the intricate pattern of leather straps across his broad chest. Anything to avoid meeting his perceptive gaze.
“That’s mighty generous of you, Z,” Dave said, using the nickname he’d given me. “Though I’m a bit hurt that you didn’t get me anything. I look fantastic in red, you know.”
I chuckled at the mental image. “I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
Dave’s expression sobered slightly. He placed a hand on Delilah’s shoulder. “Hey, sugar. Why don’t you try on that dress? Give us a little fashion show?”
“Oh! Yes, of course!” Delilah beamed, gathering up the bags and disappearing into the bathroom.
As soon as she was gone, Dave turned to me. “Alright, spill it. What’s eating you, sweet boy?”
I blinked, surprised by his directness. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Dave snorted. “Come on now. I may be just a simple Aikkoan, but I’m not blind. Something’s got you more wound up than usual. Don’t forget, you’re communicating your emotions to us telepathically.”
I sighed, running a hand through my silver hair. “It’s... complicated. I found some information about my brother. It’s not what I expected.”
Dave’s eyes softened with understanding. “Family’s never simple, is it? But whatever it is, you don’t have to face it alone.”
Before I could respond, the ship’s intercom crackled to life. Ixeo’s voice filled the room, “Attention all crew members. The senator is now on board, and we are officially underway. We’ll be arriving at the Interplanetary Unity Council Headquarters tomorrow morning, ship time. Get some rest, everyone.”
As the announcement ended, Delilah emerged from the bathroom, resplendent in the red dress. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of her. She twirled, the fabric swirling around her legs.
“What do you think?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Dave said, his voice warm with admiration.
I nodded in agreement, unable to find the words to express how beautiful she looked.
Delilah’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. She glanced between Dave and me, her expression suddenly shy yet determined. “I... I was wondering... would you both like to spend the night here? With me?”
My heart raced at her invitation. Despite the weight of my worries about Moslu, I felt a surge of excitement and curiosity. Dave’s earlier words echoed in my mind: I didn’t have to face my troubles alone.
“I’d be honored,” I said softly, surprising myself with my eagerness.
Dave grinned, his wings rustling slightly. “Well, who am I to refuse such a lovely invitation?”
As Delilah beamed at us both, I made a conscious decision to push my concerns aside, at least for tonight. Whatever challenges tomorrow might bring, right now, I wanted nothing more than to lose myself in the warmth and affection of these two remarkable individuals.