Chapter 5
Chapter Five
*** LYDIA ***
A fter Hesher left the spacecraft, Lydia tried to insist on seeing her crew. Sophia was quick to veto that idea. "You shouldn't be moving around so soon, except to be taken to the infirmary or at least your private quarters for rest. Your body and mind have been traumatized."
"No more than anyone else," Lydia argued. "If I act like an invalid, Marcus will take over. I can't let that happen. He won't cooperate with the aliens and we'll have a war on our hands: an unnecessary one. If I can't go to my crew, maybe some of them can come to me."
"I suppose you can be made comfortable in the captain's chair and I will ask if representatives from each station can be brought to you.
I would assume you want Hank first unless he was badly injured.
Don't worry about Marcus. He's out like a light.
I gave him a sedative along with the painkiller.
He was far too eager to pick a fight," Sophia divulged.
"I'm glad you're on my side," Lydia declared. "You're sneaky."
"I grew up with him, remember. I learned to be sneaky at a very young age. However, I don't use my secret powers on just anybody, definitely not friends. I'll go ask about Hank, then get you settled more comfortably."
The guards were gracious enough to send for Hank and other representatives. Hesher had left them instructions to allow the humans freedom as long as it did not bring risk to the planet or its citizens.
Hank's face was black, blue, and swollen to the point he was barely recognizable. He walked with a limp and held an arm against his rib cage. Helping him into the room was a stranger, clearly one of the Talonians. This one was clean shaven and had stunning violet eyes.
"He should not be moving around. I advised against it. However, he was determined to come on his own. So, I decided to help. I am Daer, healer of the Talonians."
"What injuries does he have? Has he been treated?" Sophia asked.
"You must be the medical officer I was told about.
He has been treated, although I will not be offended if you wish to see to him as well.
He was tossed around the engineering room and bruised from top to bottom.
He has two broken ribs. They are wrapped.
The leg was cut, and I have applied the odd sealant your people suggested to me.
Cold packs were intermittently used on his face for the swelling.
I was also supplied with your painkiller. "
"Thank you for your aid. I couldn't have done better," Sophia replied.
"Captain, I am sorry I couldn't get the engines going in time to stop the crash," Hank said with tears in his eyes. "I lost one of my engineers. He refused to buckle into a seat. He was trying to help me."
"I'm sorry, Hank. I know your engineers are like children to you.
You mustn't blame yourself. That's something I too have been struggling against. As leaders, we always feel it's our fault.
We lost eight good people, but it couldn't be changed no matter what we did differently.
We have to go forward from here," Lydia soothed.
"I realize you can't do anything with the engines right now.
I just want to know if you think this ship will ever fly again. "
"It's a sturdy ship and still in one piece. If we have enough extra parts and if I can get outside to remove the blockage, I believe she can get us home. I wouldn't risk traveling deeper into space, as we would have used all the repair parts and have no reserves, but home is an option."
"We cannot allow you to leave the ship or the planet without the king's permission," Daer reminded them.
"I know," Lydia answered. "Hank needs time to mend anyway. I just needed to know if using my ship was even an option if we were ever allowed to leave. I also know we're not to use our communication system, yet I want to know if it is operable."
"As I would, if put in your place," Daer admitted. "Your engineer needs to rest. Has your interview concluded?"
"Yes, although I have one question for you."
"I will answer if I can do so without giving pertinent information."
"What is the commander's name? He never told us," Lydia asked.
"Ah, he neglected to introduce himself. His name is Hesher.
You will be dealing with him a lot. The two of you are very much alike.
Your crew comes first, then your ship. He too likes all the information he can compile when faced with a less-than-ideal issue.
Of course, since each of you wants what is best for your own people, you are likely to have cross purposes at times.
I dare say, I would really enjoy watching the pair of you argue.
He may have met his match," Daer said, with a secretive grin.
"Come, my new friend. Let us return you to your bed.
Broken ribs can be quite painful, and you are sweating, so I assume you require more pain medication. Good day, ladies."
"Remember the deal we made about you getting first choice if the aliens were gorgeous men?" Sophia asked Lydia. "I'm beginning to think it wasn't necessary. They are all handsome and very enticing."
"That one has a mate. In fact, Hesher said his healer was newly mated. So, put him out of your mind. The last thing we need is an irate female ready to claw your eyes out. Behave and get me someone from communications."
"Fine," Sophia replied as she went to speak with the guard. "There are muscle-bound men all over the ship I can choose from. I swear not to go after your commander."
Lydia kept returning to that comment between interrogating her crew members. What did Sophia imagine she saw in her interaction with the alien commander? They had spoken only of the business at hand.
*** Hesher ***
"I confined the humans to their ship until a decision is made.
I promised to see that they got the necessary care, such as food and water.
Under guard, they are allowed to roam the ship and care for their own needs as much as possible.
I felt it would keep them calm to go about business.
They are forbidden to attempt reaching out to Earth, though their communication was not working at this time.
I believe it can be repaired. The ship seems salvageable as well, " Hesher reported.
"Oh, yes. I also swore we would not seek their deaths.
I told them we do not destroy those who are not seeking to destroy us. Forgive me if I overstepped my place."
Though Maxxus frowned, the king replied, "No, you said the correct thing.
We have seen enough death and bloodshed lately.
I do not suppose we can keep them aboard the ship forever, like caged animals.
Sooner or later, they will need fresh air.
Asking an entire planet of weredragons not to be who they truly are is also not feasible.
Thus, the humans will learn our secret."
"Then they can never leave!" shouted one of the elders.
Maxxus spoke up, "They must go. Others will search for them. How many more humans do you want here?"
"Make them swear to keep our identity and location to themselves," the queen declared .
"The captain would agree, but there are too many of them who could let something slip or defy the captain's orders on purpose," Hesher said, thinking of Marcus.
"The future is here, and our anonymity is surely a thing of the past," the king regretfully replied.
"I will speak to their captain myself. Perhaps she has a plan that could salvage this situation, but I do not see it.
We will aid them in repairing their ship, including communication.
Hesher, can you persuade the captain to find out what Earth is planning to do about the missing spacecraft?
I do not think I can handle anymore surprises. "
"She has cooperated so far. I will ask, but she is filled with questions herself. Should I answer them or not?"
"We will answer as many as we can. I will go with you tomorrow. Let them rest tonight," the king sighed.
"Might I suggest that we bring along some people who are in a better position to relate to them?
A fair warning of what we are could soften the blow.
Michelle and Eveline could reduce the shock.
Even Kelan could be of use. His face may be familiar due to his company on Earth.
It was known worldwide," Hesher suggested.
"Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Maxxus, you must come also. I will see this crisis to its end, whatever that may be. Afterward, I am handing over the kingdom to you. These changes are more than I can bear. Someone younger is needed now that we can no longer hide. Get me through this, brother."
"As you wish," Maxxus answered. "I will watch and learn. If you decide to remain king once this is over, I will bow to your wishes. Becoming known may not be as bad as you imagine."
Hesher was relieved to get out of the palace.
The burden of making a decision about the humans was off his shoulders.
He was weary of mind as well as body. The day had been long and draining.
The soldiers guarding the ship would be exhausted.
Replacements must be sent at once. Then he had to ask Michelle and Eveline if they were willing to help.
Sleep would have to wait. He made the journey to the military barracks.
An hour later, replacements had been made and he was at Kelan's door. When Michelle opened it, he discovered many curious faces staring back at him. At least he would not need to make a second stop to speak with Eveline. She and Tae were here, along with Chiya, the teacher.
"Come, sit down. Let me get you something to eat and maybe Kelan will part with a glass of whiskey. You look like you need it," Michelle declared.
Hesher simply nodded and found a chair. These were his friends and he could finally relax.
"Don't worry. You don't have to repeat your story," Eveline told him. "Shara and Daer just left. They explained everything."
"Shara says you want our help," Kelan said, handing him a glass of amber liquid. "We are at your service."
"I had the notion one or two humans could breach the span between myself and the others on the ship.
We intend to warn them about our true nature before they see it and become frightened.
Michelle and Eveline have no fears, and I felt that might ease the way, especially once the captain sees that they are not captives.
There will be questions. The captain seems to be full of them at all times.
She will certainly ask how the women ended up on Talonia.
They are your stories to tell or not. I will not interfere with whatever you wish to say to her or her crew," Hesher told them.
"Daer said that the crew was a diverse group, with different accents and skin tones. In one or two cases he needed an interpreter because they didn't speak English. Does that mean more than one country is represented by this crew?" Michelle asked.
"I did not ask. There are some who speak with odd tones and words that sound like English, yet are not, and there are a beautiful variety of skin colors.
I did not meet the ones who do not use English at all, though I should like to.
Kelan once told us about working with people from other countries on your planet, but in my mind, I still imagined everyone to look like you.
I am ashamed of my ignorance. Please, do not mention it to the captain. She will think less of me for it."
Kelan was surprised. "You like the captain? Daer mentioned that she was very much like you, your equal in female form. He also said she was pretty."
"I had not realized Daer had made her acquaintance.
She is a formidable opponent, very intelligent and worthy of her position.
She did not tell me of her heroics in saving the ship and turning it from our city, her crew did.
So, she is modest as well. As for Daer's description, pretty is too mild of a word.
I have never seen hair of that golden hue, nor eyes of such pale blue," Hesher admitted.
"You are smitten," Eveline announced.
"I am not exactly sure what that means. However, I do find her fascinating.
She is strong-willed, opinionated, and tough.
Though she was badly injured and in pain, she did not give in to it.
She gave orders and worried about her crew.
Thus, she is also kind and considerate. Her traits should be contrary to each other, but instead, they appear to be complimentary.
She uses them together to do what is right for her ship. As I said, fascinating."
"You may not have noticed, but we have. You share those same traits.
You are strong, tough, and ignore your own injuries to aid your men.
Yet, underneath the brawny exterior, you are kind and caring.
Otherwise, you would never have helped me save Eveline or protected us with your own wings.
I do believe you have met your equal and, according to Daer, you made a deal.
He would not reveal the details to us, which makes us very curious, but he did say we should be ready for a surprising ending to this crisis.
Would you like to fill us in, commander? " Tae inquired .
"Daer is running off at the mouth as usual.
He sees things that do not exist because he is newly mated.
Ignore his speeches unless he speaks of medicine.
Only in his work can he be truly believed.
He is a teaser. May I count on all of you to come to the ship in the morning?
Kelan, your face might be recognized from your company.
I see that as a comforting thing for the humans, but it may be something you prefer to avoid.
You and Michelle may not care for Earth knowing that you are a weredragon.
It would prove that Michelle's tormenter was not crazy. "
"I do not mind if Michelle does not. Jackson is a thing of the past, and he cannot harm her here.
I left my company to my employees. By now, they most likely think we are dead.
It may shock them to discover where we went, but they would enjoy the story and the notoriety it would bring. Do you agree, my love?" Kelan asked.
"Jackson can shout it to the world. As long as I have you, Keshel, my friends, and Talonia, I have nothing to fear from him. I say we do all we can to make this crisis easier for all to bear."