Chapter 3 Elana
We all wait quietly as the comm system crackles to life and a deep, melodic voice fills the escape pod cabin.
When the message ends, all of us sit in silence for a minute, digesting his words.
“I wouldn’t buy a used car from that guy,” Harkin mutters.
“I believe him. I think we should do it,” I say.
I’m not sure that I really believe him, but every cell in my body is telling me to take a chance on Rotten. And it’s not just because he has a sexy voice.
The rest of the passengers chat amongst themselves, obviously debating.
“I’m going to reach out to him. Discuss plans,” I say.
Harkin turns to me.
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
I can’t help the laugh that bursts from my lips.
“Wise? No. But is it the fastest way out of here? Yes.”
I see the other passengers nodding. I guess I’m not the only one who wants to put the disaster firmly in the past.
“Call him back, Elana. Let’s blow this joint.” Kyla gives me the thumbs up, and I press the comms button.
***
I’m going to savor this victory. A real live pirate is coming to save us.
He’s coming aboard to escort us onto his ship in a matter of minutes.
Hell, yeah! My pulse kicks up into high gear.
This is the perfect distraction. Maybe a handsome distraction.
A hot, easy distraction who doesn’t care about following “proper protocol.” And it doesn’t feel foolhardy, like bungee jumping off a space station platform (I still have the scars from that one). It feels like a semi-reasonable choice.
After about twenty minutes of working out logistics, we finally agreed to dock the escape pod on Rotten’s cruiser.
Even if Rotten is a scoundrel, he’s a professional.
And boarding his ship sounds a million times better than waiting to get rescued and debriefing with security.
No, thank you! I’ll take the (possibly hot) pirate instead.
It takes another 45 minutes for the escape pod to link with The Defiant. I’m practically vibrating with nervous energy by the time the ship announces, “Docking complete.” I manage not to shout or cry, but it’s a close thing.
Finally, blessedly, the pod’s main door opens and a man steps through.
More accurately, a two-meter tall Xanxian struts through the portal, looking like the space pirate rockstar of my dreams. He’s wearing colorful, tight-fitting clothes that show off sculpted muscles and fiery pink skin.
His scarlet hair reaches to his shoulders and his beard is groomed to a point.
Jewels shimmer in his ears and around his neck.
Crowning it all are the tall ridges that rise from his shoulders.
All Xanxians have them, but they grow extra tall in younger males.
It’s a sign of virility. I giggle to myself.
When Xanxians grow aroused, their shoulder ridges soften and flatten out, making them look like ordinary humans.
When our species first met, there were sooo many misunderstandings because Xanxians thought humans were horny around the clock.
I have to stifle a wild laugh, because I’d love to have a misunderstanding with someone like him.
Sexy, strong, and not even a little bit shy.
I imagine it would be easy to find oblivion in his arms. I want to give him a high five or drag him into bed immediately.
Instead, I’ll let him lead me into his pirate lair.
Haha! Life is wild sometimes and this time I’m going to embrace it.