Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 110492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 442(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 442(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
“Enter,” Commander Terex’s voice called and then the door slid open.
Torri looked in to see the head of the Kindred High Council sitting at his desk and looking pensively down at a lighted screen with Kindred script scrolling across it. When they came in, he looked up at them without a trace of surprise.
“Ah, I wondered when you two would come to see me.”
“Commander,” Vic said, “I have bonded with Torri and taken her as my mate. This action cannot be reversed.”
“That’s right,” Torri chimed in. “And we know you’re not going to be happy about that, but it proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that Vic really does have a soul because otherwise we couldn’t have formed a soul-bond. So that makes him a real person with the same rights as your other warriors. And if you want to send him back into stasis, you’re going to have to send me with him, because I’m not leaving his side!” she added, lifting her chin and looking the Kindred Commander square in the eyes.
But to her surprise, instead of getting angry or upset, Commander Terex simply nodded and said quietly,
“I understand.”
“What?” Torri stared at him in surprise. “You’re not angry at us?”
“No, if anything I owe the both of you an apology. The Goddess visited me last night, when she released you from your stasis chamber, Vic,” he said, looking at the big Kindred. “She informed me that you had a soul and that she had sent a mate for you and forbid me from interfering.”
“The Goddess is very kind,” Vic said.
“Sometimes her ways are…unknowable to us lesser beings,” Terex said heavily. He looked at Torri. “I am so sorry I wouldn’t listen to you before. I lost my own dear mate a little over a solar year ago and it is possible that colored my decision to send Vic into stasis, despite the connection the two of you had formed. Can you forgive me?”
Torri had gone into the Kindred Commander’s office prepared to do battle but now she just felt bad for him.
“Yes, of course we’ll forgive you,” she said, knowing she could speak for both herself and Vic because she could feel his emotions through their link.
“Thank you, you’re very kind.” Terex nodded and looked at Vic. “VIC Unit—I mean Vic—you have served the Kindred people long and well for which I thank you. I now release you from your service. You can live here aboard the Mother Ship, or on Earth with your new mate. Or you can take a long-range shuttle and go wherever you wish. I only ask that if you find a planet that seems to offer a good genetic trade for us that you’ll send the information back to the Mother Ship.”
“Oh, can we really go out and explore the whole universe?” Torri asked excitedly. She looked at Vic. “Think how much fun it would be!” She had gotten a taste of interstellar adventure during their trip to Gemma Alpha Three and now she couldn’t wait for more!
Vic smiled down at her affectionately.
“I can feel your excitement through our bond, sweetheart. Yes, we can go exploring and visit many different planets. It’s what I was built for, after all.”
“You’ll be safe with Vic no matter what planet you visit,” Commander Terex said, smiling at Torri. “His unique talents will come in handy.” He came out from behind his desk and offered his arm to Vic. “Brother, I wish you luck,” he said formally. “May the Goddess bless you and keep you safe. And please remember, you always have a home aboard the Mother Ship if you need one.”
“Thank you, Commander.” Vic took his arm in a warrior’s clasp and nodded gratefully.
“Thank you,” Torri echoed. Standing on her tiptoes, she gave the Kindred Commander a spontaneous hug. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” she murmured. “But maybe someday in the future, you’ll find love again.”
“Thank you.” Commander Terex gave her a sad smile and then sighed. “Well, I must get back to work now. The Earth Bride Draft is up and running but there are still some countries that are refusing to participate. Which wouldn’t be a problem if it wasn’t for the fact that some of my warriors are already Dream Sharing with females from those self-same countries.” He ran a hand through his hair in a distracted way.
Torri gave him a sympathetic look. It was clear that running the Mother Ship was no easy task, especially now that Commander Terex had to deal with not only his own people, but the stubborn humans of Earth as well.
“Thank you again, Commander,” she said, giving him a smile. “And Vic and I will say a prayer to the Goddess for you.”
He smiled at them both.
“May she grant you both long life and health.” He looked at Vic. “Now go to the Docking Bay and choose whichever long-range shuttle you want. And make sure to get one that’s fully outfitted, since the two of you will be exploring. When you’re ready, let me know and the Mother Ship will fold space for you in any direction you want.”