His deep voice gives me chills, and before I realize it, the shuttle is moving back to the main ship. “ANDI, please tell me you’re driving this hunk of metal. And who exactly was that?”
“Dawn, our plan worked, thank the Lord of Light, as that was HaL who answered. Since all signals were sent, I am maneuvering you back. Once on board, I need you to help the cargo bots stock the individual crates for each pod so that HaL can deliver them on the hover sleds he is bringing with him.”
For some reason, picturing that hairy beast pulling a sleigh delivering gifts gets me tickled. My next thought is that all he needs now is a red outfit, because with that belly and that beard, he would make a great furry Santa. Before I know it, the shuttle is slowly sliding back into the docking bay, and to sayI’m relieved is an understatement. Walking down the ramp, my mind is full of questions I don’t know how to answer.
“ANDI, I have no idea what to pack. Everyone will probably need something different or maybe all the same.”
“All we can do is provide the essentials, Dawn: an extra heat source, food, blankets, and toiletries. I started replicating heavy, self-heating coats for each residence when my sensors detected the temperatures dropping, and those will be ready shortly. I have tagged them, so you know which box to put them in.”
“How will HaL know what pod to go to? If everything is shut down, how will he even be able to give them this stuff?”
“I am working on an override key as we speak. This key will open the lower cargo hold side doors, allowing him entrance into all structures, including the guard stations.”
“Where are you assembling the crates?”
“I have already started construction of the crates in the next shuttle bay, so that this process should be completed by the time HaL arrives.”
“I will head that way.”
I’m literally leaning down on top of one of the crates with all my weight, trying to get it to close, when a huge white hand appears in front of me, casually pushing it down until the snaps lock in place. It takes everything I have not to scream when I look up and up at the massive furry creature that has silently snuck up on me. There’s nothing remotely human about the animalistic face that stares back at me from such an extreme height. I should probably be freaking out more, but I know ANDI would neverallow anyone to board that would hurt any of us. I figure I look as odd to him as he does to me. “Hi!” my voice squeaks.
“Greetings female and thank you for your assistance in the preparation of all these crates. I am sure your people will be relieved to receive them.”
“My name is Dawn.”
“I am known as HaL, ruler of Hallister, son of Commander DaR and grandson of Elder Tyberius.”
“Yeah, I’m just plain old Dawn Elenore Higgins from Earth.”
“There is nothing plain about you, Dawn Elenore Higgins. Your coloring is vibrant in a world of little color. It has been a pleasure to be in your presence.”
“Umm, thank you.” Ok, that’s kinda odd, but sweet, I think to myself as I continue to stare up at him.
ANDI’s voice makes me jump. “HaL, the conveyor is already loading your shuttle, and the key is ready for you as well.”
HaL doesn’t say anything else. He just stares down at me as if he’s trying to figure out what I am. When he reaches a large hand toward me, I have to force myself to stand still as he softly runs the tip of his finger down my cheek before abruptly turning away and walking off.
Three substantial steps later, he’s left the room entirely. Reaching up in a daze, I rub my cheek, thinking how peculiar his interaction with me was. Then I run out of the shuttle bay only to see the red lights come on in Bay 1, forcing me to step back into the safety zone. My mind wanders the entire time if I’ll ever see him again.
CHAPTER 9
BRIAR
I don’t believe I’ve ever laid next to a guy naked, without him pawing me to death, but BuK has not moved his hands once. I know that he’s not immune to me and all the evidence I need is conveniently tucked against my hip, making it impossible for me to resist asking, “So, is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”
“Briar, are you feeling well? Has the cold made your thoughts blurry? I have no garments with pockets, nor weapons on my person.”
This time it’s me who starts laughing. “Okay, guilty as charged. I knew you would have no idea what that meant, but I absolutely couldn’t help myself. So now, on a serious note, why won’t you touch me?”
“I touch you all the time.”
“Stop acting like you don’t know what I am talking about, BuK.”
“My reasoning is simple. I have not given you my promise with a ring, so until then, I am not worthy to pursue more physical relations.”
“What?”
“When Father asked for my help, I never foresaw you … or ever imagined that anything like you could exist. My own dreams or imagination could not have created something as beautiful or fascinating as you are. With this hindsight, I was not prepared, and because of the limited resources available here on Ethra, I have no way to purchase this for you. I had thought of making you something temporarily, but I have found nothing suitable.”
