AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We would be making enemies of the existing colony. They have the capability to wipe out the entire planet.” I wanted to help these humans if only to make my Clara happy, but I had to bring up and analyze all the risks, as it was my duty to keep my people safe. I hadn't chosen to be the leader, but protecting my people came naturally.
“We already know where the weapons would launch from,” said Trsak. “We can take it out before they have the chance to use them.”
This had Chris perking up from the end of the table. “I've always wanted to hack into a military base. Can you get me on the island? Wait. It’s on an island, isn't it?”
“Affirmative. And we can get you on the island,” Trsak said.
“Trsak, you take a small team to the island and do what you need.” I turned to Vostak. “There’s a female here who helped design the Utopia facility. She didn’t know it at the time, but she’s sure of it now. Her name is Penelope. Work with her to find weaknesses we can exploit.” I stood from my seat, signaling the end of the meeting.
I was eager to get back to my mate. I’d promised her a back rub and wanted to fulfill the promise as soon as I could. She was getting that chip of hers removed today, and she was nervous despite it being a simple procedure.
I found her outside in our training area, her head down, in a circle with her friends. Several kukees lounged among them, enjoying being petted and the occasional treat.
When I approached, Clara lifted her head as if sensing my nearness and grinned. There was a blueprint in front of her and everyone seemed to be focused on it.
“What is that for?” I asked.
“It’s a swimming pond design. It uses aquatic plants and beneficial algae to clean the water.” Clara continued talking about the plans, excitedly pointing to each section and explaining how it worked.
She’d told me she used to design water features for the rich in the colony. This must be one of her designs. I glanced down at it.
“I’ve designed so many but never came close to affording one myself.” She pointed to an area in the valley. “I saw this area here and started getting ideas. And Dana here,” she informed me, tilting her head to the redhead next to her, “was in landscaping. We kind of let the idea run, and here it is.”
“I never got to enjoy the places I created either,” Dana said.
I took a closer look at the design. It would provide habitat for the local wildlife as well as increase biodiversity. It did, however, require some heavy lifting, and we’d need to bring in large rocks and source all the equipment. “I could spare a few warriors to help with the project.”
All the females’ eyes lit up, including Clara’s, and I knew I’d made the right decision.
“Dana is going to manage the project. She’s the one with more experience in the field,” Clara said.
“Then I will send you two warriors to help. Just let them know what is needed.”
“Thank you!” Clara stood to give me a hug.
I guided her away from her friends, who were all still talking animatedly about the plans. They’d had her for hours, and now it was my turn.
“Thank you for that. At the colony, only the rich could enjoy things like ponds and pools.” She looked around our valley. “I’m glad I’m here.”
I was glad she was here, too.
“How is your arm?” I asked, noticing it.
She held her arm up, grinning. “I barely felt it, and the cut is already closed. I’m so glad that chip is gone.”
That was one way they’d never be able to track her again.
“What about your search for a new hobby?”
Clara had expressed concerns that she had no hobbies or ways to be productive, though I begged to differ now that I’d seen her plans for the swimming pond. I’d assured her that her happiness was enough, and she’d insisted that being productive would make her happy. She was on the hunt for something new that would help out the stronghold or produce something useful.
“I think I might just focus on the swimming pond for now and let the new hobby thing come naturally. I tried my hand at pottery today.” She made an adorable face. “I don’t think it’s my jam, unless there is a demand for extremely lopsided pots and dishes.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
She sent me a look that said that it was indeed that bad. “What if I’m not good at anything other than what I went to school for?”
I frowned. “You are very good at being my mate. And it is something you enjoy doing.”
