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“You left it a little late, Nova.” Heboren sighed. “I was rough on you. I am surprised that you lasted this long.”
He didn’t speak to anyone but her as he carried her off the command deck and back to his quarters. “I am still undecided as to punishing you.”
“Even at this speed, we will be on your world in forty-five minutes.”
“You have time enough for a nap. Don’t worry. You will be alone. I have to speak with the commander.”
“Yes, Overseer.” She leaned her head against his shoulder and yawned.
He took her to his quarters, removed her shoes and belt, then settled her on the bed. “Rest. We will be home soon.”
He dimmed the lights and left her alone.
Nova pulled the sheet over her, curled up, and dozed off. When she woke up, she would be home.
Careful fingers feathered over her face and down her body. “Nova. We are home. Time to get up and start exploring.”
She blinked and rubbed her eyes. “So soon? I feel like I just fell asleep.”
“You have been out for two hours.”
The room was absolutely dark. “I am so sorry. I am assuming you can see in the dark?”
He chuckled. “I am guessing you cannot. Lights low.”
There was a pale dimness in the space, and she rose to her knees, buckling her belt back into place before she scooted to the edge of the bed next to the kneeling Heboren and stepped into her shoes.
Heboren stood straight and grabbed the bag he had packed. She looked at the hand that he held out and took it. He gently squeezed her fingers, and together, they walked out of his quarters and headed for the exit.
The walk was quiet, but she heard sounds coming from the open door of the ship. They walked out, and there was a roar that made Nova push against Heboren. He wrapped his wing around her but left her visible.
The people in uniform were lining their walkway. The roar was from them. Feline and canine were howling for them.
What is this about?
Heboren looked down at her and chuckled.They are congratulating me on finding a mate.
I thought I was a body servant.
Call it what you will; the result is the same. You are mine.
She sighed, and if her mind was as red as her face, it explained the knowing chuckles in the folks within twenty feet of them.
The path took them to the end of the crew. At that point, Heboren lifted her into his arms, put the bag on her lap, and opened his wings. He crouched, and the down sweep launched them skyward.
Nova gasped and looked at the world below her. It was amazing, and the structures were similar to pyramids in Central America.
The vehicles zipping around and the weird colours of the plants were new, but the feel was of an industrial civilization that had its shit together.
Heboren said, “That is where the Hmrain come in. We keep civilizations moving forward, directing them toward peaceful interaction with other species. At the same time, we prepare them for war. Just in case. Not all Hmrain are interested in peaceful progress.”
She watched the world go by and then saw the huge pyramid in the distance.
“That is our home. This is where we return to.”
The top of the pyramid was flat with the exception of a staircase that led below. He landed, walked to the wide staircase, and scanned the moment they touched it.
“I thought it would only accept Hmrain markers?” she muttered.
