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Concentration made the lines etched into his face pronounced. His eyebrows were pulled together, and a fine sheet of sweat dotted his forehead.
Kien caught Phate staring at Solgre and nudged him. Phate turned to see the questioning look in Kien’s eyes. Without exchanging words, Phate knew Kien wondered the same thing as he did. Why was their fearless leader acting so apprehensive about this new world?
Yes, none of them wanted to be dissected for public viewing, but they were taking precautions to hide what they were and so far, none of the government authorities had contacted them.
Phate didn’t think that was the answer. Even without the beacon going out, a ship would’ve been dispatched when Solgre and his crew hadn’t checked in at their scheduled interval.
Something else worried Solgre and Phate needed to find out what it was. Solgre was a strong, prideful and independent leader. Phate needed to approach the subject delicately to get to the root of the cause. He would bring it up before bed and after dinner as Solgre seemed calmer after drinking the human wine.
Phate just hoped Solgre would be open to talking to them about whatever was on his mind.
“What in Ancient’s is your problem?” Kien asked Solgre bluntly.
Or Phate could just let Kien bring it up.
Solgre didn’t look up. His face knotted in concentration. “Nothing.”
“Pft. Nothing?” Kien asked. “You say that as if we don’t know your personality and can’t see the change in you.”
“I have to fix the portable replicator.”
“I understand the need. We all miss some of the comforts we’re used to,” Phate said. “You’ll get it done. We trust you. So, tell me, what else is bothering you?”
“Maybe I’m tired of being on this planet? Or that I hate breathing this polluted air. Or could it be that the only thing I’ve eaten is pizza since leavingHalo One? Pick your choice!”
“You don’t like the pizza?” Kien frowned as he studied the slice in his hand. “It’s delicious.”
“I don’t think it’s meant for everyday consumption.”
“It’s the food substance of every American male,” Phate replied. That’s what the commercial had said anyway. “We have to eat it, so we’ll fit in.”
Solgre squeezed his eyes shut and let out a deep breath. He clenched his hands around the tools in his grip. “Fine.”
Kien and Phate exchanged concerned glances again. This type of emotion coming from Solgre was...unsettling.
Phate stood. “Solgre, talk to us.”
“Fine. I’ll talk.” Even though this was said, Solgre still didn’t lift his head and address Phate directly. “Do any of you get the feeling that we forgot to do something at that store? These humans have funny little ways and antiquated thinking. I feel like we should have logged the goods or something of that matter?” He shook his head wearily. “So many little things to remember.”
“Solgre. Forget about the store,” Phate said. “If it’s something about the mission we should know about it. Is the rescue ship not coming? Should we be concerned?”
“Should you be concerned?” Solgre asked slowly. Solgre raised his head. His eyes were red with strain. “Crash landing on an unvetted planet with billions of backward, blood thirsty hungry aliens should’ve concerned you. But it didn’t. You and Kien only think of the females and your tool between your legs, instead of getting off this miserable rock. Why wouldyoube concerned?”
Kien heaved himself from the couch to stand as well. “That’s unfair. Of course, we’re concerned but we’re also trying to make the best of our situation and continue this mission by amending the parameters previously set because of the circumstances we now find ourselves in.”
Solgre pushed his chair back and the legs scraped harshly against the kitchen floor. He flicked a hand nonchalantly through the air. “Fine. Join this dating app, Kien. Mingle with the human females. Get to know them. Have sex, do whatever you want. Is that what you want to hear from me?”
“Yes,” Kien said with a nod.
Phate jabbed Kien in the side. “That’s not what I want. I would rather know why you’re upset.”
Solgre chuckled but it didn’t sound jovial at all. He crossed his arms and widened his legs as he stared both Kien and Phate down, leveling a dark look on them. “No. No. No. As you both keep reminding me, we’re still on a mission—even if it has changed. We’re to find out if these humans are compatible and worthy of joining the IDA.
“So, that’s what we’ll do. Join the dating app and report back after each encounter. Don’t forget to make nightly entries into your logs.”
Phate shook his head. “The only female I want to get to know here—”
“Is the one next door,” Kien said under his breath.
