AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We crept slowly through the woods now, senses primed. The forest teemed with life unfamiliar to us desert dwellers. Strange birds fluttered overhead while odd rodents skittered underfoot. But our quarry left no trace. I began to fear we had lost the trail. Then Kate paused, tilting her head. She gestured for silence. I watched in awe as she closed her eyes, communing with the babe in her womb. Since becoming pregnant, Kate had gained an uncanny psychic bond with our unborn daughter. Now she used that gift to guide us forward unerringly. Before long, she detected clues - subtle signs of disturbance in the undergrowth - that would have eluded my men. Kate’s preternatural senses, enhanced by the child within her, led us straight to a concealed cave entrance built into a sheer rock face and guarded by camouflage netting. We had found the Zirons’ hidden base. I gathered my warriors. We would attack swiftly, giving them no time to react. Kate started to join us, but I shook my head, pointing back down the trail. Reluctantly, she withdrew to safety. I knew she yearned to fight at my side, but the risk was too great. She had our child to protect now. That duty outweighed all else. I waited until Kate had vanished from sight, then roared a battle cry and led my men charging into the Ziron cave, rifles blazing. The filthy raiders never knew what hit them...
Chapter 20
’Kate
Victorious, we returned home with several rescued captives in tow, including a human woman named Jessie. I was eager to meet her, hoping we could connect since we were both humans far from home on this alien world.
As we rode into the village, I scanned the ragtag group of former captives—mostly Surlons taken from nearby villages, but Jessie and a few other aliens stuck out. She had long red hair and green eyes that reminded me of Earth. I nudged my sirocco closer to greet her.
“Hi there. I’m Kate,” I said with a friendly smile.
Jessie regarded me warily. “Jessica. But I prefer Jessie.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jessie. Welcome to Dust Gulch. I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’re safe now. We’ll help you get back home.”
She nodded, unspeaking. I understood her reticence as a stranger in this strange land.
“How did you end up captured by those awful Zirons?” I asked gently.
“My transport ship was ambushed outside Tantos Port. They killed the crew and took me prisoner.” Her voice was flat, eyes haunted. “And they…”
My heart ached for what she’d endured. “I’m so sorry. But the nightmare is over now. The Surlons are good people. You can rest here until we figure out how to get you home.”
Jessie just stared ahead, retreating into silence. I resolved to keep trying while respecting her space. As we reached the village, I directed her toward my dwelling.
“You can stay with me for now.”
I showed Jessie inside and offered her food and water. She accepted hesitantly. Kian soon arrived, checking on us. After Jessie retired to rest, I told Kian about our conversation, such as it was. He frowned.
“The Zirons’ cruelty leaves deep scars. She will need time to heal and trust. Patience and compassion are best.”
I nodded, admiring his wisdom. “I’ll do my best to make her feel at home here.”
Over the next few days, I tried befriending Jessie, coaxing out details about her former life on a human colony planet. She remained guarded, but occasionally shared some small tidbit that let me learn more about her. I could tell she was still getting over the trauma and adjusting to her strange new environment here.
Meanwhile, I noticed Wyatt finding reasons to be around my dwelling more often, checking on Jessie. His gaze followed her red hair whenever she emerged. I had to smile, happy if she caught his eye. Wyatt was a good man - exactly who she needed.
One afternoon, Jessie joined the other women sewing and crafting. I hoped the company would lift her spirits. She stayed close to my side but barely talked. I felt it was best to give her time.
’* * *
After we returned to the village, I couldn’t stop thinking about the former captives we had just rescued, especially Jessie. As the only other human, I felt a kinship with her and an obligation to help. Though the Surlons were welcoming, this was still an alien world for her. She likely had family and a life to return to somewhere in the galaxy.
I decided to offer her the choice. That evening after dinner, I approached Jessie as she sat staring into the fire pit outside her dwelling. “Hey there,” I said gently. “Mind if I join you?”
She glanced up and gave a small nod. I settled onto the log beside her.
“I know you’ve been through a horrific ordeal,” I began. “I can’t imagine the things you’ve suffered. But I want you to know you have a friend in me. I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
Jessie didn’t respond, just kept gazing at the flames.
“And I was thinking...” I continued. “With my comm device, I may be able to contact a transport ship to come pick up any of the freed captives who wish to return home. I imagine you have family out there who miss you.”
At this, Jessie finally met my eyes. I saw a spark of hope amidst the numbness.
“So if you want, just say the word and I’ll put out a distress call to get you back where you belong,” I told her. “No pressure either way. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need. But the option is there.”
“Yes,” Jessie spoke at last, her voice raspy. “I’d like to go home.”
