Alien Mystic: A SciFi Alien Romance (Voyager Book 6) by Chloe Parker

Author:Chloe Parker [Parker, Chloe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heartstrings Press
Published: 2024-01-06T18:30:00+00:00

14

Ravik

I hear Ikaray before I see her.

The zephtan is reluctantly being loaded back into the Vanguard’s docking bay, rumbling in protest before she realizes that this won’t be like last time. Even I can see the difference from this distance, though—the crew has completely transformed the berth where they plan to keep Ikaray.

It’s fit for a zephtan.

Fit for us…lush like the old growth forests of Zanpi.

The Vanguard’s docking bay comes to life as the crew guides Ikaray into her temporary home, the zephtan‘s mind reaching out to touch mine when we get close enough. Our bond is still growing, but we’re reaching a point where she may be able to sense me across vast distances—like Jaya can with Zandro.

I guide Faith into the improvised jungle of Ikaray’s berth, finding Veridan looking intently at Ikaray. I believe they’re communicating—though I have no way of hearing or understanding it if they are.

“Welcome back,” Veridan greets us, their numerous eyes glittering green with deep, somewhat frightening intelligence. “I’ve prepared this space for Ikaray, taking into account her size and preferences. She should be comfortable here.”

“Thank you,” I reply, my voice tense with worry. The sheer size of Ikaray is overwhelming…and zephtan aren’t meant to be shuttled to and from planets inside other ships. However, with the Shattershield out there, and with Thrax Ulna potentially aware of us, it isn’t safe to travel on our own. “I have to admit…she may eat most of this in a matter of days. She’s used to flying; she’ll get bored.”

“Ikaray will be just fine,” Veridan chuckles—a breathy sound that feels…unnecessary, I suppose. As if it affects this noise purely for our benefit. “She is glad to have a moment of rest after all that time in dark space, in fact.”

“Are you sure she’ll be safe in here?” Faith asks.

“Of course,” Veridan assures us, leading us through a quick tour of Ikaray’s new habitat. “I’ve taken every precaution to ensure her safety and happiness while aboard the Vanguard.”

They guide us through the small jungle, packed full of alien plant life. There are splashes of color all over—flowers and bioluminescence, leaves in every shade of green. One of the crew yelps and staggers away when Ikaray suddenly moves her head and inhales a whole shrub.

I don’t think they’re truly prepared for the appetites of a zephtan.

“We have rapid growth technology in my lab that I’ll use to cultivate the menu, per sé,” Veridan chuckles as if they read my thoughts. And perhaps they did—Ikaray herself has telepathic abilities, as do most zephtan. I frown at the thought, shaking my head like I can shake off an intruding mind. “You needn’t worry.”

Faith inhales deeply. “It’s like you’ve transformed the Vanguard all for us,” she says. “Thank you, Veridan.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Veridan says, then sobers. “I’ve known many people hurt by Thrax Ulna and his zealots. I’m pleased you’ve chosen to help us.”

I don’t feel like I made the choice at all; that was just Faith, taking control of the situation, caving to the needs of people who are not our people.

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