Saving Askara by Link J.M

Author:Link, J.M.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canterbury Rd LLC
Published: 2018-02-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Aderus glared across the small gathering, his claws curling painfully into flesh. He had heard talk the past few sols, knew of the growing sentiment surrounding the human khurzha’s attack. His jaw clenched as he listened to yet another speak out against allying with Earth.

“We trade for access to their metals, but they are no more than a hindrance fighting alongside us.”

It was Krim who countered. “They offer more. We could return with vessels. We could take back Dravhim”.

A large scarred male called Xaphan spoke next, teeth flashing in a near snarl. “I held hope their females could help us, after what I saw of human men. And they allow both to fight.”

Jadar, who had been standing silently to his right, responded evenly. “They are aware of their weaknesses, and still offer aid. Let them worry about their own lives.”

They stood in the corridor outside of the hold, where a majority were still recovering. A few had healed enough to join the conversation, thanks to the synth blood Tori had brought, but it wasn’t looking favorable. His fragile optimism was being replaced by anger that the others could not see an opportunity they would not have again. Jadar was right, let the humans worry about their own lives. Physically, they were no match for even Maekhurz but Askari technology would help, and if they could take back a large stronghold as Dravhim, they could free enough of their own kind and ships that they would no longer need the humans.

His thoughts drifted again to Tori. He knew what they said was true. Her attack on the palkriv had shown just how pathetic humans would be in a fight. And the male hadn’t even been trying.

Both sides had purely selfish motives, but the Earthers had displayed a surprising tenacity, despite their disadvantages—the small whitz of a female had at least demonstrated that much. They were willing to face certain death for a world not their own and a people who viewed them as inferior. A deep hiss, followed by two clicks burst from his throat, effectively silencing the group.

“They are weaker, fragile, so we know. It is their nature. So, you are willing to deny an opportunity, however small, to take Dravhim? Save our people, even Askara? Because they are not an ideal or easy ally?”

***

Deep breath in. Slooow, easy exhale. Tori sat in her quarters, feeds monitoring each room as she still sported her glittering alien leotard. She was quickly developing an attachment to it, especially considering the past 24 hours.

In a few minutes she’d be escorted to the Askari vessel where, it felt like once again, the fate of the alliance rested solely on her shoulders. And on her ability to prove that humans weren’t the pathetic weaklings their extraterrestrial guests thought them to be. Only fitting she be the one to do so, seeing as her impulsive superhero stunt was the reason they were refusing Earth’s offer.

Yesterday morning felt like she’d woken to a nightmare when Wells had promptly comm-ed her after a meeting with Aderus and Jadar.

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