Page 33 of Hunted By the Dragon Alien

The communications system pinged. “Vessel, state your occupants and weapons status,” said a Dokkol ship operator.

Bruil sighed and told the other ship that they were not armed, but their identities couldn’t be disclosed. The Dokkol didn’t like that, but Ulo moved in and hit the com signal with one large finger.

“Dokkol ship, this is Ulo, son of Yil and Perna of the Dip-Gah province. We escaped an Axis arena where we’d been taken prisoner.”

“Axis?” the voice responded, the gravelly sound laced with concern. “I have received word of a violent escape from arena number 3-L. Confirm number and status.”

“There are four of us,” Ulo replied, a tremor of anxiety threading through his voice. “We escaped the arena. Please, I need to get back home.”

There was a pause before the voice continued—a crackle of static interrupting the flow. “Understood. Hold position and lower shields. We will be boarding your vessel.”

“Okay,” Ulo said with relief in his voice. “We’re ready.”

SIXTEEN

Sevas

Sevas watched through the tiny viewport in the cabin as the Dokkol ship dock with theirs. She felt happy for Ulo, but a knot tightened in her stomach. They’d grown close, and saying goodbye wasn’t going to be easy. She tugged at the waistband of her newly acquired pants for the hundredth time. Female Terians wore skirts at the settlement, so pants—all that was available in the storage crate—were an adjustment. She glanced over her shoulder at Ulo, who stood with his rocky shoulders squared and his small, dark eyes glued to the viewport. He didn’t blink once, waiting for the docking clamps to secure and the hatch to open.

“This is good, Ulo,” Sevas said, moving beside him. She placed a hand on his arm. “You’re going home. Back to your family.”

He swallowed hard and nodded. “I… I didn’t think I’d ever see them again.”

Takkian stood near the hatch, one hand resting on the metal. “They’ll be relieved to have you back. But don’t forget—justbecause you’re leaving us doesn’t mean you’re not part of our team. You’ll always be one of us.”

Bruil cleared his throat. “Don’t make me get sentimental, lad. I don’t do sentimental.”

Sevas smirked at the older male. “Admit it, Bruil. You’re going to miss him.”

Bruil grunted but didn’t deny it, which made Ulo smile for the first time since the Dokkol ship had arrived. The hiss of the docking hatch snapped everyone’s attention forward. The air lock door slid open, and two Dokkol officers stepped inside. They were even more massive than Ulo. Their rocky plating gleamed a smooth, silver hue, as though polished, and they filled the entire cabin with their bulk, stooping over to accommodate their height.

“Ulo, son of Yil and Perna,” one of them said in a deep, rumbling voice. “You are safe now.”

Ulo’s head dipped in a respectful nod. “Thank you. These three—” He motioned toward Sevas, Takkian, and Bruil. “They helped me escape. They saved my life.”

The Dokkol officer’s sharp gaze shifted to Sevas. His eyes, more reptilian than Ulo’s, narrowed slightly as they studied her face. “You have done a great service. The Dokkol do not forget such kindness. Ulo will be reunited with his family. They have been overwhelmed with worry for him.” His voice was grave but sincere.

Sevas offered a faint smile and stepped forward. “I’m so happy for him and them.” Her voice cracked a little, but she kept her chin high. “We will miss him, though.”

Ulo shifted uncomfortably, the weight of the moment settling on his massive shoulders. “I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me,” he said. His gaze moved from Bruil, to Takkian, and then to Sevas. “I was scared when they took me. I thought I’d die atthe arena, but… You showed me how to be brave. You fought for me.” His deep voice trembled. “Thank you.”

She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from tearing up and patted his arm. “You fought for us, too,” she said. “You’re family.”

Takkian stepped closer, placing a hand firmly on Ulo’s shoulder. “You have strength you’ve barely tapped into. Use it wisely. Protect your people. That’s what matters.”

Bruil stayed back, arms crossed, but his gruff voice softened. “Maybe we’ll cross paths again someday.”

Ulo nodded. His rocky skin made scraping noises as he adjusted the strap over his shoulder, holding a small pack of the few supplies they could offer him. “I…I hope so.”

The Dokkol officer motioned toward the air lock. “We must go. Ulo’s family are eager to have him back.”

Ulo turned to Sevas one last time. He seemed to hesitate before stepping closer and surprising her by pulling her into the gentlest of hugs. His strength was overwhelming, but his touch careful, as he was well aware that he could crush her. “Goodbye, Sevas,” he rumbled. “Goodbye, Takkian. Bruil.”

Tears stung her eyes, but she hugged him back fiercely, even though her arms barely spanned his torso. “You too, big guy.”

The Dokkol officer hesitated. “Before we leave, there’s something you should know. During a recent trade run, we encountered a vessel that we had never seen before. Its design was very strange, and the occupants were two Zaruxians and two Terians.”

Takkian stiffened, his silver eyes narrowing. “Zaruxians and Terians? Together?”

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