Page 12 of Subchief Flander

Now that the work was done, Flander was ready to get back to the ship for supper. While hungry and needing a big meal, he looked forward to seeing Hel. She had returned to the ship around lunchtime, so they had not seen her. That may have made sense since she had returned the plans and the items and was going through them with Kasey. He hoped she would join them for supper, but he feared he would have to find her and escort her to the cafeteria.

He was the first one off the ship when they landed, which was unusual because he usually went last. He hurried to his room so he could take a shower and clean up. Flander hurried by the cafeteria to see if she was there but was not surprised that she wasn't. Now, he went straight to her quarters and knocked on the door. She was inside because he could hear her moving around. Hel opened the door but looked down, surprised to see him standing there.

“Did your day go well?” She asked.

“It would have gone better if you had been with us.”

“I doubt that, but I was sent to do other things. We all follow orders. That's just what we do.”

“Have you had supper yet?”

“Actually, I have, and I brought a snack back with me in case I get hungry since it was early.”

“Why do I feel you're avoiding the squad?” Flander asked.

“The squad or you?”

“Is it me? Just tell me if it is.”

“You've changed our relationship. I'm not sure what you want from me," Hel admitted.

He stepped through the door and closed it behind him. “I think you know exactly what I want from you.”

Flander pressed her against the wall and gave her a kiss that told her exactly what he wanted. He could smell her desire, but he was afraid to take it too far. Humans like to date, and he wasn't sure exactly what he could do that would count for a date. It would be different if they were on one of those planets with nice restaurants, pools, and the other things many did in their downtime. It would also help if they weren't working every day.

It was a fight to come to his senses and not just take her where she stood. He wasn't sure if he shouldn't have just done it and asked for forgiveness later. Instead, he stepped away and left without saying another word. Maybe he had not handled things well, but if he hadn't left when he did, he would have probably stayed all night. One of these days, he wouldn't be able to stop. Flander knew he should discuss this with her and explain his feelings and wants. It was true that she had to see that he wanted her, but he wanted her to know that he wanted a relationship and a life with her, not just her body.

She might not understand that what he wanted was so much more than just sex. She probably remembered all those times when she had hit on him, and he had turned her down cold. When it happened, he had explained to her that she was not legal, and he could not give her what she wanted. Had she believed him? It was hard to say because she may have convinced herself that he didn't want her. Flander felt like theyhad become friends. Everyone said that was the most crucial step between mates.

The squad was waiting for him. They shot him funny looks. He knew it was because Hel wasn't with him.

“Someone missing?” Jaird asked.

“She already ate supper.”

“I'm sure we'll see her at breakfast," Tomsin observed.

As usual, Tanen didn’t join in the conversation. He just watched and listened. He was the quiet one who rarely said anything, but when he did speak, it was important.

“Maybe she's avoiding someone," Runner declared.

“Maybe she's avoiding you," Jaird mentioned.

Flander didn't even want to ask because he had too much on his mind already. He dug into his food, barely listening to the conversation around him. A few of the men liked to talk too much. He had nothing to say and a lot to think about right now. He should stop worrying about what happened yesterday and let it go. That's what the boss was doing, and he should know best.

It was already difficult enough for her to deal with the change in their relationship without becoming possessive and trying to figure out everything that was going on in her life. He knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't like that, and it would be like pushing her away. Flander would still watch closely because whatever happened might happen again, and she might not return this time. Flander was torn between sharing with the rest of the squad and fearing she would be taken again without help.

Finishing supper, he bid his males goodbye and returned to his quarters. Flander had some good whiskey, but it wasn't strong enough to do more than take off the edge. At least thatwas something, and he enjoyed the slight burn as it went down. Some humans said the burn was too harsh for them. That way, he didn't have to share it with them. Swirling the brown liquid around in the glass, he finally downed it and felt a slight burn down to his stomach. He was relaxed enough to try to sleep. Hopefully, he would.

It was morning, and their orders were simple. Every other day, they would go to the planet closest to Purgatory and try to settle refugees. On the other days, they would target Mercury’s facilities and grab the most essential information. Those facilities were spread all over Purgatory. There were twenty-one locations, but he wasn't sure they would go to everyone. They were only being sent for the most critical plans and items, and none of those facilities had anything essential or items of interest to the emperor. His interests were in items and plans for war, defense, and planet protection. Mercury made items of other kinds that would not interest him either.

Flander noticed that two facilities made farming and food production equipment. Unless something else had been hidden at those facilities, those would be left alone until the planet was safe for civilians to manage. Today was one of those days when they would target one of the facilities. He wouldn't know which one until the pilot sat near it and his mate headed toward it. Flander wasn't sure that she knew until they arrived. All of the information was locked down in a ridiculous amount of secrecy.

The way those facilities were locked down, someone who didn't have the code to get in would have to destroy it, too. That's why this secrecy seemed ridiculous. Most people wouldn't even recognize the facilities that they were now targeting. Flander was a warrior. It was his place to follow orders, even if it killed him. It was why he never asked, never questioned an order, and just didwhat he was told. But this secrecy might cause harm to his mate. No warrior should have to deal with the results of that.

Flander would see how things went today but thought he might talk to his boss because the secrecy started there. It began with Ranni and Kasey, and he didn't understand what they thought would help. They couldn't protect against what they didn't know. He had to admit that when Hel had disappeared, it hadn't had anything to do with secrecy. His concern was that next time, it might.

As usual, the squad gathered for breakfast in the cafeteria. Hel Showed up as well. He was glad to see her. Things could get back to normal as long as they could prevent another occurrence of what had happened previously. Once they finished eating, they all headed to the ship. Since so many of them existed, the shuttle was no longer used for refugee pickups. Looking at his mate, he considered tying himself to her so that no one could take her without taking him too. The only thing that prevented him from doing it was that he knew what her reaction would be.

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