Page 42 of Grumpy Alien Bodyguard

But another part—the part that recognizes him as my jalshagar—trusts him completely. And so I stand beside him, waiting to hear what the warrior has to say to the pacifist about avoiding war.

Varnok's massive chest expands as he draws in a deep breath. I've never seen him look so serious, so focused. Gone is the brash warrior who introduces himself as my next lover. In his place stands a veteran who's seen too much death.

"Speaker Zantress," he begins, his voice surprisingly gentle. "The Solari are unique among all peoples in our galaxy. You aren't a single sapient species bound by shared biology or homeworld. You're a collective of many different types from many different worlds."

I watch Zantress's expression shift subtly. She hadn't expected this level of insight from someone called "the Annihilator."

"What unites the Solari isn't the land you stand on," Varnok continues. "It's your philosophy, your deep love for each other, and your commitment to peace."

He steps closer to the holoscreen, his massive frame somehow less threatening than usual. "There are literally trillions of planets in this galaxy. What's so damn great about Jwoon? Let Kallus have it. Take the hundred billion credit payday and just relocate."

I bite my lip, watching Zantress closely. Her reptilian features remain impassive, but I can see her considering his words.

Suddenly, a massive figure shoves into view beside Zantress—a towering Odex with dark red fur and a glowing cybernetic eye that pulses an angry crimson.

"No one should trust the bastard who took my eye in the Centuries War," the Odex growls, baring his teeth at Varnok.

"Drach," Varnok acknowledges with a slight nod. There's history between them—violent history—written in the scars they both carry.

I step forward, ready to intervene, but Varnok's hand gently touches my shoulder, keeping me back. This is between warriors.

"Drach," Varnok says, his voice steady. "Both you and I lost a lot in that war. I took your eye. You took my brother."

The admission hangs in the air between them. I glance at Varnok, seeing the pain etched in the lines around his eyes. He's never mentioned a brother to me.

"But maybe," Varnok continues, "if two old soldiers like us can learn a new way, maybe the entire galaxy can too."

Drach's cybernetic eye flickers, its red glow dimming slightly.

"Don't just tell everyone you stand for peace, Zantress," Varnok says, turning his attention back to the Solari leader. "Show it by standing down."

The cockpit falls silent. Gas has stopped fidgeting with the controls. Even the ship's ambient hum seems to have quieted, as if the universe itself is holding its breath.

Zantress looks at Drach, then back at Varnok. "Your words are... unexpected, Varnok the Annihilator. But you ask us to abandon our home. Our sacred groves. The place where many of our children took their first breaths."

"I'm asking you to save those children," Varnok counters. "Because the moment the Alliance fleet arrives, there will be no sacred groves left. Just debris fields and body bags."

I step forward, unable to remain silent any longer. "Zantress, Varnok is right. The Solari way isn't about a specific place—it's about how you live. The Alliance won't back down with Kallus'sWrit in play, and the Coalition won't retreat now that they've committed to protecting you."

I gesture toward the stars beyond our viewport. "If shots are fired today, the fragile peace we've all worked so hard to build will shatter. Is Jwoon X worth restarting the Centuries War?"

Zantress closes her eyes, and for a moment, she looks impossibly tired. When she opens them again, she looks at Drach.

"What say you, old friend? You came to protect us, but perhaps the greatest protection would be to help us find a new home."

Drach's massive hand comes to rest on Zantress's shoulder. His voice, when he speaks, is gruff but gentle. "The Solari taught me that home is not where you stand, but who you stand with."

He turns his gaze—both his natural eye and his cybernetic one—to Varnok. "I still don't trust you, Vakutan. But I trust war even less."

A small smile forms on Zantress's face. "Perhaps there is wisdom in what you say, Ambassador Gellar. And you as well, Varnok the Annihilator." She straightens her shoulders. "I will consult with the Solari elders. If they agree, we will accept Kallus's offer and seek a new world."

Relief floods through me, making my knees weak. I reach for Varnok's arm to steady myself, and his warm scales press reassuringly against my palm.

"Thank you, Zantress," I say. "I'll contact Kallus immediately to finalize the terms."

"One condition," Zantress says, raising a finger. "The Solari must have time to perform the proper farewell ceremonies to Jwoon X. Our departure must honor the sacred bond between people and place."

"Of course," I agree quickly. "I'll make sure that's part of the agreement."

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