Page 20 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“I disagree.” Clavas tilted his head. “I am seeing quite clearly.”

A growl started low in Lans’s chest.

Why did Eema look at him with such disdain and give Clavas such sweet smiles?

When had those two grown close?

“I can’t believe I finally get to fight in one of these things,” Si-Moon patted the zapten that had transformed back into its original form.

Eema nodded. “It’s so weird to be inside the zapten like that. It feels like I’m in a video game.”

“What is a video game?” Chozo asked.

Leel patted his head. “It’s like real life but not.”

“Hm.” The Heronas still seemed confused.

Korben’s interface lit up.

He cleared his throat. “It’s Na’vak.”

Lans stiffened. “Should we head back to the hideout?”

“Who’s Na’vak?” Chozo asked.

“He is the leader of a tribas to the south and he is organizing the army that will march on the Heronas fortress at dawn.” Korben frowned. “He requires our attendance.”

“Does he know about us?” Eema asked.

Korben exchanged a quick look with his bruda. “Neh.”

“Why not?” Ki-ah’s brow wrinkled. “I thought you guys would have mentioned it.”

“Ki-ah, not every Plutonian follows the ways of our fathers.” Pin rubbed her arm.

“If we expose you, we face the possibility of putting all your lives in danger,” Lans growled. “Rebel Plutonians will stop at nothing to get their hands on you.”

“Especially when they discover that you can carry our offspring,” Clavas added.

Leel shuddered. “Are Plutonians as bad as the Heronas then?”

“Everyone is capable of good and bad.” Chozo lifted a hand. “These choices are not based on their species but on their character.”

Si-Moon squeezed the alien in a hug. “How wise of you.”

Chozo beamed.

Zar scowled.

“I must take this,” Korben mumbled.

“We’ll stay behind you so he can’t see us,” Sah-ah suggested. “But we’d like to be a part of the call.”

“Very well, but stay quiet. If he finds out of your existence, it could be dangerous for all of us.” Korben accepted the comms and a holo of their comrade appeared in front of them.

Lans gathered behind Korben to greet Na’vak.

He encompassed them all with a grim nod. “Comrades, it is good to see you well.”

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