Page 60 of Fire Forged

Edon swiveled his comfy to face Nerx.“We need Aldur.I do not know how to load a new species into the medical database.Ziot might but…”

Nerx smothered a grimace.He’d sent their only data officer to navigate an unknown battleship.If he was killed, they wouldn’t be able to heal any injured Viqrians.

What they needed was stealth armor.He snorted at hisdamu-like imagination.All experiments had failed with the portable stealth generator being too unwieldy or exploding.They had, at least, self-healing, though it took a while, sensitive hearing, silent movements, and their regulating armor.That was the best they could do.

He strolled to the medical, checked the med-E.D.’s plasma tanks were full, then ordered two hot chocolates for him and Edon.He handed it to the pilot on his return, then sauntered over to the bulkhead to eavesdrop on Britta and Lily’s conversation.

“Mine’s messy,” Lily whined.

“Mine too.”Britta chuckled.“We can try again later or tomorrow, if you like.”

“Awesome,” Lily squealed.“I’m gonna play with my dolls.”

“Sure, kiddo.I’ll stay right here.”

Nerx fought a sinking sadness that she wasn’t going to seek him out.He snatched Lily as she scrambled down the ladder, sprinkling kisses all over her head and face.She giggled and squirmed, then swatted at him when he set her down.When she skipped along the passage while singing, warmth flooded his chest.She washisdaughter.

What he should’ve realized was how traveling anywhere with her would endanger her.Not that he could’ve foreseen these events unfolded.Still, her future depended on him.And Britta’s too.

Satisfied that Lily had headed to their quarters without getting distracted, he glanced at the hatch then at Edon focused on the console.

Everything within him compelled him to head up, to kiss Britta, and find solace in her arms.But he couldn’t afford to when his males were mid-mission.

“Any news?”Britta’s face appeared in the hatch.

“Four to port to medical,” a male said via the console.

Nerx bolted to the common, Britta racing after him.

Sena was lifting Aldur onto the bed.His skin had taken on a darker hue, his eyes glazed.

“Thank you,” Lady Dahlia said to Karg then limped toward the common.

“Mom.”Britta veered around Nerx to hug her mother, who pulled out of the embrace.

“Not now, sweetheart,” Lady Dahlia said, her focus on Aldur.

“Why are you limping?Is it your sciatica?”Britta wrung her hands.

“It feels like it.”Lady Dahlia offered a tight smile.“Aldur was on the mend until he had to be heroic.”

“Go,” Britta whispered, her voice cracking.“We’ll chat later.Just happy to have you back.”She walked backward, spun and threw herself at Nerx.

He caught her on instinct, having not expected this.

She cried, her sobs muted even as she tightened her arms around his neck.“Thank you,” she chanted.When she leaned back to meet his gaze, her cheeks were peach-colored and wet.“And you did it without letting me interfere.Mom will be in awe of your Britt-management skills.”

He smiled.“I was selfish, not wanting you in harm’s way.”

The moment the fruity scents tickled his nose, Nerx raised his head.Viqrians had ported with Trav, Eriz, and Ziot.Only one male was missing.

“Where is Ronin?”

Trav thumped his chest.“Please honor Ronin et Brenin as having died in battle.”

“Alodon’s balls,” Nerx roared, ice coating his heart.“What happened?Wait?As in Ambassador Brenin’s son?”

“Yes, Supreme Commander.He was shot with a…” Trav glanced at Haiz clinging to his side.She held onto her ribs where blood stained her fingers.

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