Page 16 of Grulen

“It was us or them, Emmy.It was necessary,” Lady Rachel said.

“I know, but it doesn’t make the feelings go away.”

“At least you did something.I was terrified and useless.”

“Lady Lin.You did as we instructed, even if you were scared.That helped,” Grulen said gently.

The tiny female scoffed.

“Jevax tells the truth.And you warned us when there were more Durelians behind us,” Rivezt said with a smile.

“How does me following instructions help you?”

Rachel said, “Because they knew where you were at all times, Lin.They did not have to worry about inadvertently hurting you as they fought.They did not have to split their focus.And they had confidence that if they needed you to move, run or whatever else, they could expect you to do so.When you are guarding someone, being able to predict their movements is gold.”

All the Svesti nodded.

“Lady Rachel explains it well,” said Grulen.He leaned back and closed his eyes.He listened to the conversations and the updates that Durek was following Lady Talia.I almost feel sorry for those Durelians.When the commander catches up with them, his anger will know no bounds.

Chapter 5

Present Day

April 15, 2037 (Earth calendar)

Secret Zuvgran lab on XB9428B

“It didn’t work.”

The two Zuvgran scientists conferred as they reviewed the latest test results.The older male, whom Morgan designated Primo Asshole in her thoughts, pounded his gray fist on the table.

“We’re close, but we can’t use this specimen any longer.What we’ve already given her will interfere with the updated version.”

His younger colleague, Buttlicker, said, “You’re brilliant.”

“Of course I am.”

Morgan rolled her eyes at Primo Asshole’s conceit.Wearing a thin dingy tunic, she was currently restrained on a medical exam table, unable to even move her head.Another day, another freezing room, another injection, another day as a goddamn lab rat.Fuck my life.

While the two Zuvgran ignored her, she dove into her memories of leaving the Svesti home world almost six months ago.I think it was the last time I was truly warm.

“Are you sure you won’t remain on Costonia?”

Morgan smiled and shook her head at Lady Narilla’s question.

“No, although I may return.I can’t believe it’s been almost a year to the day since I first met you.”She hugged the older Svesti female who had become her friend.“Now that you know humans and Svesti are compatible, it wouldn’t be fair to stay around your males when I’m not ready for any type of commitment.I need time to determine what I want for my future.”

“Now that we know, Lady Morgan, I want to contact Earth and begin negotiations to bring human females here.And I will convince the Council to purchase what human slaves we can and relocate them here or to the same colony you travel to.”King Traxen Sovex’s jaw hardened.“They will require time as well to heal from their captivity.”

“I would appreciate that.Just be aware that first contact with Earth might be…contentious.”

He tilted his head and narrowed his lavender eyes.

“How do you mean?”

“Humans, especially those in power, tend to have an inflated sense of their own superiority.Many will not believe in alien life, while others will see taking what you have as their due.It’s not all humans.Most will be shocked but give you a chance.But others might try to capture your people and not treat them kindly.They might even experiment on them.”

Sovex’s tail flicked sharply.

---