Page 2 of Grulen

Every morning, his sire taught him training forms.When Grulen no longer needed instruction, they exercised silently side by side.Grulen found peace in the flowing movements and increasing control of his growing body.He found memories of their lost females turned from their painful end to earlier ones.His mother making his favorite dessert and teaching Yopa, Fliva, and Riba how to cook.Holding Muri and Hadili in his arms when they were born.The tinkling laughter of all of them when their father splashed them in the nearby lake.Tugging on their hair and teasing them.Overhearing Yopa tell their mother when a male kissed her.

When the Warrior Academy accepted Grulen, he and his father moved away from Nestune.More females had survived in the populated area, but all could no longer bear young.He met females of other species at the spaceports.With his classmates, he visited erotica establishments and learned to physically please a variety of females.He teased all and flirted shamelessly, but he kept his heart closed to more.The memories of shattered male hearts remained, and he vowed never to be in the same position.

Five years earlier

February 2, 2029 (Earth calendar)

Trezoura (Capital city of Costonia)

Standing at attention with his tail relaxed and still, Grulen waited for Commander Vared Durek of House Ruxila to speak.He surreptitiously took in the large male’s golden bronze skin and scar across one cheek.Lavender eyes indicated a familial connection to the royal House Davelk.Like Grulen, Durek preferred to keep his dark hair short.The Commander had a reputation for a fiery temper but was also known to be fair.Grulen had no idea why he had been ordered to appear before the male.

Lieutenant Karid Wurvez of House Binova stood next to Durek.Known for his humor and tactical skills, the reddish bronze male’s ponytail kept his long brown hair out of his gray eyes.

“Warrior Grulen Jevax, thank you for coming.”Grulen refocused his gaze on the Commander.

“Sir, thank you for inviting me.”

The males stared at each other.I won’t ask why I’m here.

Durek grunted and leaned his elbows on the desk.

“Sit, Warrior.You aren’t in trouble.”

Grulen sat and waited.

“I’ve recently been assigned to theInvictusand am interviewing potential crew.Lieutenant Wurvez will be my second-in-command and head tactical officer.Your commanding officer recommended you.”

“Sir, I am just a warrior with no special skill sets.”

Wurvez snorted.

“With the exception of programming computers, you excel at your assignments, Jevax, remain levelheaded in stressful situations, and somehow manage to maintain friendly relationships with those around you without obsequious fawning.”

Grulen inwardly flinched as an unbidden memory of Fliva trying to unsuccessfully teach him to program a synthesizer entered his mind.

“You seem to have no political biases that interfere with your duties, other warriors respect you, and according to your commanding officers, you are patient when instructing others to improve their skills.In fact, your team leader said you routinely offer helpful suggestions to your fellow warriors when you notice they may need guidance, but you do so in a manner that lifts their self-esteem, without drawing attention to their lack.”

Durek frowned, his scar taut and white.

“I must keep most of the current space cruiser’s crew.I want solid, proven warriors to join us.I believe you will be a good fit, Jevax.”

“As the flagship of the Svesti fleet, what types of missions could we expect, Commander?I’ll be honest, I would not be happy solely escorting dignitaries.”Grulen leaned forward when Wurvez grinned, his fangs white against his lips.

“We will be on extended duty protecting various planets from the Zuvgran.”

“I see.”Grulen nodded.“If you believe I will be an asset, I am honored to accept reassignment to theInvictus.”

“Expect new orders by tomorrow, Jevax.You will have alunarleave before you report since we will be away from Costonia for at least asolar.”

Grulen stood.

“As you will, Sir.”

“Dismissed.”

As he walked down the hall, he decided to try to talk with his commanding officer.If he needs me to stay a couple weeks, I can shorten my leave.Father doesn’t return from Nestune yet.I would hate to make him cut short his annual trip.

Exiting into the bright sunshine, he looked up at the periwinkle sky and inhaled deeply.I should visit their graves before I report to the Invictus.I’ll go alone as usual.I feel closer to them that way.

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