Page 41 of Grulen

Another sigh left Makai’s chest.

“Have you made progress on the hover jetpack?”

Tren’s face brightened.

“Yes, I made some adjustments and added a separate control to improve stability if we’re transporting more than one being with it.I haven’t had a chance to test it yet.”

“Good.We’ll do that later in the cargo bay.You can instruct us on your changes.”

Stalad enjoyed the tour of engineering and found he understood enough to speak intelligently about the type of engines theFortitudeemployed, as well as their maintenance.Impressed with the weapons and cloaking abilities of the ship, his tail swayed while he asked a number of questions.Makai dipped his head, and the edges of his lips tipped up.

“When you recall everything, I think you’ll discover you are a warrior of some sort that is used to ship duties.Your knowledge encompasses a number of subjects and is solid.”

Stalad slowly nodded as he digested the captain’s comments.

“That assessment doesn’t feel wrong.”

“Come, let’s check out the cargo bay.”Makai led them to the other side of the ship.

When they entered the large bay, Stalad’s eyes swept the well-ordered space.Safely-secured crates lined one wall.In the center of the high-ceilinged area, long lengths of fabric like Morgan used in her performances hung from above.

“Morgan teaches the other females some exercises on the aerial silks, as she calls them.The females say it is a good way to tone their bodies and create better muscular control than simply using our training gear.They also participate in something called yoga, which involves twisting their bodies into unusual shapes.They tell us that they enjoy the increased flexibility.”

“Would it be acceptable for me to practice my training forms here or in the greenhouse?There’s more room for me to move without interrupting anyone else.”

“Of course, unless the females complain.I don’t see why they would.”Makai gestured to the wall of crates.“Sometimes we simply transport goods for merchants if they need it or we have it to sell after liberating it from, what is it Kara called them?Oh, bad actors.Sometimes it is sensitive cargo.Other times it’s like these tablets and electronics parts we’re dropping off at the Orkite home world, Arona.”

“How is it you have human females onboard?”

“Those stories are theirs to tell or not.But we consider theFortitudea safe haven for human females in trouble.”

Stalad frowned.His tail straightened before whipping once.

“Are they in danger now?”

“Not any longer.Their previous threats were eliminated.Events like the one on Nulorn where others think to kidnap them and make them slaves or worse are what we protect against now.”

Stalad’s tail relaxed.

“Good.They should be kept safe.”

Makai grinned.

“Absolutely.”

Going up to the top of the ship, Makai led him to the bridge where Rain sat at in a pilot’s seat.Kara tapped on a tablet while sitting on Crax’s lap.Crax appeared to be reading something on the console.

“Report,” Makai said.

“On course for Arona.We should reach there in four days.”Rain glanced at them before turning back to the console.“Scans indicate nothing in our immediate vicinity along our heading.”

“Good.”

“Lezon comm’d.Now that he’s had a chance to fully review all Stalad’s medical info from theMorning Star, he wants Stalad to have the measles vaccine,” Kara said.

Stalad frowned.

“Measles?”

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