Page 55 of Grulen

“What do you need?”Stalad caught the towel thrown at him and wiped his forehead.

“To talk and get your opinion.”Makai’s levity ended and a serious expression formed on his face.

“About?”

“I just received a contract offer from Costonia.Before accepting it, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Would we need to go there?”

“No.The job involves intel gathering on Rumaska.There’s no guarantee that theFortitudewould do anything other than report back via comms.However, I can introduce you to my contact and have him investigate who you might be in the meantime.”

Stalad’s tail swayed and clicked his teeth together.

“I’m not sure.What if he discovers something that might impact your operations?”

“Like what?You’re a wanted male?”Makai chuckled.

“I don’t know.Maybe that I have to return to Costonia immediately for some reason I cannot remember.I feel like if I’m told who I am, but have no means to learn more, it doesn’t truly help me regain my memories.I’m concerned it might frustrate me more.”Stalad tossed his towel into the refresher and grabbed a water pouch.“You may need me to help with the Orkites.”I don’t think I’m ready to leave the Fortitude yet…or Morgan.

“We would survive without you.”Makai grinned.“However, if you prefer, we can wait until after we complete the Costonian mission before we follow up on your identity.”

“That sounds acceptable.”A relieved breath left his chest.Why aren’t I using every resource I can to find out who I am as quickly as possible?

“Consider that our plan, then.”

The next day, Stalad entered the cargo bay a little earlier than usual to train with the females.Loud music rang bounced from the metal walls as Morgan performed a routine similar to those on Nulorn.He leaned against a crate and watched spellbound.Even in simple clothes and no special lighting effects, her fluid movements took his breath away.So much talent.

The doors opened and the Orkites, as well as Lezon, Crax, and Makai, followed the human females into the area.Abby placed a forefinger to her lips so the others would not distract Morgan.They observed as she twisted, turned, climbed, slid, spun, and contorted her body into a moving work of art.All of them gasped as she swung to another set of silks floating in midair with her legs split horizontally to the floor as if she were leaping.Once on the second set of silks, her hands gripped the fabric and her body rotated to wrap itself before she released and spread her arms wide with her head bowed, hanging above the floor as the music ceased.

Silence reigned for a moment before he, the humans, and Jalaxians clapped.The Orkites, with the exception of Niksen, slapped their thighs, their version of approval.Morgan’s head snapped up and she grasped the silks, untwisted herself, and slid to the floor.She smiled, imitated a curtsy, and smiled.Her flushed face glistened with perspiration and her scent reached him.He wrapped his tail around his ankle to keep it from wandering.

“I didn’t realize you were here.I was just working on a new routine.”She caught the towel Kara tossed to her.

“The switching between sets of silks is new,” Rain said.“It’s impressive.”

“I would prefer you didn’t conduct such maneuvers alone.”Makai crossed his arms.“If you fell, there would be no one to assist.”

“I put down mats.”Morgan’s spine stiffened.

“You could still be injured if you landed wrong.”He dipped his chin.“I’m not saying not to do it.I want you to practice safely.”Sighing, he added, “Just like I want Tren to test his inventions responsibly.”

“Did you compare me to Tren?”Morgan’s fists rested on her hips, her jaw lifted, and her blue eyes flashed.So fiery and passionate in her anger.

The other humans tried to hide their snickers at her outrage, but the usually stoic Crax guffawed.She included him in her glare.

“Do I need to make it an order?”Makai’s eyes twinkled.

“If the human wants to break her neck, let her,” Lady Niksen interjected.Everyone turned in disbelief.“I doubt it would be a great loss.”Krinir frowned, while Fraddar and Lollek shifted uncomfortably.Crek.What a petty female.Her attitude dims her outward attractiveness.

“Why are you even here?”Kara said, her face tight.

“I wanted to see where so many of you disappear to each day.”

“You’ve seen us.You can leave now.”Kara gestured toward the door.Stalad bit back a smile at the pink-haired human’s contentiousness.The human females protect each other.

Rain tapped her lips with a forefinger.

“On Earth, we have fictional beings similar to Orkites in build.We call them orcs.In many of the stories, the females orcs tend to be the leaders and take pride in supporting the other females.Is that not so for Orkites?”

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