Page 4 of Ruarc
Slavic said they were leaving after their fast-breaking meal, but I am sure it was Ruarc who persuaded him to leave at the earliest possible time. Glancing at the ship’s timekeeping system, I see that there are spans yet until everyone typically gathers to eat. The longer I lay there, the angrier I get. If my … our people arestill on Deapra, I have every right to return, and Ruarc nor any of the others are going to stop me from heading home.
Grabbing a bag, I locate the only other outfit I have and stuff it inside. Storming out of this infernal room, I pray to the Gods of Ruk that I never see it again. I did not escape the Aynar, and then the Velgriddix, to be a prisoner of the male fate decided should love, honor, and cherish me. Making my way to the dining hall for food, I stop dead when I find Ruby and Rowan both gathering supplies of their own. Guilt and defiance flit across their faces before Ruby sees the pack in my hand, and her expression changes to one of evil delight.
“Just the girl we were about to come looking for. I sure hope you know how to fly Einar’s shuttle, Kallen.”
“I do not, but I am confident that between the three of us, we can figure it out.”
Rowan chews on her bottom lip, “You know they’re going to be pissed.”
“Einar and Slavic might grumble for a bit, but the moment you two are in their arms, all will be forgiven. Personally, at this point, I cannot care less what Ruarc thinks. I am not staying here another moment.”
We are just walking out of the dining hall when Heather rounds the corner. “Oh, you three already look guilty. What are y’all up to? Wait, let me guess, going after your men.”
Ruby throws an arm around her shoulder, “Yep, you wanna go with us?”
“Why not? Let me go grab a few things. This cold tin can is driving me crazy. I’m ready for my feet to be on the ground,especially since I am the only one who isn’t getting googly eyes from the male population on board. I’ll be right back. Don’t you dare leave without me.”
I reach out, grabbing her arm before she turns away. “We will wait for you at the dock. Do not forget to grab some nutrient bars and a couple of water packs before you come down, and if you can keep from it, do not tell the others.” Heather nods her head before turning toward the room she is sharing with the other girls.
I motion for Ruby and Rowan to go ahead, only to hesitate for a moment as we all step onto the dock, and I see the size of the remaining shuttle hovering above the deck. Placing my hand on the hull, I try to activate the ramp, but nothing happens. Ruby attempts the same, but the ramp remains closed. Aggravated, Ruby turns toward me. “Well, how the hell are we going to get down there if we can’t even get the ramp to open?”
“Let me try.” Rowan walks over and places her small hand against the screen, and we all jerk when the ramp instantly starts lowering.
“Looks like little sister is the magic key after all. Come on, let’s get on board before it decides to close back.” Ruby grabs Rowan’s hand, pulling her up the ramp. Just as I have stepped on it too, Heather comes running around the corner.
“Okay, get this thing in the air, because they know we’re up to something. No matter how much I tried to dissuade them, Bambi and Gwen could both tell I was lying.”
The moment both of us are on board, I hit the button for the ramp to close and head toward the helm, where I find Ruby and Rowan looking at all the buttons.
“Rowan, put your hand over the main controller and see if you can voice-activate the ship.”
The second she touches it a voice comes out of the console. “Orders.”
She looks over at me, shrugging her shoulders before mouthing silently …“What do I tell it?”
“Tell it to take us to the surface of Deapra.”I am whispering back.
“Uhhh, yeah.. your orders are to take us to the surface of Deapra.”
“Coordinates?”
“We need to land next to the other shuttle.”
“Confirmed.”
Rowan screeches in surprise when the captain’s seat bumps into her from behind and the ship starts to lift, only to immediately lower back down. “What happened? I didn’t touch anything.”
“Females, what is the meaning of this?” We all scream simultaneously when Falon’s voice sounds from behind us.
Of course, Ruby is the first to recover and respond. “Damnit Falon, you scared us to death.”
“Did you really think you would be able to sneak off the Zenith without Bikar knowing? None of you could be that simple-minded. Now just where were you off to?”
Unfortunately for Falon I snap back at him, full of venom, “I am going home, Falon.” Just as he opens his mouth to argue, I hold my hand up. “Stop, I am not discussing this. My matehas made it clear he is not going to accept our bond, and I am healed enough to return. Now, you can either take us there, or we will find our own way. I refuse to stay on this ship for another moment where I am not wanted!”
“Kallen, you are overreacting … Ruarc is just a stubborn bastard, but he will come around.”
“I am not asking your permission, Falon. Nor do I need your mating advice.”
