Page 26 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
“Wanna see it?” she asks.
I admit, I’m curious. I move toward the net ladder, but before I can place a foot on it, a strange noise comes from the side. I turn and see Mila—the Gekkari from earlier—has followed us.
Her skin pulses with orange and reddish spots.
“Oh… you... agoublement!” she says slowly, flashing a toothless smile.
Agoublement?
“Na! Na!” Sam blurts out, her cheeks on fire. “He just wants to visit my hut! We’re not... mating!”
Holy hell. Did she just say what I think she said?
Apparently, Mila assumed Sam and I came here to... well... get it on. I mean, I get it—Sam showed up without her mom and wasabout to bring me to her private room. Easy misunderstanding. But still—what a nightmare.
Desperate for a distraction, I latch onto the first idea that pops into my head.
“Sam, didn’t you mention those ruminants your dad’s been exploiting for his shady little business? Could you show me so I can start building a case for the Confed?”
“The Nalgous? Absolutely! Let’s go right now!” she beams, clearly thrilled that I’m finally taking this seriously.
Crisis averted. I dodged that bullet like a pro.
In hindsight, agreeing to visit her private hut—aka her bedroom—was not my brightest idea. Watching livestock graze seems way safer.
Except my relief doesn’t last long. We end up right back at the aeropod that brought us here. Great. Guess we’re heading back already. Seeing my partner again sounds fantastic compared to babysitting some oversized cows. I give her a questioning look, hoping maybe she’ll clarify.
“The Nalgous are farther north, out in the plains. We’ll take the hoverpod unless you want the trip to eat up the whole afternoon,” she says with a teasing grin.
Oh joy. Whose genius idea was it to suggest this little detour that’s about to put me through round two of sensual torture?
She’s already straddling the pilot seat, ready to take off. I climb on behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. No point trying anything else—I’ve already learned my lesson.
We take off, skimming over the mauve treetops, heading north. I do my best to focus on the scenery, counting landmarks, trying to ignore the scent of her hair. It’s not working. I start reciting the Polar alphabet backward, counting trees in Brolok... still useless.
I really should’ve insisted on getting my own room in the colony instead of crashing with Logan’s family.
If my partner knew what his little sister was doing to my sanity... he’d make me suffer. No way I’m letting him find out. As for this unwanted attraction? I’m keeping it on a tight leash.
At least, I try. But it would really help if she’d stop pressing her butt into me.
The forest eventually gives way to vast, pinkish plains. It’s gorgeous and peaceful. After so many cramped weeks in tiny ships, I soak it all in, temporarily forgetting about the human torture device piloting us.
I spot a group of four-legged creatures in the distance—must be the Nalgous Sam mentioned. They’re huge, way bigger than anything else I’ve seen on this planet. Their thick, curved horns immediately catch my eye. They look like they’re built for ritual combat.
Sam sets the aeropod down gently near the edge of the trees.
“We’ll approach them on foot so we don’t scare them,” she whispers. “They’re not dangerous, but they’re big and strong. Better not to startle them.”
We crouch and move forward, inching toward the herd. I watch them feed on low grass and plants. Their bluish-brown hides blend surprisingly well into the landscape. Their eyes are large and dark, scanning the horizon constantly for threats.
I notice three of them have had their horns cut just above the skull. No doubt Logan’s father’s doing. What kind of monster mutilates such majestic creatures for profit?
“The big one’s their leader,” Sam murmurs.
I focus on the alpha. If I stood next to him, I doubt I’d even reach his shoulder. He’s massive.
I want to help, but I need data. I pull out my handheld scanner and glance at Sam.
