Page 36 of Caldar
“He’s hurt. Can’t you see that? He needs a doctor,” Sonia said.
“He will wait in the brig until a medic can attend to him. We must first assess the other survivors,” the male said.
Caldar closed his eyes, pleased to hear of the existence of other survivors. His message reached the warlord in time. They found the Suhlik research vessel.
“Now. He’s going to pass out. Look at him,” Sonia said. “Look at him!”
There was muttered conversation. Caldar didn’t care. The warlord found his mate. The other survivors meant little beyond that his mate would be pleased they were saved.
He did not resist when they separated him from his mate.
He did not resist when they confined him to a secured unit in the medical bay.
He did nothing as the medics worked.
He remained passive when he was transferred to the brig.
He said nothing as the warlord paced and listed all his crimes.
“Tell me of Sonia’s status. She was injured,” Caldar said, ignoring the warlord. What did he care about his transgressions? He had too many to list. Sonia was the only thing that mattered.
“The medics are treating her now. They are confident that the damage can be reversed.”
Caldar slumped against the wall in relief.
The warlord continued to speak. Caldar did not listen. There was no point.
“I cannot ignore this. Not this time,” Paax said.
A plasma infused dagger hung at his side. The edge glowed a soft blue, sparking and flaring as the warlord moved. The significance of the blade did not escape Caldar. The warlord was there to deliver his punishment.
They had been friends, once, long ago before Caldar left the clan. Time and new responsibility weighed on the warlord. They were roughly the same age, and had gone through training together. Now the lines around Paax’s eyes and mouth seemed deeper, worn by worry and constant work. One of his horns had been severed at the scalp. The stump had a clean break, rising out of his hair.
“You are not even listening,” Paax said, sounding irritated.
“You lost your horn,” Caldar responded.
“Tell me you understand.”
“I pursued a female. I claimed her. I have broken the main tenet of several treaties that the Mahdfel hold with Earth, Sangrin, and other planets in our alliance. Such action jeopardizes the relationship with not just Earth, but any alliance planet. An example must be made of me, lest other males believe themselves above regulations,” he said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “Did I forget anything?”
The only moment he felt doubt was when he heard Sonia shout for him. She forced her way into the brig, the other warriors slow to physically remove her.
“Caldar! Let me see him!” Sonia’s voice echoed down into the depths of the brig.
He lurched to his feet, his body reacting to the cries of his mate, then stumbled. Infected flesh from his injured leg had to be cut away. The medic advised the regrowth would be slow, but Caldar told the medic to save his words. Caldar’s remaining time was limited. Regrowth and recovery were no longer his concern.
Paax watched Caldar stumble with compassion in his eye, which made it worse.
“The punishment for such a violation is death,” Paax said.
Caldar said nothing.
“You must give me some exonerating circumstance, some factor that impaired you or explains your actions. Give me a reason to find compassion. You claimed the female. I know you do nothing without reason. Help me understand.”
Caldar stared at the warlord. He did not have the strength to explain about the unknown compound he had been injected with or the effect it had on him. The medics drew blood. If there was a chemical signature in his blood, they would find it. Besides, it did not matter. He was a grown male. He was more than mindless instinct and base desire. He should not have lost control. He could not be trusted.
He said nothing.
