Beyond My Stars

Human

            “By all the moons in the sky, you look so beautiful Milady.”

            I rolled my eyes teasingly at Jag. “Quit flattering me, Jag. It’s not healthy for my ego.”

            She giggled. “Like your ego can get any bigger.”

            Finally, ready and with Jag at the north gate, I was happy with the way I looked. My dress was perfect, hugging me in ever right way, and my black heels stood out against the cream color of my dress. I decorated my marking with the jewels making the mark in whole look like an elegant choker, but Kaji would still know exactly what it was. My hair was up in an elegant messy bun, with strands loose and my makeup was subtle, only highlighting my features. I left my lips nude, just to make my slightly dark eye shadow pop. I felt like I was a dime tonight, and I was going to talk to the High Commander about letting the humans be free to roam and live wherever we want.

            As we walked we talked about everything, I told her about meeting the brother’s father and about Tuli. It was nice being able to have time with Jag when she wasn’t working, it made me miss Tuli. I was going to have to check on her. The walk there was enlightening, I got to see where more things were. Like the healers building, the airship hangers, the barracks for the soldiers in training, and a weird building that looked like it had a telescope coming out of it.

            “This…is a big building…” I looked up as Jag chuckled next to me.

            “It has to be. The High Commander’s personal ships are here, the royal and neighboring planet guests stay here, and the Great Hall is inside. It’s massive.”

            I looked over at Jag and nodded. “Sweet. Alright, let’s go get this show on the road then. I’m so nervous I can’t feel my feet.”

            “Are you sure it’s not because of the heels?” Jag asked teasingly as she gestured down my legs and holding her hand out for me to take.

            “You know, at this point, who knows.” I said, placing my hand in hers.

            Just like that, Jag lead me into the building.

            The interior of the building was stunning. The color theme was all white, gold, and silver. It was a blend of modern and the unique Kaji style the planet seemed to have. Intricate details were across the walls, while the furniture was more modern with clean lines. Jag pulled me around another corner to a frosted glass elevator. I was always wary of elevators, just didn’t like the way I felt inside of one. When we stepped on I closed my eyes and waited for the jolt and weird pit in my stomach, but nothing happened. Jag touched my arm gently.

            “Open your eyes, were almost there. Do not show fear to anyone up here. Not the guests, not even the High Commander. Do not show them any weakness. You’re going to be great, Milady.”

            I opened my eyes and stared into Jag’s reassuring pink ones. “I understand.”

            Jag touched the side of my face. “Remember, you here to free your people. No matter what they say, this is your objective. Keep focused, and always remember that you have allies. You’re not alone.”

            I nodded. “Thank you, Jag. Thank you for being here for me.”

            “Always. You’re like my little sister that I never got. My tiny human little sister.” Jag said with a big smile.

            Ding.

            This is it. I was about to meet the High Commander, and whoever was in there. I still couldn’t feel my feet…

            The doors opened and I swear for a second my heart stopped. Inside was a lavish party, at least a dozen and a half beings were here, different kinds of beings as well. There were tall beings over seven foot, light blue skin, stark white hair, and completely blacked out eyes. Each has different white-ish color markings, and all of them were like the Kaji, drop dead gorgeous. Then I could see several female’s that looked to be plant based, light green skin, plant style markings with light neon green eyes. Then to my dismay, there were the Grong’s. Whose skin ranges from flesh colored to dark grey ash, eyes seem to be usually some kind of red, bald-even the females that I could make out.

            Next to me Jag interlocked her arms with mine, and whispered. “Show no fear.”

            I nodded and held my head high, making sure to put my shoulders back, and keep my eyes from dropping to the floor. As we stepped off the elevator we attracted eyes to us. The guests began to whisper or gesture in our direction, but I didn’t let them get to me. I was looking for someone who would be the High Commander, but I realized I didn’t know what he looked like. I didn’t have any kind of description of the guy.

            It was too late to ask Jag, I didn’t want any of the guests thinking I wasn’t informed. Maybe if I was lucky, Jag would lead me right to him. I noticed Jag was walking with me like I was on display, it made me a little nervous. Then, I felt eyes on me. Eyes that I’ve felt before.

            I glanced over my shoulder and saw Vyer heading right for my direction.  

            f**k.

            “Jag, this is the dude I was telling you about earlier.” I whispered to her, hoping we could do something evasive to avoid him all together.

            She spun me around so that I was halfway behind her, fully confronting the Grong General. “Good evening, may we help you, ser?”

            Vyer looked displeased with my guard, sighing as he tried to look around Jag. “I came to see if I could speak with the small human.”

            “I’m sorry, but right now we have a meeting with the High Commander. Maybe if there is time afterward. Excuse us.” Jag said, turning around and ushering me forward in front of her.

            He scoffed. “You can’t avoid me forever, Milady!”

            I waved him off. “I can sure try.”

            We heard him laugh behind us, I glanced over to Jag and rolled my eyes.

            “I was hoping we weren’t going to see him so soon. That’s the guy that burned my lips.”

            Jag snorted her disgust. “That Grong looks like a walking bad situation.”

            Not being able to help it, I died laughing.

            “That beautiful sound must be coming from the human Milady Fairchild I’ve heard so much about.”

            Hearing that voice caused Jag to stiffen, straightening her posture, balling her fist and placing it in the middle of her chest. I had no idea what was going on, at least until I saw who she was addressing. This had to be the High Commander. He was tall, broad shouldered, and carried an aura of complete dominance. Without asking for it, he demanded the respect of the entire room. His short dark brown hair was slicked back, his eyes were of pure concrete silver, and a long scar was etched into his stark white skin. He was a very intimidating man to say the least.

            As I examined the High Commander, he did the same of me. Taking in everything from my shoes, up my legs, to my dress, my bust, and finally landing on my neck. His eyes explored my neck, and before I could react his hand was on my chin gently. Tilting my head from the right, slowly to the left to get a better look at Koryn and Kit’s marks. When he was done, he finally glanced up to my face.

            “You must be Milady Fairchild. Kit and Koryn have told me so much about you, and your people. It’s nice to finally able to have your vision in front of me. Those brothers are like sons to me.” The High Commander said as he let his hand fall away from my face.

            I bowed my head to him since I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. “I am, I hope they’ve told you good things about me.”

            High Commander laughed. “Oh, they have, don’t worry. They told me that you are the designated ambassador for the female humans in the Complex.”

            “I don’t know about that, but I seem to be the one everyone is coming too for their concerns.” I said as he held out his hand for me to take. I obliged without hesitation.

            He nodded. “So, what are these concerns that your people are having. I truly want to hear them out and see if we can come to a proper solution.”

            With a smile, I started. “Well, as you know, I have found Koryn and Kit to be my life partners. Maités, as the Kaji call it. Since then, most all the females have been asking about what it was like and how they can achieve happiness like I feel. It’s nearly wrong to keep people apart from their Maités. The females are getting restless with being cooped up in the Complex, only going to work and back. If we can arrange some sort of true freedom, maybe it will keep the humans happy and the Kaji get to be used to us more. We can truly integrate with your people and find balance. I work in Heta, and only until recently have I had any issue with being a human. Most other Kaji have gotten over the whole human thing, we can be free and safe now. Please, at least consider it.”

            The High Commander stopped walking and looked at me with surprise on his face. “I wasn’t expecting that out of you. The females want freedom? Hmm…Do you have any proof besides yourself that your female humans can be the Maités of Kaji?”

            “Yes, actually I do. My roommate Beth, who is absolutely frightened of Kaja. While we were picking out this dress for tonight, this Kaji who was stocking shelves introduced himself and when their hands touched, they knew. His name is Loi and he fully accepted her as his partner right then and there.” I said, watching his face for some kind of reaction.

            He nodded. “I’ve heard some things about you humans. May I ask you some questions.”

            My smile never failed as I nodded.

“I know you are considered weak, as in strength wise, how would that weakness help the Kaji. Being integrated with us, means you must keep up with us.” It was his turn to scan my face for the answer to his question.

“What we lack in physical strength we make up for in cunning. No matter the situation, we always find a way to solve it. Might take some time, maybe some suffering, but we will achieve what we set out to do. It’s what I’m doing now.” I felt his thumb trace the back of my hand as the High Commander seemed lost in thought listening to me.

He wasn’t looking at me as he spoke. “What about your feelings?”

I raised my eyebrow. “I’m not sure what you mean, ser.”

            High Commander glanced my way as he stopped to take my other hand in his. “I was told humans are frail with their feelings, their emotions run them. Does that sound accurate?”

            “Yes, sometimes to a fault, but we can also rationalize what we feel. Redirect our feelings to an outlet to keep them from owning every action we make. We can’t help the feelings we have, but we do not let them control us all the time. Do Kaji not act the same?” I asked as de drank in my options like they were fine wine.

            “Oh, very much so. But Kaji are hardwired to always do what’s best for Kaja. If your females are to be with Kaji male’s, then we need to make sure that they know to put Kaja before their own feelings.” He said with a half-smile.

            I don’t like where this is going. I thought as I let out a controlled breath. “What do you mean specifically, ser?”

            High Commander tilted his head to the side, eyeing me with a calculating glance that put me on edge. “We’ll use you as an example. So, Milady. If I told you that Koryn and Kit were on a special kind of assignment that required them to get involved with a female, what would you do?”

            Yeah, I knew I wasn’t going to like this. I can’t let him see my emotions. It might ruin this deal I have going, or I think is going. “I trust them. I thrust them to do the right thing.”

            “The right thing for who?” He asked squeezing my hands in his.

            I held my head high and looked him right in the eyes. “The right thing for Kaja, and then for themselves. May I ask if you’re asking me as a Maité or as a partner of soldiers?”

            His eyes narrowed in confusion. “Are they not the same?”

            I shook my head a little. “No. As a Maité, I would be upset. Saddened by the possibility of my Maités being intimate with someone other than myself. As a partner of soldiers, I understand there are things they are going to have to do, for assignment, for survival. I will never hold that against them.”

            “That was a very…insightful answer, Milady. Let me ask you this though. If they were to walk through that door, female Kaji hanging off their arm, what would you do?” He asked as he turned to be behind me, still holding onto my one hand. “How would you react?”

            Before I could say anything doors off to the right of the room opened and in walked Kit and Koryn, a stunning orange eyed Kaji snuggled between them. I felt my heart drop into my stomach as my eyes landed on them. My breath hitched, and I swear my body temperature went up ten degrees. My jaw clenched when I saw Koryn’s arm around her waist. Neither brothers had seen me yet.

            High Commander looked down at me, and I didn’t let a damn thing show on my face. I wasn’t going to ruin this. I’ve gotten this far, I was going to make it all the way there. “Were you wondering on what I would do, or how I would feel? Because speaking freely, they are two different universes.”

            “Explain it to me.” He said into my ear.

            I let out a deep breath. “I feel like I can’t breathe. Everything in me wants to turn and leave so I don’t have to see them with her. I want to show them that I am a thousand times better for them than her, but as to what I’m going to do? Nothing. I will not move from this place. I will not react, and I will not interfere. I know better. They are going to have to do things I don’t like, and it’s something I’m going to have to live with. But, High Commander? I am something they cannot live without, and vice versa. Right at this moment, I hope what they are doing will get them a promotion.”

            For a moment, I thought that I had said something wrong, I glanced over to Jag. She looked like she was about to pass out.

            f**k.

            Then the High Commander chuckled. “You are one amazing woman, Milady. I’m glad my boys have you, and you are most certainly right. They cannot go without you.”

            He pulled me a little so that I was face-to-face with him again. “You truly deserve to speak on behave of your people. I’m going to appoint you Liaison of the female humans. With your status, you will have access to the things you’re going to need for your people. Starting tomorrow, I will have my Kajian remove the fence around the Complex, and your people are free to move about Kaja as they please. IF they wish to reside elsewhere, they must make sure you know. That way you can keep track of them and make sure everyone is alright.”

            I nearly jumped for joy. He listened to me! To me! “Thank you so much, ser. I promise, the females will be good. We’ve been waiting for this for a while.”

            “I’m glad I can make your people happy.” He said, still holding onto my hand.

            “Oh, ser. May I ask you for one more favor?” I asked as I glanced to Jag.

            He nodded. “Yes, Milady.”

            I stepped in close so that only he could hear. “I had a run in with the Grong General Vyer, and he wants to take me back to Grongion with him. I ask for you favor, please don’t make me go with him. He scares the hell out of me and has already burned me physically in the Heta while I was working. The General wants to take me away from Koryn and Kit, please, don’t let him?”

            The High Commander straightened and seemed to move into ‘military mode’. “No, do not worry. That Grong will not be taking you anywhere. You are the Liaison for Kaja’s humans. You have a title, and no one dare mess with you now. All humans are now citizens of Kaja, not slaves to be taken against their will. If he tries to mess with you again, do this…”

            He lifted my bracelet communicator and pressed something into it. I watched as he fiddled with it for a second or two then straightened back up.

            “Press the button three times in sequence and it will alert me if you need help or are in trouble. Now, I think it’s time to let the boys in on this game of ours.” He said with a smile.

            I smirked as we looked over to them. “So, them with that girl was all a test? How did you know that I was going to ask you about the female’s freedom?”

            High Commander shrugged. “The brothers told me, but I’ll admit. I had every intention on telling you no, but after meeting you, I changed my mind.”

            I giggled as I nodded towards the boys. “How do you want to do this, ser?”

            “I’m just going to yell at them.” He said with a shrug.

            “What-” I started, but was cut off.

            “Straighten up, boys! Your supposed to be on assignment, wouldn’t want your luvana seeing you and your terrible postures, would you?! High Commander shouted at the brothers.  

            Koryn and Kit looked like all the color drained from their faces as they glanced over in our direction. Both the boys looked at me from head to toe, raking their eyes over every inch of me before letting go of the female Kaji to head over in our direction. Kit playfully smiled as he bit the inside of his lip, but Koryn on the other hand looked like he was about to tear the entire room apart. I smiled at the brothers as they came up, knowing full well that the High Commanders hand was still wrapped around mine. Mostly because he was displaying it in full for Koryn and Kit.

            “Good evening, ser.” Both said at the same time before looking over to me.

            I raised an eyebrow. “Evening, boys.”

            High Commander stood tall, looking down at my hand in his. “Are you ready to take over for me, Reye’s?”

            “Yes, Ser.” Both said in unison.

            He nodded, turning to lightly kiss me on the cheek. “It was enlightening speaking with you. We’ll have to do it again sometime soon.”

            I nodded and bowed my head. “Anytime, just let me know when, ser.”

            With that he held out my hand, and quickly Koryn stepped forward to take it while Kit took my other one. Jag took the hint and stepped off to give us some space. I smiled as I felt their hands roaming around my body like it was the first time they’ve touched me. Koryn reached up to tilt my head back, smashing his lips to mine, instantly demanding access into my mouth. I gave into him, feeling myself shiver against him as his tongue teased mine. I moaned as I felt Kit’s hand slide around my waist. Koryn pulled back and like normal, forced my head to the side so Kit could plant his lips to mine. His gentle tongue ran against mine in a half swirl before I lightly nipped it with my teeth. I felt Koryn hand slide under the hem of my dress and I had to stop him.

            “Koryn, were in a room filled with very important people. Can we wait till we leave?” I said into his ear. “Or, at least until we get into the elevator.”

            “Fuck.” He groaned out as I pulled out of their grasp.

            I winked at them before gesturing over to the female Kaji that walked in with them. “Who’s the new luvana?”           

            Kit and Koryn both growled at me calling her that.

            Koryn’s hand went up my back to grip the underside of my hair. “Don’t. You ever call another woman that. That name is reserved for you, and only you.”

            Kit’s went the opposite direction, squeezing my rear as he sighed. “She’s nothing.”

            “Nothing but an assignment?” I asked seeing them both stiffen. “I know, I’ve been talking to the High Commander for a little while now.”

            Koryn sighed, and Kit let out a huge breath. “Thank the moons.”

            I laughed a little. “Did you two f**k her?”

            At that both brothers seemed to be thrown through a loop. Kit’s arms fell to his side while Koryn growled deeper, yanking me into him with a force that made me smile.

            “Do you think we would be with someone other than you? No, not even for an assignment. You are the only one were ever going to be inside. Just wait, I’m going to make you wish you haven’t said that.” Koryn said into my ear before pushing me over into Kit’s arms.

            Kit smiled as he squeezed me against him. “I’m with Koryn on this too.”

            I giggled. “Why am I not surprised?”