Passion's Escape

I am a mechanic...

It was much worse than she had suspected.

If this was the real Lord Dragon, he was the son of the emperor, one of the most dangerous men in the galaxy. Not wanting them to see her fear, she reluctantly gave her fealty. "I vow my allegiance to the emperor and the Galactic Alliance. I will vow my life and liberty to the emperor and his house." Her father would have killed her himself if he had heard her speak the words.

Satisfied Hawk questioned her and she heard humor in his voice. "Are you running from a husband or a lover?

Alternatively, are you a criminal little warrior? Have you killed many men who were unfortunate enough to cross your path?"

"No questions, we agreed."

He nodded solemnly. Passion thought she might have seen just a hint of understanding in his eyes. With great relief, she relished the feeling of control of her own destiny. These men had royal principles and they would not back out of the bargain. Passion could taste her freedom. She hurried to gather equipment and immediately got to work.

It was obvious the large guard called Hawk did not completely trust her. As she began her task, he was watching her like his namesake, the hawk. It annoyed her but she ignored him. He had no idea how important it was for her to get the ship fixed. She listened to the crew and the one called Dragon discussing going over to the tavern for a drink. Passion cringed, he would never come out alive and then she would lose her ride. She called out before they left. "My Lords, remove your armbands, they make your affiliation to the emperor obvious. You will live longer here without them. Not everyone on this rock is as ready to swear fealty as I am."

Hawk went over to Dragon and they spoke quietly. She noticed that he did indeed remove the telling accessories. She saw Hawk regretfully place both of their armbands bands in a pouch at his waist. Rolling her eyes, she was glad that she was not the man's b***h. She would hate having the emperor's progeny dictate her every move. It was obvious from the men's body language that if Dragon had not told Hawk to remove his armbands he would have left them on. Foolish, prideful man!

Crawling back under the ship she continued on with her work. Hawk remained behind, pouting. It was apparent that he would have rather been guarding his master rather than keeping an eye on her. Annoyed she could not help herself. She snapped at him.

"Hey, whatever you are worried that I'm going to do, just forget it. Do you know anything about engine repair?"

"No, I am a warrior, not a mechanic."

"Then back off. I am a mechanic, and I plan to ride off to freedom on this thing so no worries, it will fly. Go play with your friends. I'm not going to steal the ship, blow it up, or break it."

It was obvious that Hawk was unused to sassy women.

He looked like he needed oxygen. Was it normal for his people to turn red then blue then purple? she wondered.

When he spoke, it was in outraged sputtered fragments. "I . . . Women do not speak to a warrior like . . . You . .

. If you were a man I would kill . . . I . . .”

She cut him off before he said something that she would make him regret. "Cool it Hercules. Run along and let the grease monkey work. You go be a manly man somewhere that I don't have to see it."

He stormed off. She knew that she would probably pay for being flip later, but she was going to enjoy the peace and quiet while she had it.