Chapter 27-2
784 Words
“The cloaking device will keep us from being detected during departure until we meet with my starship,” Ajaska explained as they walked around the exterior of the warship that he had arrived in.
“This is incredible,” Trig muttered. “I could have used a device like that on more than half of my missions.”
“You aren’t the only one,” Hunter agreed.
“Where’s Razor?” Saber asked, looking around the hanger.
Hunter frowned. “Commander Atlas detained him as we were walking down here,” he replied.
“There he is,” Dagger observed. “It looks like Maridi found Sword and Thunder.”
Saber turned and watched as Commander Atlas, Razor, Thunder, and Sword walked toward them. All three men had a grim expression on their faces. Both Sword and Thunder looked like they had seen better days. They weren’t wearing the typical uniforms of a Trivator warrior, but the clothing of one of the nomads that inhabited the area.
“Sword, Thunder,” he greeted.
“Hey, guys,” Taylor said with a welcoming smile that didn’t hide the worry in her eyes.
“We need to leave immediately,” Razor said, glancing at Ajaska. “It would appear that one of your fears has come true.”
Ajaska’s face tightened. “Where?”
Saber frowned when Razor glanced at Taylor before he looked back at the others. He could tell from the muscle throbbing in Razor’s jaw that he was beyond furious. Saber slid his arm around Taylor and pulled her protectively closer to him.
“Earth,” Razor replied in a clipped tone.
Taylor’s eyes widened. “Earth,” she whispered. “But, it’s under the protection of the Alliance. There are still Trivator forces there!”
“Not enough for what is coming, I’m afraid,” Ajaska replied. “My ship is ready. I suggest we leave immediately.”
“But, what about the people here?” Taylor asked, her gaze catching sight of Maridi and Lonnie further down the landing bay.
“We will be ready to strike,” Commander Atlas assured her.
Saber watched as Commander Atlas signaled the hanger crew to prepare for a departure. The area darkened until only a series of red lights lit the area. It was enough for the workers to prepare for a night departure. Gripping Taylor’s hand, he pulled her up the ramp behind him.
“Saber,” Taylor whispered as they followed Ajaska and the others to the seats where they would strap in for takeoff. “Why would anyone attack Earth? Surely they know that the Trivator and Alliance have promised it protection. The humans are still rebuilding after… after you guys came.”
“I know,” Saber replied quietly. “The Alliance and the Trivator forces there will do everything they can to protect your world. We do not know what is happening yet. There will be a debriefing once we are on the Kassisan warship.”
“I would like to be there,” Taylor murmured.
Saber glanced at Hunter, who shook his head. He understood that even though Hunter understood Taylor’s desire to attend the meeting, this was a matter of war. He glanced down and grimaced when he saw Taylor shoot Hunter a murderous glare before she narrowed her eyes at him and smirked.
“Taylor,” Saber growled under his breath.
Taylor sat back and folded her arms across her chest. “I didn’t say anything,” she muttered.
A silent groan swept through Saber. Taylor, Jordan, and Jesse would probably know more about what was going on than he did by the time everything was said and done. He gripped her hand as the small transport took off. It was going to be a long night.
* * * *
Later the next day, Taylor watched as Saber moved silently through their room on board Ajaska’s warship. She waited, knowing that he had a lot on his mind. Her eyes followed his hands as he removed his shirt. A warm glow filled her as she ran her gaze over him.
“You really have bulked up,” she murmured.
“What?” Saber asked, turning to look at her.
Taylor grinned. “I said you look yummy,” she replied, wiggling her nose at him.
A startled chuckled escaped Saber and he strode over to the bed in their cabin. Taylor quickly rolled over onto her back when he braced his arms on each side of her, trapping her. He slid his knee onto the bed and pressed it against her hip.
“I do not believe I’ve ever heard a Trivator warrior called ‘yummy’ before,” he murmured.
Taylor giggled and slid her hands up his chest. “Well, I could show you just how yummy you are,” she suggested, walking her fingers back down and running them along the edge of his pants. “I could do a taste test. I’ll start with your….”
Her giggle was smothered by his kiss. He had been gone all night and most of the day and she missed him. She had taken advantage of that time to contact both Jesse and Jordan to let them know that she and Saber were alright.
- Writer
