Chapter 39

Chapter Thirty-Nine

EVO

My comm unit is constantly dinging with new notifications, but I don’t want to get up. I am enjoying sitting here simply holding Qwin in my arms, but I’ve put my duties off long enough.. Just as I am about to move, ANDI appears in his holo form right in front of us. Qwin actually screams as she climbs up to my shoulder.

“ Greetings , Captain EvO . SCOUT informed me that you were in need of my assistance.” He bows formally, “ Who may I ask is this lovely creature climbing up your lap as we speak?”

“ What is that?”

“ That , my dear is ANDI .” Qwin finally lets go of my neck but she leans forward, running her hand through the holo projection. Jerking it back when it passes clear through him. I can’t keep from chuckling at her expression.

“ He looks like a miniature Dracula ? Are you real? Oh my, either way, you are just precious in that outfit.”

ANDI takes that ridiculous hat off, bowing once again. “ Mistress , forgive me for popping in unexpectedly, and thank you for the compliment. I forgot that you have not had the pleasure of meeting any of my kind as of yet. The Destroyer has been gone for so long, we have not been able to keep in touch. I have missed her company and am looking forward to docking with her soon. I do love my big girls and she is a beauty.”

“ EvO , I think he is flirting with the Destroyer ,” Qwin whispers near my ear.

“ He is a smooth talker, Qwin .”

“ Thank you, Captain . I do enjoy the ladies. As of this moment, I am in route to intercept you. My cargo hold is full of necessities needed to help with the new human settlement. We should rendezvous within the next rising. Commander DaR has narrowed the search to two locations, SCOUT is investigating them further, as we speak. Hopefully , we will have good news by the time we catch up with you.”

“ Thank you ANDI . I will be at the helm shortly. I would like to talk to you further about an idea I have for an improvement on the Destroyer .”

“ Oh , she needs no improvements. She is a shining gem amongst the stars, but I will help in any way possible, Captain .”

He waves at Qwin , then simply disappears. “ Wow , talk about an entrance and exit. He is a lively little thing.”

“ ANDI can project himself larger, but seems to prefer that particular size unless SCOUT or SAGE are around. SCOUT has found a way to cast himself physically. If you were not told, you wouldn’t know he wasn’t organic. He is the mastermind behind our defenses and most of the luxuries in our many worlds. SAGE is his soft counterpart, and he is wrapped. Much like I am with you.”

“ EvO , I know I have been difficult, but I promise I am going to try to be more open minded. You have done nothing, but support me from the moment you risk your life to save me. From now on, when things get to me, we will talk about it.”

“ That’s all I can ask, my Qwin . Do you still want to go to the helm or return to our chambers?”

“ You mentioned checking on Rafe .”

“ I can do that on the way.”

“ I’ll go with you then.”

We grab a lift that takes us to the upper floor where the four main quarters are located. When it slides open Qwin looks puzzled at the long hallway. “ I was wondering if you should have called first. I was expecting it to open up right in their main living room.”

“ My quarters are the only ones designed that way. The other three are separate, as you can see. ViN and Ember’s rooms are at the end of the hall.” I walk up to the first door and place my hand on the pad next to the door. Instantly , hearing the small ding that alerts the inhabitants that someone is requesting entry. I step back when something hits the door from the other side.

I put my palm back up ready to override the lock, when the door suddenly slides open. Rafe is holding a wild Suet in his arms. “ Let go of me, you fucking monster! Let me out of here!” The female screams as she fights against his huge arms trying to hold her without harming her further.

When Qwin starts to step forward, I put my arm out in front of her, stopping her from getting any closer. “ Rafe ?”

“ Not a good time for a visit, EvO . Cassandra is not having a good rising.” He has dark bags under his eyes and scratches all over him. She is kicking out at the walls, screaming at the top of her lungs as he struggles to contain her.

“ Rafe , let us help.”

“ I got this.”

He hits the panel with his shoulder and the door closes back. I stand here looking at the wall stunned. I reach toward my comm to call LeX when ViN opens his door, motioning us towards him.

“ What the frack is going on in there, ViN ?”

“ Keep your voice down, my Ember is resting. That female has been carrying on like that all rising. LeX warned Rafe that she would be hard to handle, and those words are proving to be true. I can’t hear what she is saying, thank the Lord of Light , but from time to time, something hits the walls. She managed to get out of his rooms once already and it took everything he had to get her back inside. Rafe is twice her size, but with those drugs in her system, she is pushing his strength. I’ve never witnessed such, it’s heart wrenching.”

“ EvO , there has to be something we can do.”

Before I could answer, ViN interrupts. “ LeX warned him Qwin , and I am just a door away if he needs anything. As much as I hate to say this, we are going to have to let it run its course. Sooner or later, she will simply collapse. No one can continue to fight like that constantly.”

“ This is so sad, my heart breaks for both of them. When this is all over she will hate herself for what she put both of them through … I would.”

ViN’s next words really bring things into perspective. “ I think it’s worse because she didn’t do this to herself and is being punished for someone else’s mistake. There is nothing either of you can do. If I feel like things are getting out of hand, I will step in. If Rafe can’t handle her, we may have to put her in one of the holding cells until this works out of her system.”

“ I don’t think he would permit us to do that, ViN . We would just be fighting both of them then, and I don’t know about you, brother, but I really don’t want to be the one Rafe’s anger is focused on. That male’s hands are massive.” My comm unit beeps again. “ We need to go, Qwin . I have to cover someone’s shift this darkness, since he is otherwise occupied.”

“ My mate will always come before duty, EvO .”

“ As it should Brother , simply giving you a hard time. Keep an eye on Rafe and comm me if needed.”

ViN nods his head, then steps back as the door slides closed. “ Qwin , would you like to return to our quarters first, or head to the helm with me?”

“ Honestly , I think I would like to lay down for a little bit, but then I’ll come find you. How do we get there from here?”

“ Let me show you.” We walk over to the side wall that looks solid to the naked eye. I put my hand against a blank square and the entire wall disappears, opening right up into our chamber.

“ How did you do that?”

“ Besides , you. No one else knows that it is a false wall. It’s a safety feature reserved as an escape route. The entire top floor is covered in these, you simply have to learn to spot them.” My comm dings and it’s my Father requesting my council in a few ticks. “ Qwin , I would stay longer if I could, but I need to go.”

“ EvO , you never have to explain to me that you need to do your job. I’ll come and find you in a few hours.”

Qwin motions for me to bend down and my lips are upon hers instantly. Having to force my arms to release her. I step back then head towards the lift before my will power fades all together.