Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

KObrIK

" Y ou're not needed here, Warrior," Major Collins says at the site where the grud's ship exploded. Investigators, including Dr. Parsons, pour through what remains of the ship.

"Are you trying to get rid of me, Major?"

"You're in the way," Parsons says before Collins can answer. The consultant bends down and sifts through debris.

I'm tempted to say he is the one who is not needed here, that his expertise in topography will not aid this investigation. I know more about space ships and grud culture than anyone here.

"The grud's dead," the Major adds. "No need for you hanging around."

I let my horns rise. "I am familiar with grud ship design. I can assist."

"I'll speak plainly. Humans don't like having aliens around. Any aliens, including zyanthans, makes us nervous. You should be preparing for lift off. Two days, Warrior."

I can lift off in seconds, but I don't tell him that. "You underestimate your own people." I keep my voice even and respectful. I'm still a guest on this world, and I don't wish to lose what precious time I have with Kenzie by spending my last days in a military prison.

"Seeing an alien walking around puts people on edge," Collins snaps at me. "Paranoia rises as does the number of violent incidents. This is why you need to leave, Zyanthan."

As much as I'd like to be rid of this major and his prejudices, I need to find a way to extend my time on Earth. I wish to give Kenzie as much time as possible to adjust to the idea of leaving Earth and the knowledge that we are heartmates.

I cannot fathom the idea that she may refuse to leave with me. Krike, I have no idea what I'll do if I'm forced to leave without her.

"Galactic Intelligence wants me to look for the grud's contact on Earth until I'm slated to leave," I lie. I've formally requested the assignment, but diplomacy takes time.

"Contact?" Major Collins asks. "You mean the guy your witness nicknamed Spider King?"

Parsons laughs. "Seriously? Your witness thinks she's seen a spider alien? She's high on weed or a drunk, Warrior. Ignore her mad rantings."

I strain to keep my horns in a neutral position despite his insult toward Kenzie. "He went by the name Nelson and wore a spider costume. The witness is a nurse in an emergency room. Level-headed. Excellent observational skills. Quite credible, Major."

With the tip of his boot, Collins flips a piece of the ship's hull and bends down to pick up a melted piece of metal. "Parsons, look at this."

It's a part of the air filtration system. Insignificant. I'm quickly losing my patience with both of them.

"Look, Vardell," Major Collins turns his attention back to me. "If this Nelson guy is involved with the grud, we'll find him. Finding a human can take time in a city this size, but he's not as big of a threat as a grud. Just another traitor. Probably part of the Brotherhood. We have people assigned to watch and takedown their cells. You're no longer needed here. Go home."

He's wrong. On every point. They've failed to find the person compromising Earth's shield, which is how the grud landed here in the first place. And humans can be as dangerous as any grud, more so because they blend in with the population. It's the Brotherhood's main tactic, using a planet's people against their own government.

I have a vested interest in what happens with Nelson. As long as the male remains free, Kenzie will remain in danger. I cannot leave her here to become his target, and I cannot—I won't —force her to leave her home.

But if I disobey and fail to leave Earth by the deadline, I'll become as hunted as that grud was.

Permission or not, I will remain until I find Nelson and eliminate the threat to Kenzie.

"Which E/R did you say?" Parsons asks as he bags a piece of metal from a communications panel.

"I didn't." Intentionally. "Why do you ask?"

"Major Collins filled me in on everything the witness told you, but it's all here-say. Details get lost when they're repeated by a secondary source, or in this case, a tertiary one. I'd like to ask her my own questions, and in person, to judge her mental capacity."

"You're an expert on physical terrain, not people."

"True, but there are obvious signs when a person is lying. Or high. If she's credible, then we can't dismiss what she knows. You can be there if you wish. Just a few questions. It shouldn't take long. How about you bring her to Major Collin's office tomorrow, around one?"

I nod, because the request is reasonable. But still, something bothers me about this male. Like why a topographer is still consulting with the military even after grud's ship has been located and destroyed.