Chapter 17

I catch myself stopping twice, turning back as I walk down the passageway towards the loading docks. Rubbing my chest, I swear it feels like the further away I get from Tessa the harder it's getting to take a step. But the distressful sound of my daughter's voice echoing towards me forces my legs forward.

"By the sound of Raya's voice, SiN, it sounds as if you have already overstayed your welcome."

"About time you showed up, ZoD. I do believe me and this little lady have gotten off on the wrong foot. She is a feisty thing for sure. I wouldn't mind wrestling around with her at all. It's not often I can look a female in the eye."

Igrab ahold of Raya's arm when she takes a step forward. Her anger at being talked to in this manner has her entire body trembling.

"I would advise you to keep your opinions to yourself, SiN. OrI will not be responsible for Raya's actions if you push her much further."

"I will tell you, ZoD, I was shocked to see a female in charge when I landed. They are such fragile, delicate things. I would have thought you would take better care of your breeders."

WhenRaya actually snarls at him, I almost let her go just to see what she would do, but he is not worth her time. "Raya is in charge when I am unavailable, and none disrespect her, nor her commands in my absence. As you can clearly see, Raya is not a breeder. She is a warrior who has earned her combat scars, and she is also my daughter. So, I would tread carefully with your next words. I believe an apology is more in order, don't you?"

"Ughh, sorry… didn't mean to step on your toes especially after you were kind enough to let me dock here until I can get a few repairs done."

"What repairs are needed to make your shuttle space worthy? It looks to be in good order."

"My main thruster has blown a panel, and my replicator won't produce anything at all. I have the equipment to make the repairs myself on the thruster, but she needed to be dry docked in order to do so. If you have one available, I would like to purchase a new replicator or other means of substance from you if possible?"

"That can be arranged and so you know in advance. You will not be permitted in the main complex. I will have a guard stationed here at all times with you. Speaking of payments, where is the female you promised me?"

"I almost forgot, let me retrieve her."

Iwatch as SiN walks back up the main ramp of his shuttle. Something doesn't feel right about this random visit, and I want him gone as quickly as possible. SinceI have places, I would rather be. Waiting for him to reemerge starts to make me angry.

"SiN, do you need assistance?"

Witha chain in hand, he starts pulling a small human female behind him. He has the chain hooked onto a collar attached to her neck. She tugs on the collar, pulling against him as he tugs her forward. With large, scared eyes, she looks around at all of us. Her small body is dressed in rags and she trembles slightly, but other than that she doesn't look damaged. Instantly, I notice the difference not only in appearance but in personality from this female to my Tessa. This one is quiet and meek, where mine would be fighting and cussing every breath.

"Is that truly necessary, SiN, she is half your size. Surely you can control one of her small stature."

"Don't let their size fool you. This one has kept me on my toes this entire trip. I will say she has grown on me slightly and if it wasn't for our previous arrangement, I might have kept her to play with for a while. What are your plans for her, anyway?"

"That is none of your concern, SiN. Your debt has now been paid. You have this rising to do your repairs, then I want you gone. Don't push my hospitality, thinking any of your excuses will sway my decision. You are a threat to my people, and I don't need certain eyes turned this way. You draw attention I don't need or want right now. Remember, you will have guards on you at all times. Raya, will you please see that the female is settled? I will be there shortly."

Iwatch as the dark-haired female looks over at SiN when he gives the chain to Raya. The disgust on Raya's face is apparent, but she takes it, moving slowly so the human's shorter legs can stay up without tugging on the chain. As soon as they are out of hearing distance, I see Raya bend down and whisper something to the female. She must have been shocked at what she was being told. Because she actually jerks slightly before glancing back at us.

Fora split second, I see something in SiN's face that makes me wonder if the little female may mean more to him than he is putting on. When he sees me watching him, his normal smirk immediately reappears. Instantly, I know he is going to be a problem, and there is more going on here than appears.

"ZoD, I was hoping we would have a few risings together, after all, we have a common enemy."

"You continue to insult me, SiN, with your nonexistent familiarity. You will address me properly or you can leave immediately. To make things clear, SiN, we have nothing in common. I am a Commander, while you are nothing more than a common criminal. You need to remember your place."

"Now, now, don't get all Commanderish on me, Commander. I know DaR is not your favorite person. It's worth mentioning that I have stolen codes for clearance into Darverius, that I might consider giving up in exchange for a few credits."

"You are misinformed, as I have no personal issues with CommanderDaR. He simply oversteps the rules placed upon the rest of us when it suits him and is allowed to do so. Furthermore, I have no need for your codes, as I can enter Darverius at any point, legally."

"You may be legal, but many of your acquaintances are not. You have more need for those codes than you realize, Commander. AlthoughI was planning to ask this question later, I'm curious, why do you need all these females? I am only asking, because once I get the extra funds, I was going to come back and approach you about purchasing that female back."

"You can mark re-obtaining her off your list. That female is now under my protection and what I do with her, or any others, is of no concern of yours. Use your time here wisely SiN, and get your repairs done. I have more important things to attend to than listen to your rambling."

Ihad just dismissed him and was turning to one of the guards. When the sound of screams has all of us, including SiN, running toward the entrance of the main compound.

Mypeople are scrambling in all directions, and at first, I can't see what has happened. UntilI spot Raya and the new human female grabbing the younglings up in their arms. Depositing them into the lift that heads towards the upper levels. SiN has already placed himself before the human female, blocking one of the Waldrin from grabbing her by slicing its arm off. As another Waldrin approaches out of the shadows, he pushes her back and grabs up one of the other younglings. With a disgusted look on his face, SiN kicks the arm he just severed away when it starts wiggling as it starts to grow rapidly.

Hesays something to her before she practically disappears in front of my eyes. I lose track of them quickly as I start herding the ones I can into the closest safe chamber that leads above. Onyx appears out of nowhere, grabbing Raya, slinging her back as she is becoming overrun by the Waldrin she had hacked to pieces where she was trying to give the ones that were in the substance area time to get to safety.

"Get the younglings to the safe room," I yell out. "Retreat to the docks and get above, immediately." SiN is battling several Waldrin at once, but they seem to only be trying to keep him and the other guards busy. What am I missing?In the back of my mind, I am grateful that Tessa is safe in my dwelling above since the Waldrin never appear on the surface. Their fragile skin cannot handle the cutting sands or heat without severe injuries.

Suddenly, the Waldrin retreat as quickly as they appeared into the shadows and walls. Quickly, I glance around, looking for my children. Raya seems to have a few open cuts, but Onyx and she are both fine. "Raya, I need a report on all casualties and a head count. Onyx, we need to seal up the new breaches immediately." Both of them take off, neither having to be told anything else. SiN is before me before I can turn away.

"Thank you for your assistance, SiN."

"What the frack was that, Commander? And why do I feel like this is not the first time they have invaded your compound, taking your people?"

"SiN, I appreciate your help, but you have your own concerns. You need to leave and allow me to deal with my own. I owe you no explanation, nor are you getting one. However, the female you brought is no longer safe here. I will have your word … that if I give back the credits back you owed to me, you will take her to your father."

"ZoD, I don't think she is the problem right now. I just saw a bunch of walking wormlike things practically ooze out of the Frackin walls, and when I cut its arm off it started growing. Now you may assume I'm just a stupid criminal, but that shit isn't normal."

"SiN, your eyes did not deceive you, I am struggling to keep my people safe. IfI could arrange it, I would send them all away, but most are stubborn and won't leave willingly. Get your shuttle fixed and get the frack out of here. I have no more time to deal with you."

Withoutanother word, I turn away from him, noticing immediately the other human female is helping with the younglings. She looks up at me and then over to SiN and I swear it's like they are talking to each other mentally. For someone who seemed terrified and fragile only moments ago, she now appears … more. Pushing those thoughts away, it takes everything I have not to go to Tessa. Instead, I make myself help with the few places that have taken damage from their newest invasion. TheWaldrin are changing their tactics, and it seems like the walls are no longer going to hold them back.

Asudden pressure in my chest has me stopping as I pant through the pain. Terror, unlike anything I have ever felt, hits me so hard that I practically fall to my knees. Onyx must have seen something in my face. He grabs me by my arm, pulling me to the side.

"Father?"

"Give me a moment to catch my breath, son. I can't explain what just happened, but something is terribly wrong." I no more say that than Raya and Elexa approach from around the bend, both have tears in their eyes. The fact that Raya is barely holding it together terrifies me, and I know what she is going to say before it comes out of her mouth.

"They have been taken."