Etterian battleship, Kushin

Orbiting mid-grade planet, Earth

12252 years, 4th month

Deception didn't come naturally to Etterians which was why Ulriq knew his males were planning something. They stopped conversations when he neared. They peeked at him in passing with their gazes lowering. Alodon's balls! Ksal had stammered when he had informed Ulriq the Yithian slave ship had altered course, traveling in the opposite direction from Earth. By the time Nerx approached him, Ulriq was more curious than angry. It had to do with Michel since he was the newest addition to their mundane existence.

"They are planning on escorting Michel planetside?" he asked.

Nerx grumbled in response. The male had only one disposition and that was 'miserable', yet he was the finest warrior Ulriq knew.

"And what do you suggest I do, Nerx? I have not heard of a warrior disobeying orders."

"It happens, otherwise, Adviser Cales would have one less task to attend to."

"True." Ulriq sighed. He had permitted Michel to receive an O.D.I. At least they could trace him if need be. And judging by the Earthian's slumped shoulders, he wasn't participating in this disobedience. Even though he could control his emotions, he couldn't hide them.

"Your involvement is not necessary. Each male is prepared to lose a foot of honor for this, Ulriq. Perhaps leniency is required." Nerx words drew a scowl from Ulriq. Be lenient when he had denied Michel his request? "I suggest we commandeer the kuta before they do."

Ulriq's brow furrowed before an unexpected smile tugged his lips. "I assume you have a plan, my battle-bond?" The spark of excitement unfurled in his belly. Nerx nodded, though no expression of eagerness crossed his features. "And which warriors require my leniency?"

"Danic, Kanzo, Aaro..." Nerx ignored Ulriq's arched brow. "And myself." At Nerx's admission, Ulriq stilled, gaping at his sub-commander before he gritted his teeth. "I understand why you have taken the stance you have, Ulriq, which is why you cannot be involved in the planning. The records need to indicate this."

"And convincing me to 'commandeer the kuta' is part of your plan?" Ulriq's voice hoarsened. Fury vibrated through him, forcing him to focus on his calming techniques rather than the situation at hand. Yet underlying it all, was a sense of betrayal. "You would sacrifice your honor for an Earthian? We do not know his character. You risk punishment for an unknown." When tension stiffened his body, he forced his muscles to relax, limb by limb.

Nerx pinched the bridge of his nose. "Here we differ on what is honorable, Ulriq."

Sharp, stinging heat flushed Ulriq's face, and the released tension returned, hardening his muscles. He clenched his fists with the urge to hit something.

"Now you question my honor?" Ulriq boomed.

"You have not been yourself of late." Nerx's observation caught Ulriq by surprise, jerking his fingers open. "Under normal circumstances, you would risk your hair, our warriors' lives, and Xeus's wrath to do what is right."

"And you believe allowing this Earthian to say farewell is justification for your defiance?"

Nerx straightened his shoulders, assuming his full height of six-foot-seven which was one inch taller than Ulriq. "You can participate or remain here, either way, it is scheduled. Michel is notifying Lady Jack now."

"So that is it? Ignore—"

Nerx thrust his face close to Ulriq's. "If your closest battle-bonds are involved, what does that tell you?"

Ulriq glared at Nerx, not willing to acknowledge the truth. But his battle-bond's words beat at him, at his mind, at his heart. He hated that Nerx was correct. Historically, Ulriq would have thrown caution to the wind and done what was right, what was honorable. And bidding farewell to a blood-bond in person was honorable. But he hated that his irritation hadn't gone unnoticed. Shame clouded his vision, and his shoulders dropped a fraction.

"I would appreciate the feel of solid ground beneath my feet." Nerx wrapped his fingers around Ulriq's forearm and pressed a hand to his shoulder in a warrior greeting. "The visit is two days hence. Please...join us."

Author's Note: Fate Forged is available at most ebook retailers.

https://books2read.com/u/bMY09v