Nicole Krizek (15 page)

Lacy smiled at the captain. “Well, on behalf of the nearly seven billion people on the planet, thank you. I have to ask, what was with that weapon? I thought you guys didn’t have offensive technology?”

The Grays’ captain didn’t seem to mind the question. “Of course we have weaponry. We do not like conflict, choosing instead to focus on our science, but unfortunately there will always be those to prey on the weak and we like to be prepared.” The Gray captain turned to look at Kor. ”How badly is your ship damaged?”

Kor checked his console. “We have no shields or propulsion, but life support is holding. My crews should be able to fix enough of the damage, so that we can move, within a few days.”

The Grays’ captain nodded. “Until then, we will remain in orbit and continue to shield your ship from the Earthers. Their technology may be primitive, but they can still detect us at this close of a range.”

“We are grateful.” Kor responded.    

Lacy spoke up again, “While we’re just sitting here, waiting for the repair crews to finish, how about you and I discuss a deal between the Arathians and the Grays, regarding Earth?”

She looked at the Grays’ captain expectantly while he thought about her proposal.

“Yes, I think that would be an acceptable use of our time. We will contact you shortly to discuss arrangements.” Then he ended communications.

Kor and Ty turned towards their mate who had a triumphant look on her face.

“I’ll be damned.” Kor said. “Ambassador Rex couldn’t get the Grays to talk about cooperating with us and you managed it with one conversation.”

Lacy didn’t say anything, but turned and walked away with a massive smile on her face.
             

Lacy was being slowly lulled into complete relaxation by the sound of gentle waves and the shade provided by the nearby palm trees. She, Kor, and Ty were currently lounging on the white sand beach of a remote island in the Pacific Ocean enjoying some much-needed shore leave.

Kor and Ty had surprised her with this special treat. Ty had called it a picnic, but Lacy thought of it more like a honeymoon, especially after their near-death experience.

The Grays had allowed them this small token only because the island was uninhabited and they had taken a small shuttlecraft that was equipped with the Grays’ special shielding to ensure that their visit went unnoticed. They were learning that the Grays could be very fair, and even accommodating, if approached with well thought-out logic.

The three mates had barely had any time to themselves during the past week, as Kor managed the crews that were working around the clock to repair the Adastra, Ty had tended the wounded, and Lacy had met, daily, with Captain
Elom, the commander of the Grays’ ship. They hadn’t gotten far in their negotiations, but Lacy was still quite hopeful.

Earlier that day they had received a message from Rex, informing them that the Arathian Council had decided to reassign him, and that a ship would take him to Earth so that he could continue negotiations with the Grays. Hopefully, together, they would be able to find a way to take Earthers off-world.

Lacy was trying to not think about the hurdles ahead, and instead focused on the rare opportunity to be on her home planet.

After arriving on the small tropical island, the males had spread out a huge blanket that they piled high with all types of foods and drinks to enjoy after taking a swim in the warm ocean waters.

Lacy had delighted in her mates’ reactions to her planet. Kor and Ty were dazzled by the blue ocean, the dark green vegetation, and the texture of the sand, but Kor had nearly killed a seagull when he thought that it was a predator stalking them, and Ty was convinced that the small fish near the shore of the ocean, were trying to eat his toes and other appendages. Lacy had rolled around with laughter as she explained that the seagulls and fish were harmless.

She couldn’t imagine what kinds of creatures they had seen in their travels throughout the galaxy if gulls and small fish were what they were worried about, there on Earth.

She listened to the gentle and hypnotic rush of waves, letting the sun seep into her skin, but was brought back from the edges of sleep by Ty clearing his throat.

“Lacy, we have something for you.” He said.

She used her palm to block out the brightness of the sun and saw that he had a small bundle of cloth in his hand. At first she thought it was another piece of clothing, like the dress that Kor had given her shortly after they had met, but once she sat up she saw that it was much too small.

She took the offered cloth from him and let it fall open. Something small and shiny fell out and landed on the blanket in front of her. Her heart soared as she picked up the small metal ring with a large, dark blue stone in the center, flanked by two light green stones that seemed to glow.

Her eyes began to tear as she looked up into her mates’ faces.

“You said that you were going to miss not having a ring to symbolize our mating,” Kor began, “so Ty and I thought it was important to recognize the Earther customs as well as Arathian. We researched rings of your culture and put a blue stone from Earth in the center and two green ones from Arath. Now it signifies both of our worlds, and the three of us united as mates.”

Lacy didn’t try to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. She loved those two men with her entire heart.

“Will you put it on for me?” She asked them.

Ty and Kor slid it over her finger together then gathered her into their arms. Locked between her two mates, Lacy knew there was nowhere in the universe she’d rather be.

THE END