Defiant. Tome 1. Defiant

Chapter 14. Invitation

Serena still felt irritated by the fact Roman acted so unreasonable and dishonourable. The concussion he gifted her with in their short scuffle didn’t help her feel any better. And though she was recovering well under watchful eyes of all her crew – they all moved in to Lindon’s estate to be there for their Captain – she still couldn’t shake off the feeling she wasn’t healing as fast as she would have wanted.

Hunter, who convinced her to allow him to be by her side – though, he still slept on the couch, trying hard not to push hard on her to get back together – kept a keen eye on the woman each night, making sure that whenever she was experiencing her nightmares, he would be there to aid her in any way possible. Even if it meant he administered her stims and relaxants and held her in his arms until her body recovered from the spasms it was experiencing.

Serena was grateful for his help, understanding very well that he was not only doing it for her, but for others as well – even Wolfin agreed that whatever she was going through needed some form of support and help to get through it.

Perhaps it was the overall care of her crew, who surrounded her with their smiles and conversations, or the passing of time, but she did find her nightmares bothering her less with each night.

That morning she woke up – for the first time since she first awakened at the Hospital – unbothered by nightly painful episodes. Surprisingly rested, she slowly sat up, feeling strange.

«Good morning.» Hunter greeted her with a smile, seeing the woman sitting up.

He walked over with a cup of coffee and smiled, offering it to her.

Serena took a sip of coffee and froze, trying to remember:

«I didn’t wake up at night… did I?» she asked.

«No. You slept like a child last night. Which is good news, I think.» Hunter sat on the edge of the bed. «How are you feeling?»

Serena wiped her face, still trying to grasp at the concept of having had one good night of sleep, which she hadn’t had for a long time now.

«I don’t know…» she said honestly. «Ask me that after I finish my coffee. Thanks, by the way.»

She pulled her feet up and tilted her head, looking at Hunter.

«What?» he couldn’t help and smiled, seeing her eyes filling with a hint of a tease he used to see some time ago.

«This bed is big enough to fit in four people. And you keep sleeping on the couch… why?»

Hunter took a moment, weighing his options of a suitable answer:

«I guess… I just want to respect the boundaries we both set down.» he said, finally. «I don’t want to intrude on your personal space, and I’d rather sleep on the couch to make sure my cybernetic body won’t hurt your recovering back when I’ll be sleeping…»

Serena lowered her eyes, remembering how gentle he always was, whenever he slept next to her after being turned into a cyborg.

«That’s…» she whispered, reaching out and intertwining their fingers. «Sweet.»

Hunter smiled once again and leaned in, planting a soft kiss to her forehead.

«What do you say about breakfast?» he asked, catching her gaze. «Lindon said something about a… Kelxan omelette?»

He saw Serena’s eyes brighten:

«He did?»

«Not sure what this Kelxan omelette is all about, but he seemed to be thrilled about it.»

«You hadn’t tried it yet? You’ll love it!» Serena gulped down the rest of her coffee and jumped out of bed.

Hunter watched her dressing up and noted how much more confident her movements were. For him it meant her back really was recovering faster than the medics at the Imperial Hospital said it would. It warmed his heart seeing her looking better – feeling better – and he smiled, as the woman got ready for the day.

When they descended to the first floor and entered the dining hall, where the crew has already gathered, Kayla threw her fork onto the plate and ran up to Serena, embracing the woman.

«Ouch.» Serena exhaled calmly, patting the girl on her shoulder. «Someone’s growing stronger! Is it the food? Or has Wolfin trained you so much that you’re starting to feel like a Veluthian kid?»

«Serena!!!» Kayla pressed even harder, then leaned back with a wide and happy smile. «I am so happy Lindon invited us all here! I got to sleep in a bed, fit for a queen!»

Laneth and John cackled, remembering how hard it was for them to get the girl to sleep last night, when she was jumping up and down on the enormous bed. They were last to arrive, cautious not to let Kayla get too excited at seeing the Captain again, because she could have hurt her when embracing the woman tightly.

«Not a queen, little bug!» Serena smiled. «A Veluthian warrior!»

«Hey, Veluthian warrior! Warriors need food for the day!» Wolfin said, his tone sounding somewhere between an order and a joking manner of scolding. «So sit back down and finish your plate! Your Kelxan omelette is getting cold!»

«Woofy says I need to eat proper to become big and strong like you!» Kayla cackled, running back to her seat and returning to her food.

«I see everyone is enjoying the delicacy Lindon provided this morning?» Serena took an empty seat and Hunter sat next to her.

«What’s not to love here, Captain?» John said, shoving a big piece of omelette into his mouth. «Protein, vegetables, the herbs… this is fantastic!»

«Albeit, the colouring of these eggs are somewhat surprising…» Laneth smiled, poking the meal in front of her.

Serena chuckled.

To a human of Terran descent the Kelxan omelette would be of a strange colour – the eggs it was made from were produced by a rare bird on Kelxa and had deep purple insides. The birds were extremely hard to breed in captivity, but the local farmers adjusted their routine to have them running free on certain lands, building the creatures a comfortable nesting place to lay their eggs. Harvesting them was hard – the birds wouldn’t allow bots to approach, pecking the farming bots until they broke. But they did respect the people, who hand-picked the eggs from the nests, leaving just enough to sustain the bird population.

This rich in protein, purple omelette was filled with tiny Kenoki mushrooms that originated long ago from somewhere on Terra, mixed with some blue sour onions and greens. The perfect amount of herbs and some black garlic pepper made the omelette a very fragrant, rich in taste and a very healthy start of the day.

Everyone loved the treat Lindon provided, and the discussions were loud, joyful and carefree. Wolfin watched Serena and smiled, understanding that she was feeling a lot better than before.

As the laughter and conversations continued after they finished their meal, a servant stepped into the dining hall and approached Serena, leaning in with an information tablet in his hands:

«Lady Serena, you have a message. Marked important.» the man said, handing the tablet to the woman and retreating back to his duties.

Hunter noticed how Serena read the message, and her smile faded.

«What is it?» the cyborg tensed up immediately.

The woman raised her hand, frowning at the letter she was reading. The table slowly fell silent – everyone noticed the shift in their Captain’s demeanour.

«Well…» Serena exhaled, raising her eyes to her crew. «Fun and games over, I guess…»

«What happened?» Lindon managed to ask the question before Wolfin ever got the chance to.

«Uh… I sure don’t remember anyone telling me Hunter challenged Roman Dorn Relas to a duel?» Serena tilted her head, watching her crew attentively. «Care to share?»

«Oh…» Hunter slouched a bit, looking down at the table. «Uh…»

«You can’t blame the man.» Wolfin said, feeling a bit uncomfortable under Serena’s gaze. «When we came to get you, you were unconscious… Hunter… well, let’s just say he acted like a Veluthian would. A bit more impulsively, but nonetheless…»

«If he wouldn’t have done it, I would.» Lindon nodded. «But my first thought was to get you to the medical pod on the ship.»

Serena looked at Hunter, who sat there, silent and humbled.

«Hunter?» she asked. «Anything to say?»

«I knew Lindon would get you to the medical bay, and I just…» Hunter sighed heavily. «I let anger take hold of me. I ran to the doors and challenged Roman to a duel, yes.»

«Alright…» Serena smirked. «Seems like Velutha has influenced you a little more than I expected. Are you ready to face the man in hand-to-hand combat?»

«I am.» the cyborg nodded.

«And you’re ready to face the consequences, whatever those may be?»

«I am, yes.»

«Good. I’m betting you’ll kick his ass and avenge his pathetic assault that left him without a lower lip.»

«Uh…» Kayla stood up, unsure if she could speak up on the matter. «Captain?»

«Yes, Kayla?» Serena glanced at the girl, noting her shoulders straightening.

«Might I ask… are we all going? I’d like to see Hunter fight the man, who hurt you…»

The Captain glanced at her crew that sat unusually silent, and her last glance was aimed at John and Laneth, who took Kayla as their daughter.

«Let me see…» Serena leaned back onto her seat, thinking it over. «On one hand I would agree with Laneth that a fight like this is no place for a human child… On the other hand, you are no longer a Terran child… You’re growing more Veluthian by the day.»

«She certainly toughened up.» Wolfin agreed. «And I would actually prefer to have her there to see how Veluthian duels are held.»

«I mean…» Laneth exchanged glances with John.

«Captain, if I may…» John cleared his throat. «I do think Kayla is a bit too young to be witness to a duel. But I also understand that she is not being raised in the typical Terran manner. As Wolfin already said, she has become tougher than any child I’ve even known.»

«I want to come with you guys!» Kayla stated. «I want to support Hunter! I want to see him beat the asshole and make him pay for hurting our Captain!»

Serena chuckled:

«The child has spoken. And so has the Captain. You’re coming, Kayla.»

«Yay!» the girl clapped her hands, happy to be included.

«Well, get ready then. I’ll be sending a reply that we’re going to be coming in half an hour.» Serena stood up and headed off to her room.

Hunter saw Wolfin and Lindon nodding to him, and he left the table as well, catching up with Serena.

«I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about… this.» the cyborg said. «I…»

«It’s fine, Hunter. I’m not mad. You were preoccupied with me, worried for my well-being, so the fact that you forgot to tell me something like this is… understandable and forgivable.» Serena smiled to him. «Though, I am surprised you challenged Roman.»

«I gave an oath to protect you, Serena. I am following it through.» the cyborg said confidently.

«See?» the woman chuckled. «You too have become more Veluthian. I guess we have our ways to influence Terrans after all.»

Hunter smiled, feeling glad to hear those words. Serena stopped at the door to her room, glanced behind the cyborg, seeing John and Laneth taking Kayla to get ready, and smiled, leaning in to his ear. She whispered to him, and the man felt a wave of shock running through his body.

Leaning back, Serena winked and stepped inside to change into her crimson attire.

Hunter stood there, smiling and not knowing how to actually react to what he heard. He knew one thing – he will do his best to humiliate Roman Dorn Relas, so that the man will never forget the Terran cyborg that fought for the Crimson Blade.

Within half an hour, MSS Lyssandra landed on the square before the Relas estate, and the whole crew walked out, greeted by a number of representatives from the Relas family.

Matriarch Relas stood in front, dressed in a fine dark green suit that had small and simple silver pauldrons attached to her shoulders. Her nephew – Roman – stood a step behind her – his gaze aimed at the ground. At his back Serena saw about a dozen more people – all of different age, men and women, they stood there – witnesses to the upcoming challenge.

«I welcome Lady Serena Dal Thara-Lyss and her crew!» Seliara bowed, and the family members behind her did as well.

Serena bowed in return, the crew following her lead, and the two women approached each other, leaving their people standing.

«As a Matriarch to a Matriarch, I greet you, Lady Serena, and express my deepest apologies once again for what my nephew has done.» Seliara said.

«I am no matriarch, Lady Seliara. Just a Captain.» Serena replied with a polite smile.

The Relas Matriarch chuckled:

«What is a woman Captain to her crew, if not a Matriarch? You keep them fed and clothed and taken care of, you settle their quarrels and take responsibility for their actions, if the need arises.»

Serena smirked, finding logic in such a statement, then saw Roman throwing a careful glance her way, and collected herself:

«Is Roman ready to face my man in a legal and just duel?»

Seliara snapped her fingers, making Roman flinch and run over to her, bowing low:

«Lady Serena, allow me to apologise for my irrational behaviour…» the man said, without straightening.

The Captain scowled a bit and raised her hand, with a short gesture calling upon Hunter. The cyborg approached – slowly, collected and tense, not taking his eyes off Roman.

«Your apology, Roman, I decline.» Serena said, when Hunter stood next to her. «And I approve of this duel my Officer called upon.»

«He’s a Terran…» Roman exhaled, trying to reason.

«A Terran, who’s strong enough to make you pay for your despicable actions!» Serena raised her voice angrily. «Fight like a man, and stop squirming like a worm!»

She turned to Hunter and pulled him down to whisper something to his ear. The man listened silently, squinting at his opponent, and when his Captain let him go, he glanced at her and nodded, agreeing with whatever she had said to him.

«Let the duel begin.» Seliara said harshly, walking off to her family members.

As the two women returned to their respective places, Roman straightened. Hunter saw his lower lip being regenerated still – a disgusting mess of flesh that was now covered by an artificial temporary piece, made from some translucent material, unknown to the cyborg.

«My Captain was assaulted by you, you dishonourable piece of shit.» Hunter growled.

«I had my lust get the better of me.» Roman replied, taking off his jacket and throwing it aside.

Lowering his stance, he waited a few moments for his opponent to do the same, but Hunter stayed straight, watching the Veluthian with hatred in his blue eyes.

Even though Roman was taller and more massive, Hunter had his enhanced body and his skills to match the man – however good he was in hand-to-hand combat. Unlike Roman, though, Hunter didn’t feel pain, if the blows landed to his metal-covered body. Now, standing with his artificial skin covering his enhancements, he felt sure he had the upper hand.

All he needed – was to cause enough damage to the Veluthian. The rest will come easier.

Hunter smirked, jolting to Roman, and saw him shifting his weight to step aside. The cyborg dodged his fist and dove under, slamming his shoulder to the man’s chest and hearing a couple of ribs cracking under the heavy blow. Roman was thrown back, but didn’t have time to regroup – the furious cyborg advanced once again, catching him off-guard and landing a perfect punch to his face.

To Roman’s defence – he withstood this blow, and straightened again, raising his hands to continue the fight.

Seliara was watching closely – not the duel that was happening before her eyes, but Serena, who stood there, head held high, but her eyes almost indifferent. For a moment the Relas Matriarch felt a shudder running down her spine – the Crimson Blade wasn’t worried about her Officer, even though he was of Terran descent. Seliara threw a panicked glance at her nephew and saw him try a kick, which his opponent caught and, twisting the Veluthian’s leg, threw the man to the ground.

In a split second Roman was lying down, helplessly trying to cover his face, but being pummelled by Hunter, who growled with each punch he landed.

The Relas Matriarch swallowed hard, looking up at Serena and seeing her smirk maliciously.

She knew! She knew her Officer was stronger!

There was nothing Seliara could do. All she could – was watch her nephew being beaten to death by one of Serena Dal Thara-Lyss’ crewmembers.

Hunter saw Roman’s eyes roll back, and his body fall limp. The cyborg froze, baring his teeth in anger. He wanted more, but his opponent was no longer able to even try and show any form of resistance. The Terran looked aside and saw a couple of teeth Roman lost during the beating. With a bloodthirsty smirk, Hunter picked them up and stood, towering over his unconscious opponent. Raising his eyes to the Relas family, he caught himself on a pleasant thought – they were all pale, shocked to see him overpower Roman.

As Hunter walked back to his Captain, he grinned, happy to have beaten a Veluthian lord, who didn’t respect the woman a few days ago.

Serena smiled at him, receiving from his hand the trophies she requested before the beginning of the duel, and nodded to him.

«You fought well, Hunter. I told you that you’ll beat him easily.» she said.

When she turned to look at Roman, who still lay on the ground unconscious, she saw Seliara force through the shock and fear, collecting herself. The Relas Matriarch took a few steps forward and bowed to Hunter and Serena:

«The duel has been won, Lady Serena, Sir…» the woman nodded to Hunter. «What will you have of this man I am ashamed to call my own nephew?»

Hunter glanced at Serena and saw her nod.

«Banish him from Velutha, Matriarch!» the cyborg said. «Send him to Garmfrig, so we could always have an eye on him, in case he causes any trouble.»

«As you wish.» Seliara bowed once again. «Lady Serena, have you thought about my proposal to do business directly with me instead of this pathetic excuse of a Veluthian?»

She spit at Roman, who lay on the ground, bloodied and passed out.

Serena walked up closer to the woman, watching her closely, then smirked:

«Do you guarantee a better deal then? As compensation for what your nephew did?»

«I give you my word, Lady Serena!» Seliara bowed. «I’ve already reviewed the drafted agreement and found your compensation less than adequate. I’ve added thirty per cent revenue to the sum you’ve discussed previously with Roman.»

«Good.» Serena smiled and nodded, sounding cheery and pleased. «Then I do agree to do business with you, Lady Seliara. Have the agreement ready by tonight and send it to me for review and signing. Have a good day.»

Serena turned and walked off to return to her ship.

«I’ll notify you, when Roman will arrive on Garmfrig!» Seliara called out.

Serena stopped, turned and smiled:

«No need. My friends will let me know.» she glanced at Roman who, groaning, started to come back to his senses. «Make sure he arrives there within the week. Or I will drag him there myself. Though… I don’t guarantee he will arrive in once piece.»

Seliara nodded, feeling more and more unnerved by the way this young-looking heir of an old and powerful family handled herself. The Relas Matriarch felt another shudder going through her back and calmed her nerves. She will make sure never to anger Lady Serena. Or anyone else from her crew. If one Officer of Terran descent was able to do what he did – who knows what others were capable of.

Serena was extremely pleased, as she and her crew walked on board MSS Lyssandra and flew off. But the day hadn’t ended yet, and another message was waiting for the Captain:

«To the new Matriarch of the Thara-Lyss family.

I am a friend in dire need to see you. Meet me on Ix Nabrax as soon as you are able to.

AS»

Chapter 15. Growler

Serena saw SS Growler descending to park next to Lyssa and ran off to greet them.

She knew Cipher took the guys somewhere by the order of Empress Alathea. They were too eager to leave, having no news about Serena at all – plus, Dean still wanted to be as far away from the woman as possible.

And even though she understood well why Cipher and his crew left – taking Fisk on board, as he was feeling like he could be of use – she was happy to see them returning to Velutha.

Running out onto the square, she saw Cipher, Pher, Taliesin and Fisk walking out of the ship. Three more figures stood behind them in the cargo bay – one belonging to Dean, who watched Serena with a frown. Two others were women that she hadn’t met.