“Treatment complete,” the robotic voice stated. “Do not startle. I am offering you clothing to assure your modesty, female.”
A compartment on the side of the bed suddenly opened and a metallic arm lifted, holding folded clothing. Kelsey slowly sat up and accepted them. The arm lowered, disappearing. She checked out the two pieces. They looked like scrubs from a hospital at home, only black. The material was soft and stretchy.
“Sorry about what you have to wear for now,” Mari informed her. “Nara went to replicate you some nicer clothes but she hasn’t returned yet. It can take time to print them out.”
“You print clothing?” That shocked Kelsey.
“Welcome to your new life of living with advanced alien technology.” This from Lilly. “It kicks ass. Although, fair warning, the styles are limited. We need to upload some patterns into the replicator to have more choices available.”
“It’s on my list of things to upgrade,” Mari stated.
It was difficult to get dressed on the bed since there wasn’t much room but Kelsey managed. Once she’d donned the shirt and elastic-waist pants, the cover of the pod released from the bed and slowly began to rise. Kelsey shivered a little as what felt like much colder air invaded the warm space. Then the cover was gone…and she stared at two human women.
One of them had long black hair with blue streaks threaded throughout, and blue eyes. The other woman was smaller, with a thick braid of extremely long dark brown hair and equally dark eyes.
It was nice to see other humans…and to know Crath hadn’t lied to her.
The black-haired one spoke. “I’m Lilly.” She waved to the other one. “Mari. We’re so glad that you’re here safe. We were all worried when you and Crath didn’t join Raff on the shuttle after the auction.”
“Then it got worse when his message came through about having to crash.” Mari gave her a tentative smile. “I should warn you that my mate appears scary but he’s very nice. Dovis just growls a lot.”
“He looks like an upright werewolf from Earth horror movies.”
Kelsey’s shock must’ve been obvious as she stared at Lilly.
She nodded. “Truly. Dovis growls a lot but he’d never hurt you. Count on that. But it’s a little unsettling the first time you see him.” She paused as if in thought. “And our cook looks like a mouse woman. Midgel is super nice but extremely shy. Don’t take it personally if she avoids you. She’s not a people person.”
“Okay.” Kelsey wasn’t sure how else to respond.
“And you already met York when he pulled you off the surface. He’s the big blue vampire-looking alien.” Lilly pointed to her mouth. “Fangs. Hence the vampire. But he doesn’t drink blood. Your veins are safe.” She grinned.
Mari nodded. “York is the opposite of my mate.”
“Polar opposites. York is always joking and laughing. Dovis…” Lilly shot Mari an apologetic look. “Is not. But he’s a great guy.”
The door to the room opened then, and relief hit Kelsey hard as she met Crath’s gaze.
He rushed to her. “Out! All of you.” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. Kelsey hugged him back, happy to see that he was safe and well. They’d survived a lot together in the last day.
“Her condition, android?” Crath eased his hold on her.
“Healed but in need of nutrition and rest,” it stated.
“Understood.” Crath peered down at her.
Kelsey lifted her face. His hair was wet, his clothing was dry, and he smelled nice. His blue gaze locked with hers.
“I kept my word. I always will. My family and the crew came for us.”
“And there really are humans here,” she added.
“Yes. You’ll meet the rest of them soon.”
Kelsey felt a little overwhelmed by everything Mari and Lilly had already told her. “Can we put that off for a little bit? I’m tired and hungry.”
Concern softened his features. “Of course.” He cleared his throat. “Open ship-wide communications, android.”
“Done,” it stated.
“Clear the way to my cabin. My Kelsey needs food and sleep before she’s subjected to everyone. Midgel, I would deeply appreciate it if you could prepare a nice meal for us and drop it at my cabin.” He looked over her head and nodded.
“Communications off,” the android stated.
“I feel like it’s rude if I don’t talk to whoever wants to meet me,” Kelsey confessed.
“All of the humans we have rescued endured difficulties, and they will understand your need to recover before they demand your full attention.”
There was a soft chime. “Welcome back, littermate,” a deep male voice said from seemingly nowhere. “I’m glad you’re both safe. The way has been cleared and Midgel is preparing a feast that should be delivered outside your door in about twenty minutes. Let the Pods know if you need anything. Enjoy your time alone together.”
Crath smiled.
“Who was that?” Kelsey still glanced around, realizing there must be hidden speakers somewhere in the room.
“Cathian, my oldest littermate, and the ambassador of our home world whom I spoke of.”
“Is Pods some kind of communication device?”
“They are three aliens who are part of the crew.” He chuckled. “We’ll discuss them later. You need food and rest, in that order. Allow me to escort you to our cabin.”
She arched her eyebrows, catching what he’d said. “Our?”
“I’m going to convince you to marry me, my Kelsey. Now, let’s go. The crew and my family will have left this area and will avoid running into us.”
“I still feel like we’re being super rude. They did come for us.”
“They all understand,” Crath assured.
Crath focused his thoughts on the Pods, asking them to remind Nara that his Kelsey would also need footwear. He scooped her into his arms and carried her into the corridor.
“I can walk.”
He shook his head. “You’re barefoot and the floors can be cold.”
He liked it when she didn’t argue but instead wrapped her arms around his neck. “Aren’t I heavy?”
He chuckled. “You’re tiny and light.”
She snorted. “Maybe compared to you.”
He went to the lift and then took her to his cabin. Cavas, York and Dovis had helped him clean it up before they’d left. He paused inside, allowing her to get a good look at the large room. Nervousness hit, an unfamiliar emotion. He wanted her to like their current home so she’d stay with him. “This is our cabin.”
Kelsey glanced around the room, taking it all in. “It’s bigger than I imagined but then again, I don’t really know anything alien.”
He found her observation amusing. “I’ll show you how everything works but not right now.” He carried her to his large bed and gently placed her on it. Then he crouched, studying her face. “Did the medical android heal everything?”
She inspected her hands, then stretched her back carefully. “No more bruises. I feel great.” Then she grabbed some of her hair and sniffed. “I think it even washed my hair.”