"It concerns the relocation of the humans."
"What about them? Minister Ruskin of Kalbaugh has agreed to accept them. Your True Mate will, of course, be staying here with you."
"I never doubted that, General. For not only will I not be separated from my True Mate, but she refuses to be separated from me."
Treyvon was shocked to see the small smile that crossed Nikhil's lips. He'd never seen the male smile before.
"Also, I would not like to be the male that tried to do such a thing. For my Mackenzie is fierce. But she is not who I am speaking of, although it does affect her." Nikhil's face returned to his usually stoic features.
"Squad Leader, you are not making any sense."
"I speak of the female, Jennifer. My Mackenzie is very concerned about what is going to happen to her now that she is awake."
"Why is your Ashe concerned? Has something happened to Jennifer that I have not been informed of?" Treyvon demanded harshly, surging to his feet. It had been over a week since Jennifer had awakened and he'd ordered Luol to give him daily reports on her progress.
The slight widening of Nikhil's eyes was the only indication he gave that his General's reaction had surprised him. "I would not know, as I do not know what you have been informed of, General."
Treyvon found his fists clenching and that he had to take a sharp breath before he could regain his control. "I know that she has been responding well to Luol's treatments, although he still has not finished repairing her scars."
"Yes, but that is because Jennifer refuses to allow it."
"What?!!" Luol had not informed Treyvon of that.
"It is one of the things that concern my Mackenzie."
"Only one of them?"
"Yes, General. My Mackenzie fears what will happen to Jennifer if she goes to Kalbaugh with the other human males."
"Why? They are her people. And while they failed to protect her as they should have, I have Minister Ruskin's assurance that she will be protected on Kalbaugh."
"My Mackenzie refuses to believe that. She believes that if Jennifer leaves this planet, she will die."
"What…?" Treyvon felt his heart stutter at the thought. He still didn't understand why this female affected him so. He had hoped that once she was off Pontus, it would stop her from entering his thoughts at inappropriate times. Stop him from wishing for what was impossible, at least for him. The chance of having a True Mate.
"Mackenzie is very concerned, General. And if she is concerned, then I must do all that is in my power to ease that concern. She is my True Mate and Ashe."
"Of course you must, Squad Leader, but I do not know what you are asking of me."
"I am asking that you allow Jennifer to remain here on Pontus."
Treyvon had to stop from instantly responding. Then he found he didn't know how he would have responded. There was no reason for the female to remain on Pontus, but a part of him wanted her here while the other part wanted her far, far away. "What would she do if she remained here, Squad Leader?"
"My Mackenzie has informed me that Jennifer has an important skill called Cheffing."
"Cheffing? What is that?”
“It deals with the preparation of food. Of making it… tasty.”
“Tasty?”
“Yes. It means good. That you enjoy the food not just tolerate it.”
“Tolerate?”
“Yes,” Nikhil’s face began to flush. “It seems that while my Mackenzie has greatly appreciated the fresh food I have been able to provide for her, it has not been as… tastily prepared as the food on her Earth is. She asked, and I obtained my portion of Last Meal in its unprepared form. Jennifer then prepared it in my quarters last night."
"In your quarters?"
"Yes. Mackenzie had commented before how there was what she called a 'kitchen' in my quarters. Jennifer was able to use it and produce a Last Meal."
"And it was…?" Treyvon asked.
"Interesting," Nikhil told him carefully.
"So it was terrible, but you did not wish to tell your True Mate and upset her."
"It was not terrible, General, but it was… different."
"In what way?"
"The meat… it was tender and juicy. Jennifer sliced it, but only cooked it for a short amount of time. She did the same with the vegetables provided."
"And?"
"And it was good. Vastly different from anything I have ever tasted before. Mackenzie and Jennifer talked about all the different ways they could use the same meat and vegetables and make something completely different."
"Different? Using the same ingredients?" Treyvon questioned in disbelief.
"Yes, I found it… intriguing, as did Luol."
"Luol?"
"Yes, he was concerned when Jennifer did not return to Medical." Nikhil found himself frowning as he remembered. "They both offered Luol their share of the food."
"They… Their…" Treyvon couldn't believe it.
"Mackenzie and Jennifer. Mackenzie insisted that she and Jennifer split Mackenzie's share of my food stores, even though Jennifer tried to refuse. It only got worse when Luol arrived. It was finally agreed that we would all share Last Meal."
"They are a strange species," Treyvon muttered quietly. "They can be starving, and still they offer what they have to others. At least the females do."
"Yes, it is something I have discussed in depth with my Mackenzie, but I still do not understand it."
"Our females would never think to give up their share of their food stores, especially not to a male."
"I know. I find I have to watch my Mackenzie at Last Meal to make sure she is not placing part of her ration on my plate."
"She does this?"
"Yes. Mackenzie says there is too much for her to eat and that it should not go to waste."
"Wise, but she should still eat more."
"I agree. She is too small. She says she used to be larger, but I am beginning to doubt that."
"They both need to be larger," Treyvon found himself saying.
"Yes, but I don't think that will happen unless they stay together."
"Why do you believe that?" Treyvon demanded.
"Because of my Mackenzie’s fears that Jennifer will continue to sacrifice her needs for that of the males until it causes her death.”
“That cannot be allowed,” Treyvon growled.
“I agree, General, which is why I am here.”
“I can’t order her to remain here, Squad Leader. If she wishes to travel with her people, there is nothing I can do to prevent it.”
“Mackenzie believes that if Jennifer is offered a task, something useful here… by you, that she will remain.”
“And what task am I supposed to offer her?”
“Cheffing, General,” Nikhil said as if it were obvious.
“You want me to entrust my Warriors’ fresh food supplies to a female from another species that has no idea how to handle it?”
“With the greatest of respect, General, I believe she does. I freely offer my food supply to her. Luol has also agreed, and I believe once others taste what she creates, her skills will be in high demand.”
“I will need to speak to her before I make my decision.”
“Of course, General.”
Chapter Three
“Are you crazy?” Jen stared at Mac as if she’d grown a second head.
“You know I’m not," Mac denied.
“I have to go with the guys, Mac. You know that!”
“No, you don’t. I want you to stay here on Pontus with me.”
“And do what?” Jen demanded. “At least on Kalbaugh, I might be able to help the guys.”
“Doing what?” Mac demanded. “We don’t even know what they are going to be doing, where they are going to be living, or what the conditions will be. At least here, we do.”
“There’s nothing for me to do here, Mac.”
“Yes, there is. You’re a Chef, Jen. And if ever there was a group that needed one, it's t
his one. Didn't you see how Nikhil and Luol reacted to what you made last night?”
“You mean how they sniffed it suspiciously then chewed it like someone had a gun to their head? You mean that reaction,” Jen questioned.
“They liked it,” Mac countered.
“Right,” Jen dragged out the word.
“They did! It was just different for them, as their food is for us. I talked to Nikhil after you left. He honestly liked it, although he thought the texture was strange.”
“You mean because it had texture? What they have in those packets is mush.”
“True, but what they serve at Last Meal is shoe leather. Honestly, I don’t know how they chew it.”
“How do they prepare it?” Jen found herself asking, her interest piqued.
“I have no idea, but I do know that you would make it better.”
"They're not going to let me anywhere near their fresh food, Mac. It's their most important and valuable resource." Jen had learned that from the educator she’d finally convinced Luol to let her use. It had taken some convincing as Luol was concerned it might cause her to slip back into a coma. Mac had been worried too, which was why she had refused to leave her side while Jen had it on. All Jen knew was that anything was better than not understanding what was being said around her. Or not understanding why things were the way they were.
"Maybe not at first, but they will once they start smelling and tasting your food. God, Jen, they'll come begging you to cook for them."
“I highly doubt that.” But the thought had a small smile flickering over her lips. It had always been her dream to own her own restaurant and to create amazing food that got people talking. She’d all but given up on that dream after her parents had died and she’d gone to work at Sally’s, a diner that was just down the street from the apartment they’d rented when Kimmy came to live with them. Sally’s customers weren’t interested in the amazing things Jen wanted to create. They wanted their blue-plate specials, and they wanted them the way Sally had been making them for the last fifty years.
“I don’t, not if you talk to him.”
Mac’s words brought Jen’s thoughts back to the present. “Talk to him? Who’s him?”
“General Rayner.”
“You want me to talk to the General? About food?” Jen was surprised to find her voice squeaking slightly. She didn't know what it was about the male that made her uneasy. It wasn't his massive size, because Nikhil was larger and he didn't cause that feeling. It wasn't his glowing eyes, as all Kaliszians had them. There was just something about the way he looked at her, that made her wonder about things she didn't want to think about. Not anymore. She would have to get over it if she were going to stay here. Was she considering staying here?
"Yes. Jen," Mac took Jen's hands in hers. “These Kaliszians, they need you."
“Mac, I don’t know anything about the raw food the Kaliszians have. I'm not sure if it's even close to what we have on Earth.”
“You did just fine last night.”
“I was lucky. I mean it was just a quick sauté of some meat and vegetables.”
“But it was good.”
“Mac…” Jen gave her a disbelieving look.
“It was.” When Jen just kept staring at her, Mac added. “Okay. Okay. It could have used some sauce or gravy. God, what I wouldn’t give for that sauce you made that first night on the mountain. It was fantastic!”
“It was just a simple mushroom pan sauce that I made from drippings, Mac.”
“Simple for you, maybe, but I would never have thought of it. And I bet neither have the Kaliszians.”
“That might be, but can you see the General giving me access to what his Warriors cherish most? What if I burn something? Or use it the wrong way? They risk their lives to have that food, Mac.”
“I know that but Jen, even the Kaliszians don't know how to prepare their food properly. You could change that. Could make it so they enjoy what they risk so much for. Nikhil has already agreed to let you use our portion, and I’m sure Luol will too. It’s a start.”
"You really think the General will let me stay?"
"I do," Mac told her. "He already feels like he failed you. He isn't going to want to do that again."
"Failed me? Why would he think he failed me?"
"Because you were injured while under his protection, as was I. And the Jerboaians died. He didn't take that very well, especially when he found out you were female."
"What are you talking about?" Jen demanded, frowning.
"General Rayner was really… well, pissed is the only word for it, when he discovered I'd been keeping your presence a secret."
"He got upset with you?"
"That would be an understatement," Mac told her, grimacing slightly as she remembered just how angry the General had been. "Enraged would be a better word. He didn't leave your side, Jen. Not until Luol was finally sure you would survive."
"General Rayner stayed with me?" Jen's eyes widened at the thought. "Why? I'm nothing to him?"
"Are you sure about that?" Mac asked raising an eyebrow at her.
"Mac, I don't even know the male. I have never even spoken directly to him."
"So?"
"What do you mean so?"
"Jen, Kaliszian males react differently than human ones. Look at Nikhil and me."
"That's entirely different," Jen dismissed.
"Why?" Mac challenged.
"Because of this." Jen reached out and touched Nikhil's True Mate bead in Mac's hair. "You found your True Mate, Mac. I already found mine… and he died."
Mac opened her mouth to argue then snapped it shut. Who was she to tell Jen that she didn't think Todd was her True Mate? Jen had nearly died trying to protect the man she loved. "I'm sorry, Jen. I didn't mean it that way. I just…" Her eyes pleaded with Jen’s. "I want you to be happy. I think Todd would want that too."
"He would. He just...”
"Just what?"
"Nothing." Jen wasn't going to voice her doubts that while she knew her husband would want her to be happy, she wasn't so sure he would want her happy with another man. She was his and only his. He'd said that enough times. "So you think I should talk to General Rayner?"
"Yes. Nikhil has already spoken with him."
"He what?"
"I suggested it," Mac quickly told her. "To give General Rayner a heads up. He wants to speak with you before he makes his final decision."
"I see." Jen took a deep breath then pasted a false smile on her face. "Okay, so I guess I need to go talk to the General and let someone else control my future… Again."
"Jen, it's not like that."
"It's exactly like that, Mac. I guess I should be used to it by now, shouldn't I? I mean first the Ganglians, then the Zaludians, and now the Kaliszians. Why should I have any control over my life? I haven't had any since my parents died, so why start now?"
"I'm sorry, Jen. I should have said something to you before Nikhil talked to General Rayner, but I had hoped he would just decide you had to stay."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want you to leave, Jen. I don't want to be alone."
"Mac...”
"I know… I know. I have Nikhil, which means I'm not alone. And I know I'm safe and protected and loved, but still… it's not the same." Mac's eyes filled with tears as she looked to Jen. "It's not the same as having a friend. Someone who understands you and what you have survived. For that, I need you, Jen. I don't know if I can handle being truly alone. What if something happened to Nikhil? What happens if I get pregnant?”
"Mac… are you?" Jen questioned.
"Of course not! I mean… I can't be. Right? It's too soon! Isn't it?" Mac asked fearfully.
"It only takes once," Jen reminded her.
"I know that, but… how would I know? I mean I haven't had my cycle since we were taken. Neither have you."
"I know. It worried me at first. Thinking I might be pregnant even though I'd been on the pill since before To
dd and I were married. God, what would have happened if one of us had been or had had our cycle?"
"So you understand. I can't say anything to Nikhil about this. He'll think I don't trust him to protect me, and that's not it at all."
"Of course, it’s not. He's a man… a male and they can never actually understand what a woman fears."
"So you'll talk to Rayner?"
"Yes, Mac. I'll talk to him. And if I can, I'll stay here on Pontus with you."
• • • • • •
Treyvon stood silently behind his desk and watched as Jennifer's eyes quickly scanned the room. He could tell she was assessing it, looking for escape routes. She wouldn’t find any, but the fact that she felt the need to look bothered him.
“Sit,” he ordered, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk. "Squad Leader Kozar has informed me of your request. But before I make my decision, you will explain your presence here to my satisfaction, or you will leave with your males."
Jennifer stared into the hard, glowing gaze of the General and that strange feeling she got whenever he was around began stirring. She knew he meant what he said, that if her answers didn’t satisfy him, she would be gone. She'd secretly watched him the few times he had come into their area. He had towered over her friends, reminding her of one of those Old Norse Gods that were supposedly so strong and muscular. He looked and acted the part of a conqueror and commander because that's what he was. He had never said anything he didn’t mean or wasn’t willing to back up. She needed to remember that. Slowly, she sat in the chair he indicated.
Treyvon's gaze remained locked on hers as he lowered his massive frame into his chair, not missing how tense she was or how stiffly she sat. He didn't miss how her small chin tipped up ever so slightly in a silent challenge. It intrigued him, for few dared challenge him, for he was General Treyvon Rayner, Supreme Commander of the Kaliszian Defenses. They especially didn't do it when they needed something from him.
But Jennifer did.
"I'm not sure where to start," she said.
"Start with how you came to be on this planet." Treyvon knew the answer to many of the questions he was about to ask because of Mackenzie, but he wanted to hear it from Jennifer. He was aware that few saw a situation the same way and knew there was still something he didn't know. Mackenzie had told him it was Jennifer's story to tell so he would make her. His instincts were telling him it would be important for both of them.