Resurgence: Katieran Prime Read online

  “It’s also like an epidemic. Everywhere I go, I see pregnant human women carrying their mixed species baby. Do you think the Earth World Governments knew why the Katierans wanted young unattached females to travel to their planet?”

  “I’m sure they figured it out quickly enough when men were denied.”

  “And yet they didn’t do anything about it. All they cared about was the technology and assistance the Katierans offered. The Katierans could have offered their help with no strings attached,” Neal said, running his hand through his hair. She had similar thoughts as well, but the Katierans were now relocating families as well, so the original agreement was no longer a big deal.

  “The women volunteered. No one forced them to sign up for relocation, and the technology is no laughing matter. This nano technology not only repairs internal bodily damage, it directs nutrients to where needed. So worth just about any price.” She almost forgot. “They even cure the common cold.”

  “Our scientists on Earth have been working on similar technology and coming close to succeeding in trials,” Neal reminded her.

  She shook her head. “It would take decades to get the technology as advanced as the Katieran tech. The Katierans also have the ability to help rebuild Earth’s natural resources. That wasn’t something anyone on Earth would pass up.”

  “Is that why you came? To get access to their technology?”

  “It is part of the reason. I’m a doctor first, and when the Katierans requested specialists, I couldn’t turn it down. Isn’t that why you came?”

  “I admit to being extremely curious to meet a new species. Do you miss it? Earth?”

  Sitting back, she thought before answering. “Sometimes I do. I miss my family, but my grandparents passed away years before the Katierans came and my parents wanted me to have a better life. They still live in the small town of Alresford, England, but it’s not what it used to be. How about you? Do you wish you’d stayed on Earth?”

  “I have to admit to finding it rewarding coming here. I didn’t expect our two species would be so compatible. Their females are exotic. Are you attracted to any of the warriors or the Katieran medics?”

  She sighed. “Neal, we decided we wouldn’t delve into each other’s personal life after breaking up.”

  “I still care about you. We were good together, and our break up never made sense to me.”

  It had been awkward, but she was able to throw herself into her work. It said a lot about their relationship if she was able to move past it so quickly, but she didn’t say that to him. It would hurt him, and she didn’t want to do that.

  “I care about you, too, but there was always something missing. You felt it too. When we talked about taking a break, I knew the right thing would be to end it all together.”

  Letting Neal go had been tough. Outwardly, he was exactly perfect for her. They were both doctors in crossover fields. She had been attracted to his silver locks reminding her of a famous actor who played an ER doctor on television on Earth. Neal’s mind was quick, and they shared intellectual sparring which often led to hot sex. So why had she broken up? Oh yeah, she hadn’t been in love him.

  Neal walked around her desk and leaned down close. “We could try again.”

  She didn’t stop him from kissing her even though she should have. He pressed closer to her. It wasn’t unpleasant, yet, there wasn’t a spark. The kiss lacked excitement, or at the least, comfort. When they pulled apart, all she felt was empty inside.

  “I’ve got to finish updating the results of my patient’s visit. I took blood work and want to send it off for analysis.”

  A flashing icon on her tablet told her she had received a message. Opening it, she read the message.

  Medic Sampson,

  We request your assistance on the Colonial planet with a couple who is about to give birth early. You may find this case interesting since it involves a Norad male and Katieran female. Never before have these two species bred. Feel free to reach out to Medic ForsYT to get more details. Let me know as soon as you can if you are interested in taking on the case, and I will send a transport to escort you.

  Sincerely,

  Leader LarIS of the Colonial Nation.

  A Norad? She had heard about the species. They were blue in skin color and physically similar to Katierans, but that was all she knew about them. She’d read that only a few remained after a Morin attack on their homeworld which had been completely annihilated.

  “Is everything okay?” Neal asked.

  “I’ve been asked to return to the Colony for another special case.”

  “Who?”

  “It involves a Norad.”

  “Don’t you think it’s a little too dangerous?”

  Jenny frowned. “What do you mean? The Norads are no danger to me or anyone else.”

  “If the Morins are involved…”

  Arguing with him felt pointless. “Neal, I’ve got work to do.”

  Neal’s forehead crinkled with frustration and possibly disappointment. Jenny hated she was the one to put that expression on his handsome face. He recovered quickly and straightened.

  “Right, I’ll leave you to it then. See you later, Jenny.”

  “Later,” she called out, not looking at him as he left. Her mind turned to this new case.

  Maybe studying the Norads would help her uncover answers about the breeding problems.

  Mind made up, Jenny replied to the message.

  I am very interested.

  Thank you for the opportunity.

  Dr. Sampson.

  Chapter 3

  ZenIM left the city a few hours before midnight even though Leader LarIS encouraged him to stay longer.

  “My mate wants you to visit with us.” LarIS had sent the message telepathically.

  “I must get back and oversee security measures.”

  “It’s been many months since the attack by the rebels. How have the repairs gone?”

  “Nearly done. You wouldn’t even know there had been any damage at all.”

  “Let me know if you need any more supplies. I’m only too happy to help.”

  “I appreciate that. I think it’s time I take my leave.” He did not want to remain in the city longer than he had to and traveling in the cover of darkness was much safer.

  Arriving at the mountain, he had the shuttle pilot drop him off farther down from the village and he walked the rest of the way.

  He wished these precautions weren’t necessary. Some prejudices were hard to overcome, and many of the rebels were full of fear and hatred for anything different than what they considered the true Katieran race. Unfortunately, the rebels had targeted the humans as well.

  Inhaling deeply, he took in the clean air. The quietness of the jungle and the scents of fresh flowers made him sigh in contentment. The city was nice to visit, but it was too busy and had too many people milling about. He’d grown up in the jungle and it was all he knew.

  His earliest memories were of his mother, AniMA, helping organize the building of huts. His father died when he was young. She got him involved right away. A smile touched his face at the memories.

  “ZenIM, help me carry the stones.”

  He bent to pick up a stone with both hands. “What are these for?”

  “We’ll use them to create a stone pathway. It will lead our way to the village.”

  Picking up another and another, he’d gathered as many as he could. A stone dropped, and when he bent to pick it up, another fell, then another and another. His mother laughed as she knelt next to him.

  “Here, my little one, let’s put the stones in this bucket.” She tenderly ruffled his hair as she stood.

  Goddess knows I have the best mother, his young self thought as he placed the stones in the pail.

  His thoughts returned to the reason he needed to travel home in the dark. After the attack, Leader LarIS offered to move his people to the city, but ZenIM and his people refused. For better or worse, they loved their mountain vil
lage.

  As he approached the stone pathway he’d helped his mother build, he felt eyes in the dark trees. He knew who they were, and he needed to let them know who he was.

  “It is I, ZenIM.”

  He could see a silhoutte walking out of the darkness. The form shaped into a male, shirtless. The moonlight reflected off the man’s skin, and ZenIM watched as his friend’s coloring changed, camouflaging his appearance so he was almost completely hidden by his surroundings.

  “RidlEE. Who else is guarding the village tonight?”

  “SporAN is in the trees, and DesIN is covering the other side, training some of the Norad warriors.”

  “Very good. Were there any problems while I was gone?” ZenIM continued up the pathway. His second-in-command fell in step beside him.

  “No, sir. All has been quiet. Did you find a medic for Zander and his mate?”

  “Leader LarIS requested a human medic who has experience with difficult breedings. He should arrive in a few days.”

  “Where do you want to put him? We have open cabins since some of the Morinians left on the transport.”

  “The closer we can put the medic to Zander’s cabin, the better. Ask if one of his neighbors would relocate temporarily. Once the young is born and the health is ensured, the medic will be returning to Katiera.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll have that arranged.”

  There was a brief silence between them. ZenIM felt the tension and knew his warrior wanted to ask him more questions. “What do you want to know?”

  “Did you meet many females while you were in the city?” RidlEE asked.

  “There were a lot of human females there, and I spoke with one.”

  “Will you be seeing her again?”

  “No. She’s more interested in staying in the city.” ZenIM wanted to change the subject.

  “That’s too bad.”

  Sighing, he agreed. “I didn’t go there to look for a female.”

  “But you want one. Don’t deny it, ZenIM. I’m your closest friend. I have watched you take care of everyone else and go home each night alone. I know that it is getting to you. It gets to me too.”

  ZenIM couldn’t deny it. “Maybe one day the Goddess will bless us both with our own mates.”

  “I pray for that each night,” RidlEE admitted. “I envied your time in the city.”

  “Once the Morinians have relocated, we can set up time for each of our unmated people to travel to the city to look for potential mates. Right now, it is too dangerous,” ZenIM told him.

  “Do we really have a risk? We haven’t had any problems since the rebels attacked. The leaders issued an amendment to the laws to include the humans.”

  “They haven’t included other species seeking shelter such as the Norads and the Morinians. The Morinians, at least, look like most of our people.”

  “Things need to change if the Norads remain here.”

  “I agree. I didn’t have a chance to discuss it with Leader LarIS, but I will.”

  “The sooner that change is made, the safer all of us will be.”

  “Let’s hope that’s the case.”

  As he neared the open entrance to the village circle, he glanced at the cabins aligning the way. The stone pathway grew wider until it reached the center where his people would often gather. He would always think of his mother when he saw those stones. Floating orbs lit the way.

  “We have the security rounds covered so you can go to your dwelling to rest,” RidlEE said.

  Normally, he would insist on checking everything before going home, but his legs dragged, and he felt heavy with exhaustion. A few hours of undisturbed sleep would do a world of good for him.

  “I appreciate that. Let me know if there are any problems.”

  RidlEE walked next to ZenIM down one of the pathways leading from the center of the village. ZenIM didn’t live in one of the cabins, but in a structure he built among the trees.

  “I often wondered why you chose a location separated from the rest of our people,” RidlEE mused.

  “I prefer the peace and quiet.”

  “I wouldn’t want to be leader. You have to deal with disputes and worry over ensuring the safety of us all. It must weigh heavily on your shoulders.”

  ZenIM agreed with that assessment but he shrugged. “I am honored to lead.”

  They stepped up to a tree as wide as four of their warriors standing side by side.

  Vines wrapped the tree, partially hiding the ladder to the open platform twenty feet up. RidlEE glanced skyward to take in the rope bridge and two-story cabin.

  “How much of the second floor have you finished?”

  ZenIM admired his home from the second ladder step. “The master bedroom and bath are finished. I still need to work on the other two bedrooms and another bathroom.”

  “It’s large for just one person,” RidlEE commented.

  Sighing, ZenIM replied, “I hope one day I will have a family and since I’ve already started the renovations, it makes sense to complete it.”

  “Let me know if you would like assistance in finishing it. I’m happy to help,” RidlEE said.

  “I will. Goodnight, RidlEE.”

  “Goodnight, sir.”

  ZenIM continued climbing the ladder to the landing. There were no railings on the platform, but he had planned to add them later. He gripped the top rope of the bridge leading to the decking surrounding his home.

  The main structure was supported and nestled between six large trees. It gave him privacy and ensured the home would not fall. These trees were hundreds of years old and would thrive hundreds more.

  After crossing the rope bridge, he stepped onto the decking and entered the cabin. An instant feeling of comfort flooded him. He’d missed his private space. Here, he didn’t feel the need to control his expressions; he could be himself.

  He opened windows to let in fresh night air. He usually left the panes open, but he didn’t want creatures making a home inside while he was away. He inhaled the scents of plants and wood. Two scents that would always remind him of his home.

  Behind him, the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light during the day and gave an amazing view of the jungle.

  The two-story structure was a new concept he learned about when Zander found out he was having a child. He wanted to make sure there was enough space for his sister and his young with room to grow. ZenIM smiled, remembering Zander explaining how he wanted five young. His mate was not altogether on board.

  The whole village contributed to the building of Zander’s home, so it didn’t take long. After seeing the results, and how happy it made Zander and his mate, ZenIM wanted to do the same just in case. ZenIM climbed the circular stairs to the upper level. He wondered if he would be blessed with a family of his own. Kayley had given him hope, but now, she and her people were preparing to relocate. Those hopes fizzled out. He supposed he could take his time completing the renovations.

  “Goddess, if it is your will, please send someone to fill my home with laughter and my heart with love.”

  Chapter 4

  Jenny sat in the back row of seats in the six-person Katieran shuttle. They were flying at night somewhere over the jungles of the Colonial planet. Just her and the pilot were on board. She forgot the pilot’s name though he had tried to start several conversations.

  “It shouldn’t be much longer,” the pilot told her.

  She didn’t look up from what she was doing, responding without any real thought. “That’s great.”

  “Have you been here before? I could show you around if you like.”

  “Uh-huh. That’s nice.”

  “You would have a better view from the seat next to me,” he offered.

  Sighing, she looked up with frustration. What was his name? It reminded her of some kind of plant. He was a nice man and she appreciated his effort to make her feel comfortable, so she kept her response polite.

  “I appreciate it, but I really need to get some research done befor
e we land.”

  She was studying everything she could about the Norad people. She needed to know how similar, and how different, they were from the Katierans.

  She pushed her glasses farther up on her nose. Scrolling down the information on her digital tablet, she felt someone watching her. She glanced up and caught the pilot glancing back at her.

  “Is there something wrong?” she asked.

  “I was wondering, do you have a male?”

  Oh boy, not this again. Ever since she arrived on Katiera, she’d had offers by more men than she had her whole adult life on Earth. It was a bit off putting. While she had been dating Neal, it was easy to turn down the other men. Now that she was single, it was harder to come up with excuses.

  “I do not have a male; I am concentrating on my work, right now.”

  “I would like to take you out for dinner some time.”

  Did he not hear her? “Thank you, but I’m not ready to date anyone.”

  “I could cook for you. My mother taught me, and it’s something I enjoy.”

  Was he hard headed? Sighing but putting a smile on her face, she tried again. “I appreciate the offer, but I must decline at this time.” She looked at her digital pad and hoped to put an end to it. Please let him drop it. She didn’t want to…

  Without warning, she felt a jolt in the shuttle and her digital pad flew out of her hands. She reached to pick it up, but the shuttle dipped at an awkward angle, throwing her sideways.

  “What was that?”

  The pilot jabbed at buttons in a jerky motion. “We’ve been hit.”

  “Hit? Hit by what?” she asked. Her hands shook while she fumbled putting on her seat belt.

  He didn’t answer, but flipped a switch and said, “This is shuttle 25415. We have been fired upon and losing maneuverability. We will need an emergency landing. Sending our current coordinates now. Request assistance—”

  The shuttle was slammed from behind and both of them were thrown forward, cutting off his plea for help. The power flickered. The pilot’s head slammed against the wall. Thank God she had the seat belt on.

  “Lean forward,” the pilot shouted, “and cover your head with your arms and hands. We’re going to crash.”