Cloud Riders(149)

Aldebaran groaned as his head was being wrapped to stop the bleeding. ‘How are you staying so calm?’ he moaned again.

‘I trust my wife,’ he confided as he helped him up and to the armchair. ‘Now, tell me everything that happened.’

He seemed a bit embarrassed. ‘We couldn’t help it, we were watching. Conom was angry enough when she had her arm cut the first time and I tried to switch off the communication then but he wouldn’t have it and argued with me. Cassie was hit again and this time her shoulder was sliced. He just freaked out, swearing at both of us and saying neither of us deserves her. He said we were reckless for letting her do what she does. I had just about settled him when that last portion of nova headed for her. That’s when he literally picked me up in a fury and flung me off him. I don’t think he realised his own strength: so much mixed passion and protective concern. He damned near threw me through the stone wall, the mongrel bastard.’

‘I’m grateful she’s safe, Aldebaran and as much as I’m twisted with guilt for what I had to put Cassie through, our job is to prevent any damage to the stars when under attack. Cassie is a soldier and in battle as you are well aware, there are sometimes unavoidable injuries. She was coping and yes it was touch and go but hell or high water I would have made it to her in time.’ He sighed. ‘I’m damned annoyed at Conom for taking it upon himself to have such little faith in me that he felt it necessary to abduct my wife from the tyrant he thinks I am. He stood abruptly, putting all emotion aside. ‘Sorry to leave you like this, Aldebaran but we have to get back to the mission and the mess it has become. Keep me informed with any news you find out about my wife.’

Aldebaran sat up, holding his head that was aching. ‘She was hurt and I tried to let her be. I have to admit though, Kayden, I was terribly relieved when I came round just now and found she was alive, even if the traitorous bastard has taken her from us. He’ll have her at a hospital somewhere. I’ll make inquires while you’re gone and try to find out where,’ he offered.

Kayden thanked him and left with his team to finish what they had started. His men quietly followed him out and Kayden injected a feeling of calm through them and instructed them to keep their minds on the mission until it was completed. The last thing he needed was for them to freak out as well. He linked with the men and sent Cassie some healing once they all mounted their horses before heading off to Pyxis, after which he would make a quick stop at Hydra to assess any damage, before heading to Alpha site where he hoped Zoren’s team had monitored it and had a fix on where Cassie had been taken.

They arrived at Pyxis and landed on the star Velorum, the home world of Captain Rogers. After greeting the Captain, they followed him inside his ship. The ship had been dug out underneath and he had built a mansion underground. The walls were of a sandy appearance, giving them an authentic look. Magnificent handmade ships and boats where displayed in glass cases around the room.

The one he was working on sat prominently on his workbench. ‘Just a bit of a hobby of mine,’ he chatted as he poured them a drink.

Normally Kayden would have refused alcohol as they still had a lot to do but he was too annoyed with how this had all gone down and needed something a bit stronger to drink. Woody had resumed control with the men and was holding it together for Kayden’s sake. His composed authority was helping him keep his mood in check.

Captain Rogers grinned as he handed the drinks around. ‘That girl of yours is a little powerhouse. I watched you on satellite and noticed her injuries. I hope she’s well.’

‘Yes, Cassie received a slight injury and is having it attended to. I’ll pass on your kind words,’ Kayden said, not wishing to discuss private issues with the stars. ‘The danger is over for now. If you wish to put in a personal complaint towards the Raven or Leon, I’ll send Woody back later with some papers for you to sign. Otherwise it will be in my report and as normal, be dealt with by the authorities at Alpha site.’

‘Kayden, it’s not the first time you’ve helped me out and I trust you to proceed as usual. You are so much better with detail than an old seadog like me. My days of keeping logs are well over.’ He sat back in his chair, lighting his pipe.

He motioned to Woody to hand around the cigars and sat back comfortably, giving them the details of what he knew of the argument between the perpetrators. Woody could see Kayden was in no mood to deal with petty bitching so he engaged with the captain and left the boss to his thoughts of Cassie and Conom.

Woody nudged Kayden when they’d finished the cigars and the drink, letting him know they were itching to move on. Kayden stood up, taking his glass over and placing it on the tray. ‘I’m glad your world is safe, Captain Rogers and when we’re not so time-poor we’ll pop in for a more enjoyable chat. I’ll draw up papers and have them dropped off for your signature. This wasn’t a direct hit on you; nevertheless the nova could have caused you much damage the way it was so out of control. You’ll be asked to testify when the perpetrators are asked to answer to the charges if that’s not too much of a bother.’