Turning around, she watched as Nykyrian secured his hatch. She didn't know anything about him really, but for some reason, she wanted desperately to see him again.
Nykyrian saw Kiara watching him. With a final look at her, he prepared the launch. An ache spread through him as he regretted the necessity of solitude in his life.
He clenched his teeth and launched.
As the tiny planet faded, remorse consumed him . Maybe someday he would be free to pursue a relationship with someone, but he doubted it.
Just once, he would like to know what it felt like to be loved, to be held on the nights when he was confused and hurt.
His eyes narrowed. Not even his real or adoptive families had ever shown him kindness, why would he expect it from anyone else?
What did he need with love and kindness anyway? Those things only made a soldier weak, vulnerable. He shrugged off the melancholy thoughts, turned his ship about and made his way to his own isolated home.
It didn't take long to reach the orange and yellow planet. He docked in the small hangar next to his house.
He pressed the button on his control panel that closed the portal behind his ship, waiting for the artificial air to replace the deadly, natural one, and thought about the trim dancer who invaded his dreams. He sighed, wanting the two things his money and influence couldn't buy him— Kiara's love and acceptance.
When the light came on notifying him it was safe to leave, he exited his fighter.
As soon as he entered his house, his four pets assailed him with happy leaps and licks that banished some of his melancholia.
The lorinas were feline creatures many assumed could never be domesticated. It had taken Nykyrian a long time to make them docile, but as with most beings, once they learned he could be trusted not to hurt or neglect them, they settled into an easy camaraderie.
They were the only balm against loneliness he would allow himself. Rubbing the soft fur of their heads, Nykyrian dropped his helmet by the door. He was grateful it was still night on his planet. With any luck he might be able to get some sleep.
The stars twinkled brightly through the clear ceiling while his home floated placidly above the gaseous world below. It was a peaceful, soothing place that never failed to ease the tension in his muscles or relax his troubled thoughts.
He had purchased the planet several years earlier after deciding he was tired of living in the cramped flats inside noisy, crime-ridden cities. No one but Rachol knew of the house's existence. Here there was no dancer to tempt him. Here he had the solitude he needed.
Wearily, Nykyrian made his way up the stairs to his left. His large, soft bed welcomed him. He pulled the tie from his braid, shook his hair loose, then fell on top of the black fur covers.
He rolled onto his back and lay for hours watching the sky above him. Despite the tranquility of the heavens, there was none for his mind. The lorinas were draped across him, offering him what solace they could. Stroking their fur, he thought of bouncing, dark brown curls as the trim dancer ran to her father.
He swallowed, feeling lonelier than he ever had before.
As the sky began to lighten, he saw a ship zoom overhead. He didn't move while he waited for Rachol to dock and enter.
The lorinas heard the loud crackle of Rachol's engines and jumped from the bed, anxious to greet their other friend. Nykyrian grunted as they used his stomach for a launching pad.
"Kip!" Rachol yelled below, bombarded by the lorinas. "When are you going to chain these mongrels up?"
Running his hand through his unbound hair, Nykyrian sat up. The lorinas ran up the stairs, followed by Rachol.
Nykyrian stacked his pillows up along the wall and reclined against them. "Well?" he asked as Rachol sprawled across the foot of his bed.
"I told Biardi we were booked. The dude offered us a chunk of money though. I was almost tempted to take it and guard her myself. The girl seemed disappointed we refused." He shrugged.
Nykyrian shook his head. As always, Rachol's brief was efficient, short, and com ical.
He drew his leg up and draped his arm over his knee. "What are the Probekeins up to?"
"They want the Gourans to relinquish all rights to Miremba IV to them. You were right about it pertaining to the weapon. Seems the Probekeins have need of the resources on that outpost to complete the explosive."
Nykyrian frowned. "I wasn't aware there was any surata on Miremba." His mind ran through all the chemicals the weapon needed, surata was the only one the Probekeins didn't have in their own territories.
Rachol didn't comment. He rolled over and propped himself up on his elbows, staring at the rose and amber streaked sky. "This is really a great view. You should try looking at it when you're really flagged."
Nykyrian scowled. "You should try it sober."
"That hurt." Rachol laughed. "I'm sober now and I must say it's not nearly as interesting." He shifted his gaze to Nykyrian. "I haven't had a drink in three days. I've been doing well."
"You could do better."