Page 12 of Mazorium Buys a Human

I debated about moving to the bed or staying on Mazorium’s lap. He decided for me. Shifting me a little, he stood up with my body cradled against this chest. He turned and sat down on the bed, then moved until he was sitting up against the wall the bedwas attached to. Parting his legs, he settled me down between them.

I wiggled a little so I could see the incubator without having to turn my head. He reached out for one of the blankets and tucked it around me. I felt surrounded by warmth.

“Is this comfortable?” he asked, still purring.

“Yes, this is perfect.”

I was suddenly so tired. No, not tired, exhausted. Giving in, I closed my eyes and let sleep pull me under.

I woke up to a whispered conversation going on around me. I kept my eyes closed and listened.

“...determined that you were within your right to use violence.” Was that the Tiltimun in charge of station security?

“Of course I was within my rights,” Mazorium scoffed. “Effik stole my property and then his cohorts attacked me.”

“Effik claims you gave him no warning or time to respond to his crimes,” the Tiltimun said. “Station law requires that someone accused of a crime is allowed to answer for the crime before more drastic steps are taken.”

Oh shit, was Mazorium about to get in trouble because of me?

“He was injuring my human,” Mazorium said. “There was no time for words, only action.”

“We don’t have any vid captures inside the living quarters,” the Tiltimun said. “All the Tulks there have given conflicting reports on what happened. Two of them have been in trouble before and are being deported. As a representative of the Talin Empire, we’re inclined to accept your version of events. Please speak clearly and concisely so we can add your testimony to the record.”

“Will this delay my departure?” Mazorium asked.

“I’ll work hard to file everything quickly,” the Tiltimun responded. “If you’ll begin now, I can get everything recorded and documented sooner.”

Mazorium relayed everything that happened from his point of view. It was a cold recounting of the facts, but I could hear the hint of rage when he described seeing me being strangled.

I missed most of the fight because I was trying hard to make myself small in a corner. Hearing him explain everything literally blow by blow made me realize that Mazorium was a badass. The man had taken on five Tulks, a powerful species, and came out with nothing more than the equivalent of a few bruises.

Even after all that, he was nothing but gentle and soft with me, including now. I was in almost the same position I’d fallen asleep in, with a blanket around me and nestled against his warm body.

I wanted to whistle with admiration once he was done telling the Tiltimun what had happened. I knew he wasn’t bragging or looking for accolades, but it was almost more impressive because he didn’t think it was a big deal.

I’d seen Tulks fight each other. They were strong and brutal. This man was a true warrior to take them on and win.

When he was finished talking, the Tiltimun asked a few clarifying questions, then left. I considered falling back to sleep but Nadia started crying. I heard footsteps rush over.

“I can care for the pup,” one of the techs said.

“No, I’m awake. I can do it,” I said and tried to sit up. My movements were uncoordinated, and Mazorium had to help me get free of the blanket before I could sit with my legs crossed.

“If you’ll shape the nipple,” the tech said, handing me one of the milk balls, “I’ll check the pup’s everclean suit before handing her to you.”

I took the milk ball. My hands were a little clumsy but I got it done, and soon the tech was setting Nadia in my arms. It was such a relief to hold her warm weight. She latched onto the milk ball nipple and sucked greedily.

“You’re such a good baby,” I sang to her. “Pretty, smart, and strong. You’re the light of my life and fill my heart with love. You’re such a good baby.”

“Do you sing to encourage her to eat?” Mazorium asked.

“I sing so she knows she’s loved,” I said with a shrug. “My mom sang to me and my siblings."

“You learned to be a good dam from having a good dam,” he said as if making a mental note. “Do you have nurturing instincts or did you learn everything from your parents?”

“Um, both?” I said, unsure how to answer that. Mom had been great but was overworked and tired. Actually, I didn’t know if I’d ever met a human that wasn’t overworked. No one trusted a species without a homeworld, and that meant it was hard to find jobs and we had to work twice as hard to get half as much as everyone else.

“Sir,” one of the techs said, walking up with a package in her hand. “This was delivered for you.”