Well, in the end, there was no portal. Not at least what I wanted.
-Sequence denied. Unauthorized security protocol, Iron. Unauthorized self-destruct sequence. Code 06458. I repeat 06458. Abort.
I heard the command and my feet fell flat on the floor. It just wasn't possible. The blows on the ice barrier stopped suddenly.
That voice came in Ravenack's sudden, oppressive silence.
I didn't know why but the blows against the massive ice stopped. Drawing my pistol, I lowered my defenses and prepared to see the door open, ignoring the fearful look of Angel protected behind me. I could only thank the heavens that that monster did not yet know who the hybrid was. I stopped there in an interminable moment and doubting my own sanity.
It just wasn't possible!
Rays! No one else on the crew knew that Spartckus had an artificial intelligence system. Only those who knew besides me ... Just one person ...
I shook my head, unable to assimilate her insecurity when touching my arm with a cold hand. I was appalled. I tried to react to the torpor and without being able to identify the emotions that plagued me at that moment.
Fear!
Expectancy!
Unbelief!
How I could explain this to Angel, I had no idea.
It was impossible. He was dead. Even after all this time, talking about it was painful.
He is dead! Know this. Did you see it!
My body seemed to be nailed to the floor without being able to move. Unreal images assaulted me and were violent and filled with longing. My mind didn't work right. It was impossible. Only it was his voice. The face of strong, masculine features etched in my memory was unforgiving, bringing pain and disbelief. I have never been so grateful that Angel was unable to share my thoughts.
Klaus ?!
-I may be inclined towards more friendly negotiations if I can reconsider the decision to keep the hybrid away from its own species. Just hand the female over to me.
Ravenack's voice finally managed to penetrate the fog that enveloped me.
-Your decision can save lives. - He remained persuasive. - To prove my good intentions, I bring someone you know to negotiate on my behalf.
I was someone who burned in the flames of hell. Deliver Angel?
-Zorack. Angel's voice echoed from somewhere far away.
Was he ... was he? Was not? My emotions prevailed over all rational control as the solid barrier melted.
I was only a hundred and twenty years old. N'Tirlay. What would my life have been like without him? At the time I was chasing my own death. The fighting. A strong and powerful slave was always disputed. The temerity of adolescence and I considered myself invincible there. In combat, no one could beat me.
-Zorack? - Angel shouted and there was fear in the tone.
And in a minute he was there in front of me. I was unable to look at Angel and looked up in a silent and overwhelmed challenge at the impossible.
-Come on, boy! It hasn't been that long. It is impossible for you not to recognize me. Nicholaus, remember? You will leave me disappointed.
Forget?
As if it were possible!
My dry throat constricted. Yes, I would recognize you anywhere!
-You! - My voice was cold and hid the violent fury of my emotions.- You ... you are dead. Died...
Anesthetized, I moved away from Angel, putting up a mental barrier so she wouldn't catch my disorientation. God! I was never going to explain it to her. My anger redoubled. In Édrin ... well, there were no conventions for people to live together. A relationship always involved three people in a solid and inseparable union. There was always the only question of securing descendants from sexual reproduction.
-No, I didn't die, but it was close.
I shook my head, still not believing. For much of the hell in my life, Klaus was the only security not to go crazy in slavery. He had been everything, my friend, my lover, and companion.
"Do you know this man, Zorack?" Angel asked pale.
Sighing, I stared at her as if I saw through the fog of despair and trying to look away from him and escape his magnetism.
-Angel, I ...- Ah, shit! - I really thought Klaus ...
-Klaus? -She repeated his name as if it were my sentence.
The girl walked away slowly and stiffly, little by little, and did nothing. I was unable to do anything to appease the pain and suffering in his sparkling green eyes.
What do you do next to a wife when she meets her lover? A guy like me didn't have much to explain.
-And would you be, miss? - Klaus smiled as he always did with good manners.
No one would be able to tell by his reaction and calm the desperate situation we were in. Cornered by the K'Aldriant. Klaus had a charming and contagious personality. My eyes met his and the expression on my face spoke there for me. I expected to see irritation, hurt, or jealousy in him and never calm resignation when I shook my head, long, blond hair falling over my shoulders.
Holy shit! What do I speak?
-Let me introduce myself, miss. I apologize for the lack of delicacy of my dear boy. My name is Nicholaus! - the newcomer spoke cordially and held out his hand. - And you?
Angel was a lifeless statue, her arms around her body and helpless.
-Nicholaus! she murmured under her breath.
She stared at him, displaying the statue of a queen. My queen. The queen of an enslaved and vanquished king. What a joke! Ah, damn it! Unions on our planet were not monogamous. I saw in her eyes that it was not going to be easy to explain. The girl would not understand. The habits on Earth were totally different.
-No one important. - she replied automatically.
And it didn't look like the Angel I knew. It wasn't the woman who made me crazy and burning with jealousy. It was again the damn and hellish Terran teenager. She never seemed so far away as she does now.
-Klaus. - I said firmly. I took a deep breath. It was difficult to even speak his name. Her name is Angel. She is...
"My almost wife or it should be. Whereas the commitment is still valid. I think I told you before she did!"
Klaus nodded dumbly without giving much importance, but he got close enough to stand between Angel and me, marking his presence and territory.
Damn it, girl! Do you mean anything, girl? Shout out. Swear. Any shit! Not that damn cold! I thought, looking at Angel.
-I believe that Zork has not told us about you. I came back. And I intend to save your neck for a change, my boy! I can't say I missed you. And from our ...