Love, Against All Odds

I - Chapter 7

Walking faster, Becca hurried out of the elevator and left Andren scrambling after her. She knew the way to Kal's office and also knew she was close to being late again. She cursed herself for getting distracted with the walk through the city with Starr, but they both had needed it, and the fresh air cleared their heads. Even if time was longer on Kander than on Earth, it somehow still managed to get away from Becca.

Andren puffed loudly when they paused in front of the guarded doors to the office. 'Kal is expecting her.'

Becca grumbled at how every Kalmar refused to use her name, as if it were a sin.

One guard knocked on the door, warning the High Commander first, then poking his head in to receive muffled orders. He turned back to Becca and signaled for her to enter the office.

Kal was coming from the sofa and silently instructed the guard to leave them. Once he was gone, she lowered her attention to Becca but remained eerily still.

A tremble passed through Becca, yet she held Kal's intense gaze, never breaking under it. Just as she parted her lips, she saw a movement behind Kal and instinctively reached for her gun, still surprised by its unexpected absence.

'There is somebody who wishes to see you,' Kal explained and stepped aside as the second person came up to her side.

With a furrow stretched across her brow, Becca cut her eyes to the Omega and nearly lost her jaw to the floor. 'By the gods of the galaxy,' she whispered in awe.

'Turen, Becca.'

After the warm hello, Becca rushed across the short distance and enveloped Dorlon into the strongest hug. When Dorlon chuckled, she laughed back and tightened her arms impossibly harder. 'It's so good to see you after so long.' She forced herself to withdraw, yet her hands remained on her friend's padded shoulders.

'You too, my friend.' Dorlon was still slightly taller than Becca and had the most beautiful brown eyes. She had grown into adulthood well, even bulkier than Becca would expect of an Omega. She once had long black hair, but it was now shoulder length and framed her round features.

Becca released Dorlon, then suddenly was punched hard in the shoulder. She hissed, bent forward, and clutched her injury, glaring at her old friend. Everyone from her past seemed to have the need to greet her this way.

'That's for leaving without a goodbye.'

'Goddamn it, Dorlon.' Becca snarled, then glowered at her after straightening up.

'I should give you one for every year.' Dorlon folded her arms and stared coolly at Becca.

Rolling her shoulder, Becca shook her head and was tongue-tied for once as she really took in Dorlon, who stood with a rigid posture. Not only was Dorlon's punch strong, but she dressed like a warrior with two laser guns on her hips and a sword hilt protruding past her head. After a confused headshake, Becca stated, 'You're a warrior.'