Yondu's Krylorian

CHAPTER SIX

     Yondu glared over at me before heading back towards the ship as I followed Rhomnann Dey inside the Nova Corps central building. Two men instantly walked over to me, causing me to flinch. "It's okay, guys, she's with me." Rhomann declined.

     "Sir, it's protocol that all outsiders get checked for weapons upon entry." One guardsman insisted.

     "She doesn't have any weapons, I checked." Rhomann lied and we continued down the hall. "I didn't want to overwhelm you, I know what you've been through, you don't need to be frisked." Rhomann stopped in his place and turned to me. "I do have to ask though, you don't have any weapons on you, do you?"

     "Nope, I left my weapons back on the ship." I smiled. "I never had a reason to carry here on Xandar."

     "Good." Rhomann smiled and we continued down the hall.

     "What does Irani Rael need to speak with me for?"

     "It's not my place to say, she told me to get you to her as soon as possible." I gently nodded as we approached a large sliding door. The door instantly opened and we stepped inside, walking up to a rather tall woman. "Nova Prime." Rhomann bowed and I quickly followed the gesture. "This is Devora Pauq'ar." The woman gently smiled and approached me with her hand held out. I gently took it and shook her hand.

     "Welcome, Devora." Irani smiled. "Rhomann has told me so much about you. You've grown up so much since I last saw you."

     "Indeed, Nova Prime, it's been too long." I smiled. "Rhomann said that you needed to have a word with me?"

     "Yes. It's come to my attention that you have managed to be freed from slavery, is that correct?"

     "Yes, Nova Prime."

     "And are you aware that you are not to be unaccompanied at any time?"

     "I wasn't alone, ma'am, I was with someone."

     "Oh, and who would that someone be?"

     "He's my... friend."

     "A friend, huh? Sounds like he means more to you than that." Irani smiled gleefully. "Do you have feelings for your friend?"

     "I, uh... what?"

     "So, my suspicions are correct." Irani chuckled. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. It's just sad to see you grow up so fast. The first time I saw you, you were just a kid, and now you're a fully grown woman with her heart set on a man."

     "What? No, I mean, he's my-"

     "It was Yondu Udonta, Nova Prime." Rhomann butted in.

     "Yondu Udonta? You're running with the Ravagers now?"

     "My brother, Oblo, bought my freedom, I assumed it would be best if I went with him instead of risking getting put back into Nyromar's care."

     "Absolutely. I've heard stories of you, Devora, none too good, and I've heard worse things about Nyromar." I didn't respond. Irani cleared her throat and continued. "Actually, Nyromar is the reason why I have called you here, today. Yesterday evening, we received word that your brother alerted Rhomann of Nyromar's outstanding warrants and of his whereabouts. We found him here on Xandar after he tried to turn in a counterfeit jewel to Broker's shop and apprehended him. As of nine fifteen this morning, Kyln guardsmen have reported that he has escaped." My heart instantly plummeted.

     "Nova Prime has offered to give you sanctuary until Nyromar is captured." Rhomann informed.

     "He killed thirty Kyln prison guards, wounded several others. Once captured, he will receive the death penalty, but until then, I fear that your life is in immediate danger. We have prepared a room for your stay with us."