all too plain when it came to Japohn. The Imdiko felt they owed him a fair shake after what he’d done for them. He was right.
However, it was the astonishing vulnerability the Nobek had just shown that had shaken Bacoj. Japohn’s breed wasn’t famous for spouting emotional pleas. It rendered his all the more profound.
Bacoj admired Japohn. Hell, he really liked Japohn, and not just because he’d saved their asses the day before. As far as potential Nobek clanmates went, Japohn checked off the boxes. He was smart and upright as far as honesty went. He’d been quick to admit his issues when it came to working with others and his fear that would keep him from joining a clan. He’d been a good sport about Bacoj getting the jump on him during sex the night before, even congratulating the young Dramok on his ruse.
Bacoj had to admit it was his insecurities as a future clan leader that gave him pause. Especially when it came to someone as assertive as Japohn. Would such a Nobek come to regard Bacoj with contempt? At the very least, strong-willed Japohn might take control over the clan if Bacoj proved a weak leader.
Why shouldn’t Japohn do such a thing? He was older. More experienced. The more he thought about it, the more Bacoj wondered how he could dare to claim leadership over a man like Japohn.
He fretted over the matter during the rest of the fight card. When the last bout ended, spectators streamed out of the arena. It had been a large, appreciative crowd, and the walkways leading to the exits were clogged within seconds. The din of cheers and boos had been replaced by loud conversation. The three Kalquorians remained in their seats, waiting for the rest to disperse.
As they sat, debating the referee’s calls in the final match, their coms went off at the same moment with text messages. They stared at each other in surprise, then laughed as they dug their devices out.
“Probably a weather alert or something of that nature. No other reason for them to all signal at once,” Japohn opined.
Bacoj checked the frequency on his readout. Anticipation mixed with dread as he opened the text. “Not for me. It would appear I’ve got my war assignment after I finish basic training.” He read the message quickly. “Supply ship 626706.”
“Me too. Perfect.” Vax grinned and put his com in its pouch.
“Um.” Japohn glanced from his com to them, his expression nervous, but cautiously amused.
“What’s up? Did they also send you your assignment?”
“That would be affirmative.”
“Where are you off to?” Vax craned his neck, trying to read Japohn’s message.
“My actual objective will be classified, so they won’t give me that ahead of deployment.”
“Oh. So what’s up?”
“After training, I’m flying on several vessels to reach my assignment. Guess what my first ride, lasting an entire month, is?”
Vax gaped. “You’re kidding. Our supply transport?”
“Can you believe it? The odds against me ending up on your ship must be astronomical.”
“This is a sign. We’re meant to get to know you better.” Vax gave Bacoj a significant stare.
The Dramok wasn’t a big believer in fate, but he owed Japohn a chance. Bacoj couldn’t let his self-confidence issues stand in the way of that, no matter how heavy his gut felt at the prospect.
“We’ll use the time to examine our compatibility. We’ll see how it goes.”
Japohn’s gaze filled with gratitude. “I’ll do whatever it takes to prove myself to you guys. Ancestors. Mother of All. What an amazing coincidence.”
Bacoj barely kept from wincing, afraid he was leading the Nobek on. How crushed would Japohn be if it didn’t work out? What if Vax became attached to him, but Bacoj couldn’t accept they’d be clanmates for the rest of their lives?
Vax was obviously delighted, hugging Japohn with unrestrained excitement. “Be advised, I expect regular foot rubs, doting expressions of how wonderful I look, especially when I’ve just woken up…”
“Oh boy.” Bacoj rolled his eyes dramatically, playing along in order to put the best face possible on the unforeseen circumstances.
“Foot rubs and exclamations on your unceasing desirability are the least of the pleasures I’ll bestow on you, Imdiko,” Japohn laughed. He beamed at them both, as if he’d won a major bet.
Chapter Fourteen
Vax’s mood was experiencing stratospheric highs when they returned to his and Bacoj’s room that evening. Japohn would join them for the first month of deployment. How lucky was that?
Reality intruded when Japohn took him aside while Bacoj spoke on the com to Dantovon’s