Taken (Warriors of Karal Book 3) by Harmony Raines Page B

them there were no unknown vessels in their vicinity.
    “Do you think they are interested in the planet too?” she asked.
    “I don’t know. It looks as if the Hrokili are slavers, not after technology, but other beings that they can sell or use; there are no specifics. The Wambano gave the Karal schematics of some kind of defence grid, so we can protect ourselves.” He went over the results of the computer’s scan. “There is nothing in this sector of space that could be a ship. I think we should go out and explore, take the readings we need, and then sleep in here. At least that way we can make a quick getaway if the need arises.”
    “To come all this way and then be hounded by another species, it just seems wrong,” Chrissi said. “You know, until the Karal came along, we thought we were alone in the universe. Now it appears space can get kind of crowded.”
    “The planet might draw other species to it if it’s habitable. Then you can imagine sooner or later someone is going to colonise it.”
    “I hope it’s us,” said Chrissi. “But we can’t colonise it with slavers roaming the universe, can we?”
    “Maybe not,” he said, standing and taking her hand. “Let’s go, and for now I want you to stay close to me, because I would hate for anything to happen to you.”
    “I can take care of myself,” she said.
    “As long as you avoid pretty flowers,” he said.
    “Does that mean you won’t ever bring me flowers?” she asked.
    “Is that an Earth custom?” he asked,
    “Yes. Well it used to be, I remember my dad bringing my mom flowers on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.”
    “Anniversaries?” he asked, passing her a backpack.
    “Yes, you know, like when you are married, a husband will buy his wife flowers on their anniversary.”
    “Married?”
    “A man and a woman promise to live together forever.” She saw his confusion. “A man gives the woman a ring, an engagement ring, it’s like a promise to be there for each other whatever happens.”
    “Your people have strange customs,” he said.
    “Well, didn’t your people have the same thing? When there were females on the planet. Before they died out?” she asked, slipping the pack on her back.
    “I don’t know. It is never spoken of.” He took a box from one of the storage compartments and said, “We should go, if we have to leave in a hurry, let’s at least have the samples we need.”
    “I can’t wait,” she said, and followed him down the ramp cautiously.
    They stood for several minutes, Chrissi transfixed by the birds flying overhead and the animals she could see in the distance. All around them, green grass grew. In places it was so tall it could almost be mistaken for bamboo.
    “It’s so peaceful,” she said.
    “Yes, it is.” He looked around at her, concerned, “Is the air all right to you?”
    “Yes. Is it to you?” she asked.
    “Yes.”
    “Then stop worrying and let’s go get these samples,” she said, heading off towards the lake in the distance. It was approximately a mile away, and they took the time to look around them, seeing mountains in the distance, one with a plume of smoke rising from it.
    “A volcano: this planet is not as old as Earth or Karal. I think it would be of a similar age to your prehistoric,” he said when she asked if it was safe.
    “Wow, so around here could be a creature that will one day evolve into a sentient being?”
    “Possibly, but who knows what path evolution will take,” he said, bending down and taking a soil sample.
    They had reached the lake, and Chrissi took out a small vial and filled it with water. “How many of these shall we take?” she asked.
    “One from here, and then we will move around the shore and take more. I hope we can find a stream that feeds it.”
    “So we get to walk some more?” she asked.
    “Yes,” he said.
    “Good. I think I have spent enough time in the cruiser to last me for days, weeks even.”
    “That is why I thought