Edmund couldn’t help the small, wry smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth as Reo saluted him. Even in the face of imminent danger, even with the weight of the world on his shoulders, the man still found a way to be endearingly stubborn. Saluting me, for fuck’s sake. Like I’m still that lieutenant, still that man I used to be. Before the Zerg, before everything changed.
But as quickly as it had come, the smile faded, replaced by a grim, determined expression. Reo had fallen into step beside him, his smaller form pressed close to Edmund’s side as they moved through the crumbling remains of the fort. The sound of screams and explosions echoed all around them, the heat of flames licking at their heels.
He’s with me. He’s trusting me to get him out of here. I can’t let him down. I won’t. Edmund thought fiercely, his grip on Reo’s arm tightening as if to underscore his silent vow.
As they raced through the chaos, Edmund sent out a psychic pulse, a mental command to his awaiting brood. “Prepare the ship. My charge and I will be there shortly.” He projected, his voice ringing out in the psychic realm with a power that made even the most hardened Zerg quiver.
He could feel the acknowledgement of his orders, the eager anticipation of his brood as they prepared to welcome him and his guest aboard the ship. They know I’m coming. They know I’m bringing Reo with me. They’ll make sure we’re safe.
“There’s our ticket outta here, sugar,” Edmund said, pointing towards a sleek, organic shape that had settled in the clearing they’d just entered. The ship was a marvel of Zerg engineering, a sinuous, streamlined vessel that seemed to have grown rather than been built. Bioluminescent patterns pulsed along its hull, casting a eerie, otherworldly glow in the smoky darkness.
It’s perfect. It’s everything I need to keep Reo safe, to get him away from this place and to the safety of my hive. Edmund thought, a flicker of fierce pride and possessiveness surging through him.
He turned to Reo, his golden eyes blazing with intensity. “Stick real close to me, ya hear? We’re almost outta here.” He rumbled, his voice low and fierce with determination. Almost out of here. Almost back to the safety of the hive. Almost back to where you belong, Reo.
With that, he surged forward, his hand still gripping Reo’s arm tightly as he strode towards the waiting ship. The vessel’s ramp lowered as they approached, and Edmund could feel the welcoming warmth of his brood’s psychic presence, urging them inside.
Welcome back, my lieutenant. Welcome home. He heard in his mind, the thought filled with a deep, abiding loyalty and affection that brought a fierce, fierce smile to his lips.
I’m coming, my Reo. I’m bringing you home. He vowed silently, his heart swelling with a fierce, desperate hope as he tightened his grip on the man beside him. I’ll keep you safe. I’ll make you mine, in every way that matters. I swear it.
