surface.
“Prefect Enteller,” said Byron with a scowl of disgust, “believe me, the last thing any Cassan wants to hear is he’s related to the Vindicarn. We’ve warred with that race for years, losing many good men in the process. Our scientists are working on that theory.”
“Well,” said Anchore, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. “We might all be seeded races, but I find a physical relationship hard to believe, not to mention repulsive.”
Athee’s mouth opened, stung by the man’s callous words. How dare he make such an ignorant, sweeping statement? She managed to hold her tongue and turned to Byron for his response.
Leaning back in his chair, Byron raised an eyebrow. “Is that a fact?” he said. “I believe the children of Cassan-Tgren pairings support the theory that our races are similar and quite possibly related.”
The man’s arms dropped and he cast a wary glance in Athee’s direction. She clenched her fists under the table, trying not to scowl in response. To her credit, she was partially successful.
“Other races have paired as well, although it is rare,” said Byron, shifting the attention away from Athee. “I agree a strong physical connection between all ten races is unlikely. Where our enemies are concerned, no connection is preferred. In the meantime, the reason for the revival of the alien ships, and the transmissions sent, is far more pressing.”
“They still don’t know what caused it?” said Ubarce.
Byron shook his head. “If they can transcribe the transmissions, we might find an answer. Unlike the previous transmission, these were an exchange of data rather than just a single message.”
“What if the probe returns?” someone asked.
Athee shot Byron an alarmed look, her muscles tense. The alien vessel had sought to confirm the development of the Tgren’s mental powers twenty years ago. Athee recalled the searing pain in her head when the probe scanned her mind, and her scalp itched at the memory. Satisfied with its findings, the ship had returned to deep space. What would it seek if it appeared again?
“We’ll deal with that situation when and if it occurs,” said Byron. “Right now we are more interested in the reason for the alien ship’s resurgence to full power. Our scientists have returned to the site, and work will also begin on Cassa once they have gained access to the ship. The Fesell entered their ship this morning. They will keep us updated on their progress.”
“But will you keep us updated?” Anchore demanded. “We joined your alliance and deserve to know what is happening.”
Byron’s mood shifted to one of irritation and Athee hoped she was the only one to detect his anger. She fidgeted in her seat, hesitant to touch his mind. The commander might be her mate, but Athee didn’t possess the authority to interfere.
“We will keep you abreast of developments as they occur,” said Byron, his voice strained but calm. “Since I am currently pressed for time, updates will be sent to all of you at least twice a day. If there is breaking news, my liaison officer will contact you directly.”
They pester me often enough anyway, Athee thought. She leaned forward and glanced around the table. Several prefects met her gaze and appeared to be satisfied with the arrangement.
“If there are no further questions,” said Byron, straightening his back, “I need to meet with my senior scientist. We will notify you if he’s discovered anything new.”
“Thank you, Commander,” said Prefect Ubarce.
A couple others offered words of appreciation. Athee suspected it wasn’t a sentiment shared by all, but no further objections surfaced as the men rose to depart. Slipping out of her chair, Athee found herself confronted with questions from concerned prefects. Her progress to the exit was slow and she grew impatient when she noticed Byron leave the room. Fielding two more questions, Athee excused herself and darted out the door before
“Prefect Enteller,” said Byron with a scowl of disgust, “believe me, the last thing any Cassan wants to hear is he’s related to the Vindicarn. We’ve warred with that race for years, losing many good men in the process. Our scientists are working on that theory.”
“Well,” said Anchore, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. “We might all be seeded races, but I find a physical relationship hard to believe, not to mention repulsive.”
Athee’s mouth opened, stung by the man’s callous words. How dare he make such an ignorant, sweeping statement? She managed to hold her tongue and turned to Byron for his response.
Leaning back in his chair, Byron raised an eyebrow. “Is that a fact?” he said. “I believe the children of Cassan-Tgren pairings support the theory that our races are similar and quite possibly related.”
The man’s arms dropped and he cast a wary glance in Athee’s direction. She clenched her fists under the table, trying not to scowl in response. To her credit, she was partially successful.
“Other races have paired as well, although it is rare,” said Byron, shifting the attention away from Athee. “I agree a strong physical connection between all ten races is unlikely. Where our enemies are concerned, no connection is preferred. In the meantime, the reason for the revival of the alien ships, and the transmissions sent, is far more pressing.”
“They still don’t know what caused it?” said Ubarce.
Byron shook his head. “If they can transcribe the transmissions, we might find an answer. Unlike the previous transmission, these were an exchange of data rather than just a single message.”
“What if the probe returns?” someone asked.
Athee shot Byron an alarmed look, her muscles tense. The alien vessel had sought to confirm the development of the Tgren’s mental powers twenty years ago. Athee recalled the searing pain in her head when the probe scanned her mind, and her scalp itched at the memory. Satisfied with its findings, the ship had returned to deep space. What would it seek if it appeared again?
“We’ll deal with that situation when and if it occurs,” said Byron. “Right now we are more interested in the reason for the alien ship’s resurgence to full power. Our scientists have returned to the site, and work will also begin on Cassa once they have gained access to the ship. The Fesell entered their ship this morning. They will keep us updated on their progress.”
“But will you keep us updated?” Anchore demanded. “We joined your alliance and deserve to know what is happening.”
Byron’s mood shifted to one of irritation and Athee hoped she was the only one to detect his anger. She fidgeted in her seat, hesitant to touch his mind. The commander might be her mate, but Athee didn’t possess the authority to interfere.
“We will keep you abreast of developments as they occur,” said Byron, his voice strained but calm. “Since I am currently pressed for time, updates will be sent to all of you at least twice a day. If there is breaking news, my liaison officer will contact you directly.”
They pester me often enough anyway, Athee thought. She leaned forward and glanced around the table. Several prefects met her gaze and appeared to be satisfied with the arrangement.
“If there are no further questions,” said Byron, straightening his back, “I need to meet with my senior scientist. We will notify you if he’s discovered anything new.”
“Thank you, Commander,” said Prefect Ubarce.
A couple others offered words of appreciation. Athee suspected it wasn’t a sentiment shared by all, but no further objections surfaced as the men rose to depart. Slipping out of her chair, Athee found herself confronted with questions from concerned prefects. Her progress to the exit was slow and she grew impatient when she noticed Byron leave the room. Fielding two more questions, Athee excused herself and darted out the door before
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