Scorched Earth: (The Human Chronicles Saga Book #16) by T.R. Harris Page B

Guardians of the Galaxy.”
    Adam looked at Riyad, and through the narrow slit in the sheet, saw his eyes narrow.
    “We demand to see this object,” said one of the Juireans.
    Through a side slit in the sheet, Adam revealed his right arm with Pogo held in his hand.
    “What is it?” asked the Juirean.
    “As said, it is an object of ancient design, which has significance to the researchers working here. A simple link to Dacus Zoffis will confirm this.”
    The native guard looked to the Juirean. This was not good; he was asking for permission. Somewhere within the vast complex, Pogo had to manufacture several intricate electrical circuit boards. Success or failure would depend on how locked-down the facilities were by the Juireans.
    “Call the researcher,” said the Juirean. “I am curious to learn of his reaction.”
    As the link was made, the face of the native changed abruptly. His previously wrinkled skin now stretched out in shock; Adam could hear a voice coming through the guard’s earpiece, although it was too garbled for a translation. The native guard muttered several acknowledgements before cutting the link.
    “Zoffis will be here immediately,’ he said. He turned to Juireans. “Zoffis said we are not to let these beings leave.”
    The main-heads took this to mean Adam and Riyad should be restrained and prevented from leaving. They rushed through the doorway, drawing flash weapons. The Humans raised their hands.
    “Calm down; we’re not trying to leave,” Adam announced, lapsing momentarily back into Human-speak. Catching himself, he continued. “We have come voluntarily to return the sacred object.” Then under his breath, he whispered into his comm, “Stand-down.”
    There was a tall communication tower along the wall of the compound where the second team had taken up residency. Travis would have a scope on them—or more preciously—on the Juireans, ready to take them out if the situation escalated.
    Fortunately, Dacus Zoffis—along with about a dozen other Incus—hadn’t been too far away, because they came racing up to the gate in electric carts only seconds later.
    “Is this true?” asked one of the natives as he hopped out of the cart. He was surprisingly fast as his stubby legs moved almost in a blur, carrying him up to the two Humans in their white sheets. Adam still had Pogo gripped in his right hand.
    The native’s eyes grew impossibly large. “It is the device!”
    The scene outside the guard shack descended into chaos, as the contingent of native scientists swarmed around Adam and Riyad. Reluctantly, the orb was surrendered to Zoffis, who spun around displaying the globe to all the others. “It is a miracle!”
    After a few moments, Zoffis turned his attention to Adam and Riyad. “Who are you, and how did you come by the artifact? We assumed it had been stolen when it did not return after its last prolonged sojourn.”
    The lead Juirean stepped between Adam and Zoffis; Juireans did not like to ignored. “They claim to be members of a religious order called the Guardians of the Galaxy, creatures tasked with the protection and preservation of the metal ball.”
    “You know of the orb?” Zoffis asked Adam, having to look around the hulking alien to see him.
    “We know much. Perhaps we should move to your lab—your laboratory?”
    “Yes, surely. Come.”
    “We shall provide security,” said the Juirean.
    “That is not necessary,” said Zoffis. “The fact that they have returned such a strategic object proves they are not a risk. They did not have to do so.”
    The Juirean hesitated. Then: “We will report this to the commanding Overlord. He will demand more information about this object.”
    “Yes, and we will provide it. But first, please let us secure the device. It can be quite elusive should it decide to be.”
    Before the Juirean could ask the next logical question, the Incus herded Adam and Riyad onto the carts and they sped off into the complex. Ten seconds later