A/N: The crew needs supplies, Den-neer takes care of some final business on Tchutchka Centrus with Tider, and Warren asks the Emperor for a couple favors.
Chapter 24
Having rendezvoused at a new location, Volu commanded the ASurT out beyond the city through winds that had risen to Cat 2 hurricane force to where the Eshaar'ne waited. With supplies quickly off-loaded under a protective shield bubble, Volu lifted gently through Tchutchka Centrus' atmosphere, her stealth abilities making their departure invisible to those monitoring air traffic. Once out of the Tchutchka system, she came to a halt while the group determined their next destination.
In the gathering room, stories were exchanged in a debriefing session. Agreement all around said the trip was a success beyond what anyone could have hoped, but a lot of what they learned was not encouraging. Much gained, but at a price. To whom would Tider sell the knowledge of Ettwanae? And the attack in the alley put everyone even more on edge.
"So ya think those dudes was Etagllot?" Flint asked as he popped another of his favorite candies into his mouth.
"We don't know," Ettwanae sighed with a slight ruffle of feathers. "Could be Etagllot, Shozen, Dark Ones, or someone else. Both the man who saved us and Tider said we're hunted by many."
Warren's heart lurched at the tone of defeat edging into Ettwanae's voice. He placed a reassuring hand on her wrist while simultaneously kicking himself for not thinking to ask Tider about the Shozen. "No one's caught us yet. We'll be okay." A tingle traced his fingers.
"But this gets more dangerous all the time!" she pointed out, emotions rising up. "It was bad enough when I thought only the Shozen were after me. Then came the Etagllot. Now…" Her golden waves, still in some disarray, danced as she shook her head. "Maybe Tider was right. Maybe we should just run away while we can. This is – it's too much."
He thought she'd be more excited about having a possible location for the nodes, but instead Ettwanae was focusing on the negative. Warren watched the blue eyes begin to glisten. The urge to pull her into an embrace and chase away the fears nearly overwhelmed him, but he stayed rooted in place and gave her arm a gentle squeeze instead. "It may feel that way right now, but we can't let others keep us from our goals. You need to find your people. I want to get rid of the nannites. I'm not willing to give up on those dreams. Danger can lurk no matter where you go." He drew his hand back as less platonic urges began warming parts of him he'd rather stayed cool.
"Warren is right, Ettwanae. Even if we abandon our goals and leave this sector of the galaxy, there are no guarantees of safety beyond imperial space," Volu injected.
"Don't forget you got friends, Twae! We're with ya. Hell, bring 'em on – Etagllot, Shozen, Dark Ones…don't matter. We can take 'em! Me and War, we can tackle anything they throw at us. You watch. And Vo – she can kick ass, too." Then the teen turned toward the Alcab. "Gatebi, she…well, she's good for somethin' – I'm sure we'll figure out what it is one of these days!" Flint's prep talk and jibe worked and a smile crept across Ettwanae's face as Gatebi huffed.
"And we know more than we did a few hours ago," Warren reminded. "We're making progress. Volu, how long to reach Neu?"
"At my best speed, 10.4 imperial standard days, assuming no delays."
"That long?" Warren bemoaned. They'd already spent 17 standard days mostly cooped up. The vastness of the Empire he'd known for years, but when confined to a very small ship, travel times become a challenge mentally. How did Ettwanae and the others endure it?
"It is actually close, Warren, in interstellar terms. This sector of the Empire is quite compact. Most of the Turzent Empire is vast stretches of empty space or uninhabited systems."
He nodded. "I know…it just drives home a point," he explained with an unconscious flick of his wings, something Ettwanae caught.
"We make stops, Warren…as often as necessary, but space travel is not for the impatient." She gave him an understanding smile and brushed his upper arm with her hand. That sent a quiver through his wings. "Whenever you need the skies, we will find a suitable world."
Her words left him feeling less than the tough guy he believed himself to be. How did she deal with lack of airtime? Were Eshaaru better equipped mentally to deal with confinement? 'Must be the case,' he concluded. 'Otherwise, roaming the galaxy gathering knowledge for Etxan'Ir would be misery.'
He turned his thoughts from that to other physical requirements. "We've already used about 19 days worth of our estimated 25-day supply of food, not counting the few necessities we picked up on Tchutchka. By the time we reach Neu, our food will be gone unless we start rationing. Any chance of resupplying on there?" He directed that question primarily to Volu.
"That is highly unlikely. Neu is a primitive world. My navigational memory says it is sparsely populated and its people are hunters and farmers living in small villages."
"Tider said it's classified as a non-contact world by the Empire."
"He was correct, Warren. We will need to look elsewhere. There is an opportunity along the way. Thael would add 2.1 days to our journey, but provides what we need to fulfill two needs."
Ettwanae immediately brightened. "Thael! It's on our way?"
"A short detour, but yes."
Ettwanae turned to Warren. "I love Thael. So will you. The Thao Plateau is beautiful – a perfect place for flying."
Flint rolled his eyes. "Twae loves anything that's got lots of nothin'. Bor-r-ing! The city's my style. More action. You hang in the Big Apple – you know what I mean, right, War?"
"Either suits me. A chance for some elbowroom will be good for everyone. How long to Thael?"
"5.3 days," Volu responded.
"So we can both restock and stretch our wings and legs, correct?"
"Correct!" Ettwanae affirmed happily.
Gatebi gestured her approval. "It will be a welcomed diversion."
"Oh, yeah! Restocking means a swing by one of their cities, like Nuunce. You should see it, War. Looks like something right outta a sci-fi flick! Maybe you and I can go check out the nightlife. What ya say?"
Warren put up a hand in Flint's direction. "Business first, meaning we restock. As I said before, I'm not in favor of your methods of procurement. I want to contact Ztar for funds." Dubious looks shot his way. Warren had a second reason to call Ztar, but he'd not mention that yet. "I trust Ztar. He won't betray us."
"I'm still not sure…" Ettwanae gave him a worried look.
"If you trust me, then trust the Emperor. Buying our supplies is far less risky and doesn't create unwanted attention. We have enough people looking for us without adding law enforcement. I do not want to be on the wrong side of the Empire's security forces."
"Warren makes a strong case," the Alcab said firmly. "Criminal status could greatly complicate our lives. We've been fortunate thus far, but one mistake and we could find ourselves in serious trouble."
Flint nodded enthusiastically. "I'm with Gabby and War. The Emperor must have gobs of dough – our money worries are over! If War says trust Ztar Almighty, I say we do."
Warren smirked at Flint's nickname for the Emperor. Seemed no one was spared the kid's penchant for monikers. Volu hadn't yet voiced her opinion and as the seconds passed, it appeared she wasn't going to. "Volu?" Warren prompted. He wanted her buy-in.
"Traditional credit transactions and transfers can be traced by those with the power to do so. Law enforcement authorities are a given. I worry about others beyond those with valid access…those who have perhaps have the technology to breach the system – such as the Etagllot, Shozen, and their operatives. If they can track our movements through our transactions, the threat is greater."
"Then we must be careful not to let our transactions become a linear pointer to our next destination."
"If we take precautious, then I will support the idea for now."
"Thank you, Volu." Warren looked expectantly to Ettwanae.
Still not looking fully convinced, she gave in. "Very well. I agree."
"Yes!" Flint exclaimed. "Some new clothes, maybe more games – how 'bout some flicks or other stuff. No offense, Vo, but it can get re-eally boring around here, ya know? We need us some entertainment." Then Flint jerked and his hand snapped up to the back of his neck. "Jesus! Ya'd think I'd called her a ho or somethin'!"
Whether or not the various embedded translators understood Flint's slang, he didn't know. Warren did and it made him grimace. "Flint, Volu is likely annoyed with you on a couple points," was all he offered the teen.
"Wha-aat?" Flint whined his ignorance.
"I'll comm Ztar to see what can be done about our finances. In the meantime, we should make our best speed to Thael. Volu, do you have much in your databanks about Neu?"
"Not much more than what I mentioned earlier."
"I'll review that later along with everything you can dig up on the comnet about The Dark Ones."
"I am uncomfortable tapping into Imperial resources too often, Warren." The Eshaar'ne's unease was palpable.
"Volu, if we're going up against the Dark Ones on Neu, I need every scrap of intel you can get. We need you to do this." Warren was firm. Ignoring possible sources of information out of fear of detection bordering on irrational was foolhardy. Volu needed to overcome her aversions.
Seconds ticked by as Volu remained quiet. "Very well, Warren." Some irritation and a lot of hesitation resounded in the reply.
"Thank you, Volu. I'll talk with you later about what you find." He glanced around at his shipmates. What dangers would they face in the coming days? What would they find on Neu? What exactly were the Dark Ones? Did their little ragtag team stand a chance in hell of retrieving the memory nodes, assuming they were even there? Those questions and more raced through his mind. 'First things first, Worthington. You won't get far without supplies. Focus on that little problem right now.' Warren stood with a mental sigh. "That's all for now, everyone. I'll comm Ztar from my room."
Before Warren could take two steps down the corridor, Volu spoke. "Warren, I would prefer you use my communications systems and not your PI."
'Here we go again.' He sighed audibly this time. "My PI is military issue – it uses a highly secure military channel."
"It may also have other capabilities we do not wish to activate."
"Volu, we've discussed this point before. What is it you fear so much?" he demanded, entering his tiny room.
"Tracking."
"If it does, can't you detect that and disable it?"
"Likely, but Turzent technology has become quite advanced. I cannot guarantee I am sensing everything it is capable of."
"You don't want to risk detection." He grabbed the PI from its spot on his crate turned dresser.
"I would prefer to use my own communications and avoid unknown problems."
"Can you replicate the PI's signal and make the military comm and Ztar's PI think your signal is my PI?"
"Unfortunately, no."
"No? But your technology is superior…" He sat on his makeshift bed and scooted back for a perhaps lengthy conversation with Ztar.
"Turzent technology is beginning to exceed some of my capabilities. I am not all-powerful. I have limitations – many of which are due to my organic nature. I am a tens of thousands-year-old design, Warren. The younger races are catching up."
Suddenly, it all made much more sense. Volu's hesitations and what he had begun to think was paranoia were fears of becoming obsolete. "You never mentioned that when we talked about your capabilities, Volu," he pointed out with some annoyance. He'd specifically asked her about weaknesses and she should have voiced those concerns then, he felt. "I understand what you're saying, but I still need to talk with Ztar." Warren held out the PI. "Scan it – with everything you can think of. If you find nothing, I will use it. The PI is a direct link to the Emperor and too valuable to discard."
He felt the odd awareness of Volu's emotional state without her speaking. Irritation. "I have done so already and found nothing."
"Then scan again in different ways. Use your imagination." Warren was done arguing. If he was in charge of their quest, this was his decision whether the Eshaar'ne liked it or not. Seconds ticked by in silence.
"Nothing," came the terse summation.
"Then I'm using it. Perhaps I'll regret the decision, but bottom line, I trust Ztar. Even if he found a way to trace the comm, he would not harm us."
"I wish I shared your belief, but it is not he alone that rules the Empire. My primary concern is Ettwanae's wellbeing and survival."
That riled Warren. "Then why the hell this quest? If she's to be protected above all else, this mission makes no sense! She's at risk every step of the way. You should run like hell, far away from this part of the galaxy just like she said earlier – it's too dangerous here."
"It is a balance of risk versus gain. Ettwanae's ultimate survival and happiness rests greatly on finding our people."
"And Ztar could help us," Warren implored, throwing his hands up in frustration. "He has vast resources at his disposal."
"I do not trust him!" Anger filled the Eshaar'ne's voice. "The Emperor has a less than honorable history. He conquered and forced systems to join his Empire. He enslaved worlds that fought him. He killed people who resisted him. His intelligence arm is ruthless in its work. How can you expect me to trust him? Did you always believe in him?" Warren flinched. She had him on that. "You say he has changed, and that appears to be the case, but this new emperor and his reborn empire are young and untested. He must earn my trust one step at a time, just as he likely did yours." Then he heard what sounded like a sigh. "This will be his first test, Warren. Use your PI." The challenge came through loud and clear.
'God, Ztar, don't screw this up,' Warren prayed silently. "He won't betray us."
"He will not betray you. That is your belief. We will eventually learn if it extends to the rest of us." Her voice was hard.
"I'd like some privacy now, Volu." Warren wasn't sure if that was possible, but at least he would ask. If Volu overheard Warren's as yet unrevealed request, she would likely be livid. The reply was silence as he activated the PI to send the comm signal to Ztar.
###
"Twice you visit me in two days. I cannot say I am surprised."
Den-neer took a seat at the broker's ostentatious desk without invitation. It was only a short while ago that Archangel and the female had left Tider's shop. "Then my request to purchase the information you obtained from them should be equally expected."
Tider perused the shelves of U'larr artifacts slowly, reaching out to one to reposition it all of a finger's width. "Better," he said to no one and continued examining his treasurers. "I could buy a Starstreaker with what the information is worth," the broker mused.
Den-neer instantly recognized the name of the luxury class starship, as would most anyone who knew anything about civilian space vessels. Only the wealthiest individuals or a prosperous business could afford such an extravagance. "What they provided must be exceptional."
Tider turned his face to Den-neer briefly. "Rare and desirable. Something many have been seeking for a long time." His attention returned to the artifacts.
"I am interested in purchasing whatever knowledge you gained from them, but before a price can be set, the nature of the commodity must be revealed. Do not dance with me too long, Tider. I have limited patience today." While killing the three men in the alley didn't bother Den-neer, the amateurish mistake by the winged pair irritated him. He did not appreciate being pushed into action because of someone else's incompetence.
Tider stiffened, but did as Den-neer hoped, stopped the fastidious examination of his trinkets and approached the desk. "In a hurry today?" the Ptakan queried as he took his seat.
He was. A comm to Phai was needed concerning the alley encounter. As he snuffed out the lives of the three would-be kidnappers, he read them…ordinary ex military freelancers who knew nothing of consequence, including the identity of their true employer. The lure of significant credits had driven their decision to accept the assignment, and thus they stepped unwittingly into a game they were ill equipped to survive. Den-neer almost felt sorry for the men. The question was who had orchestrated the operation? Dark Ones operatives were typically shrewder than the alley trio leading Den-neer to suspect the Etagllot were behind the attempt. If his instincts were right, someone in that organization had gotten word from Jandur on the pair's next destination. And if indeed Etagllot were behind the alley incident, it was an unauthorized side attempt to retake Archangel. He sighed internally. Sometimes that organization was an annoyance.
"Today, yes." Den-neer admitted.
"Then, to the transaction. I have proof that Eshaaru still live among us – cleverly hidden, but very much alive. To many, that proof is nearly priceless. On the open market, I'd say worth a Starstreaker Victory most assuredly," the man began negotiations with a sly smile.
Den-neer shook his head slowly. "Perhaps not top of the line, but an entry level model. Starstreaker Alliant seems more appropriate."
Tider drew a talon along the edge of his carved desk. "The information is exceptional. It would send shockwaves through the Empire and Commonwealth if publicly revealed. Eshaaru, Esserru, Metzi, Ethra, Serafim, or whatever you wish to call their many incarnations…belief in them is powerful."
He considered simply paying the man's price and being done with it. Their organization had vast resources. It wasn't the price, it was the principle of the matter. Never pay more than something is worth. While proof of living Eshaaru would be a spectacular revelation for many, others had known for hundreds of years that a few still roamed the trient. But Tider did not know that, or least he shouldn't.
"I agree with you to a point, but the information cannot be widely revealed as you fully understand. Only a select group of potential buyers qualify for or can afford such knowledge. I am here with a valid offer, credits at the ready. State your opening price."
Tider studied Den-neer for a moment before speaking. "8,000,000 credits."
The opening price was steep – too steep. "4,000,000."
Tider leaned back with dramatic flare. "Do not offend me! 7.5"
"There is nothing personal in these negotiations, broker," Den-neer replied coolly. Sometimes the Ptakan could be a little sensitive. "5."
"7 and that's my final offer." The man's expression took on determined firmness. Den-neer had seen it before. Tider believed completely that his information was worth that much. Den-neer needed to rattle that confidence.
"Who do you see as my rivals for this information? Etagllot? Dark Ones? Those come to mind first as having sufficient resources to meet your price."
"There are a several Seekers with significant wealth I know would pay the price willingly."
Den-neer had a choice to make – tell Tider something his superiors may not want the man to know or bully his way through the rest of the negotiations risking whatever feeble trust Tider had in Den-neer as a valuable source. Den-neer did not wish to lose Tider as a cooperative tool.
"The people I represent will not allow them to have it," Den-neer said matter-of-factly. It was truth. Certain things were not to be known beyond those who already possessed the knowledge.
The Ptakan's eyes narrowed and Den-neer guessed at what was going through his mind. Tider did not know to whom Den-neer reported, but he knew they were powerful. Too powerful to anger. Tider's delicate balance between being too useful to kill and being too knowledgeable to let live required precision. One false move and he tipped to the side of becoming an intolerable liability.
"If I'm to believe that only the major players are in this round of the game, how does that change my asking price?"
"What you could get on the open market does not translate to a closed market. Supply and demand. The knowledge you hold so valuable is worth little to the remaining bidders. They already have that commodity."
Tider caught on quickly to what Den-neer was implying – the telepath could see it in the man's eyes. Den-neer had told him to take the male visitor at face value and that the female wasn't as she appeared. That meant but one thing in retrospect, Den-neer knew the pair was Eshaaru. And if Den-neer knew, likely all the prime players knew. Tider's "priceless" information was indeed worthless to the remaining potential buyers.
"If I cannot sell to Seekers or any other searchers and my intel is worthless to those I can sell to, why are you bartering at all?"
"The value lies in its nondisclosure. For that, you deserve fair compensation. Those I represent are just."
That surprised the Ptakan, but it also raised suspicions. "If I accept compensation, is that the end of the matter or does it come with other obligations?"
Den-neer shook his head firmly once. "No obligations beyond that the information is no longer available for purchase. You have knowledge worth 5 million credits, no more, on an open market. That is what you will receive. My organization is whole in that the intel goes no further. You are whole with a much-improved financial position. Accept my offer, Tider, it is the best for all concerned," he suggested in a tone devoid of emotion.
It is not often Den-neer saw a shiver pass through the Ptakan. That day he did.
"I accept." Tider opened a drawer and pulled out two devices – a credit terminal and a memory chip. Upon completion of the credit transfer, Tider handed over the chip holding the recording of the Eshaaru revealing herself.
"Here is the evidence. Please review to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase."
Instead of pulling out his PI, Den-neer slipped the memory device into his pocket. Tider's crest rose slightly.
"I trust your integrity," Den-neer explained. He needn't tell Tider what would happen if betrayal were discovered.
Their business complete, Den-neer left the broker's store. The area just down the street was filled with security personnel, vehicles, and law enforcement. The three bodies in the alley would be the talk of the neighborhood for some time. Scanning the investigators, he confirmed they had found little beyond the dead bodies. Murder without any weapon or evidence would baffle Im officials for a long time.
Lookouts for the three would-be kidnappers had fled the area once they woke from Den-neer's mindblast – they hadn't been worth effort beyond that. He did not kill wantonly and had seen no justification to increase the death count. Three dead operatives would send the message quite effectively regardless of who was behind the attempted abduction – Archangel and the female were spoken for. The telepathic telekinetic preceded down the street in the opposite direction pleased with the day's work.
###
"Wrap up the zcene. We have all there iz 'o find, which iz nearly nothing," the lead investigator Pkzukr grumbled to his team.
The officer surveyed the crime scene one final time when he spied a bit of white peeking over the ledge of a second floor alley window. He could have sworn it wasn't there earlier. Just then, a gust of wind dislodged the object and it floated gently to the alley pavement. Down on a flattish knee, he examined delicate item. Long, graceful, obviously lightweight, the mysterious object was white, had a narrow shaft that ran down its center, and a thin membrane of sorts expanding out from either side of the shaft running nearly end to end. 'Interesting,' the Tchuk noted, having never seen anything like it before. 'Could finally be some evidence.' He called over one of the forensic team who was about ready to leave.
"Zomething here for analysis," he said rising. "Then we're done."
###
"Volu, do you know what a Zaiyoth is?" Ettwanae asked after everyone had dispersed.
"That is a very ancient term, Ettwanae. Where did you hear it?"
"From the one who stopped the men in the alley. He called us Zaiyoth. What does it mean?"
"It is the name a long-dead people gave to the Eshaaru."
Ettwanae was stunned. "No question then – he knows what we are." She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around slender legs. Her heart sank and her wings moved forward without conscious thought for form a partial cocoon. "If he knows, how many others do?"
"Ettwanae, is it possible that man was him?"
Volu needn't say more than that. "I don't know. The voice…it could have been his, but…" She tried hearing his words in her head, comparing the voice in the alley to the one from when she was kidnapped, but couldn't be certain. "But if it was him and he wants both of us, why did he let us go? We were vulnerable – it would have been easy!"
"Perhaps it was not him."
Ettwanae sighed deeply under the weight of her troubles. "I don't know which I'd rather it be – him and he let us go for mysterious reasons or a new threat." She hugged her legs tighter.
###
Within moments of the signal leaving Warren's PI, Ztar answered. The Turzent's face showed both concern and happiness. "Archangel! I didn't expect to hear from you so soon, but am delighted. Are you well? What have you been doing? Where are you?"
Warren smiled broadly at Ztar's rapid-fire questions. "Good to see you too, Emperor. Yes, I am well and safe." He did not answer the other questions.
"And your shipmates, they are well, too? The Esserru?" The last word was almost whispered.
"There is only one, Ztar, and she is fine, as are my other shipmates."
Ztar raised his eyebrows. "She?" he asked using a tone to imply meaning beyond confirmation of gender.
"Yes, she." Warren chuckled, but he'd not provide Ztar what he was fishing for – not yet anyway. "Do you have a few minutes or did I call at a bad time?"
"Archangel, there will never be a bad time for you to comm. Remember that." Ztar's voice was firm.
"Then I need to take you up on your offer of help."
The Emperor leaned closer to his PI. "Whatever you need."
Warren felt a little awkward. After all, he had a shitload of money in his own right. "Well, I need funds. We are running low on supplies."
Ztar was greatly surprised. Esserrus needing money? The very idea was so…pedestrian. He shook it off. "Imperial credits work anywhere in the Empire. How much do you need?"
Warren hadn't a clue. Not once in his six years with Ztar had he needed money and therefore, he had no idea as to what things cost in the Turzent Empire. "God, Ztar, I don't know. What does it take to restock a ship's stores?"
A frown crossed the imperial face. "I must admit, I haven't known the price of goods for many years. Perhaps I need to discuss this with Yramma e'Troz."
That got Warren worried. "I'm not sure we should bring the finance minister into this."
"That may be the best, though. He is royal court and can be trusted, if that is your concern. Yramma could establish an Imperial account for you. Then you could buy goods wherever you travel in the Empire."
"The idea holds appeal…"
The more Ztar considered it, the more it made sense. But what had happened to the Human's personal fortune. "Archangel, all is well with your finances on Earth?"
"Nothing to worry about there, Ztar. It's just a long way from here and we wish to restock immediately. Traveling to Earth and back isn't what we want to do."
"Then the interstellar banking system is the fastest and easiest way to get you the funds."
"I can assume the system is fully secure." It was more a statement than question, but given the resources available to their enemies…
The Turzent tipped his head slightly at the question to which the answer seemed self-evident. "Of course, Archangel. Hundreds of billions of people depend on its security and reliability every day."
An idea came to Warren. "Ztar, is there a way for me to have an alias? Must I used by own name?"
Ztar became instantly concerned. "Archangel, are you in danger? Is the Etagllot following you?"
Warren shook his head. "Not any more so than on Earth. I just don't want to leave a trail – just in case."
Ztar's chest tightened with renewed worry over his former lover. Where the Etagllot was concerned, he would never assume any system was safe. A false account identity might help mask Archangel's movements if anyone should break into the incredibly secure Imperial banking system to follow his account activity locations. Military Intelligence would be the answer for the situation. "I'll contact Gtar-Cro immediately and have him work with Yramma on an account in alias. The General may have other suggestions as well."
"If this is feasible, how long will everything take?"
"Not long. I'll comm you when the arrangements are complete."
Warren was growing more uneasy. Too many people were being brought into the situation. That very scenario was likely Volu's concern. But how to get around it? "Ztar, are there other options?"
Ztar's face reflected his consideration of alternatives. "We could provide you a LinCreds card that has a certain value attached, but we'd have to physically get that to you. And once those funds are exhausted, it would need to be replenished." Then Ztar's eyes brightened. "Perhaps we could meet at a convenient location and I could hand you the card personally!"
'Sounds like a prepaid credit card,' Warren concluded. 'Could be a more palatable solution to Volu and Ettwanae, but a rendezvous? That will not go over well with my shipmates.' He almost hated to shoot down Ztar's idea – the man looked so hopeful. "I'd have to run that by the people here, Ztar, but my belief is that they will object to meeting."
Disappointment quickly overtook excitement. "I understand. We can always arrange for the card to be waiting at any location you desire. We have your bio-sig on file – that's how the LinCreds' built in security system works."
"That is a better idea. We're headed to Thael for supplies."
"I'm familiar with that world. Let me check something quickly." Ztar brought up the vital statistics on the planet on his PI, which overlaid his image on Warren's end. "The primary port is Nuunce." The overlay switched to a visual of the planet from space, then zoomed in to a metropolitan area. A massive complex came into focus, where large shuttles and other craft were clustered. Surrounding the largest building were expansive areas of pavement. 'Looks like a major airport,' Warren commented silently.
"This is Nuunce Entry Port. We could have the LinCreds card waiting for you there."
Ztar wasn't naïve. He likely surmised the Eshaaru ship would not use standard port procedures. Was he fishing for information? "Let's pick a supply house near the outskirts of Nuunce if possible and have the card waiting there."
Over the next several minutes, they worked out the details. The LinCreds card would be delivered and held for them at a supply house located near the port at the edge of the Nuunce. The beauty of the card was its funding was anonymous – nothing to tie Warren back to Ztar or the Court. As opposed to standard transactions, a card purchase was like cash. Not as secure as traditional credit transfer transaction with all its built-in security protocols and protections, Warren learned. The appeal of a LinCreds lie in that they untethered the carrier from imperial credit terminals – advantageous in remote regions or with merchants and others who preferred to deal in "cash only" to avoid fees associated with the massive Imperial financial system. The downside – when the card was exhausted, it had to be reloaded and if he lost the card, his funds were gone.
'One favor down, one more to go,' he reminded himself. "Ztar, I have another request. This one may be a little tricky."
"I meant what I said – anything you need."
"I need an MI operative to go to Tchutchka Centrus and make a purchase from a man named Tider." Ztar's eyebrows shot up at the unusual request. Warren went on to explain as briefly as possible what needed to be done. "Have the operative purchase the proof that Eshaaru still live. Tider said he'd offer that information only once. We must move quickly or the information may be bought out from under us. Send someone we have complete trust in to keep the secret." Warren toyed with asking Ztar to keep Gtar-Cro in the dark and have the operative report directly to Ztar, but decided to let Ztar handle it. After all, the man vowed he'd tell no one about the Eshaaru – not even Gtar-Cro.
"As soon as we finish, I'll dispatch someone. I will do whatever is necessary to secure that knowledge."
"The purchase may expensive, Ztar."
"Price is a non-issue, Archangel. We will make the purchase and ensure the knowledge will not be resold."
Warren was immediately concerned with how far Ztar would go. "Tider plays an important role – he needs to remain in business, Ztar."
"If you ask that Tider remains operational, then it will be so, but Tider's kind are not often honorable. If the knowledge must remain hidden…" The Turzent did not need to complete the thought.
"I think we can trust Tider on this – he values his reputation highly as it keeps him in business." Warren chuckled silently at how that sounded. 'More like keeps him alive.' Then Warren gave Ztar his best appreciative smile. "Thank you, Ztar. You are a true friend." Warren made certain his voice also reflected how truly grateful he was and the Turzent gazed at him warmly in return.
"I would do anything for you." Then Ztar's eyes turned misty. "I will always love you…always be here for you." How he wished Archangel were still at his side.
Despite himself, Warren felt yearnings rise as Ztar held his eyes through the comlink with that old look. It spoke of longing, desire, and love. Now Warren had a reason for why he felt so connected with Ztar – their Ura bond. He permitted himself to be overtaken by the feelings for a moment, allowing memories of contentment and blinding passion within Ztar's arms coalesce.
"Same here, Ztar," he reciprocated quietly, then chastised himself – there was no guarantee Volu wasn't eavesdropping.
Ztar did not speak for many heartbeats, searching Warren's face with a puzzled look. 'Probably threw him with that one,' Warren admitted. It gave him an odd sort of delight that he'd left the man speechless. Warren decided to break the silence. "We'll be at Thael in a few days to pick up the package. Thanks, again. I should go now."
Warren clicked off the PI and realized his hand was trembling. Did just the sight of his former lover do that? 'Ura bonding is easily stirred,' he surmised sarcastically. 'So is something else,' Warren cringed realizing his body had reacted with old responses in other ways as well. Seeing Ztar after living with Ettwanae's consent temptation seemed like cruel and unusual punishment. It was a reminder of what he couldn't have with her.
He wanted to push aside the blissful memories and the longings they held, but then again not. Ztar's caresses and kisses, the man's lips brushing across his feathers, fingers that skillfully combed through his wings, the feel of Ztar within him. Warren shuddered with need, wings spreading behind him in remembered delights.
'Stop it!' he yelled in his mind. 'You're torturing yourself.' And he pulled himself forcibly away from the recollections and stood up. He might just need to use Flint's shower again. Drawing his wings close to form a cocoon, he slowed his breathing and focused on that. That tranquil place in his mind took over and he calmed. 'That's better.' He opened the feathery wrap. 'Not sure about this new emotional rollercoaster ride.'
"Volu, set a course for Thael. We're ready to depart whenever you are."
"With pleasure, Warren. All went well with the Emperor?"
He detected no signs of irritation or anger in the Eshaar'ne that would give away any eavesdropping on his conversation with Ztar, much to his relief.
"It did."
Then Warren left his room to inform the others about their soon-to-be improved balance sheet.
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A/N: Not 100% certain how long the next chapter will be. Torn between keeping the next few segments separate and combining them. We'll see how I feel during the final proofing. At a minimum, Warren and Ettwanae risk stirring up Aru to spend some time getting to know one another better.
So thrilled to see the number of readers for this story continue to grow! You could really make me smile by posting a review to let me know what you like / dislike. Don't be shy – even a few words would make my day. Whether you do or don't review, know that I sincerely appreciate the interest and the time commitment involved in reading a novel.
Until next chapter…