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“That’s why we’re here,” Cylex affirmed. “The voyage back to the Citadel can take as long as you need. I know how important this is to you. We just need to put some distance between our ships and Earth.”
“Can we please wait until they find the final conduit?” Her tone was polite, respectful, but determination lit her gaze. “I don’t want to leave anyone behind.”
Neloff watched Cylex interact with his mate, surprised by the change in his attitude. Neloff had known Cylex for years. When they met, Cylex had been a covert agent working for Emperor Jevara of Torret. Jevara sent Cylex to the Citadel, hoping to capitalize on his raw talent while Cylex was gathering information. Instead, the trainers soon used Cylex’s doubts and frustration to flip his allegiance. Now Cylex worked for the Citadel and Jevara desperately wanted him dead.
To be honest, Neloff didn’t give a shit which side Cylex worked for. Neloff was an independent contractor who did business with anyone who had the credits for whatever they wanted done. When this mission began, Jevara was footing the bill. The Citadel was paying now, but the task hadn’t changed. Everyone wanted control of the conduits.
“We will stream the females over in groups of four or five,” Cylex announced. “That will give my lovely mate a short time to speak with each group before the next arrives.”
“My crew and I are entirely at your disposal. Just tell me who you want where and I’ll ensure that the transfers take place.” The longer Cylex dragged out this process, the more time Tandor and Jobek would have to locate the stray. If they didn’t have her already. Neloff couldn’t help thinking that they were stalling, giving themselves as much time with her as possible. If he were alone with an unclaimed conduit, he would likely do the same.
“The first to transfer over will be the leaders,” Cylex told him. “Zevon wants to make sure each and every one of them is held accountable for their actions.”
Neloff always found it odd that the Citadel’s president encouraged others to refer to him by his first name. No one else with Zevon’s authority would have allowed such familiarity. Even on this ship the only ones who referred to Neloff by name were his close friends and family. And Neloff’s domain was minuscule compared to the Citadel.
“We will all depart as soon as your hunters locate the runaway,” Cylex concluded. “Stress to them that time is of the essence.”
“Of course. There is another complication,” Neloff warned them. “One of the conduits is in a medically induced coma. My medic believes that her power started to activate so the founders had no option.”
“Stream her directly to the clinic on this ship,” Cylex instructed. “I’ll let our physician know to expect her.”
Ready to return to running his ship, Neloff said, “I will begin the transfers immediately. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“It sounds like you have everything under control.” Neloff nodded and started to end the comm when Cylex added, “I have yet to thank you for finding the conduits so quickly. You made me look pretty damn smart for hiring you.”
“Thank you, sir.” Words of praise were few and far between for independent contractors, so Neloff appreciated the comment. “Very few of my customers have my private comm code. I have never regretted giving it to you.”
Cylex smiled and inclined his head. “I will try not to abuse the privilege. Now, if you locate the stray in the next twenty-four hours, I’ll add twenty percent to your fee.”
“Challenge accepted.” Chuckling softly, Neloff ended the comm. He pulled out his chair and sat down. His office was across the corridor from central command so he spent more time there than in his quarters. Sending out a comm request, he attempted to contact his brother. Not surprisingly, there was no response. If what Tandor told him was true, Tandor and Jobek were combing Sitka in an effort to locate the stray.
But knowing the full extent of Tandor’s abilities made the explanation hard to believe. Not only was Tandor a powerful empath, he could also ‘read’ objects in his surroundings. It would have been almost impossible for an untrained conduit to elude him once he identified her energy pattern. And an Altorian’s energy pattern would be obvious while she was surrounded by humans.
Even if the conduit managed to evade Tandor, it was highly unlikely that she could hide from Jobek. Neloff had chosen Jobek as his second in command for very good reasons. Most focused on Jobek’s physical traits: his size, strength, and speed. All of those were impressive, but Jobek also had razor-sharp instincts and an understanding of strategy that allowed him to effortlessly anticipate the action of others.
The little conduit did not stand a chance with that team on her tail.
Deciding to test his theory, Neloff reached out to Tandor using their familial telepathic link.I know you have the girl. Where are you taking her?Neloff shared his surroundings, knowing his brother would be more apt to be honest if he knew Neloff was alone in his office.Cylex just arrived. I covered for you, but he will not be put off for long. Now tell me what’s really going on.
It took a few moments for Tandor to respond.We’re almost to Outpost Two. It’s isolated and fortified. We just need a few days to get things started then we’ll deliver her as promised.
We earn twenty percent extra if you can start things in one day rather than a few, Neloff informed with a wolfish grin.
I’ll keep that in mind.
And I’ll continue to claim ignorance, but Cylex’s source is a Pyronese mystic. They will find you with or without my help. You don’t have time to be nice. Let Jobek take the lead.
Tandor paused long enough that Neloff thought he’d pinched off the connection. Finally, Tandor urged,Just give us as much time as you possibly can.
Everyone is unharmed?He knew the question would annoy Tandor, but Neloff wouldn’t be a very good commander—not to mention brother—if he didn’t worry about Tandor.
Everyone is fine, but I need to go. I have a female to seduce.
* * *
Ansley stepped inside Outpost Two then paused to look around. She’d expected a military base. Instead the small A-framed building reminded her of the research laboratory Dr. Lorish had set up behind the founders’ house. “What’s the power source? You didn’t start a generator and there were no solar panels on the roof.” They were in the middle of nowhere, so this had to be off the grid.
“Same power source as on our ships,” Jobek smirked, clearly knowing that would mean nothing to her.
