“If he truly wants a peaceful alliance with our planet, then he’ll accept our apology once we’re satisfied.”
Much as Colette wanted to continue haranguing, it obviously wouldn’t accomplish anything. She glanced at the odd blanket draping Cade. “What’s that for?”
“It’s a Faraday blanket, which will block him from receiving or sending any signals, ensuring his vessel can’t beam him out of our custody.”
Suspicion wrinkled Colette’s brow. “I thought you’d only seen but never dealt with his kind before.”
“We haven’t. He’s the first alien of his kind we’ve ever had in custody.”
“Then how do you know how to stifle his technology?”
“We don’t. For all we know, this blanket doesn’t do a thing,” the general replied. “But we had to try something.”
“What are you going to do with him?”
“Take him to the base for questioning.”
“You won’t hurt him?”
“No. However we will be taking samples and, if he cooperates, have him do some cognitive and physical tests.”
“And when you’re done that?”
The general shrugged. “That’s not actually up to me to decide. I’ve just been told to find out all I can.”
Ominous. At least the general had some sense of reasonableness, but who knew if her boss would be the same—or more like that psycho colonel?
“You do realize, Jaspar, his partner, is probably watching and knows what’s happening.”
“We’re very aware. If he is listening, then he knows our intent is more curiosity and ensuring our protection. Should they not make a threatening move, then things should resolve peacefully.”
“Not sure how you expect peace when you’re talking about taking him prisoner and treating him like a guinea pig,” Colette muttered.
“You do realize this particular species has been abducting women for more than a decade now.”
“Yeah.” Which did make them sound bad, but… “They only did it to save their people, and apparently, these matches are usually successful.”
“According to them.”
A point Colette couldn’t refute. “I guess this means I won’t be designing a dating service for them.” A bit of a disappointment, as her mind whirred with ideas.
“That decision hasn’t yet been made, but is definitely on hold for the moment,” the general confirmed. “Should those above me agree, any development would, of course, have to be run by a committee for approval to ensure the safety of our people. You will have plenty of time to present your proposed approach while you’re being detained.”
Colette blinked before blurting out, “Excuse me, what do you mean detained?”
“You will be coming with us when we depart with the alien prisoner.”
“Why? I haven’t done anything and know even less.”
“But you are the one they sought out. The one who made first contact. Until we can ascertain the reason given is true, it’s best you remain in our custody.”
“My rights?—”
“Don’t supersede the safety of this country,” the general interrupted with a stern warning. “I would suggest not arguing, as defiance might see you placed in a cell alongside your blue lover.”
“He’s not my lover!” Colette huffed, not yet. No need for the general to know she’d been thinking of sleeping with Cade as a point of comparison. Was the awesome orgasm because of Jaspar himself, or would any blue dick have the same effect?
“This isn’t the one you copulated with?”
