“Will you allow our doctors to examine you and take samples?”
“Yes, but you won’t discover much, as we are biologically very similar.” The reason why their kind could copulate and produce children.
“I find that hard to believe. Humans don’t have blue skin.”
“Only because of your sun. Xamians raised on different worlds often don’t achieve the same hue.” It was claimed in their history annals that a few hundred generations ago, a subset of warriors chose to leave rather than war, and the planet they resettled turned them purple. A ridiculous color, but even more astonishing, he’d heard rumors the male of that species also lost their testes.
“I, and my staff, would be interested in hearing more about your planet and people,” the general stated.
“If you allow me to contact my ship, we can have an information packet sent.” Beta could easily and quickly prepare one.
“I don’t think we’re at the point I trust you enough to do that.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Are you currently able to communicate with your vessel?”
Warriors didn’t lie. “No.”
“Good.” A smug reply. “Thank you for the talk. Dr. Ouellet will be in shortly to begin testing. I expect you will be cooperative.”
“If that is what it takes…” Cade struggled to not be irritated by the waste of time.
“We will speak again soon.”
“Wait. Before you leave, what have you done with Colette?”
“Why do you care?” the general asked.
“Because we did not mean to bring trouble upon her. The Oracle bade us to contact Colette, as she is well-positioned to provide us with the service we need to facilitate the finding of brides.”
“Ms. Wilson is being detained for questioning.” A pause then, “She is uninjured and will remain so as long as you comply with our requests.”
He clenched his fists, and his tone emerged terse as he growled, “No harm better come to her. I have said I will assist, but you should also know, while the mission is meant to create an alliance between our worlds, should the Earthlings choose to respond with violence, we will defend ourselves.”
“Is that a threat?” the general asked in a low tone.
“It’s a promise.”
12
Colette hated being one of those spying on Cade through the one-way glass; however, she also couldn’t seem to move away.
Upon first glance, the blue hunk didn’t seem too perturbed, but as his lips moved in obvious conversation with someone, his annoyance soon became clear.
“I’m sure you all have better things to do than gawk at our guest.” Dr. Ouellet made her way through the crowding white coats, her chiding sending them scurrying until only Colette and the doctor remained.
“Hello, again,” said the woman, her glasses once more perched precariously on the tip of her nose.
“Wish I could say nice to see you, but I didn’t expect to be abducted a second time today,” Colette grumbled.
“You’ll have to forgive the general. Given you’ve developed a relationship with the visitor, it seemed best to keep you close.”
“You could have just asked me to not leave town or, you know, asked me to come,” Colette retorted.
“Agreed, we could have gone about it differently. However, not knowing if you’d cooperate, it seemed best to not take chances.”
Her lips pursed as she eyed Cade, who stared at the glass as if he could see them through it. “What are you going to do with him?”
