“She’s not mine,” I say, hoping I’m hiding the bitterness and disappointment in my voice. But when Kren frowns, I don’t think I am.
“It’s not just Tessi,” Viriden says. “There are several individuals they are hunting. We have not found the pattern yet, but there are other reports of Myndrous on various worlds taking what the public thinks are random individuals. But every time we speak with those around them, we find out that they were different in some way. Powerful.”
“But Tessi’s just human,” Rorsar replies. “Right?”
Viriden chews his lip and glances at a security guard. “Tessi has the most security here. We may need to leave to defend your world. There has been a lot of activity on Mindor, so we need you all to protect her.”
“I can’t believe they’re back already,” Ignus remarks. “I thought for sure we kicked their asses with the Amphirans and Drathious.”
Viriden nods. “We all did. But they didn’t get what they wanted. It looks like they’re still hunting for the one who can sway the war in their favor.”
Davarok tucks a knee up to his chest where he sits on the table, completely disrespecting Viriden’s space as he casually hooks an arm over it. “What the fuck do they think she is? A god? She’s human. She can’t possibly have anything terrifying or powerful hidden in that little body.”
She has power over me already.
I lean back against the wall, just to stimulate my mind with something else so I don’t succumb to the urge to storm out of the room and back to her side. Being without her is already gnawing at me.
“Do not underestimate humans,” Viriden says. “I have seen them do amazing things without skills like ours. They are far more creative and resilient than you can imagine. But we’re still not sure Tessi is the one they want. Many have been taken. But we don’t have more specifics. And our undercover agent paid the ultimate price to report that.
“Please coordinate with ABR security to ensure she can complete her race. They are very strict on continued participation at all costs, so it doesn’t raise questions. That means you too, Zorin. Just wear your armor under your race suit.”
The nurse leans into the room. “She’s going to be fine, but Ohni has requested she be moved back to her quarters.”
“Have you tested her for anomalies yet?” Viriden asks.
“No. I would prefer to do that when she is coherent.”
Viriden looks to me and hooks a thumb over his shoulder. “Take Onidus and another with you to stand guard, one in her room, two outside at all times. Portals can happen in very small spaces. We’re going to assist ABR with some anti-Denarso and anti-Neb shielding adjustments. And I have a meeting with thefederation to get to. But keep your coms on. We need to stay in touch.”
“Yes, sir,” we reply in unison.
“What about the one who tranqued her?” I ask.
Viriden motions to us. “Look into it. They could be working with Nebs or just solo doing a job for hire.”
“Already requested and received video footage,” Ignus says. “Kren and I will dissect it.”
“What am I? Chopped roadkill?” Davarok asks.
Marne slaps him in the back of the head. “You, furry fleabag, are on patrol with Esrynne.”
“Don’t stick me withAsshole. Last time she put burrs in my armor. I had burrs in my fur for weeks.”
“Kept you in line, didn’t it?” Esrynne asks, arching a slender brow. “Didn’t have time to goof around or get distracted by scents.”
Rorsar tosses me an ear com and volunteers to guard with Onidus as we leave the conference room.
“You just want to gawk at human females,” Davarok snorts.
Rorsar snarls back. “No, you badgerbiter. Zorin has his own healing to do. I can help Tessi if he needs a break.”
Davarok huffs and eyes Esrynne like being stuck with her is the worst job in the universe. He slowly draws another stick of jerky out of a pocket, taunting her, while she watches with mild disgust. Then he whips it out, slaps her in the face with it, and runs away.
“You dirty little shit!” Esrynne charges after him.
Marne steps forward. “I apologize, General Viriden. They are cousins. If they get out of hand, they will only hurt each other.”
“Just…not on my ship, please.” Viriden motions toward the ramp.
