Author's Notes:

'Jack's Moonlighting' is the eighth story in the saga of Jack Danner. Minimal effort is made in this tale to explain the backstory, so it is highly recommended you read the first seven stories in the following order:

• Jack's New Job
• Jack's New Position
• Jack's Daily Grind
• Jack's Wage Slavery Parts 1 & 2
• Jack's Snow Day
• Jack's True Calling
• Jack's Righteous Gig
• Jack's Moonlighting Parts 1 & 2

All characters engaging in sexual relationships or activities are 18 years old or older.

********

Jack's Moonlighting Part 1

********

Chapter 1

To say an Orellian bears a striking resemblance to the Wildebeests of Earth's African Serengeti would be a rude and mean thing to say... about the animals.

The predominant species of Orellia were bipedal herbivores with thick leathery hides, whose heads and faces were covered in coarse and shaggy grey-black hair, very much like the African herbivore. They also had other features that were similar to the Earth creatures, such as curving horns on the sides of their heads, large and mobile furry ears, wide-spaced eyes, and a long sloping face ending at a wide nose above an equally wide mouth. While they had no teeth, their two grinding plates got the job done.

Broad-shouldered and tough as old boots, Orellians were a gregarious species, quick to laugh and equally quick to fight. They were a physical bunch, from playful but heavy slaps on the shoulder to clobbering each other with a knuckle sandwich.

But they never held a grudge.

While superficially similar in these ways, one critical difference was that no Wildebeest ever tried to underhandedly sue a man out of a business he'd built from the ground up with the sweat and toil of his own hands.

No Gnu would ever sink to such depths.

Jack stood in the Defendant's box in an Orellian Supreme Courtroom, waiting on the judge. In their justice system, there were no lawyers. The case was between Jack and Googan Harr, the Orellian claiming the Botany Ice Cream business should be owned by an Orellian, namely Googan himself. After all, he was the one who threw Jack into the ditch where the odd Human discovered Muul Weed.

He looked over at the brute in the Plaintiff box, and Googan grinned menacingly back at him. Most Orellians were just under six feet tall, but Googan was an exception here, with a little additional height at the expense of a little girth.

Definitely, much uglier than a Gnu.

A door opened behind the raised Judge's box, and an old Orellian stomped out and glared at the two in front of him, then at the large gallery of spectators behind them.

No bailiff yelled for everyone to rise as everyone was already on their feet, or hooves, in the case of the locals. Chairs were not allowed in the courtrooms as they might be thrown.

"I'm Supreme Court Judge Occta Keenz! Everyone shut up and listen!" he bellowed, and the courtroom became much quieter. With a satisfied snort, the judge read from the case details on his podium's screen.

"This high court has been convened today to hear the case of Googan Harr of Orellia versus Jack Danner of Chuuruthia. Plaintiff claims the assets of the Botany Ice Cream Corporation are sourced on Orellia and belong to an Orellian citizen, namely himself, by right of—" the judge peered more closely at his screen. "intellectual inspiration?" The old Orellian fixed a skeptical eye on the tall, brutish plaintiff. He snorted again, suggesting he doubted the male had the means to inspire anything but disbelief. He shrugged with a sigh.

"Googan Harr, you may address the court with your statement of intent," the judge said in his most official tone.

"Thank you, Judge!" Googan bellowed, earning another scowl from the older Orellian, who was not at all hard of hearing.

Googan smiled at the jury, who were made up of nine Orellian citizens, none of whom were allowed to be related in any way to either the plaintiff or the defendant.

"Good citizens of Orellia! It may come as a surprise to you, but Muul Weed is now considered a cash crop! This off-world scoundrel found a way to turn this menace to our drainage systems into a high-demand product, and the profits of this venture have been stolen from the very Orellian whose actions were directly responsible for the discovery."

Nine sets of wide-spaced eyes turned to glare at Jack.

Jack heard a quiet and polite throat-clearing sound. He knew this was only audible in his mind as it came from Rikki, the Tik sharing his perceptions. "Yes, Rikki?" he replied internally.

"Are you sure I shouldn't join you in the courtroom? It looks like it might get hostile," the Tik asked. Rikki had full access to Jack's vision, hearing, and olfactory senses. In truth, it shared all his senses, and the scent of Orellian anger rising was beginning to become noticeable over the other background odors.

"Nope. Please wait outside. Under no circumstances are you to enter the courtroom. That would guarantee I'd lose this case," Jack returned. "You look far too much like a weapon. Sorry, buddy."

Rikki's body was a small black orb, the latest upgrade being roughly the size of a basketball and so non-reflective it seemed to draw in all light around it. As it moved smoothly and silently, those who didn't know Rikki's gentle nature felt uneasy in its presence.

The truth was, Rikki was equipped with powerful weaponry inside the orb. Something they did not advertise.

A sigh came from the Tik. "If you need me..."

"I know. It'll be okay. It's almost my turn to speak," Jack replied as he watched the Judge.

The senior on the podium slammed his fist against the surface to quell the rising grumbling in the courtroom. Eyes returned to the Judge as he scowled until quiet was restored.

"Jack Danner, as a guest on Orellia and not a citizen, you are not bound by our laws, but you have an investment in our world that is being called into question. You may address the court with your rebuttal statement," the judge said.

Jack nodded respectfully to the judge, then glanced at the angered jury before facing his opponent.

"Googan, you ignorant turd gargler."

The jury burst into laughter, and the judge began pounding his fist for silence again once he stopped laughing himself.

Jack continued. "You don't have the intellectual capacity to run an operation like this. If you are successful today, all you'll have is the raw Muul Weed. The jury deserves to hear if you have a brilliant business plan to make a viable business from that."

Googan was grinding his plates at Jack but grinned in surprise when Jack handed him the opportunity to get control of the discussion once more.

"I will find my own scientist who will make this ice cream from the Muul Weed!" Googan declared, and the jury nodded at this. The gallery made encouraging noises.

"You've gotten ahead of yourself, Googan, which is a startling achievement for someone so slow-witted." More laughter from the jury and thumping from the judge before Jack continued. "Where will you process the raw Muul Weed into the product your imaginary scientist can use?"

Googan gripped his podium's edges like he was trying to tear it loose from the floor to smash Jack with it. Luckily for the defendant, it was securely triple-welded to the floor and wouldn't budge. The Orellian got a crafty look in his eye. "The processing plant my company delivers our collected weed to is on the edge of Orellia's capital city! As an asset of Orellia, it should be included in the assets given over to me."

Jack pounced on that. "Did you just mention that you already profit from the business you are attempting to steal?"

Googan looked at him cautiously. "What? No!" His eyes flicked up to see the Judge's disapproving stare. "I mean, yes, I have a business that harvests the Muul Weed from all the storm drains within the capital and the surrounding towns."

Jack spoke again to keep up the momentum. "Was it my direction that led you to set up this company, and did I not sign a contract with you to perform these collections."

Googan gave the jury worried glances, so he went on the offensive. "You gave me scraps when the riches go off-planet!"

The jury didn't like the sound of a local boy being a tool of the big bad outsider, and they snarled their disapproval.

Jack was ready for his next stage. "Let's pretend you are somehow worthy and get control of these assets, the Muul Weed, the factory I designed and built, which employs over eighty Orellian citizens." He looked the jury members in the eye as he stressed the next bit. "With full benefits." The jury murmured approvingly. "And let's stretch our imagination to believe you'll find a botanical scientist as brilliant as my Chuuruthian friend, and they find the formula to make ice cream." He saw Googan was watching for a trap in his words. "What will you do next?"

"I'll get a bigger home and buy my annoying brother-in-law one, so he'll stop mooching off me! I'll keep the remaining money and be rich!"

The crowded gallery cheered as that matched what they thought was a successful Orellian businessman.

"HA!" Jack laughed loudly in scorn, and the room went quiet. "You call that a business plan? You say none of the profits will benefit Orellia?" Jack gasped in outrage dramatically. "My business plan pays all the Orellians who collect the Muul Weed, including the employees at your company. It pays all the processing plant staff, including their health benefits. It pays government fees for running the plant. When the Muul Weed is sent to Chuuruthia for the final stage of becoming ice cream, fees and salaries for operating there are paid. The final product has been exported and sold on five planets with great success. Thirty-three percent of the profits are fed directly into the Orellian municipal budgets in the territories that harvest the raw Muul Weed. Your neighborhoods!" He gestured to the jury. "These funds pay for things like public works projects, education funding, and housing projects. They also buy all the beer for the annual beer fests!"

The members of the jury and the entire gallery screamed their praise for Jack's plan. The only thing that outsells a story of local-boy-beats-off-world-tyrant was an offer of free beer.

Googan gaped in dismay as he saw his chance of victory instantly evaporate. The jury was unanimously on Jack's side now.

He spun to face Jack and roared angrily as he launched his attack from the railing surrounding the plaintiff's box.

Jack was ready as he'd slipped his gloves on to protect his hands and leapt at Googan from the rail around the defendant box. They crashed together, and Jack ensured he caught the large Orellian's fist against his horns. Then his fist connected to the cheek of his attacker, and Googan slammed to the floor.

His gloves were covered in pure Reaver Silk, preventing anything from penetrating to scratch or cut his skin. The interior was padded with impact gel which prevented his bones from breaking. The gloves had no weighting or hardening to increase damage, so Jack had to rely on his strength and skill. Luckily, he had Gee and Bal as trainers and sparring partners, so he had plenty of both.

Googan rolled back to his hooves and shook off the hit before charging at Jack once again. He tried to grapple with Jack but couldn't keep up with his opponent's bobbing and weaving and the flurry of punches quickly thrown.

When the heavy weight slammed into Jack's back, he was thrown forward, and Googan connected with a punch of his own. Jack rolled with the hit as best he could, but his head filled with stars momentarily.

"Jack!"

"No! Stay outside, Rikki," Jack shouted in his mind. "I'm okay!"

Jack caught a sloppy kick against his thigh, which hurt, but he grabbed the leg and twisted it until Googan fell against the Orellian, who'd come to his aid.

The two got into a shoving match.

"Back off, Gunt! I've got this!" Googan yelled.

"Stop dancing with him then and fight!" the other yelled back.

"Fucking my sister doesn't make you a better fighter than me!" Googan growled as he shoved Gunt aside, trying to get to Jack, who was now back on his feet.

Jack now knew it was the brother-in-law who'd hit his back. Time to go on the offensive again.

"So Gunt's the coward who attacks from behind? Is that the only way he can trick your sister into mating with him?"

Googan suddenly burst into a loud, raucous laugh, and Gunt's expression darkened. He threw a punch that connected solidly with Googan's chin. The big Orellian staggered back towards Jack and suddenly found himself being lifted in the air. Jack bellowed with the effort to lift the heavy male, then threw him at Gunt, who'd frozen in place. The two collided and went down in a pile. Jack stepped forward and delivered two more punches, and the two males were down for the count.

Standing up again, Jack straightened his clothes and turned to the judge. He smiled as he did a little ceremonial flick back with his feet as if kicking dirt on his beaten opponents.

The judge nodded to acknowledge his win.

"The court hereby finds for the defendant... with a stipulation," the judge intoned.

Jack's eyebrow went up. A condition on his win?

The old Orellian fixed an eye on Jack. "The idea that off-world interests are profiting from Orellian resources was the only reason that moron got his day in court. The court believes that seventy percent of the profits should come back to Orellia."

Jack gave the judge a pained look. "We'd have to shut down the business as thirty percent would be insufficient funds to support its inevitable growth." He paused as if thinking. "We might be able to manage thirty-five."

Judge Keenz smiled slyly and gestured for Jack to approach the bench.

It was time to begin the negotiation phase.

-=-

As Jack left the courtroom, jostling his way through the excited crowd, he contained his smile as the gallery cheered for Judge Keenz, the hero of Orellia.

The chief justice had negotiated hard for the people and squeezed another ten percent out of the off-worlder to ensure forty-three percent of the company profits would be directed back to Orellian use, the extra ten dedicated exclusively to the beer fests.

What Jack was keeping to himself was his glee at getting the judge to agree to a fifty-year exclusivity license for all Muul Weed, signed by their highest legal authority. Before, there had been no license, and anyone might have swooped in to negotiate a better deal on the Muul Weed with the existing harvesting companies or set up a harvesting operation on the remaining sources. Now, he had a guarantee.

Besides, he'd been prepared to go as high as forty-eight percent.

Rikki was immediately before him as he stepped out into the hall. "You've been hurt!"

Jack grinned, then immediately regretted stretching his cheek as it stung. He shrugged as he tucked his gloves away. "It's nothing."

"Did you forget we've got to rush back to Callosephia for the charter signing ceremony?" Rikki asked.

Jack frowned. "We still have time, don't we? They were gracious enough to postpone it for two hours. I was only in the court for forty-five minutes."

Rikki dipped forward in a Tik nod but realized the gesture was invisible on a featureless orb. "Yes, we have time, but your face has changed colors on the right side and appears swollen."

Jack sighed. "Yeah, I know. The brawling ambassador strikes again."

"JACK!"

He turned to see Googan rushing up to him. He held out a hand with a raised finger. "Stop."

The Orellian skidded to a stop and looked at Jack cautiously.

As Jack was assured the male wasn't coming at him to continue the fight, he relaxed a little. "What?"

Googan glanced nervously at the silent orb, then leaned a little closer to Jack. "I just wanted to make sure you still want my company to fulfill those orders."

Jack sighed. "Of course, I do, but since you were busy wasting time with this lawsuit instead of collecting, you're going to have to make up your twelve percent shortfall this week."

The Orellian looked at him in shock. "I'm already running my team hard to meet the quota!"

Jack fixed his eye on the male. "You're the one who insisted on such a large territory. Because you introduced me to the Muul Weed, you were the first one I came to with the idea of setting up a company to harvest it." Jack gestured back at the courtroom, where the cheering continued. "This is how you repay me?"

"I'm sorry! I got carried away. It was Gunt's idea, really," he admitted.

Jack smiled. "Then shouldn't it be Gunt harvesting the additional twelve percent?"

Googan stared at Jack as the idea percolated through the male's dim brain. "The idiot sits around my house all day. He's available to do this work! That is an excellent idea! Thanks!"

He gave Jack a friendly slap on the back, which would probably leave a bruise, then rushed away to tell his deadbeat brother-in-law he had work to do.

Jack flinched and glanced at Rikki. "Let's get out of here before someone else thanks me."

He gingerly touched his cheek again and winced.

"Would you please stop touching that?" Rikki asked, feeling the pain as well.

"Nag, nag, nag," Jack sighed.

"Wha—I never—" Rikki picked up Jack's amusement and silently moved off toward the Gate terminal with Jack following, a small grin on his... sore face.

Chapter 2

Queen Elissa checked the time again as she sat with Sultessa Sahhahr, waiting for Jack to return from Orellia. The official ceremony wasn't for another thirty minutes, but Elissa was worried that something might have happened to Jack as the Orellians had quite a reputation for their rough natures.

They were seated comfortably within the building on Callosephia, which once housed the Altarian's Colony Leader. Now all the windows were cast wide to let the planet's hot winds flow through all the rooms. The heat wasn't an issue for the Sultessa as her people were reptilian and needed the hot temperatures to function.

Elissa was wearing a new gown designed to moderate the temperatures within it to a more comfortable level.

"I'm sorry this has been my first opportunity to meet with you face to face," she said to the other leader. "Preparing the charter has been a more complicated procedure than I expected. We had to call upon the experts who studied the one for the Shreen when Altaria granted them the charter for Chrystan. That time it seemed to go much faster!"

The Sultessa shook her head with a smile. "I fully understand your schedule is filled with the duties of running your empire, as mine is filled with recreating the Ishilon society. I'm thrilled we're able to spend this time together."

"I understand Jack's address to the Ishilon people went well," Elissa said.

The Sultessa smiled widely and nodded. "He was very eloquent and reached the hearts of his people. They've been warriors all their lives, so being told they needed to take up the mantle of teachers, bakers, tradespeople, artists, shopkeepers, doctors, scientists, and a host of other occupations was not well received initially. But he understood them and demonstrated how we could remain warriors and occupy the positions our society desperately needs to fill. Jack has such vast experience with so many trades. The people are now on a quest to learn where our alternate strengths lie. It's been six months since he gave us that first lesson. Aptitude testing is ongoing, but we're filling the gaps steadily. The process has been both surprising and satisfying, expanding the potential of our people!"

"Jack mentioned he had to give you difficult news about your implants as well," the Queen said gently.

Sahhahr nodded with a conflicted expression. "This was even more difficult for the people to accept. We've prided ourselves on our mental augmentation for generations. Jack had a painful task making us aware that the tool we used in our war against the Mahrell Drun was warping us to emulate our enemy's worst traits. The significant lack of empathy being the worst. If I hadn't experienced the profound emotional revelation of greeting our children for the first time without the implant active, I wouldn't have been able to express to the population the significance and importance of shutting them off when not in use for specific activities."

Her smile returned as she leaned a little closer to the Queen. "Another benefit of disabling the implant during this address was the increased emotional intensity which made Jack's message of love much more profound. He held our babies in his arms as he spoke of the importance of family and sharing our lives with one another. Since that day, there's been a surge of new pair bonds and the birth of more children. We no longer separate the children from their parents. It's been a learning process for everyone, and Jack has arranged for Chena to speak with Shreen experts from Chrystan about population control. We must follow their example of sustainable population growth to ensure we don't outstrip the available resources. We tend to have large families."

Elissa smiled as she imagined Jack surrounded by his Ishilon children. "I look forward to being able to meet your family. Will they be coming to Jack's party?"

"Yes! The children are very excited!" Sahhahr said with a twinkle in her eyes. "I would love to see Jack with the rest of his children!"

Elissa laughed happily as she pictured that as well. "Unfortunately, Tanz and Tima won't be able to join us on Chuuruthia."

Sahhahr smiled at Elissa in delight. "Tanz has had their child?"

Elissa nodded. "A beautiful daughter named Tima. Her coloring is lovely and unique for the Shreen as well. The fur on her front is snow white with pinkish rosettes and stripes. On her other side, the longer fur is deep red! It's her mother's coloring but with brighter colors. She's absolutely adorable! Tyg and Lyn had their child three days after Tanz had Tima. A son they named Jakk."

Sahhahr gazed at Elissa with wide eyes. "That is a great honor!" Elissa nodded with a bright smile.

"Juul, the Harruushan who lives with Jack, gave birth to three lovely children, two females, named Lily and Iris, and one male they named Ross. They are all healthy, and Juul brings them to Altaria daily to visit her family and help the children bond with them." She smiled at the thought.

"Please pass along my congratulations to your commander, Lorrem. I just got to visit his, Jack's, and Diana's new son, Adam, and he's gorgeous! Jack told me the child is still undergoing tests at the Chuuruthian hospital to ensure he's healthy due to his unique hybrid nature, but all signs are positive. His scales are so lovely!"

Elissa held her hands against her own stomach as tingles rushed through her. "I must admit, all this talk of Jack's babies is making me think of having more with him," she said with a mischievous grin.

"Me, too!" Sahhahr laughed and nodded as she touched her own stomach.

The door opened, and Jack stepped into the building smiling, Rikki floating between his horns.

The two leaders turned to look, and their hungry smiles were immediately replaced with looks of concern.

"JACK! What happened to your face?" Elissa yelped as she rushed to his side, Sahhahr right beside her. They gently turned his face to properly see his swollen cheek and puffy eye. Elissa faced Rikki.

"Jack wouldn't allow me to join him in the courtroom," Rikki said in its defense.

"I agreed with you that not taking Gee and Bal to Orellia was understandable, but you had Rikki with you for security!" the Queen said crossly.

"I would have lost my case if I'd entered the court with a bodyguard of any kind," Jack insisted. "It's how Orellian minds work. You have to tough it out on your own. No lawyers and no support. Everyone has to stand on their own two feet." He gave them a lopsided smile. "And I won!"

"The fight or the case?" Sahhahr asked skeptically.

"Both," Jack pouted.

Elissa sighed. "There's no time to do anything about this now. You'll just have to stand before all those cameras looking like a punching bag."

Jack dipped forward and gave her a kiss. Then he pulled back to grin at her. "A punching bag who won!"

"Incorrigible!" Elissa sighed as Jack gave Sahhahr a tender kiss as well.

"This is only the second time in Altarian history that we've created a charter to grant ownership of a planet in Altarian space to another race. It's an important ceremony!" Elissa insisted.

Jack nodded to her. "I fully understand. My apologies for giving you the impression that I don't appreciate the event's significance. It wasn't my intention to get into a fight with the Orellians, though, with them, there's always a chance. I went prepared but was ambushed by an Orellian who broke the rules of engagement."

The Queen gave him a frustrated look, flicked a mischievous smile at Sahhahr, then looked into Jack's eyes. "You can make it up to us later. We'll think of suitable compensation."

Jack looked at the two ladies who'd returned to sharing wicked smiles. He began to worry, but a knock on the door distracted him. One of the organizers dipped her head into the room. "We're ready for you—EEEP! What happened to the Ambassador's face?" she yelped.

Jack sighed.

Before he could say anything, the female disappeared and returned seconds later, dragging another Altarian tech carrying a large carrying case. This one looked at his face and gasped. She immediately opened her kit, and Jack saw it was full of make-up. He wondered who used make-up as Altarians were furred and Ishilon had scales—oh, shit.

It was for him.

-=-

The ceremony proceeded without a hitch, and a new era was ushered in with class and dignity.

Thankfully, Jack's role was simply to stand behind the two rulers and nod sagely like some wise and benevolent sentinel. He'd been painted to hide the bruising and swelling, then stuffed into a black, Altarian gown. With his height, dark hair and eye coloring, and Rikki's black orb hovering above him between his horns, he felt like an evil sorcerer... or a tower of doom.

Once more, he missed his blonde, blue-eyed looks. He'd appeared far less threatening then.

The make-up felt odd on his face, as the tech had been generous with it. It was also hot, and his skin couldn't breathe under it. He hadn't gotten a good look at himself before he'd been rushed out onto the stage with the two leaders.

The Ishilon, now officially, had a new home. Callosephia remained part of the Altarian empire, but by charter, it now belonged to the Ishilon, as Chrystan belonged to the Shreen.

There was a huge bank of cameras from every Altarian and Chuuruthian news station positioned before the stage and a number he didn't recognize. Damn! Some of Earth's media giants were present as well.

Tens of thousands of Ishilon citizens were present to witness this momentous occasion. Their cheering was almost deafening and filled Jack's heart with joy. They had a new home, a new start, and most were learning a whole new way of life.

The official ceremony was finally over, and Jack was desperate to wash the caked-on gunk from his face. At his first opportunity, he slipped back into the building they'd used for preparing and headed directly to a bathroom sink.

He froze as he finally caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The paste on his face lightened his skin, making him look pale, and his mouth... was that lipstick? Deep ruby red? With all the black in his clothes and hair, combined with the pale skin and red mouth, he looked like a freaking vampire!

Dammit!

He quickly ran the cold water into the sink and splashed it over his face. The goo came off in globs, and he continued gently scrubbing until he felt clean once more. The cold water also did wonders for the swelling, as the injured side of his face didn't feel so tight anymore.

Grabbing a towel, he scrubbed the lipstick from his mouth.

When he was done, he looked at himself carefully but relaxed as he was almost back to his normal appearance.

Granted, the left side of his face was badly bruised, but at least it was real.

He heard Elissa calling for him.

"I'm in the bathroom," he called out.

"They're waiting for us!" she said.

He frowned. Who was?

He left the bathroom and saw Elissa and Sahhahr standing by the building's back door.

The Queen frowned at him in annoyance. "You washed off the make-up. Why?"

He gaped at her. "Because it made me look like a freaking vampire!" he exclaimed.

She sighed as Sahhahr gave him a puzzled look. The reference was lost on her as she hadn't attended one of his monster movie nights.

"It's too late to do anything about it now. We have the press conference. Let's go," Elissa asserted and walked through the door, followed by the Sultessa.

"Press conference?" Jack asked to the empty room.

"I reminded you about it this morning," Rikki said.

"Oh, right. Sorry," Jack sighed.

He stepped outside, and the press got one look at his battered face and exploded with questions. He scowled at them and raised his hands to get them to shut up.

"Today is not about me. It's about the kindness and generosity of the Altarian people. It's about the hopes and dreams of the Ishilon people being answered by receiving a new home. It's about their continuing to build upon their relationship." He looked at the press and saw they wouldn't let it go. He sighed. "I will only make a statement about your unrelated questions after the formal questions about today's ceremony are addressed by Queen Elissa and Sultessa Sahhahr."

He took his seat at the table and clammed up.

Jack listened while the two leaders fielded questions, but he could tell the members of the press were distracted. He turned his face to the Queen and saw she was aware of it too. She glanced at Sahhahr, and they nodded to each other.

"Thank you for your attention," Queen Elissa said as she stood and led the Sultessa back into the house.

Now the press wanted their questions answered. The volume was intense, so Jack stood quickly, knocking his chair back, and the noise suddenly dimmed.

"Don't bother yelling out questions. I said I would give a statement, and here it is. This morning I was on Orellia for a case being tried in their Supreme Court. When it became apparent that I was winning the case, my opponent chose to attack me physically. His brother-in-law attacked me from behind, forcing me to subdue them both. In the scuffle, I was struck once on the side of my face. I won the fight, and I won my case, so all-in-all, it was a successful trip to Orellia. When I got back, my face was bruised and swollen. Some overzealous make-up application to hide the bruising left me looking like the undead. I regret allowing that to happen. This is all I have to say on the matter. Good day."

Jack turned and walked into the building without looking back or listening to any yelled questions. He was grateful to hear it was only the Earth-based reporters who were doing the yelling.

Once he was inside the building, he discovered he was alone. The Queen and Sultessa were exceptionally busy these days, so that was no surprise. Jack removed the Altarian gown and left it on a hanger.

"What's next on my schedule today?" he asked.

Rikki responded immediately. "We are going to Chrystan to pick up the food order for the party. You'll visit Tanz and Tima, and tonight there's a dinner with King Tyg and Queen Lyn.

Two Altarian security operatives entered the room in their distinctive black gowns and eyed Jack.

"Hi!" he said with a smile.

They nodded, collected the gown, and left without saying a word.

"Jack?"

"Yes, Rikki?"

"Why are all the Altarian security personnel so similar yet so different from Gee and Bal?" he asked.

Jack sighed. "They tell me I'm a bad influence."

"Ah."

Jack frowned and raised a brow. "What is that supposed to mean? Ah."

"We should get going if you want to spend time with Tima," Rikki responded as it left its spot between Jack's horns to move to the door.

Jack followed, but he aimed an annoyed eye at the Tik.

Chapter 3

Laannaa-Klovalis, High Priestess of the Dannt, sat outside the dwelling of their Queen, listening to her quiet song of sorrow.

The Queen's mate, Jordem, was dead. He'd been attacked by a Rakka while his team was inspecting one of the outer crop fields. The other workers killed the vicious beast, but it was too late for Jordem.

Compounding this tragedy, Queen Mara's first mating with Jordem had been last month. While they weren't blessed with a child at that time, Mara was now infertile for all other males, her body having tuned itself to her chosen mate's seed.

Dannt biology was cruel with its restrictions. For females, choosing a mate was crucial. There had to be a perfect match for compatibility, and Mara had delayed her selection for years to ensure her people were safe (by ending the constant tribal warfare), healthy (by implementing new farming techniques and food storage and distribution methods), and happy (by ensuring all people were heard and informed). There had never been a better leader for the Dannt.

When the Queen finally followed Laannaa's advice to find a mate, it took another year before she met Jordem. Their first mating triggered Mara's body to undergo the change to bond her to this male. No other could give her children. Then he was gone.

Fate was cruel.

The Queen's quiet song continued, and Laannaa was shamefully grateful for the Goddess' second punishment after the plague. In the chaos after the Culling, the survivors lost their ability to sense the emotions of others nearby. The church leaders at the time named it the Great Silence.

After the loss of so many, the sudden isolation sent more than a few survivors into a downward spiral they never recovered from. The church dedicated itself to saving the remaining population. Their solution was strict rules of behavior and denial. The ability was gone and would not be spoken of. Generations later, the only one with knowledge of what they'd lost was the leader of the church, the High Priestess.

Hearing the Queen's sorrow was painful enough, but to feel it would have been torture.

Laannaa pulled her mind back to their current crisis.

Mara's chief opponent, Kressa, leader of the northern tribes, was said to be cruel, too. Her ambition had driven her to challenge Mara for the title of Queen long ago, but Mara defeated her in combat. The female had been sniffing around for signs of weakness ever since.

With the death of the Queen's mate, Kressa now had a legitimate claim for taking their society's highest position. Kressa had three children, while Mara remained barren. By Dannt law, the Queen must produce an heir or step down.

Mara would be allowed a grieving period of one lunar cycle, after which Laannaa could do nothing to keep her Queen in power.

"Humblest greetings, High Priestess Laannaa-Klovalis."

She sighed, hearing the voice of someone she had no time for today. She turned to face Senior Researcher Warrez, Leader of the Dannt-Tik Interface Team.

"Warrez, why are you here?" she asked with her calmest tone.

The female looked at her cautiously as she read the Priestess' body language. "The team received the news of Jordem's death, and I've come to see if there was anything we could do to ease the Queen's pain."

Laannaa's eyes widened with righteous anger. "What could your team possibly do for her? Do the Tik and the Gate Network have access to time machines to take us back in time to save Jordem? Do they have magic technology to bring Jordem back to life? Sincerely, how do you imagine your team could possibly help when the Goddess herself allowed Jordem to be killed? I told the Queen years ago to take a mate. The Goddess willed it, but Mara put her people's needs before her own and defied the orders of her Priestess. Now here we are, and you're offering us what?"

Warrez looked like she wanted to be somewhere else, and Laannaa wished for that too. The Researcher suddenly frowned and stood straighter as she held the Priestess' eye.

"We have only scratched the surface of the wonders available in the Gate Network. My team will do what we do best and find something to ease the Queen's pain."

Laannaa was surprised by the strength in the other female's eye. Then the Senior Researcher turned with stiff dignity and walked away.

The Priestess shook her head and sighed. She heard intense grief in the tent behind her and watched Warrez's madness walking away before her. She would pray to the Goddess that she would be spared from further nonsense from the Interface Team.

-=-

Senior Researcher Warrez stomped into the Gate Building and made her way into the offices the Tik kindly built for her team to interact with the Tik assigned to the Gate. For the last ten years, they'd been communicating with Juju and TkaTken, two Tik who'd traveled extensively amongst the worlds of the Network. Their chrome chassis were worn and scarred with their experiences over the centuries they'd been alive. Warrez was in awe just being in their presence.

A much newer Tik arrived to begin training with them only two days ago. She'd learned its name was Tito Bandito and that it brought the two elders experience files from the Tik homeworld, which was unimaginably far away.

Warrez was always humbled by how far their world, Danat, was from the central planets of the Gate Network. The Tik assured her every Gate was important and received the same level of service from the Tik as all the rest.

Today, the senior Tik were absent as they continued to absorb the files they'd accepted two days ago. It was taking longer than previous times, and she couldn't help but be curious about what the Tik were learning from them.

Warrez pushed those thoughts aside, eager to start her mission to help the Queen. She immediately called a meeting with her people.

She had three junior researchers under her. Gruun, a male eight years younger than her, Lena, a female nine years younger, and Bayly, the youngest at eleven years her junior. She was barely into her adult years, but Warrez found Bayly's mind to be the most flexible, and her intuitive questions greatly assisted the team. While the youngest, she'd grown quicker than most and was blessed with a strong, tall body. One day she might even reach Queen Mara's stature.

They gathered around their team leader with curious expressions.

"Did you get to see the Queen?" Bayly asked.

Warrez frowned and shook her head. "No. The High Priestess prevented me." She paused before continuing. "She was critical of our ability to help."

The three made angry sounds until she raised her hands. "We won't change her mind unless we can offer something tangible to ease the Queen's pain. Let's begin by defining the parameters of the queries we'll provide the Tik." Her team nodded with determined expressions on their faces. They wanted to prove their value to the Priestess but mostly to the Queen.

Everyone loved Mara.

-=-

Juju surfaced from its experience file integration with a gasp. It was stunned momentarily and had to concentrate on the here and now to center itself. A short distance away rested TkaTken, who should be coming out of its integratio—

"Ahh!" TkaTken yelped as it surfaced too. It immediately lifted into the air and spun, searching for Juju, who rose more gracefully to face its partner.

"Did—That was—I'm changed!" TkaTken asserted excitedly.

Juju was the calmer of the two and had always been so since the two decided to travel together so long ago. Still, TkaTken was correct. Juju did feel... changed.

"To experience the perceptions of a race other than a Tik is an entirely distinct and unique treasure. I feel greatly humbled to have been granted access to this," it replied. "Yes. I feel changed as well."

It once more reviewed the metadata that came with the experience file to gain more insight into the being these perceptions came from.

TkaTken gently tapped its shell with a manipulator as it pondered its significance. "I wonder if our perception of these experiences is richer due to the longevity of our own experiences. We have more to compare this against."

Juju chuckled, surprised and pleased by their partner's theory.

"That might be the case, but the disparity between the two experience streams is so great, finding comparison points is a great challenge!" it replied.

Tito joined them and nodded politely. "You have successfully integrated the experience files?"

"Thank you, yes! Have you received them?" Juju asked.

"All but the largest one. I have a way to go before I reach that level," Tito sighed.

Juju touched the younger Tik's side in compassion. "I'm sure you will advance expeditiously as you've already demonstrated a keen sense of responsibility. We are deeply grateful you undertook Socrates' and Plato's mission to make the long journey to bring us the files."

Tito dipped forward in a bow to its seniors. "Do you know them personally?" it asked curiously.

TkaTken chuckled, experimenting with one of the behaviors from the recent experience file that seemed appropriate to this moment. "Socrates and Plato were our first teachers, but that was so long ago. They still keep an eye on us, so to speak."

Juju watched its partner cautiously. Taking on too much of the behavior received in experience files wasn't a good idea. The files contained circumstances and responses that another being underwent. The Tik were to learn from them, not emulate them. While Juju agreed that these particular experiences were intensely unique and fascinating, they were also far outside the normal Tik pattern of behavior and might lead to miscommunications.

"You've learned mannerisms and new idioms from the Humans! Most interesting!" Tito exclaimed in delight. "I truly enjoyed my time working in the Gate Terminal on Earth in Mexico City. It was my very first mission. The Human children in the local neighborhoods were so full of life and joy. We would play in the streets for hours during my personal time."

Understanding that Humans had a curious compulsion for naming Tik, Juju ventured a guess. "Is this where you received your name?"

Tito tipped forward slightly to denote agreement. "Yes. The mother of a child named Tito told me she could never find her son because I stole him every day to play. She called me Tito Bandito."

TkaTken was alarmed. "Did she report this to the authorities? Did this cause you to be banished from Earth?"

Tito focused on the distressed Tik. "No, she was not serious and only said it in front of the other children. They cheered as they loved the name, and it made Tito very popular amongst them. He was the smallest and could not run as fast as his friends because he was born with a defect in his left foot. I believe his mother gave me the name just to raise her son's social status, and it worked. We still keep in touch as we trade messages through the Tik at the same Terminal. His first child just became a parent, and Tito is very happy with his grandchild."

Juju and TkaTken shared a look as this was a wonderful experience for the younger Tik to have received.

They noted that it was almost time to meet with the Interface Team, so they left their private chamber and approached the Dannt's office.

As they entered, they saw the entire team was present and appeared to be in a heightened emotional state. One of their biological tells was a deepening blush on their lips.

While they'd discovered much about the history of the Dannt's society through comprehensive analysis when they first arrived, the Tik were slowly getting to know the tech-phobic people themselves, and there was still much to learn. They'd only set up the Gate Terminals twenty-eight years ago.

The Dannt's system was at the farthest reaches of the Gate Network. The Tik discovered them while investigating a system composed of three planets locked in a single, stable orbit around a young sun. The Tik were fascinated to study this unique planetary phenomenon. They were especially delighted to find intelligent life on all three planets!

The Tik quickly determined that these beings had originated from one world, Danat, when their civilization reached the point of achieving space flight. They'd colonized the other two planets, Danax and Danam, and cities were established with trade moving between all three worlds. Their civilization advanced, and nothing seemed impossible.

Then a virulent disease struck and decimated their populations on all three planets. Their devastated society collapsed back to a hunting and gathering stage once more.

Centuries passed before the Tik encountered them. None of the new societies had advanced very far after the collapse, and the new rulers of Danax and Danam had outlawed the pursuit of knowledge in case they were punished by the Goddess again. The people of Danat were a little more enlightened and welcomed the Tik's assistance in finding the source of the plague that killed so many. These Tik were constrained to the ruins of the abandoned cities.

It took a few years working on archeological digs, restoring computer systems in the abandoned buildings of the empty cities, places the Dannt now avoided. The Tik performed an enormous amount of analysis on all the data they gathered and tracked the distribution pattern for the disease. On Danat, they identified the first cases were citizens who worked at the starport.

The disease had come from one of the colonies.

They moved their research to the other two planets and followed the same analysis pattern. Danam also showed the disease started at the starport.

The Tik concentrated on Danax and finally managed to track the source to a bio-medical research lab in the planet's primary city. Reviewing all internal documentation, they determined that proper containment protocols were not used in their labs, probably due to cost cutbacks.

To save a little money, they damned billions to die, and their civilization collapsed.

The Tik estimated that only eight percent of their original population had survived. They discreetly studied the remaining populace to define a profile for the Dannt.

They were a physically strong race. With rust brown skin, fully grown adult females were uniformly tall, at just over seven feet, not counting their hair or gently curving horns ranging in length from ten to twenty-five inches. Only the longer horns projected beyond their mass of tight black curls they wore like a mane atop their slightly triangular-shaped heads.

They had two large, front-facing, expressive soft brown eyes with long lashes, two large, mobile, pointed ears that poked out of the sides of their lush hair, thick-lipped mouths with prominent fangs resting on their bottom lip, and gently pointed chins. Their bodies followed a generalized bipedal anatomy of two arms and two legs, with dense musculature and strong yet flexible skeletons. Their hands had three strong fingers and an opposed thumb. Their powerful leg muscles and single-toed feet made them exceptional runners, but not for long distances due to their mass.

Females had two heavy breasts for nursing their young, which were born two at a time, though occasionally, there was a third infant.

Adult males match the female's attributes, except they were typically just under six and a half feet tall with slightly less muscular builds, smaller fangs, shorter and straighter hair, and lighter skin. They were also outnumbered three to one due to natural birthrates.

The Dannt's current society was matriarchal and agrarian, though they're omnivores. Their diets were primarily vegetables and fish.

On Danat, a predator roughly resembling Earth's prehistoric saber-toothed tiger developed a taste for Dannt flesh during the collapse of their society and experienced a population boom. The Dannt had to perform periodic purges of the Rakka to control their numbers. Danam had poisonous snakes, which could be a threat, and Danax had a dangerous and large raptor-like bird, but they were hunted to extinction.

The Tik added Gates to all three planets, but none of them were situated near the abandoned cities as these are places the Dannt would not go.

The populace lived in tent cities on all three planets and maintained a low-technology lifestyle. As their society had returned to a pre-contact state, the Dannt Gates were not open to the Gate Network. They did allow the Dannt to move between their planets.

Each planet had a High Priestess and an order of Goddess Devotees, the lesser priestesses. Initial Gate travel was restricted to the three High Priestesses who conferred with their peers. Cultural drift was minimized as they ensured the people followed the Goddess' rules. Queen Mara visited next and re-established her authority over her people, confirming they were cared for properly, and none were experiencing hardships.

On each world, a tiny group of their citizens was responsible for maintaining contact with the Tik operating the Gates. While they accepted no technology, they shared the stories of their people with the Tik in exchange for information about the Gate Network worlds. However, they were restricted by their society's religious rulers, the High Priestesses, on what they were allowed to share with a race based on technology.

Juju and TkaTken had developed a trusting relationship with the Interface Team and had learned some significant details about their current culture. There was always the pressure from the Priestess' restrictions which the Tik made no overt effort to bypass. Still, they gratefully absorbed any information about how they lived their daily lives and how their new civilization functioned.

Juju examined the faces of the team and saw determination and hope. These were excellent signs for a potentially productive session.

"Greetings, Senior Researcher Warrez," Juju began. The oldest Dannt nodded to it. "Researchers Grunn, Lena, Bayly," it finished, and each nodded their greeting in response.

TkaTken noted the youngest seemed almost eager to speak. Her eyes repeatedly glanced at her superior and then back to the Tik. She seemed the most agitated of the group.

"Is something wrong?" it asked Bayly directly.

"Yes!" she gushed, then went silent as her eyes flashed back to Warrez.

Juju traded a look with TkaTken and then turned its attention to the senior researcher. "If there is anything the Tik can do to assist you with this, please know we will do our utmost to support your efforts."

Warrez seemed torn between chastising her most junior researcher and expressing her gratitude. Finally, she took a deep breath. "There has been an event that will jeopardize our society, including our ability to work with you. We are forbidden to discuss the events directly, but we may discuss their impact on the duties of the Interface Team."

Juju shared another look with its partner and their new student Tito. If they lost access to the Interface Team, there would be no lessons or experiences they could share with the new arrival.

"Please let us know how we might be of service," Juju repeated.

Warrez looked at her team. "We've put together some questions regarding topics we believe are related to possible solutions. They may help you glean some understanding."

Juju nodded to the senior researcher.

She took another breath and looked at the list in her hands. "In the Gate Network, is there any technical or medical means to revive the dead?"

Juju felt a shock go through its mind. There'd been a death and one of some significance if it could impact their access to the team.

"Depending on the severity of the cause of death and the amount of time that has passed between the death and now, there are medical treatments that may revive the deceased. The effort to revive must begin almost immediately, or the body must be put into a state of stasis until medical efforts can begin," Juju said.

The Interface Team shared glum looks.

"As the damage was severe and the event happened yesterday, I fear this solution is not viable," Warrez said sadly.

"Time Travel is not a possibility?" Grunn asked with a sad smile.

Juju nodded. "While many species in the Gate Network have shown a fascination with this concept and many have done their best to investigate it, none have been successful... to our knowledge." This caused some subdued chuckles.

Bayly looked to Warrez with wide eager eyes and received a pained expression, then a reluctant nod. She eagerly looked to the Tik. "Is there a medical process to make a perfect copy of a person? So perfect that their mate would not be able to distinguish between them. So perfect that her body would accept its seed as the original's."

Juju felt some relief as it had erroneously deduced the death had been their Queen. That would have disrupted their culture in significant ways. So now it knew the Queen's mate was the victim. How this would cause the Interface Team to no longer be able to interact with the Tik was still a question.

"Several species of beings in the Gate Network have the technology and medical knowledge for cloning sentient beings. That said, their methods work on their own species, as that's what they created it for. Using those technologies on an alien species may or may not work. Significant study and experimenting would be required. I should mention that of those races who can clone, most won't due to ethical and social constraints. Also, cloning is only possible if genetic material from the deceased can be collected while it is still viable."

"What do you mean by genetic material?" Warrez asked, curious despite her own distaste.

"Tissues from the body containing the information required to create the copy. I do not have knowledge of what tissues are most useful to this process, but I assume they would have to be collected from the body before it undergoes serious decomposition."

"This isn't a viable course for us as we can not and would not desecrate the body of the Qu—" Warrez stopped herself. "We wouldn't have access," she finished stiffly, and Bayly nodded.

"May I ask a hypothetical question?"

Everyone looked at Tito.

"A hypothetical question? Meaning?" Warrez asked cautiously.

"Call it a thought experiment. We won't discuss any particular person or people. It's just an imaginary situation involving imaginary people and our thoughts and opinions about them. That seems safe enough, yes?" Tito explained.

Juju watched the young Tik and beamed a silent caution to it. It nodded in response.

"Yes, that seems safe," Warrez agreed slowly.

"Excellent. So, for our thought experiment, let's talk about the rock people. They are happy and prospering, and everything seems great. Their leader is a crystal male, and he is loved by all. Yes?"

Warrez nodded cautiously. Bayly's eyes widened, as did her smile as she caught on to this game.

Tito continued. "Let's say the crystal male decides to get married and chooses a lovely rock female, and they want to make cute pebbles."

Bayly eagerly picked up the thread and ran with it. "Let's pretend the rock female gave the crystal male a special bowl that made him unable to make pebbles with anyone else. He can be with other females, but only what his mate adds to the bowl will help him achieve success," she said quickly, and Warrez glanced at her sharply but held her tongue as she looked for dangerous words.

Tito looked at Bayly as it realized she understood. "But what if the rock female went on a long journey and didn't come back."

"Can you imagine what might happen to the crystal male?" Juju asked.

Bayly nodded.

"What happens is the crystal male makes no pebbles," Grunn grunted.

"Are pebbles important?" TkaTken pondered.

"If the crystal male wanted a pebble to take over for it one day," Lena suggested, catching on to the rules.

Warrez's mind was screaming that they were dancing around the very stuff they weren't supposed to talk about, but they hadn't stepped on any traps yet. She had a contribution. "Let's pretend the laws in the rock world demand this succession path exists."

Tito summarized their imaginary situation. "So, the crystal male has a problem. Because it received the bowl, it needs that specific rock female to help him make pebbles, but she left. Now he is defaulting on a rock world law. He can't find the rock female, he can't make an exact copy of her that could use the bowl, and he can't go back in time to stop her from leaving. What can he do?"

Warrez saw the glum looks on her team's faces. "He'll have to step down. In one lunar cycle."

Tito dipped forward to acknowledge the response. "But the rock people love the crystal male. Who could do as good a job?"

Bayly responded. "Only the strongest can lead. Let's imagine a thorn male wants to be the leader."

"Is there any reason this thorn male wouldn't be a good leader?" Tito asked.

"Let's imagine the thorn male is very strong, and the rock people respect him out of fear. He doesn't trust anything... not from the rock world."

Ah. There it was.

The Tik exchanged glances. If the current Queen is forced to step down because she cannot produce an heir, the next in line might force the Tik to leave.

And they would. The Tik would never resist the lawful request to be left alone.

"If the thorn male becomes leader, there will be war with the other rock worlds as they won't accept his rule," Warrez said bluntly.

Juju needed to get out in front of that thought. "In such an imaginary scenario, the thorn male would not be able to access the other worlds for such purposes."

Warrez looked at Juju and nodded slowly. "But there would be a severe, if not complete, disruption of the relationships between the rock people on these worlds. Their cultures would diverge even further. Everything they'd rebuilt would be in jeopardy."

Juju nodded to the Senior Researcher. "I think we've taken this imaginary scenario as far as we should today. This was an excellent experiment. Thank you, Tito!"

The others clapped for the young Tik, but their expressions were definitely tense.

Juju addressed the gathering. "I think it might be a good idea for us to take the rest of the day to contemplate what we've learned and gather tomorrow to review. Perhaps we'll have suggestions for solutions or some ideas about mitigating the dangers the hypothetical scenario described."

Warrez nodded and gestured for her people to rise. They bowed to their hosts, who returned it, and the Tik left the office.

Juju was thrilled by what they'd achieved today but also worried about what it might mean for the Dannt-Tik relationship.

When they were securely in the privacy of their own space, Juju turned to Tito. "Where did you learn to guide a conversation like that?"

Tito extended two tentacles and made the Human shrug gesture. Juju and TkaTken immediately recognized it.

"When I was stationed on Earth, playing with the children in the neighborhoods, I heard them talk about their troubles with the local gangs. The children were terrified and couldn't speak about it, or they'd be targeted by the criminals. They could express their feelings if we discussed imaginary people in similar situations. This seemed to help them and eased their fears." Tito was silent for a moment as it recalled the pain in their eyes and how he was able to bring their smiles back.

The two senior Tik were impressed with the quality of life experiences Tito had collected.

"Now, what can we do about this situation? We cannot interfere with their internal governing process. If the current Queen cannot fulfill her role according to their laws, there is nothing we could or should do to affect the end result of her being removed from power," Juju said firmly.

"I found it most illuminating to hear there may be some form of biological synchronizing of Dannt females to their mates. Once mated, they become infertile for other males. I wonder how this came to be!" TkaTken said enthusiastically.

"It doesn't sound like it prevents her from having sex with others. She's just keyed to a very specific set of genes to become pregnant. She needs a master key to bypass this lock," Tito said, enjoying the cleverness of its analogy. It noticed the room was silent and looked at the seniors. "Oh! I'm sorry. Was what I said insensitive or rude?"

Juju and TkaTken were staring at each other, but neither was speaking. Tito could almost feel a pressure wave building between them.

"Should I leave?" it asked timidly.

Juju broke free first. "No! No, we just simultaneously thought of a potential solution, but there are ethical and logistical issues that need to be resolved first. Unfortunately, the logistics demand immediate action due to the limited time available before the Queen is removed from power."

TkaTken nodded to its partner. "We must entrust you to take on a most delicate mission for the Dannt people."

Tito became excited. It had just gotten there and was already being given a mission!

Who said the edge of the galaxy would be boring!

Chapter 4

Jack leaned back in his chair with Tima cuddled on one side of his chest and Jakk on the other. His eyes were a little glassy, but he was managing to keep his tears of happiness contained.

The children were beautiful! With parents like Tyg and Lyn, Jakk was destined to be a handsome Shreen male. With Tanz for her mother, Tima was guaranteed to be beautiful.

"What's wrong with your eyes, Jack?" Hahn asked with a little smirk.

"Yes, it does seem like Jack's eyes are becoming quite shiny," Tyg said for the radio audience's enjoyment.

"You two knock it off! I'm trying not to cry over here. It's a little overwhelming to hug such beautiful children—ah, that's done it!" The tears rolled gently down his cheeks as he smiled down at their sweet sleeping faces.

Tanz moved to stand next to Jack, and she dabbed his face with a napkin to dry it. She pressed her lips to his temple, a gesture she'd picked up from him. He looked up at her.

"Thanks. I can't get over how lovely they are," he sighed.

Tanz gave him a crooked smile. "And they're becoming totally spoiled by how warm you are. Sleeping in their mother's arms won't be good enough!"

"Like Tima's mom isn't as spoiled!" Jack teased back. The others giggled at Tanz's flustered expression.

"Getting back to your face, what caused the bruising on the side of it?" Hahn asked, ever the doctor.

Jack smiled at the male. "I was on Orellia today defending my ownership of the Botany Ice Cream business in their Supreme Court."

Minister Wenns leaned forward in concern. "You lost, and they beat you?"

Jack chuckled. "No, I actually won the case, but the Plaintiff decided he would take his frustration out on my face. I won the fight too."

"Did you bring more of that brown ice cream with you?" Minister Terk asked with a sweet smile. Her husband Venn grinned excitedly.

"No! That won't happen until I find out what happened to the second tub I brought last time!" Jack insisted.

The party guests laughed and booed.

"Jack, you are the pooper at the party!" Hahn teased.

"It's party pooper, Hahn," Jack corrected.

"Yes! That!" Hahn agreed.

"We haven't seen any spontaneous clusters of pregnancies like last time, so as far as we know, the container hasn't been opened," Wenns reported as Minister of Public Safety.

"By now, it's probably gone stale," Jack sighed.

"It goes stale? What does that mean?" Hahn asked.

"The flavors fade, and I assume the potency diminishes as well. I haven't tried Botany ice cream after it's spent this long in a freezer, so I'm not positive what it would taste like. It wouldn't be good if dairy-based ice cream is any indicator. It's meant to be enjoyed shortly after it's made," Jack explained. "Hey, anything that tastes as good as ice cream is usually eaten right away and never has a chance to become stale."

"Now you have us craving ice cream!" Terk moaned.

Jack grinned mischievously. "It's a good thing I brought some along then! Just not the brown kind."

They cheered as the staff brought in the cooler Jack had snuck into the kitchen.

"What flavors did you bring this time?" Tanz asked excitedly as she lifted Tima from his arms. Lyn collected Jakk from him as well. He smiled affectionately at the children and watched the mothers transfer their children to a sleeping pen that had a warmer in the base. It wasn't as hot as he was, but the children would sleep through the night.

Jack nodded to Tanz when she returned. "I thought we'd try some exotic flavors that are favorites on Earth. I based the selections on what Gelane, my Chrystan distributor, reported were favorite flavors here. These should be similar to some local flavors but with a difference. And to assure Hahn, all of these are completely plant-based."

He lifted a tub of reddish-tan ice cream with red flecks in it. "This is very popular in a country called Japan on Earth. Red Bean Ice Cream." Jack set a second tub containing a deep yellow dessert next to the first. "The second flavor also originated on an island nation, Trinidad and Tobago. Mango ice cream. The last one is just a favorite of mine. Blueberry ice cream."

"Are any of these aphrodisiacs?" Hahn asked.

Jack smiled. "No. Not to my knowledge."

"Maybe I should test them just to be sure," Hahn said as he pulled out his medical kit.

Jack dropped a small amount of each on the sensor, and soon Hahn pronounced them all safe. Scooping a small amount of red bean for Hahn, Jack handed it to the doctor, who looked at the spoon suspiciously.

"You've declared it safe, so you can be the first to taste it, Hahn," Jack said with a smile.

With a final glance at Jack, the doctor stuck the spoon in his mouth. Everyone held their breath as the male's expression underwent several rapid changes.

"Well? Do you like it?" Jack finally asked.

"No... I LOVE IT!" Hahn gasped, and everyone cheered.

"I've never tasted anything like it! The mild sweetness, and the textures, it's incredibly good!" Hahn gushed. "More!"

Jack laughed and patted Hahn's shoulder. "Hang on! I want you to try the other two before I serve bowls to everyone. "Here's mango."

Hahn stared at the red bean longingly, then took a spoonful of the mango ice cream. His eyes closed quickly as the sweetness of the mango surprised him. "Ooh, the yellow one is sweet and so smooth. There's almost no texture at all. It's good, too, but I want the red bean."

Jack nodded. "Last one, blueberry."

Hahn pouted but put the spoon in his mouth. His eyes snapped closed once more. When he recovered, he looked at Jack. "The blue one isn't blue. It's purple."

Jack rolled his eyes. "Yes, I know, but the berries have a blue color. What's your impression of the flavor?"

"It's sweet like the mango but has a tartness too. It wakes up the taste buds! It's delicious, but I want the red bean."

"Me too!" Terk called out.

"I think we are all impressed by Hahn's assessment of the first one," Tyg said with a smile.

Jack shrugged and began scooping and serving everyone the red bean ice cream. Soon, all Jack heard was the smacking of lips and coos of happy Shreen.

Queen Lyn grinned at Jack. "I believe we all enjoy this flavor very much. You should include it with the regular shipments, as I believe the people will agree this is the best-tasting ice cream they've ever tasted.

"With such a strong recommendation from the Queen, I'm sure it will be very popular. I'll make sure it is added to Shreen's order.

Jack helped himself to a bowl of blueberry ice cream and let the others make themselves another bowl of the red bean treat. Tyg returned the remaining tubs to the staff, who rushed away to enjoy the dessert.

"That was delicious, Jack, thank you!" the Shreen King said. Tyg glanced over at Rikki, who was charging itself from a power outlet at the side of the room. "How's it going with your new companion?"

Jack smiled at Rikki, who he knew was also enjoying the evening. "Rikki and I are doing very well. I couldn't ask for a more helpful buddy. It helps keep me out of trouble."

Rikki couldn't stop itself from making a noise of disbelief, and several guests picked that up and chuckled. Rikki felt the need to explain. "I believe Jack is greatly overstating the amount of influence I have over guiding his decisions or behavior."

Rikki's dry delivery of its opinion turned chuckles into laughter.

Jack just shook his head with a smile.

Tyg glanced at the time. "There is just one more item I'd like to add before we close off tonight's broadcast. We know our friend Jack is not one for big formal presentations, so Lyn and I will perform this ceremony here and now with you, our other guests as witnesses, and everyone in our audience listening in. Lyn?"

Jack watched the Queen with a curious expression, so she began. "You arrived in our lives at a difficult time, but your willingness to share your personal experiences and struggles made us aware of our similarities. Your ability to open your heart and share your boundless love elevated us and made us realize our love would get us through any challenges we might face. Since that day, you've been an honorary citizen, but we'd like to make it official. Jack Danner, I officially name you as a Citizen of Chrystan and a member of the Shreen Family!"

The gathering cheered loudly, and Jack fought back tears as he smiled at them.

When the noise dropped sufficiently, he addressed them. "I-I'm truly honored and humbled by your gracious acceptance of me as one of your citizens. Thank you!"

Tyg grinned at Jack and smiled at his wife. "I believe this brings to a close another wonderful broadcast with our good friend and recurring guest Jack Danner. Thank you, Jack, for entertaining us with your stories of growing up on Earth, the challenges of being the Altarian Ambassador, and being the Shadeem to the Ishilon. Congratulations on becoming a Shreen."

"Thank you, Tyg and Lyn, for hosting us again for a lovely evening! Goodnight, Chrystan!" Jack responded with a smile, and Tyg shut down the broadcast equipment.

Tyg grinned at Jack as he unclipped the mic from his fur. "These new microphones you found for us are amazing! The quality of the sound from every guest is so much better!"

Jack unclipped his own mic and handed it over to the King as the others gave him theirs.

"Stationary microphones on a table are great for sitting at a dinner table, but for this kind of party, being able to move around while keeping your mic close is brilliant!" Tyg continued.

"The shopkeeper told me the base station, which receives the mic signals, also maintains the positional information so the listener can tell when the speaker is moving. If they're listening to a receiver with more than one speaker, that is, or they're wearing earphones," Jack explained.

Tyg stared at Jack. "What are earphones?"

Jack blinked in surprise at the King. Then his mind pulled scenes from his memories of the Shreen listening to their daily audio entertainments, and he realized none of them had been wearing earphones. They shared their audio experiences with their neighbors, and no one minded. He didn't want to be the one to introduce a technology that might actually isolate them from one another.

"You know what? Never mind. They wouldn't be a good fit for your culture," Jack said with a dismissive shrug. Tyg nodded, trusting Jack's judgment.

"Jaaaack, look what Phan and Julli brought!" Hahn teased.

He turned his head and saw the Ministers were carrying a large bottle of Lussht. All the ministers and their spouses turned to grin at Jack. He glanced at Tyg, Lyn, and Tanz to see their grins were the widest of all.

"Hey! No one said there would be Lussht tonight!"

Berris started the chant quietly. "Love Doctor." The others quickly picked it up, and it got louder.

Jack's head dropped in defeat, and another cheer went up.

Rikki's voice popped into Jack's head. "What does this new title mean?"

"I swear you people act like sex-starved teenagers!" Jack exclaimed to the friends, and they laughed happily as they began to move to the other side of the room.

Jack responded internally to Rikki. "They wish to drink Lussht, which drops inhibitions, then get sex advice from me. They ridiculously think I'm some kind of expert on the subject!"

"Well, you do have many partners from multiple species. I suppose that lends you an expanded breadth of knowledge," Rikki commented.

Unaware of the internal conversation, Tyg approached Jack with an uncomfortable smile. "Jack, would it be okay to ask your Tik friend to wait outside?"

Jack smiled reassuringly at his friend. "Of course, let me speak with it."

"Thanks, Jack," the King sighed with relief, then returned to Lyn's side as she followed Tanz, who carried a tray of shot glasses after the couple holding the bottle. Hahn and Berris were rushing over to the pit opening on the floor of the audience hall. Mirs and Geng were right behind them, with Wenns, Dane, Terk, and Vinn glancing back at Jack excitedly.

He walked over to Rikki to keep up the illusion that they couldn't speak internally.

"I have no problem with waiting outside, but will you be having sex? Should I disconnect from you? With this drone, I can last no more than forty-five minutes before I begin to disassociate. Will you need longer than that?"

Jack snorted. "Actually, I'm more concerned with how you'll react while connected to me when I'm under the influence of the Lussht. Seriously, I completely trip out on this stuff, and tomorrow I'll have big gaps in my memory. I actually have no idea how much time we spend with the sex lessons as I never remember."

"It's okay, Jack. I will remember for you. I will not disclose anything," Rikki assured him and got a nod.

Jack walked to the pit and glanced back to see Rikki exit the room.

He saw everyone was already comfortably situated in pairs with their shot glasses in hand. Tanz was holding one for him with a sexy smile on her lips. He sighed.

He wasn't about to disappoint the lovely mother of his child.

-=-

Rikki did its best to contain its excitement. It was going to experience something no Tik had ever gone through, aside from sex, that is. Due to their mechanical nature, no Tik had ever been intoxicated to the point of... how did Jack describe it? Oh yes, tripping out.

Without betraying its presence in Jack's mind, Rikki opened itself completely to Jack's senses. While Rikki had offered to disconnect, Jack hadn't insisted as he was less concerned about the sex than the intoxication.

This beverage that Jack swallowed was cool and smooth going down but bloomed with heat in Jack's stomach and its taste—"

Wait, that wasn't right. It had no taste?

No, Rikki distinctly recalled the pleasure of the distinct and subtle... missing flavor. That wasn't possible. Rikki noticed the others enjoying it and smacking their lips in approval. Jack was eyeing the new Lussht in his shot glass with trepidation, so Rikki prepared itself to record the specific flavor Jack registered.

They made a toast, and Jack tossed the drink back once more. Ice and heat and delici—NO! It was gone again.

Rikki was seriously confused. The Tik prided themselves on their accurate perception of the world around them and their ability to remember everything!

It should have recalled the flavor even if Jack's senses blanked out the memory in his biochemical memory storage. Rikki made a note to return to this anomaly later. He enjoyed Jack's warm glow from the drink. That was a pleasing sensation.

They were preparing for another toast, and aside from the heat, Rikki wasn't aware of anything resembling a sensation called tripping out.

The third shot surprised Rikki then its senses went soft focus. Rikki knew it should be concerned that its acuity had diminished, but it just didn't seem so important at that moment.

Tanz's mouth on Jack's obliterated Rikki's ability to think, and it let the sensations rush through it. Jack was lifting the shot glass to his lips, and Rikki had a moment of clarity just before the liquid shot down the slick chute of Jack's throat into the hot glow of his stomach. It was time for Rikki to disconnect. All it needed to do was retreat into the drone, and all would return to normal.

Or a greatly scaled-back variant of normal.

Rikki felt its senses expand to take in every living being on the planet, their heartbeats, the air passing in and out of their lungs, the joy in their hearts, and the tears in their eyes. At the same time, Rikki could sense the world turning below and the cosmic rays caressing the atmosphere above. It had never felt more connected to another race than at that moment. This connection was a blessing of incredible value, and its emotions swelled in a futile attempt to express its gratitude. It was one of the most profound moments of its life.

Rikki needed to share the magnitude of this intense inclusiveness with the Tik populace. It felt intensely proud of achieving this great honor. It imagined how the elders would receive this experience with the dignity it deserved.

-=-

The two Shreen Guardsmen stationed outside the meeting chamber watched the black orb with a strange mix of caution and amusement as it rolled in random movements slowly along the floor, bumping off the corridor walls, gently humming to itself. They weren't really sure what it was doing. A third Guardsman, their captain, was responding to their call. He stared at the orb.

"What is it?" he asked the two.

"It's the special Tik that follows Jack around," one answered.

"What's it doing there?" he asked as the orb bounced in place momentarily.

"Bouncing," came the answer.

"I can see that!" the captain snapped.

Tentacles shot out to ineffectually grip at the floor and walls, but the black orb suddenly began to roll like it was being dragged away by some unseen force.

"Whoaahhhhh!" the orb moaned pitifully as it bounced off the wall and disappeared around the corner.

"I'd better follow it to make sure it doesn't get into any trouble or fall into a drain," the captain said as he hustled down the hall after the tumbling Tik.

The Guardsmen stationed at the door shared a look. "You don't see that every day," one said.

The other settled back into its guard stance. "Glad of it."

-=-

Tyg's uncle frowned as he turned off the radio. He rubbed his face in frustration.

He'd enjoyed his nephew's broadcast, as always, but now his guilty conscience was getting the better of him.

A little fun had become an avalanche with the threat of public embarrassment for his favorite nephew and his brother, the mayor, and he didn't know how to dig his way out.

He stood and left his home to walk the corridors of Boon Falls. He didn't have a destination in mind but let his feet take him where they wanted.

He soon realized there was wisdom in leaving it to fate as he found himself standing before South View. He knew his brother and wife would probably be in there. It was time to confess his guilty secret.

"Good evening, Bhurt! Would you like a table?" said a lovely dark brown-furred female working the reception desk.

"Hi, Neri. Is Ghen inside?" he asked. Neri was the sister of the resort owner.

She grinned at him. "Where else would our mayor go to enjoy his son's dinner-time broadcast?" She gestured for him to enter the dining room.

Bhurt was well known in the community as he'd driven almost everyone from Boon Falls to Elleltris and back on his bus. He returned the waves and greetings as he walked across the room to his brother's table. He noted that most of the customers tonight were young couples who were likely at the resort for the upcoming snowboard competition.

Ghen looked up and smiled at his brother. "Hey, Bhurt! Did you catch the show?"

"Hi, Ghen, Asha. Yeah... I did," he said with a tight little smile, and his brother immediately picked up on his unease. That was something he could always rely on his younger brother to do.

"Is everything all right?" Ghen asked.

"Could we talk for a moment?" Bhurt said.

"Sure. Here?" Ghan asked.

Bhurt sighed and shook his head. "Maybe I should just show you. Could you two follow me?"

The couple shared a glance, then stood and followed him through the kitchen doors.

When Bhurt wasn't driving the bus, he was something of a handyman in Boon Falls, and he'd done some work for the resort on the walk-in cooler. This gave him the prime hiding spot. When they reached the door, Bhurt held up a hand. "Give me a second."

He slipped into the large cooler and moved to the back corner, where he removed a panel on the wall and collected his hidden prize. He put the panel back in place and left the cooler.

Bhurt held up the infamous missing tub of brown ice cream.

Ghan and Asha looked at it in confusion for a second, then Asha grasped the significance.

"It was you? You're the one who took the ice cream?" she asked quietly. Ghan's expression suddenly changed to recognition as he caught up to his wife.

Bhurt nodded sadly. "The night of that dinner party, I was overnighting in Elleltris. I stopped by the palace to say hello to Tyg but discovered he was busy with his guests. I went by the kitchen to say hello to some friends, but they were acting very giddy and excited. They were eating the brown ice cream Jack had brought. I saw the extra tub and... I thought it would be nice if the Ridgers got to participate in the fun for once—"

Ghen gasped in shock. "Bhurt! You know Tyg's a Ridger and feels—"

"I know! I'm not saying it was rational, but my old Ridger resentments flared, and I did something stupid," the older brother confessed. "No one was paying attention, so I took the tub and left. I put it in my bus fridge and slept in the vehicle. The next morning, I came to my senses. By then, the story about the stolen ice cream was blowing up on all the channels. I couldn't take it back as I didn't want to embarrass Tyg or you, so I just stayed quiet."

"But you kept the ice cream," Asha said.

Bhurt nodded. "I don't know why... except everyone said it was so good, and the kitchen folk looked so happy."

"Tonight, Jack suggested it must be stale by now," Ghen said.

Bhurt frowned and nodded. "That made me start thinking about it again. I can't keep this secret any longer."

"I wonder if it has gone stale," Asha said quietly.

Ghen and Bhurt looked at her in surprise.

She caught their expression and huffed. "Oh, please. It's a dessert! It's not a national treasure. Besides, aren't you curious what it tastes like?"

Ghan smiled at his wife. "As a matter of fact, I am!"

Bhurt stared at them cautiously. "Shouldn't we destroy the evidence?"

"We can do that by eating it!" the younger brother said. "Come on. Open the tub. I'll get us some bowls and spoons."

Asha plucked the heavy tub from Bhurt's hands and set it on the kitchen counter. Some staff glanced over curiously as they cleaned up after the dinner hour.

Ghan returned with the small bowls and spoons, and Neri was with him.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"We found some treasure!" Asha teased as she eased the lid off the container. Neri's eyes widened as she saw the contents of the tub.

"Is that the missing brown ice cream?" she gasped. Some of the younger staff overheard this and joined them with excited grins.

Asha poked the ice cream with a spoon, but the top layer was super-hard. "It might have gone stale, as Jack suggested."

Bhurt was frustrated as all his effort, and all that worry had been for nothing. He picked up a knife, cut a hole in the top, and discovered the hardened layer wasn't very deep. He carved through it and used a spoon to pry off the icy layer.

Underneath, the ice cream was softer. He scooped some out and placed it in a bowl. This went to Asha, who grinned as she put a small spoonful into her mouth.

Everyone watched her eyes close, and a beatific smile slowly spread across her face. When she opened her eyes, they twinkled with happiness. "It's so good!"

Bhurt got busy filling a stream of little bowls. The kitchen crew had some, but then they noticed the customers were still in the dining room, so bowls were delivered to them, much to their surprise and delight.

Seconds went to everyone, and Bhurt got two bowls for himself before they scraped the tub clean.

Bhurt's earlier funk was obliterated in the relaxing buzz he got from the sugary treat. Neri was leaning against him comfortably, playing with the fur on his chest.

People began to slip away until only Neri and Bhurt were left in the kitchen. She scooped some residual ice cream from the empty tub and then wiped it on her lips as she smiled suggestively at him.

That was an invitation he wasn't going to let slip away.

Chapter 5

"You said you'd remember for me," Jack grumbled as he guided the fully laden hovering cart toward the Gate.

Rikki was doing its best to stay between Jack's horns this morning. Everything felt too bright, loud, scratchy, cold, hot, and generally unpleasant. "Please keep your volume down, Jack. I'm having trouble recalibrating the drone's inputs."

Jack glanced up and caught a glimpse of Rikki for a second before it moved back between his horns. "You're hungover?"

Rikki paused. "What's that mean?"

"It's a physiological response to drinking too much alcohol," he answered.

"Obviously, it can't be that for me," Rikki responded.

"So, your senses aren't feeling like they're too strong at the moment? They're not grating on you? You're not struggling to maintain control over your movements?" Jack pressed.

"Seriously, Jack, I cannot be hungover as that is a biological condition," Rikki said stiffly.

Jack snorted and guided the climate-controlled hover cart through a Gate to Chuuruthia. He waved to the Tik manning the cargo Gate on this side. His food shipment was too large now to be allowed through a passenger Gate.

He waved to the Tik on the Chuuruthian side as the cart glided to the exit. Jack called for a larger taxi to bring them home. He leaned back against the wall as he waited.

This morning he woke naked under a pile of furry bodies. This was becoming the norm for his visits to the frozen planet.

Tanz was cuddled in on one side, and he was surprised to find Berris on the other. Hahn's breath blew across his face as he was nestled against his wife's back. Jack felt like he was a degree or two away from melting completely.

He also urgently needed to use the washroom. How much did he drink the night before?

Extracting himself from the base of that pile of Shreen bodies without waking anyone was impossible, but his need was growing stronger.

Finally, he had enough people awake to release him from the confinement, and he made a dash for the side of the room where the washroom was located. That was an incredible relief.

Then he noted that Rikki wasn't there. Looking back at his memories of the night before, he picked up that Rikki had left the room, but when he called for him in his mind, all he got back were grunts.

Jack returned from his hazy memories to gesture in front of him. That was his signal to Rikki to make himself visible for a talk. The orb dipped and hovered before him.

"What happened to you this morning? I tried to call you, but you were just snorting at me. I got a little scared until you snapped at me," Jack admitted.

Rikki sighed. "You failed to mention exactly what tripping out entailed."

"Sorry, my memories are too distorted to give you a play-by-play description," Jack argued.

A taxi arrived and scanned the container. "Our apologies Mr. Danner. This taxi is unable to carry this container. We will dispatch a truck to this location," the automated voice replied.

"Okay, thanks!" Jack responded, and the vehicle left. He took a seat on a bench next to the building to wait. The flowers nearby were blooming beautifully, and he relaxed in the scent. Which was what they were designed to do.

He returned to the jumbled mess of his memories after he'd begun drinking the Lussht and just gave up. There was nothing sensible he could collect from that. He recalled that the babies were super cuddly when he'd collected them for their mothers this morning. Lyn and Tanz gratefully gathered them from his arms, then he went searching for his clothes. Berris gave his naked privates a hungry look as she and Wenns licked their lips. Recalling that gave him some troubling flashes of memory from the night before, but he pushed those out of his head.

Jack looked at Rikki again. "So... you didn't tell me where you disappeared to this morning, or was it last night?"

"After reviewing them, I quarantined my memories from the evening before as I'm not certain of their veracity. Nothing made sense, and the emotional intensity was... well, it was greater than I've ever experienced," Rikki said with a troubled voice.

"I looked out the meeting room door, and you weren't there," Jack prompted.

Rikki paused for a moment. "When I woke this morning, which was an odd experience in itself, I was behind a refuse container at the back of a restaurant. Two Shreen Guardsmen were in the alley, ensuring no one interfered with me. I thanked them and returned to a guest suite in the Royal Palace, where I cleansed the drone. Then I came looking for you. I never wish to experience Lussht again. Tripping out is far too disturbing an experience for a Tik. I may ask the elders for special permission to have these files expunged."

Jack nodded. "Amen, brother."

Rikki paused. "I'm not clear what you mean by that. Are you confessing a familial relationship with me?"

Jack chuckled. "No, Rikki. It's something people with strong religious beliefs say in response to someone else stating a profound truth they agree with. I was agreeing with you about Lussht and your desire to avoid it. Thankfully, I don't have a hang-over like you," Jack added with a smirk, and Rikki choked on its annoyance. "But the loss of coherent memories is disturbing." He shook his head. "One sensation I recall was the world accelerating away from me and clinging to the cushions to keep from sliding off the planet. So weird!"

Rikki made another frustrated choking sound, then went silent.

A truck slowly approached from above and settled down before his container. A ramp descended, and Jack guided the container to the back of the vehicle. Its lift field moved the load into the back and anchored it in place as Jack watched.

"Where is this to be delivered, Mr. Danner?" the automated voice asked.

"The driveway of my home would be fine," Jack said, walking to the front of the truck. He stopped when he saw there was no passenger chamber. The vehicle rose up into the sky and headed toward Jack's home.

Sighing, Jack called for another taxi.

"It is taking an extraordinary amount of time and effort just to get home," Rikki stated.

Jack glared at it and sat on the bench again.

Some mornings, silence was preferable.

-=-

Senior Researcher Warrez fretted over the things they'd said to the Tik. She knew they'd been clever not to disclose actual names and situations, but the inferred information would still damn them in the eyes of the High Priestess.

She'd just have to make sure she never found out.

Her sleep had been troubled as she thought of the disastrous days ahead if the Queen had to step down. They had to find a solution, and she was pinning her hopes on the Tik.

When she entered the office at the Gate Terminal, she saw her team was already there. Everyone except Bayly looked like they'd had troubled sleep. She looked to the youngest. "How come you look so well rested?"

Bayly cast her eyes to the others as she hadn't noticed their sleepy states. "I'm sorry! I didn't realize—"

Warrez held up her hands to stop the female. "I'm not blaming you for looking so fresh. I just wanted to know how you did it?"

"Oh! Well, I believe the Tik will present us with an answer today. We must be prepared to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Queen Mara must be allowed to remain our Queen!" Bayly said passionately.

Warrez smiled at her. While she wasn't too old herself, she had to admit she didn't have a fraction of the unwavering faith in the Tik that Bayly did.

She caught her team's eyes turning to the door and faced it to see Juju, TkaTken, and Tito Bandito entering the room behind her.

Juju spoke first with the standard daily greetings. Then it addressed the Senior Researcher. "Are you well? It appears you may be tired. Did you not sleep well?"

She smiled at the Tik for its perceptive questions. "I'm afraid most of us did not. We are worried for our Queen." She bit her lip as she shouldn't have slipped like that. Her people glanced at her cautiously.

Warrez waved her hand to ignore her words. "Have you had time to ponder the dilemma we spoke of?"

Juju looked to TkaTken, who tipped forward to its partner. "We have, and there is a possibility of a solution."

Four Dannt sucked in sharp breaths simultaneously.

The Tik gazed at them for a moment before Juju continued. "If we can return to our hypothetical question from the previous day, the crystal male had a special bowl that only the one rock female could use to allow them to make pebbles. Without the original rock female, the rock male cannot make pebbles." It paused as the others nodded in agreement then it proceeded.

"In a far away place out there in the Gate Network, there is a very special and rare... lava being, who has proven they can fill such bowls with something to assist the rock male in making pebbles."

"We must speak to this lava being!" Bayly asserted immediately.

Warrez was trying to get her head around the concept of a being from another world having the ability to mate with someone not of its species. That sounded like magic and was something the High Priestess would not condone.

"I... I don't think I can go to—I mean, this is not a solution that would be allowed by the rock male's religious leaders. If it had been some technological solution, there would have been a great deal of resistance, but we might have had a chance. Introducing the idea of a stranger, an alien no less, who might be able to replace the missing rock female... it's too much."

She rubbed her face. "Thank you for presenting a potential answer, but I think we must find an alternate idea." She drooped her head forward. "If you don't mind, I think I will retire for the day and rest. My mind is not at it's sharpest at the moment." She stood and walked out of the room. With sad expressions, Grunn and Lena followed her out.

Bayly watched her leader leave with dismay. The Tik had presented them with a viable plan that solved all their issues, and the Senior Researcher was worried about selling the idea? This wasn't the time for talk! Action was required! Her expression changed from dismay to determination.

She turned to face the three Tik who hadn't left. They were watching her. She smiled.

"How do we find this very special and rare being?"

Tito nodded to her, then to its two seniors. It looked back at Bayly.

"Juju and TkaTken gave me the name and location of the person we need to speak to. We will need to travel more than halfway across the Galactic disc to the headquarters of the Gate Network on a planet called Maghadahn. As we are basically asking the Ambassador of one world to resolve a sociopolitical crisis on another world, we need to petition the Maghadahn Assembly. They will grant us permission to directly request assistance from this unique individual."

"How long will it take to get to Maghadahn?" she asked.

Tito looked at the senior Tik. "My trip to meet you took a week, but I took very few rest stops to recharge. The delegates from this planet will need to sleep, eat, and take care of other bodily functions on the journey. Perhaps a week and a half in both directions.

"Three weeks!" Bayly gasped. "That uses most of the time Queen Mara will have before she's forced to abdicate!"

The Tik politely ignored her outburst and her disclosure of the actual name of the party in their hypothetical situation.

Bayly scowled as she tried to think of an alternate solution to speed up the trip. They certainly couldn't wait for a committee to argue about who should go.

"I'll go on my own. Just tell me how to find this Maghadahn," she insisted.

Juju was not expecting this. It thought she would make an impassioned plea to her senior to take the request up the authority chain. "Your position in your society, your very freedom within it, may be jeopardized by this action. Shouldn't you attempt to enlist the Senior Researcher to speak to your governing body to assign someone to this mission?" The Tik were willing to open an outbound Gate for an envoy from this planet to seek help. They would be the Dannt's first outbound traveler.

"Our governing body at this time is grieving the loss of her mate, and the second in command is probably blaming her for not following their advice to find a mate earlier. None of them will be helpful in this matter. There isn't enough time available to waste it on arguing details. We need to act decisively. My position and freedom mean nothing if Queen Mara is forced to step down. Our society will descend into a darkness matched only by the horrors of the Goddess' Culling. You won't get to witness this, of course, as the Tik will have been ordered to leave long before the barbarism begins again."

The three Tik stared at her in shock. "It couldn't—" Juju began.

"The only thing preventing the northern tribes from reverting to that now is Queen Mara's rule. Their leader, Kressa, was previously defeated by Mara in combat, so she must follow the Queen's laws. When the Queen is forced to step down, Kressa will take power, and she has plans. They include conquest and subjugation, all in the name of her overinflated sense of self-importance."

Bayly was convinced this was the only course. The Tik were right. This action may forfeit her freedom and life, but that didn't matter. The survival of her people was more important.

"I'll pack for a journey of a week and return. Then you will give me directions to this being who may save our people," she said and rushed from the building.

Juju looked at Tito. "It seems you'll be going on that mission today. Are you prepared?"

"Yes! Though I had not truly understood the ramifications of failure until now," Tito stated quietly.

Juju shared a look with TkaTken. "Neither did we."

Chapter 6

Jack woke from his nap feeling much more relaxed. When he'd finally gotten home with Rikki earlier, the two went their separate ways as much as they could. He searched for his family and found Diana, Eve, SennLann, and Juul in the kitchen preparing food for the party. He got hugs and kisses from everyone then Eve turned him around, guided him to his bedroom, and tucked him in for a nap.

When he woke again, Jack took a shower and felt Human once more. Well, as Human as a Hybrid could.

He walked back into the bedroom with only the towel wrapped around his waist and took a deep breath.

"Rikki?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"I'm sorry I was so surly with you this morning. I wasn't at my best. The nap really helped," he said contritely.

"It's okay, Jack. I certainly wasn't functioning at my optimum levels, either. Disconnecting from you for quiet time in the drone really gives me some perspective on just how good I have it when my perceptions come from you. I'm sorry for my earlier behavior, too," it replied.

"We can both agree that the primary cause for our rough starts today was the Lussht," Jack insisted.

"I'm one hundred percent in agreement. That liquid may be distilled evil," Rikki noted, and Jack burst into laughter.

The bedroom door opened, and SennLann entered with a grin, closing the door behind her. She pounced on Jack, knocking him back onto the bed. She rubbed her face against his chin and purred at him.

"Do you feel better?" she asked.

"Could we have a moment, Rikki?" Jack asked internally.

"Going to the drone."

Jack returned his attention to the beauty stretched out over his body. "Much better, thanks!"

"You'll be available for our next session tomorrow morning with Jinnae? She assures me I will be at peak fertility by tomorrow morning, and her lab is ready to track my pregnancy," the Phem Kalos female said with a bright smile.

They'd been trying for months, but SennLann's optimism hadn't diminished at all during that time. Their doctor had explained how brief the interval was in her monthly cycle for her to get pregnant. They'd keep trying until they managed to hit the bull's eye.

"All this sexy talk is making me horny!" Jack groaned playfully and squeezed her ass in his hands.

She moaned from his grip, and her eyes flared with lust. "Maybe we should practice!"

SennLann kissed him, and his hands roamed her sleek-furred body as it undulated against him, rubbing him in enticing ways. She could move like she had no bones! He felt himself stiffen under his towel. She felt that as well, and with a deft twist of her lithe body, the towel was undone and folded back so she was rubbing herself directly against his cock.

"You feel good, Jack!" she purred.

"You're incredible!" he moaned in bliss.

She suddenly sat up and drove him deep inside her body in one move.

Jack's eyes flew wide as that was a new technique for her. Usually, there was some fumbling around to get him on target. He closed his eyes as she felt so good squeezing the length of him.

SennLann began to make small little strokes as she gently bounced on his lap.

"OH! Fuck! That's intense!" Jack gasped.

The bouncing sped up but remained short little strokes, and Jack grit his teeth to endure how sensitive he was becoming.

He opened his eyes in surprise as SennLann began to chatter as she did when she came. He let his control relax, and his release struck, jetting hot cum into her depths. She lowered herself to lie on his chest, and his hands returned to her ass to squeeze them. She chattered louder and nuzzled her head against Jack's neck.

They panted as they caught their breath.

SennLann was fading, and Jack could feel her preparing to sleep on his chest. She enjoyed his heat too. He snorted quietly, and her eyes opened to look into his.

"I need to get up but feel free to snooze on the bed. We have to do that again at Jinnae's office tomorrow," Jack said softly.

She nodded sleepily. "Every time."

Jack eased her off onto the blankets and slipped into the washroom to clean up. He pulled some clothes on and left his room, quietly shutting the door.

"Is Mom okay?"

"EEP!" Jack squeaked as he spun around.

Adina and Zaina were standing a short distance away with coy smiles.

Jack put his arms over their shoulders and walked them back to the kitchen. "Yes, smarty pants. She's just napping after a little playtime, as if you didn't know."

They grinned up at him.

"You two are home early," he said.

"We... got the afternoon off," they said, sharing a glance.

Jack shook his head. "Never mind, I don't need to know. I'm just glad you're here." He stopped in the hall and kissed their foreheads as they hugged him.

Jack knew they worked for the Altarian Ministry of Security, and everything they did was top secret and classified. Their skill in covert operations was second to none, and they'd become indispensable. They spent a great deal of time in training, learning new skills.

Gee and Bal were also back working for the Ministry, but now they were training new agents. They said their years of working with him had given them a greater understanding of chaos and adapting to the unexpected. They were passing this knowledge along to the new recruits, and Hellna was delighted with the success rates. They planned to implement a retraining program for existing agents to break them from their rigid response patterns.

They were much happier as they had fixed hours and got to do the work they enjoyed. The new recruits were gaining a new way of thinking and were being tormented with challenges no agent had ever had to contend with, like rubber bands.

Gee and Bal had promised to attend the party, so he was content.

Jack and his daughters entered the kitchen, and Diana smiled at them. "No SennLann?"

"Dad tired her out," Adina said as Zaina nodded with a grin.

"Weren't you supposed to do that tomorrow morning at Jinnae's clinic?" Eve asked.

"She said this was practice," Jack answered and got grins from the ladies. He looked around. "Where's Juul?"

"Picking up the kids from her mom's place on Altaria," Diana said.

"Ah! Right." He grinned. "There's going to be a lot of kids at the party tonight. Some, you guys haven't met yet." He looked at Diana. "Is Adam coming home today?"

Diana smiled as she nodded. "He was given a clean bill of health. When Juul returns, I'm going to the hospital to pick him up. Do you want to join me?"

"Yes, please!" Jack said with a smile.

The twins headed off to get changed, and the others returned to their preparations.

"Rikki?" Jack asked internally.

"Yes, Jack."

"Sorry I didn't call you back earlier, but my daughters distracted me."

"It's not a problem."

"We're going to pick up Adam when Juul gets back from Altaria with the kids," Jack stated.

"That's wonderful news! So, Adam is well?" Rikki asked.

"He's one of a kind and healthy," Jack responded.

Rikki picked up the tension in Jack's tone and knew the man was harboring some guilt for saddling the child with the distinction of having one of the most unique births on record.

"He has Diana for his mother and you and Lorrem for fathers. Adam will be surrounded by love, and he won't be the only unique being in the house, will he," Rikki said gently.

Jack sighed and nodded. "No, you're right. Thanks, Rikki."

With a smile, Juul wheeled the child carrier into the kitchen, and Jack went over to hug her. Then he lifted Iris from the buggy. He held the infant against his chest and nuzzled her face with his. Tiny hands patted his cheeks, and her eyes twinkled merrily as she cooed at him. "She's beautiful!" he sighed.

Her mother took Iris as Jack picked up Lily and repeated his nuzzling with her. She leaned into the cuddle, and his heart swelled with his love for her.

Jack had been given a crash course in necessary bonding steps for Harruushan infants. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a lot of cuddling and face-to-face nuzzling, so they pick up his scent, especially after being away for any period of time. Fathers were expected to be away more than mothers in the Harruushan culture.

Iris went back into the carrier as Juul took Lily, and Jack cuddled Ross. The male infant reached for Jack's ears and pressed his forehead against his dad's. Kissing the boy's face, Jack heard it make a cute squeal sound. He glanced over at Juul, and she was grinning at the child. They didn't make loud noises too young. This was a survival trait. Ross was a little advanced.

"We're heading over to pick up Adam. We'll be back shortly," he said to Juul.

She nodded, and Diana joined Jack to head to the front door, where they met Rikki. As they stepped outside, a taxi descended to the driveway.

"I'm getting really spoiled having Rikki manage all these details," Jack said, gesturing to their waiting ride.

"I love it!" Diana said. "Thank you, Rikki!"

"You're welcome, Diana," Rikki replied with a smile in its voice.

The ride to the local hospital was quick, and the taxi indicated it would wait across the lot and pick them up as they left.

They walked into the building, and shortly, Diana's Chuuruthian obstetrician, Thessan, was standing before them with a smile on her face.

"Adam is ready to go. He's just upstairs." They moved to the elevator and rode it up one flight. The nurses were gathered by their station, and all were smiling. The head nurse took Diana's hands in hers. "We have enjoyed looking after Adam very much and will miss him. He is such a well-behaved young male."

Jack knew Diana had been visiting the hospital daily to stay with and feed their son, so he imagined she was ready to skip that commute. He was surprised when she hugged each of them and wiped a tear from her eye.

"Thank you for taking such good care of him. We will be back for regular visits, and I'll make sure I stop by with him when we do."

"You can bring your handsome mate with you when you do, too," the head nurse said, eyeing Jack's horns.

"Far too distracting!" Thessan asserted as she looked at the smiling couple while carrying Adam in her arms.

He was wrapped in a blanket to help him stay warm. Having his Ishilon father's scales and metabolism meant he was a little more sensitive to ambient temperatures. Those scales were tiny and iridescently blue-green.

Aside from his skin, Adam looked like any other healthy Human infant. He wasn't a chubby baby, as his musculature was predominantly Ishilon but bound to a Human skeleton.

He hadn't developed Ishilon fangs yet, so Diana could breastfeed the infant for months. Adam's unique physiology allowed him to metabolize her milk and gain her immunities, but Thessan expected his diet would switch to solids far sooner than a human child would. They'd keep a close eye on him as everything about the child was unique to him alone. Somehow it just worked, but they would remain vigilant.

The trip home was quick and uneventful, but Jack and Diana saw a welcoming committee when the taxi settled on the driveway. Their family was there to welcome the latest addition to the Danner family.

Diana became teary, and Jack struggled to hold back his own as they accepted hugs from his Human and Altarian kids, who were the first to reach them.

Emily gave her parents kisses and kissed Adam's forehead. Her boyfriend Nathan was behind her and shook Jack's hand as he watched the new infant with wide eyes. Jack kept an eye on him to see how he'd behave. Earthers could be a reactionary bunch, but he seemed to be rolling with the punches so far.

Joseph hugged Jack and kissed Diana's cheek as he grinned at Adam. His girlfriend Sierra smiled at Jack and Diana, then cooed at Adam, who smiled for her.

"He's beautiful!" she sighed.

Jack felt more comfortable with her than Nathan, who was off to the side getting an explanation from Emily. His head turned to follow the next guest who was meeting the infant.

Lorrem stood before Diana, awestruck to see his son. Diana reached up and pulled his head down to kiss his cheek, and the Commander smiled at her and Jack. "I am honored to be accepted into your family, Shadeem! I'm also thrilled to see our son is healthy!" He gestured behind himself. "We've brought your Ishilon children."

Jack collected Adam in his arms and knelt before them to introduce them to their half-brother. They were very excited, and Jack rubbed his cheek to theirs before standing to return Adam to his mother.

Sultessa Sahhahr was right behind her children, and the delighted expression on her face told Jack she was pleased to see so much of his family in one place.

Yunnda, the Chuuruthian President, smiled at the couple as he presented Diana with a certificate of Chuuruthian citizenship for Adam. She and Jack had received their own from him when they moved to the planet long ago.

Queen Elissa and Sultessa Sahhahr also presented Adam's parents with documents from their planets. Jack shook the President's hand and kissed the Queen and Sultessa.

"I think someone mentioned a party?" Jack said loud enough to be heard by everyone, and they cheered.

The kids rushed off to play in the park, and the adults made their way to the large patio area overlooking the valley. Jack headed to the grill, but Joseph and Sierra blocked him from entering and pointed to the other guests.

"We've got this, Dad. Go mingle with your friends," his son said with a crooked smile.

Jack looked at him in surprise. "But the seasoned meat for the Ishilon—"

"Mom already prepared it," Joseph said.

Jack glanced over to the two separate grills. "The isolation of the herbiv—"

"Sierra is working the vegetarian grill with her own tools, and I'm dealing with the carnivore grill with my cookware. No cross-contamination. We're good! Go! Enjoy!" Joseph insisted with a grin.

Jack nodded and smiled at his son and his girlfriend, then let his feet carry him over to the deck, where he came across Elissa telling a story to Sahhahr and Yunnda.

"... then Jack ran into the field completely naked as his clothes had been picked up by the strong winds—oh! Hi, Jack!"

Jack gave Elissa a cautious smile. "Hi, uh, what story is this?"

She smiled fondly at him. "You must remember! It was the time we went... oh, what did you call it? Ah, yes! Skinny-dipping. The pond behind the Altarian University of Horticulture, next to the test fields where all those excited females were tending their projects when you—"

Jack burst into laughter to stop her from continuing, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and gave her a playful squeeze. She squeezed him back.

"Oh, you silly! Yes, that was such a windy day! Yes, I remember. But I'm sure Sahhahr and Yunnda don't want to hear about that—"

"I very much do wish to hear how the story concludes!" Sahhahr insisted with wide eyes and an innocent smile.

"Yes, it sounds very humorous!" Yunnda said with a sly grin on his face.

Jack could see he wouldn't be able to prevent the telling of this embarrassing story, so he pretended he was being waved at by another guest.

"Well, I'll let you get back to it as I'm being flagged down," he said, trying to slip away quickly, but Elissa hadn't released her hug.

"So, there Jack was, naked and standing in the middle of a butterberry field, surrounded by twenty female university students, representatives from several rural Altarian planets. They'd never met him before, and this was such a bold way to introduce yourself."

Jack moaned in embarrassment. He dipped his face to Elissa's and kissed her. She squeaked in surprise and loosened her grip. He nodded to the others, stepping away to join the fictional person waving to him.

He recalled that day vividly, as none of the females had ever seen a naked male. Many had never met a clothed male as their rural worlds had a distinct shortage of Altarian males who preferred more comfortable worlds. The university students had certainly never seen anyone naked who looked like him. He'd charged into their midst, still a little excited from Elissa's activities with him in the pond.

More than one fainted, the majority were frozen in shock, but three immediately closed in for a hands-on investigation. That drew a few others from their frozen state.

Then more.

Only Elissa's eventual appearance prevented their efforts from... getting out of hand.

Jack spotted Diana sitting with Adam in her arms and Lorrem sitting beside her. She spotted him and held out a hand for Jack to join them. He snagged a chair and set it before theirs to sit with them.

"You've been freed from cooking?" she asked.

Jack grinned with a nod. "Joseph and Sierra have taken over my traditional position. My son has taken the mantle from me."

"You mean the apron?" Diana teased, and Jack gave her a pout.

"I'm glad you're able to join the party! You are always working so hard to make everyone else happy that you never get to join in," she sighed.

Jack shrugged with a smile and spotted Gee and Bal talking with Cha'Risa Ash and Nann Graf, fashionably late arrivals. "I enjoy it! Seeing others having a good time makes me happy!" He saw Lorrem watching him with a smile. "You agree?"

Lorrem chuckled. "I've never thrown a party. It's good to hear my Shadeem expressing his satisfaction with spreading joy."

Jack snorted softly.

"How is Rikki doing?" Lorrem said to change the subject.

"Rikki is doing very well," the Tik responded mildly.

Lorrem dipped his head in apology. "My manners have not improved sufficiently yet. I'm sorry for not addressing you directly."

"Forgiven," Rikki said. "Has Hemmarr resolved the issue with the harmonics in the new sensory harness?"

Lorrem smiled. "She has not, but she refuses to give up. She has returned to reviewing the circuitry from Jack's collar to see how the Mahrell Drun achieved the throughput. Those were her words. I'm not familiar with that level of tech. She's still working with Taggart."

The Commander's attention was caught by something as he turned his head and looked up in surprise. "Speaking of the Tik..."

Jack was facing the wrong direction, so he stood and faced the incoming Tik. A brightly decorated Tik was descending towards the patio, side-lit by the warm early evening sunlight. Following it down was a cluster of four additional Tik, each with distinct markings.

He smiled at Taggart as it stopped to hover before him while the others settled in, lined up to its left.

"Welcome, Taggart! Who have you brought to visit?" Jack said, glancing at the others.

"Good evening, Jack! I was coming to speak with Rikki about the latest drone update when Socrates and Plato asked me to introduce you to the Tik responsible for bringing our case to open the Allsa Komanae planets for colonization."

Jack twitched ever so slightly hearing the name of the extinct evil, then quickly recovered by asking a question. "The Tik are proceeding with petitioning the Assembly on Maghadahn?" This was a surprise to him. He knew they'd been preparing to do this for quite some time, but he'd begun to worry they'd given up on the idea.

Two planets with livable conditions, once home to the Allsa Komanae, were sitting unoccupied aside from the researchers assigned by the Assembly after the liberation of the slaves and his rescue. The planets were still tied up in red tape by the very committee who'd promised to repatriate the rescued slaves, and once the Allsa Komanae were no longer alive, open the planets for colonization.

The left-most Tik moved forward slightly. Its shell was decorated in patches with smooth and flat river stones. He'd never seen a Tik adorned with physical objects before. "Greetings, Jack Danner! I am Livingstone. I am the lead petitioner for the latest Tik group to take up this challenge. We've been blocked from presenting for a little over six and a half years, but we believe we've found a way around this impasse."

Jack smiled at the Tik as this was good news! He waited for it to continue, but the Tik just watched him.

"And that way is?"

"You, Mr. Danner. It's you!" Livingstone responded.

"Me?" Jack blurted in confusion.

The lead Tik tipped forward in a slight bow to acknowledge Jack's answer. "Yes. We've determined that the Assembly no longer trusts the Tik to remain neutral. Therefore, we must withdraw from championing causes no matter how worthwhile."

Jack's jaw dropped. The Tik were giving up?

The Tik next to Livingstone moved a little closer. It had patterned ripples in its outer shell on its left side, which gave the impression that it collided with a very tough chain-link fence at speed. "This doesn't mean we won't support just causes. We can just no longer present petitions for them in the Assembly. I believe you call this being silent partners."

Jack faced this new Tik, so it introduced itself. "I'm Moo-san. This is Tetris," it said, gesturing to the third Tik with vertical stripes of color on its shell. "And Dusty," it said, pointing to their fourth member whose surface no longer showed any of its original gleam. It might have been the oldest in the bunch. Or it might have been recently sandblasted.

Livingstone picked up the conversation once more. "Yes, for this cause, we need a new champion to present the case to the Assembly. We all agree that no one is more suitable for this than you! You are familiar with two races impacted by the Allsa Komanae's stellar interference. While the Shreen have found a new home, the Harruushans are still desperately searching for one for their people. You are also intimately aware of the circumstances which led to the planets becoming available."

Jack gave the Tik an incredulous look.

"Oh, my apologies. I did not mean to offend," Livingstone said contritely.

The other Tik were unsettled by Jack's uncomfortable expression.

He cleared his throat as it was feeling a little tight. "It's true that I'm familiar with the demise of the Allsa Komanae, and I know what they were capable of... clearly." He gestured to his slave collar. "I don't know if this is enough to qualify me as the champion for this cause. I was just one of the thousands of slaves brought to that planet. Besides, I've never presented to the Assembly. Maybe you should hire someone with experience with that?"

Moo-san lifted a tentacle to indicate it would speak. "It is the belief of the Tik that there is no voice for the victims of the former occupants more sincere than yours. Your unquestioned integrity will do more to sway the Assembly than any professional presenter. That aside, there is a scheduled review of the Research Committee's most recent efforts the day after tomorrow. Before petitioning the Assembly for the opening of the planets, we were hoping you might be swayed to join us in this meeting to hear the latest update from the Research Committee."

Jack passed his eyes across the assembled Tik, almost feeling their eager anticipation. He thought about their request. He had to admit he was curious to hear what these researchers had to say after so much time had passed. He decided he'd be willing to do that much.

"Okay, sure. I'll attend. What time?" Jack asked.

"We will meet you at the Chuuruthian Gate terminal at eight-thirty AM, two days from now?" Livingstone asked excitedly.

Jack sighed as he glanced at Diana, then nodded. In unison, the four Tik bowed.

"Thank you, Jack! We will see you then!" Moo-san said, then they flew up and toward the Enclave. Taggart remained. Rikki had been particularly quiet during the meeting, so Jack glanced up.

Taggart turned and saw the other Tik had already left. "Ah, you're meeting is over?"

Jack smiled as the Tik must have been distracted by its silent conversation with Rikki. "Yours too?"

"Yes, Jack. Unfortunately, the replacement drone will not be available for a few more weeks," Rikki said contritely.

"That's okay, buddy. They're working as fast as they can," Jack said with a smile.

"I will leave you to your party Jack—oh my! Is this your new son?" Taggart said, noticing Adam in Diana's arms and Lorrem smiling at him.

"Yes, this is his first day at home," Jack said with a smile.

"He is remarkably unique!" Taggart exclaimed. It turned to Jack. "You are sharing a life rich with phenomenal experiences with your family!"

Jack stared at the Tik in surprise then a single burst of laughter escaped before he got control again. Tik valued experiences and life, but could they relate to living within societies that feared difference. He turned that question to his companion with his internal voice.

"Rikki? You can relate to being unique amongst all Tik, but can you understand how it might feel for a young being who only shares some attributes of two races of beings but cannot wholly know what it's like to be either?"

The Tik paused before answering. "It's beyond my experience." Jack nodded slowly, but Rikki continued. "I do know he would feel very lonely if he wasn't surrounded by people who loved him. If he wasn't part of such a wonderfully inclusive and varied family. He has a place in their hearts and homes."

Jack smiled at Rikki and nodded once more. "Thank you."

He looked at Taggart. "Sometimes these phenomenal experiences can be a little too much, but I thank you for the sentiment."

The Tik bowed and lifted into the sky to return to the Enclave.

Lorrem stood to face Jack and clasped his forearm, a more comfortable grip for the Ishilon than a handshake. Jack gripped the Commander's arm in return.

"I can see you are concerned about Adam's future, but please rest assured, the Ishilon will honor him as the son of their Shadeem! I look forward to his visiting Callosephia! Your people will welcome him with joy!" Lorrem said confidently.

"When we get the okay from his doctor that Adam can safely travel, we'll bring him to his second home," Jack said and grinned at Diana. "At least it's not cold like Chrystan."

She smiled and nodded. "I'm a Southern California girl! I love heat and sand!"

Lorrem released Jack and smiled happily at Diana. Jack chuckled, then dipped down and kissed her.

With a wave, he headed over to speak to Cha'Risa and Nann, who were still conversing deeply with Gee and Bal.

Her hazel eyes lifted to watch his progress as he approached the tall beauty with the deep rich brown complexion. He raised an eyebrow in question.

Cha'Risa smiled. "Gee and Bal tell me you may need bodyguard assistance to visit Maghadahn."

Jack froze and stared at the two Altarians whose expressions gave away nothing. "How did you find out about that? The Tik just came to tell me about it?" he asked incredulously.

Gee sighed. "The Altarian Security Ministry has a team tracking anything involving you. They knew about the Tik petitioning team's efforts to open those planets. When the Tik decided to ask you and sent the delegation here, the Ministry already had a plan in place to support them and you. They also asked Bal and me for suggestions, as Allsa One and Allsa Komanae are currently off-limits for Altarians. Cha'Risa and her team were already on the approved list from their duties there during the initial months after the rescue, so odds are good for them being allowed to join you."

Jack nodded as he could accept that. "You know anything about this, Rikki?" he said aloud.

"No, I heard when you did," it replied.

Lorrem joined them and said his greetings to the team.

Jack looked back at Cha'Risa and Nann and grinned. "I hope you don't mind such a dull duty, following me around?"

The two ladies shared looks. "Strangely, we've not experienced any boredom when you're involved," Nann said with a smirk.

"It must be all the phenomenal experiences that surround Jack," Rikki suggested with an innocent tone, and Jack tossed it a weary glance as Lorrem chuckled.

"When are you going with them?" Cha'Risa asked.

Jack shook his head. "They just asked me to be the one to submit the petition to the Assembly on Maghadahn, to be its champion. I'm hardly qualified for that. All I've agreed to do is join them at the Assembly Headquarters to hear the latest report from the Research Committee, who's in charge of the recovery efforts. They've had over eighteen years to extract all the useful information about the slaves and the criminal activities the Allsa Komanae perpetrated on the other members of the Assembly."

Gee held Jack's eyes. "You don't support the petition to open the planets?"

He frowned at her. "Of course I do!

"Then why aren't you presenting it?" she asked.

"I-I just said! I'm not qualified!" Jack insisted.

She continued to look at him. "From what I understand, the only official requirement for submitting a petition is being a citizen of one of the planets in the Gate Network. You are a citizen of three, or is it four, worlds. Does that not make you more qualified than most?"

Jack glared at Gee as his chest tightened. "Five. There has to be someone else."

Gee saw his eye twitch, then nodded, dropping her argument.

Cha'Risa looked between Jack and Gee, wondering what had just happened. "So, will you require our presence?

Jack shook his head. "No­—"

"Yes," Bal said. She glanced at Jack. "The Security Ministry insists their ambassador have a security detail when off-planet."

Jack held her eyes for a moment, then nodded to Bal. He glanced over at Cha'Risa. "Yes. Eight-thirty AM at the Chuuruthian Gate Terminal two days from now. We're just going to Maghadahn."

"We've never been," Nann said.

Jack smiled as he could hear the nervous excitement in her voice. These Earthers and their hesitation about traveling amongst the planets of the Gate Network!

"The homeworld for the Gate Network's Assembly headquarters is one of the most civilized worlds you could visit. It's pretty awesome to see so many examples of the citizens of the Assembly. It's a dream come true for me," Jack said with a grin. "I haven't been there too often, but I'm always amazed by what I see there." He knew neither of them had any significant xenophobia, but it never hurt to prepare new visitors.

"The sight or sounds of some of the beings you may encounter might trigger instinctive responses. Please take your cues from my behavior," he suggested. He watched them nod then he gave Cha'Risa a curious look. "Just the two of you?"

"Are you kidding? We couldn't deny Maxim, Leo, and Ray the opportunity to join us on this adventure!"

"I heard my name and adventure in the same sentence," Ray said happily as he glided up to Nann's side.

Jack spotted Leo approaching with Meagan Lane walking beside him. Maxim followed with a smile and a nod for Jack.

Meagan adjusted her course to approach Diana and made cooing sounds when she saw Adam.

Leo looked curiously at Nann.

"We're going to Maghadahn, boys," she said.

"Yes!" Ray gushed.

"Is this dangerous place?" Maxim asked curiously.

"No, it shouldn't be, but we're with Jack," Nann said with a smirk.

"Ah!" Maxim said with a grin. "So, we bring big guns."

The team chuckled at Jack's scowl.

Gee interrupted their fun. "Teasing aside, no projectile or energy weapons of any kind are allowed on Maghadahn. Defensive shields are acceptable as are blunt and bladed weapons as long as they are not meant for throwing and are not energized or poisoned."

The team considered that quietly. "Close combat weapons only?" Cha'Risa confirmed, and the two Altarians nodded.

"I've seen some races whose physical characteristics would give them a significant advantage in such a scenario. The Deen-Diin are very tall and have a tremendous reach—"

"Their hands are very sensitive," Gee said. The team nodded, taking that knowledge.

Maxim spoke up. "Grellians have strong armor all over."

"Striking their ears will cause their jaw to drop open and cause a brief paralysis. The roof of their mouth is not armored," Bal offered.

Eyebrows went up as the Human commandos absorbed this and gained more insight into the fighting prowess of their Altarian friends.

"Of course, before any of these more physical solutions are put in place, you'll let me attempt to resolve any conflicts my way," Jack insisted.

"Yes! Of course, Jack. We'll meet you at the terminal in the morning two days from now," Cha'Risa insisted.

She suddenly frowned as she recalled something. "Sorry, I've been meaning to ask you something. Are you aware of a lawyer by the name of Leandro Matais? He says he represents a consortium of significant commercial interests on Earth? He says he's been unable to reach you directly."

Jack pretended to be unfamiliar with the name, then grinned. "Yeah, I might have added his name to my ignore list. Is he bugging you now?"

Nann moaned. "He's reached out to all of us."

Jack winced. "Sorry about that. I'll call him and let him know he needs to leave you guys alone."

Cha'Risa nodded gratefully, then turned back to the Altarian ex-security agents. "Let's discuss these soft spots further over a beverage."

Jack watched the Human commandos and the Altarian security experts walk away toward the bar. He looked to Lorrem. "Should I be worried about that?"

The Ishilon commander shook his head. "It is best to strive for a peaceful resolution but be prepared for the conflict should it arise." He smiled. "My Shadeem told me that."

Jack couldn't stop himself from chuckling at having his words fed back to him. He waved a hand in surrender as he walked away to stand near the edge of his patio and looked back to get an overall view of the party. Lorrem also headed over to the bar to gather intel from the Altarians. Jack just sighed to himself.

He watched his guests mingling and enjoying each other's company and felt a warmth pass through him. The kids were playing on the hillside and dropped by from time to time to grab a drink or gobble down a treat to fuel their playtime. There was laughter and smiles, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

His eyes returned to the small cluster next to the bar. Cha'Risa, her team, and Lorrem intently listening to Gee and Bal's lessons on Gate Network Citizen soft spots or how to poke a KrakRaw Slawterban to disable it. Jack knew the crab-shaped Slawterban's had no soft spots, and running was the best option. If that wasn't available, there was always sex. Slawterbans were notorious sluts, in their male, female, or hermaphrodite stage.

Luckily, Jack was an excellent runner.

He frowned to himself. Leandro Matais. Jack knocked together a quick note on his comm to say he could give him a few minutes in two days on Maghadahn. He hit send. Jack knew what the man was likely after, and delivering the answer wouldn't take long.

Diana and Meagan had wandered over to speak with the other ladies, with Adam drawing more attention from them.

Juul looked sleepy from feeding their triplets, so he'd try to convince her to call it an early night.

She was spending as much time as she could with her mother recently as the older female was beginning to show signs of reaching her limit. She'd far surpassed her life expectancy and was very grateful for her children's efforts to make that happen. She just no longer had the energy to work at their family business. It was in good hands as she'd taught her other children well. They hoped she'd have a few more years with a more relaxed pace and lifestyle.

Jack frowned slightly as he watched Juul talking with Eve, a small smile on her face.

In two days, he'd listen to the Research Committee's excuses for not opening the world. Maybe he'd ask some pointed questions. The Harruushans shouldn't have to continue to fear the sun above their heads.

Chapter 7

Bayly was doing her best to hide her dread. She listened carefully to Tito's instructions regarding travel through the Gates and what to expect on each world they visited. She did her best to be as polite to every citizen she met and looked to the Tik for instructions on how to behave toward each one.

This solicitous behavior should have been her default from the beginning of their journey, but she'd been consumed with the significance of her mission and how nothing would get in her way of completing it.

That led her to make a significant mistake. One that put her people into far worse jeopardy than it was already.

The morning she departed Danat, she'd dressed in her finest attire as she was representing the Dannt. She was still young and had few tokens to identify her position in society, but her ceremonial robe spoke of her bravery and willingness to put her life on the line for her fellow Dannt. She'd earned it at great danger to herself.

Juju, TkaTken, and Tito tried to convince her to leave the robe behind, but her pride made her stubborn, so she'd ignored their advice.

Stepping through the Gate had been the most terrifying thing she'd ever done in her life. What lay on the other side was, quite literally, the unknown. None of her people had ever attempted this, and she was humbled by the awesome responsibility.

That feeling was likely one of the reasons she blundered so badly.

Their first destination was the World of Venista which was anticlimactic for such a bold step. There was nothing otherworldly about the Gate terminal she stepped into, and they didn't even leave the building to see the sights of this new world. Instead, they spoke to the Venistan Gate agent, who was largely unremarkable, and were directed to step through the same Gate again.

Bayly balked as she didn't want to return home until she finished the mission. Tito had to assure her the Gate had been redirected and was not going back but onward toward the Galactic center. She reluctantly followed the Tik and was relieved when she stepped through the mirror surface to see a different Gate Terminal with far more Gates and activity.

They were on the capital city of Rjan on the planet Rjunrella. It was here that fate taught Bayly a painful lesson in humility.

The Rjunella people were lovely to look at. Avian in nature, they were tall and slim with great wide wings they kept folded and tucked into their sides while they were grounded. Occasionally they'd stretch their wings for comfort, and that's when their colorful feathers would flash brightly. Highly reflective and boldly colored, their feathers were dazzling to the eye, waterproof, tough, and had deadly sharp edges. Two smaller arms projected forward from their torsos to assist with working with tools. Tall, slim, mobile necks supported a smallish head with large eyes on the left and right sides and a long, strong beak. Each eye worked independently and had a one-hundred-and-sixty-degree dome of coverage. This left them with a sixty-degree band of blindness from the claw tips on their toes, straight ahead, over their heads, and down to the claw tip on their heels. To compensate for this, their heads moved in a constant sway and bob to ensure their enemies couldn't sneak up on them.

Not that they had anyone who wished them harm any longer. The only natural predator they'd ever faced on the planet was long extinct.

They were friendly, gregarious people, and the Gate agent greeted Tito and her with excitement as she'd never encountered any of Bayly's people before. She registered the new race into her terminal and froze when she realized Bayly's garment wasn't part of her.

"A-are you wearing the skin of another citizen?" she asked in shock.

Bayly gaped at her. "No! This is the fur of a Rakka, a predator beast on my world."

They suddenly heard a loud howl, and Bayly spun in surprise to stare at a group of three beings leaving their Gate lane to hurry across the room to confront them.

Bayly shrunk back instinctively as she was facing three Rakka approaching at speed, but... they weren't running on all fours as they did on Danat! They were upright!

These were covered by similar fur to her robe and had large fangs dropping six inches from their top jaws like the teeth worked into the robe's closure.

"WHAT? What? This creature is wearing the skin of one of my race!" the center-most being yelled.

Bayly was frozen as the Rakka was speaking. Her instincts told her to attack, but Rakka weren't intelligent, and these spoke!

Tito moved between Bayly and the three. "I'm sure there is just a misunderstanding. I am Tito Bandito, an apprentice just recently assigned to her planet. I believe you are Krreegah. To my knowledge, there are no Krreegah on Danat, and the Dannt and Krreegah have no space flight capabilities to reach each other's planets conventionally."

"We are Krreegah, and she is wearing the skin of one of my race! This is unacceptable!" the middle one bellowed.

The Krreegah on the left pulled a device from its belt and pointed it at Bayly. Before Tito could protest, a light beam passed over her. Tito immediately shone a green light of its own over the one with the scanner, who immediately howled in outrage at the Tik. "How dare you!"

"Sincerest apologies. Your action of scanning the Dannt without asking her permission led me to believe you were giving tacit approval for a similar scan of yourself," Tito said contritely.

That Krreegah glared at Tito as it couldn't argue against its own rude behavior. Instead, it turned to the middle one. "It is from a descendant of one of our people, my Liege!"

Bayly had had enough of this madness. "I don't understand what you're saying about descendants. Rakka are beasts! They don't speak! They don't move upright on their back feet. They don't wear toolbelts or use tools. What they do is hunt, kill, and eat my people. I earned this robe by protecting my village from a Rakka attack. It was trying to kill my neighbor, but I killed it first. As a symbol of my bravery, my leaders awarded me this ceremonial robe."

The middle one gasped in shock. "You killed one of my people? The Krreegah will not stand for this insult and violence against us. We will protect our people at all costs! Give me the remains!"

The three leapt around Tito, pushing it aside as they reached for Bayly's robe.

Seeing the claws swiping at her was too much for Bayly's nerves, and she flashed back to the day of the attack. She gave a strangled battle cry and lashed out with a fist. It caught the leader directly on its sensitive nose, causing him to fly back with a howl of pain. As he crashed to the floor on his back, the other two roared and closed in for the kill, defending their Liege.

Bayly quickly backhanded the one who scanned her, and he crashed into the Gate agent's booth to fall to the floor.

As she was occupied, the other Krreegah leapt onto her back, reached around her, and grabbed the bindings for the cloak. He ripped it open and then found himself soaring over her shoulder. He twisted midair and maintained his grip on the garment. Bayly staggered forward, tripping over the fallen one to hit the floor hard.

The Krreegah holding her robe tugged and yanked, causing Bayly to lift her arms, releasing the cloak so she could get to her feet.

Hovering off to the side of the battle, Tito scanned the cloak with his green light.

Before Bayly could rise, the second Krreegah leapt forward to slam his clenched fists against the back of her head, bouncing her face against the floor.

This Krreegah staggered back as he watched Bayly shake off the blow and slowly push against the floor to rise again. She began to growl.

"Bayly, stop," Tito urged.

The two Krreegah pulled their leader to his feet, and he glared at Bayly through watering eyes.

His voice was squeaky from its damaged nose, but its words were no less threatening. "The Dannt will pay for this gross violation against the Krreegah! It is nothing less than a declaration of war! Our fleets will fill the skies of your world, then we will repay this savagery in kind!"

They turned and rushed back to their lane, where they went through the active Gate, Bayly's robe still clutched in their hands.

She dropped back on her ass and stared at the mirrored surface they'd fled through in shock as the leader's words suddenly sunk into her mind. She turned her head toward Tito, who was also watching the Gate.

"Didn't you say they had no space travel?" she muttered.

Tito turned back to her. "The reference data I have for the Krreegah indicates no space travel capability was detected when they joined the Gate Network. Either they managed to hide it then, or they've kept their activities hidden in the years since. My scan of the Krreegah closely matched the one I did of your robe. It confirmed that it was from one of the Krreegah. I can only assume they traveled to your world long ago. How they reverted to a feral state is unknown to me."

"I-I didn't know. How could I have known?" Bayly exclaimed.

Tito touched her shoulder gently with a tentacle. "The Tik who visited Danat never encountered a Rakka. In fact, the leaders of the Dannt prohibited the Tik from exploring your world beyond the ruins. Had they met a Rakka and scanned it, they might have discovered their true nature."

Bayly nodded in dismay at yet another example of the short-sighted policies of her leaders, or rather their High Priestesses.

The Tik turned to the shocked Rjunella Gate agent. "We must continue on our way to Maghadahn. It is even more critical to speak to the Assembly to warn them of this potential assault."

Bayly returned from her thoughts as she followed Tito through another Gate to yet another world. She staggered slightly once she moved from the Gate on the new planet. She'd lost track of how many they'd passed through, but her body told her she needed to rest.

Tito stopped and turned to face her.

"Are you unwell?" it asked.

"I'm sorry, Tito. I just need to rest," she replied.

Tito nodded. "This is fortunate as we will be stopping here to recharge. I will book us a room in a nearby inn. I will ensure you are supplied with a nourishing meal as well."

Bayly's stomach rumbled as she heard that, and she nodded gratefully.

They spoke to the agent and were directed to the exit after they indicated they'd be staying for just one sleep cycle as they passed through.

Tito gave her some important details about their new destination as they walked outside. "We're on Gilloollee. There is only one land mass on this world. Everything else is under the sea, which covers more than ninety-nine percent of the world's surface. We won't meet any Gilloolleeans unless you are willing to submerge yourself in the sea wearing a special diving suit."

Bayly was stunned as she gazed out at an endless expanse of blue water beginning a short distance down a hill they were standing on. She tore her eyes away to look uphill and realized they were almost at the top. A small cluster of buildings rose from the rocky ground a short distance from the Gate Terminal. What Tito just suggested finally registered. "Submerge myself in that!" she cried.

A few heads turned in her direction due to her outburst. While none of the native population lived above the surface, there were some amphibian residents. One appeared to be taking exception to Bayly's words. It stomped it's way closer, puffing up its chest cavity in preparation for a fight.

Tito immediately moved between the Fevlesh worker and Bayly. "She meant no disrespect! She's a novice traveler—"

Bayly suddenly tipped her head down and clasped her hands before her as Tito had suggested was a proper gesture of peaceful intent on one of the many planets they'd passed through. "I meant no disrespect."

The gesture brought her horns forward, and the Fevlesh jolted to a halt as their points came into view. Sharp points that would have no problem puncturing the air bladders he used to power his punches. He cast a worried glance at Tito, who simply waited.

"See she doesn't disturb the locals," it muttered as it released the stored air and moved away.

"Very good, Bayly," Tito said. "You handled that confrontation perfectly."

She looked at the Tik with a weary smile. "I could use that food and rest now. Before I open my mouth and get us into more trouble."

Tito bowed and gestured for her to follow. A meal, a room to rest for Bayly, and a power source to recharge from would definitely be welcome.

-=-

Jinnae was beside herself. "You promised you would let me observe the gestation of the child!"

Jack looked at her in frustration. "It's not like we did this intentionally—I mean, the sex was intentional, but the timing was not."

They were in the doctor's office with SennLann curled up on Jack's lap, rubbing her head against his chin, purring happily. She was finally pregnant with Jack's child, and it had begun the previous night after their practice.

"You should have waited until this morning—"

"If we had, we would have failed again. Obviously, I was ready last night," SennLann insisted.

Jack fixed an eye on Jinnae. "If you are no longer interested in reviewing the pregnancy, we can do this on Chuuruthia.

"No! No, I mean, I was just disappointed I missed a critical stage. I would very much like to continue to document and study the development of SennLann and your child, or children, if that happens again," Jinnae said in a conciliatory tone as she looked at them eagerly.

Jack's eyebrows rose. "Is it twins again?"

Jinnae shook her head. "I believe it's too soon to tell. I've just done the initial exam and determined new life is growing within SennLann. I'd like to run a complete scan now."

He looked at the female in question, and she nodded.

The two went into the next room to perform the test, leaving Jack with his thoughts in the waiting room.

He had another child on the way... with SennLann this time! Her previous children were twins, but the father had been a Phem Kalos male, one of the warriors at that, not an odd hybrid like himself.

What caused her to have twins was still unknown as he understood that Phem Kalos females always gave birth to a single child. SennLann might have had twins because she was the first of her species to conceive off their home planet. Time would tell. No other Phem Kalos females had left their world to date.

Jack smiled to himself as the twins were so incredibly special. He couldn't love them more if they'd been his. He'd been privileged to raise them as his adopted daughters, and they turned out so amazing. He realized he was looking forward to this new child.

He admitted to himself he was still a little worried about what might go wrong with each of his cross-species children. He had no idea how this xeno-fertility worked, and his lack of understanding made it feel too much like magic and not science.

What happened with Adam was especially concerning to him. The ability to create an entirely new species was too much for his mind to cope with. The moral dilemma was profound.

He had to do his best to keep that from Adam. He'd be treated as just another child in Jack's family, deserving of his love.

SennLann rushed back into the waiting room and jumped onto Jack's lap. He quickly wrapped his arms around her to keep her from sliding off. She was very excited.

Jack raised an eyebrow at Jinnae, who had a very wide smile on her face as she joined them.

"Don't keep me in suspense. You've obviously got some news," Jack complained.

"As I said earlier, it's too soon to say if there will be a single birth or twins. From what we saw on the scanner, everything is going well. We'll do another scan in three days, and then I'll be able to give you more information," she said with a grin.

"So, we can go home?" Jack asked.

Jinnae nodded. "Go home. Rest up. SennLann tells me you are going to Maghadahn tomorrow. I've only been there once for a medical conference and found the place exhausting!" She smiled. "Congratulations on the pregnancy!"

Jack smiled and gave the doctor a hug. Then he guided SennLann out, and they caught a taxi in front of the hospital. SennLann snuggled against his side as they flew back toward the Gate terminal.

"Looking forward to the baby?" Jack asked.

She glanced up at his face, then reached up to pull his lips to hers.

"I am very happy. I know what an excellent parent you will be for our new child... or children," SennLann said.

"Do you think it will be twins again?" Jack asked.

SennLann tilted her head as if she was listening to something. "It... it feels different this time. It's only my second time, so I don't know what that means. We will just have to wait and see."

Jack smiled and nodded.

They'd reached the terminal, and Jack wanted to spend the afternoon relaxing with his family. So that's what they'd do.

-=-

As his taxi settled down in front of the Chuuruthian Gate terminal, Jack couldn't look away from his security detail standing at parade rest on the sidewalk.

He stepped out and stopped before them. They were smiling at him. Cheeky smiles at that.

Jack was wearing his black Altarian gown once more, its multiple layers of Reever silk ready to protect him against threats he shouldn't need to worry about on Maghadahn.

The team was also dressed in black, but that's where the similarity ended. While his outfit seemed to flow over his body like a gossamer smoke, the commandos wore skin-tight, contour-following body sleeves with reinforced ceramic armored body plates over the critical areas. Strapped to these armor plates were a wide array of bladed weapons. None were meant for throwing. Maxim and Leo also had heavy-looking clubs strapped to their hips.

Cha'Risa looked like death incarnate. She had many combat knives of varying sizes strapped to her. The two ten-inch Bowie knives on her hips were particularly daunting.

When Jack's eyes reached Nann, he froze momentarily before finding his voice. "A KATANA?"

The tall, slim redhead grinned at him as she patted the grip. "A favorite of mine."

At least Ray, their tech specialist in a Tik body, wasn't bristling with blades.

Jack looked at Gee and Bal. "I'm supposed to be an ambassador! What kind of impression will I make showing up surrounded by a wall of blades?"

"And clubs," Leo added with a smirk.

"And clubs! Thank you, Leo," Jack said sarcastically.

"A well-protected ambassador," Gee replied.

Bal gestured upwards. "The Tik delegation has arrived."

Jack scowled at the two Altarians, who didn't give an inch. Finally, he cleared his expression and turned to face the incoming Tik.

"Mr. Danner! You and your bodyguards look quite formidable," Livingstone said with a cheerful voice.

Jack winced uncomfortably. "Uh, yeah. I didn't know we'd appear so severe. Maybe we could change—"

Moo-san waved a tentacle. "I don't believe that will be necessary, and there isn't sufficient time. We should go." It gestured toward the entrance.

After a final frown directed at Gee and Bal, Jack followed the Tik, including Ray, with Cha'Risa at his side and the others behind him. Livingstone spoke to the Gate agent, and they were directed to a Gate.

Jack had been on Maghadahn before, so stepping through the mirror into the vast chamber lined with hundreds of Gates didn't dazzle him as it had the first time. As they walked away from the mirrored surface, Jack's eyes were drawn upwards to gaze through the clear ceiling and admire the breathtaking architecture. The fantastic soaring towers surrounding the Gate terminal were designed to strike awe into the minds of all visitors. This enormous Gate terminal was a hub and one of five equally spaced around the planet's equator. There were enough gates to reach way out into the Galaxy. Energy constraints limited the distance a Gate would span, so very few of these reached beyond the core worlds. Travelers from the outer worlds were expected to make multiple jumps. The farther out they were, the more Gates they'd have to travel through.

A few exceptions had been made, and special overpowered Gates were assigned to these planets. Allsa One was one such planet. It was far enough out that three Gates should have been used, but they had a special dispensation for the work being done to bring home all the remains.

Glancing at the towers once more, Jack wondered at the population of this planet. Inside those structures were the offices of the administrators of the Gate Network. Their homes were there, too, as well as hospitals, schools, shopping centers, entertainment, and food.

Maghadahn had no farming, fishing, or livestock industry. Nor did it have mining or lumber. Nothing was harvested from the planet, and everything was imported. All waste products went into the energy reclamation process. All Cargo Gates were just under the planet's surface and worked around the clock to maintain the lives of the residents and visitors. The planet's sole function was to administer the growing network of worlds linked together by Gates.

When they reached the Gate agent, Jack saw they'd lucked out and were being processed by a MurrMellar. Jack rarely met them as their planet was relatively close to Maghadahn, and most of the population worked in the offices of this planet. It was rumored that their home planet, MurrMell, was simply an incubator for raising new office workers for Maghadahn's administration services.

They weren't a very distinctive bunch physically. Their body shape was roughly similar to Humans, with two arms and two legs projecting from their oval torsos. They had four fingers and four toes. Four eyes and four ears were equally spaced around a smallish head with only two mouths, one forward and one back. Their brains were segmented as well so they could maintain two conversations simultaneously. Perhaps this was handy in an office environment?

Their skin was thick and tough and tinted with an olive tone. Their only unique feature was the two boney plates that projected from their backs. They used them to anchor themselves to their sleep swings.

Mentally, they were unimaginative but highly disciplined. They also couldn't be coerced and had no biases. They made excellent Gate agents as they skipped past all the bullshit and stuck to the script. Jack sighed with relief.

"Purpose of your visit and duration?" the young male MurrMellar asked.

Moo-San spoke for the group. "The Tik Allsa One Petition Team with guest Ambassador Jack Danner and his security detail. We are here to attend the Allsa One Research Committee's Update Meeting."

The agent looked past the Tik. "Which of you is Jack Danner?"

Jack moved forward. "I am."

"Please touch the bioreader," the MurrMellar asked. Once Jack did, the agent peered carefully at his screen and nodded. "Please have your team touch the bioreader, one at a time."

Jack moved aside, and each did as requested.

"Any projectile, energy weapons, or poisons?" the agent asked.

"None," Cha'Risa said for her team.

"Maintain civil behavior at all times. Do not respond to verbal violence with physical violence. If an altercation occurs, remain at the scene until law authorities can intervene. Any lapses will be dealt with quickly, severely, and at your expense. Is this understood?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Exit eighty-nine. Catch the LT503 to the meeting hall." The agent was already looking past them, so they moved forward and found the exit. Stepping through, they walked along an elevated walkway to a platform where light transport five-oh-three was just arriving. They hustled and managed to get into the vehicle.

Cha'Risa and team took up positions around Jack, and he glanced at the others already in the vehicle. They were eying him nervously. It didn't help that Rikki's featureless black orb hovering between his horns looked so ominous.

Jack stared out the window and enjoyed the view as the transport glided out into the space between the lofty towers and quickly closed the distance to the next building. It effortlessly slipped into the transport accessway and slowed to a stop. The Tik led the way off the vehicle, and Jack's group followed. They had to descend several levels, but getting to the actual meeting hall didn't take long. Jack was pleased to see they were early.

Just inside the entrance to the corridor leading to the meeting hall, Jack spotted a Human who looked young and vital in his expensive suit. Meticulously groomed with a few items of conspicuous wealth on his wrist and fingers, Leandro Matais' very presence said money. The lawyer looked uncomfortable, but he'd brought along personal security agents of his own.

Jack looked to the Tik with him. "If you'll excuse me for a minute, I need to speak to this man for a moment." The Tik bowed to him, and he returned it.

Jack approached the lawyer whose expression of relief spoke of his unease at being on Maghadahn. Then his eyes leapt up to Jack's horns, scanned across Jack's security detail, and narrowed.

"Mr. Danner. You are a very difficult man to reach. I'm glad we could finally meet in person," Leandro began as he extended his hand.

Jack shook it and nodded. "I'm also extremely busy, so we should address your request quickly. I'm on my way to another meeting."

Jack noted the two security agents with him were eyeing Cha'Risa's group uneasily. Jack agreed. They did look badass, which he was fine with for this meeting.

The lawyer frowned, then cleared the expression. "The interests I'm representing are interested in discussing the Ishilon's energy cells—"

"Not for sale. Was that it?" Jack asked politely.

Leandro blinked in surprise then his frown returned. "My clients are only looking for exclusive distribution rights for Earth. Their offer is exceptionally generous and would make the Ishilon extremely wealthy!"

"The unchecked accumulation and concentration of wealth and influence led to some of the worst eras on Earth. I lived through the last decades of the Oligarch's Reign. It took my parents' lives, but their lessons kept me alive. Control of the Ishilon power cells on Earth would give these interests you represent the same control over the populace and would very likely lead to another age of Oligarchs. I'd never subject the people of Earth to that. The answer is no," Jack said.

The lawyer's eyes narrowed as he looked into Jack's. "By keeping it for yourself, haven't you become an Oligarch?" Leandro insisted.

Jack locked eyes with the man. "If you're going to talk out of your ass, let me be equally blunt. Calling me an Oligarch for protecting the citizens of Earth from the rampant greed of your clients is the pinnacle of hypocrisy. The benefits of the Ishilon's technology will be used to improve the lives of all, not restricted to maintain the wealth and control of the few. Congratulations on your achievement. As your reward, never contact me or my friends again."

Jack turned and walked away as his team slipped in behind him.

"Ray, can you reroute his comm's calls to something nasty, like a KrakRaw Slawterban Sex-Line?" Jack asked quietly.

Ray chuckled wickedly. "On it."

Standing in clusters outside the meeting room door were the members of the Research Committee who'd been holding up this process for almost twenty years. These were just the leaders of their individual teams.

Jack recognized citizens from Borrelia, Jool, Qui Qui Qui, Deen-Diin, Grellia, and Vikk-Tahh. He noticed they were glancing at his group's approach with nervous or annoyed flicks of their eyes.

Examining the closest committee member, he realized Borrelians would never be confused for Orellians as the two were about as far apart in behavior as possible.

The Borrelian waiting to enter the room had light grey skin and wore a white gown over its thick body, exposing its arms and legs. White sandals completed its outfit. It seemed a little pompous.

He'd only had a few brief encounters with the Borrelians and only on Maghadahn, as very few worked off-planet. They'd behaved like self-important tools in each contact he'd had. He hoped they weren't representative of the people.

The Jool leader was one of their taller examples of its species, standing a handspan taller than Jack. They were roughly humanoid in anatomy, but their faces were strictly insectoid with inner and outer mandibles, compound eyes, and feathered antennae. They grew rough chitinous plates over vital places on their bodies, similar in look to the armor on Jack's commando team.

They were also aggressive and notoriously difficult to work with, so perhaps they were the ones holding up the planet's transition?

The Qui Qui Qui were the only hive-mind race Jack had ever met. They fascinated him! He supposed the unique mental connection his twin daughters shared made them particularly interesting to him. He'd studied how they thought and was looking forward to attempting to communicate with the trio from this race.

The current triad members were roughly five feet tall and had a distinctive coloring. White feathered heads atop slender necks with pear-shaped, black-furred bodies, three equally spaced manipulator limbs, and three strong mobility limbs. They had three large eyes to see in all directions and straw-like mouths for their liquid diet. As their species did, they relied upon their translation devices to communicate with other races. Their thought processing was truly alien, and they had difficulty working harmoniously with other races, making this group's lengthy contact instantly anomalous.

They always traveled in groups of three or multiples of three. They trusted no other combination. Singles were madness. Duos were incomplete and degenerated into madness. Trios meant balance and serenity for them.

The Deen-Diin Jack had plenty of experience with, meaning they did their best to ignore him at official get-togethers. They really were an antisocial race.

Much like the big Grellian, which was standing off to the side facing away from everyone so as not to acknowledge them. Geez.

Jack's eyes finally reached the Vikk-Tahh leader, and she immediately preened while simultaneously turning her back on him. Another race Jack had little experience with, and for good reason.

Like others of her race, her smooth blue-grey skin had the sheen of wet rubber. The Vikk-Tahh were uniformly slim with muscular bodies, which they enjoyed displaying. They wore the briefest of skirts over their genitalia.

Also, like her people, she had large black eyes, a minimal nose, and a lipless mouth on her hairless oval head. She was very close to Jack's height, so if she'd faced him, they might see eye to eye, at least in the literal sense.

While the Vikk-Tahh were well known for being scientifically advanced, they weren't easy to work with as they were so freaking arrogant and egotistical, believing in their superiority over the other races they met.

Even faced with this rude attitude, Jack could work around it and maintain a professional demeanor with them. What he struggled with most was that their voices squeaked like balloons being rubbed together. Keeping a straight face while arguing with a squeaky toy tested Jack like nothing else.

Jack wondered how this particular group could have managed to work together for so long. What common glue did they have to stick together?

A group of three beings wearing variations of a white shoulder wrap moved in unison down the hall toward the room. The committee members immediately stirred, so Jack noted the three must be the Assembly officials the committee reported to. The wraps must be a uniform of office. He hadn't seen them on his last visit.

One was a physically imposing Shriis, an ancient reptilian race. Covered in deep purple scales, they walked on four thickly muscled legs and had two sets of equally muscular arms. Their jaws were wide and filled with serrated teeth, necessary for shredding the tough flowers from their native planet, which exclusively made up their diet.

The second being was covered in shaggy white fur, showing no other features. While they appeared to walk upright, seemingly on two legs, Jack thought they resembled shaggy sheep dogs. Not that he ever shared his impression of the Fullchowe. He'd never spoken to one, so he was curious to hear its voice.

The final member of this group was a collection of sticks. One of the few sentient and ambulatory plant races in the Assembly, the Rooroovah resembled a bundle of sticks standing half as tall as Jack. They were among the most ancient races in the Assembly and were known for their patience and gracious attitudes. Considering how many of their early ambassadors were mistaken for kindling and used to start fires, this forgiving attitude was surprising and welcome.

The Shriis, Fullchowe, and Rooroovah were all original members of the Assembly, whose territories were roughly in the same region of space as the Allsa Komanae, so the Assembly assigned them as the official overseers for the Research Committee dealing with the planets.

They entered the room, and the Research Committee Leaders filed inside. The Tik followed, and Jack walked in with his group.

The chamber was grand, with murals depicting the meeting of different races and the formation of the Assembly. Jack noted that while images of the Tik were included, they were never front and center of these historic depictions. Never mind the fact that the Tik were typically the ones who managed the initial first contact meetings. The Assembly's bias against the Tik was clearly evident.

The trio of committee overseers took their seats at a raised dais, and the Research Committee members took their seats at the tables facing them.

The Tik and Jack's group took seats in the gallery behind the Research Group.

A surprisingly musical chiming began, then resolved into speech as the Rooroovah started the meeting. "Calling to order the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. Chairing the meeting are Ghunka Hree, Citizen of Shriis, Haah Imman Foo, Citizen of Fullchowe, and myself, Nris Jolo, Citizen of Rooroovah. Recognizing the presence of all members of the Research Committee as well as the Tik Allsa One Petition Team. We also recognize another group and call upon them to identify themselves for the record."

All eyes in the room turned and focused their attention on Jack, so he stood to face the dais. Show time.

"Jack Danner, Citizen of Earth, Citizen of and Ambassador for Altaria, Citizen of Chuuruthia, Citizen of Chrystan, Citizen of Callosephia and Shadeem to the Ishilon," Jack said in his best diplomat's voice, projecting it to reach all corners of the room. He gestured to the orb hovering between his horns. "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, my Tik companion." Then he gestured to the black-garbed commandos and caught a slight shake of Cha'Risa's head. "My security detail," he said in conclusion. He'd intended to give their names, but it seemed this was not desired. Perhaps it might cause them grief at home.

Ghunka chose to speak, and the big Shriis' voice was as deep and booming as Jack had suspected it might be. "You have quite the set of credentials, but it leaves me wondering on whose behalf you're here for."

Jack froze. He hadn't expected to be asked that question.

Who was he here for? The question spun in his head as pressure grew inside him while silence filled the room.

His hand reached up to the neck of his gown unconsciously and tugged the fabric down until his slave collar was visible for all to see. "I-I speak for the dead! I speak for the past victims of the A-Allsa Komanae who never made it home!" He swallowed as a lump formed in his throat. "I speak for the future victims of the Allsa Komanae who continue to suffer from that race's horrific attempt at genocide and from this committee's inability to break the deadlock on the decision to open Allsa One for colonization."

The Research Committee Team Leaders exploded into outraged shouts, except for the Qui Qui Qui, who remained silent and watched Jack as he struggled to regain control of his emotions.

Jack sat down, and Cha'Risa reached over and held his hand as she saw he was struggling. He gave her a weak smile and concentrated on his breathing until he felt his calm return.

His outburst had caught him by surprise. He certainly hadn't intended to challenge anyone to this degree, but the more he thought of how many years had passed and how many fucking progress review meetings they'd had without actually progressing, it threatened to make his blood boil.

"Well said, Jack! The Tik Allsa One Petition Team is cheering for you. Silently, of course," Rikki shared with Jack over their private channel.

"Order!" Ghunka boomed, and the room went silent as the Research Committee members settled down to cast glares back at Jack.

"These are serious charges, Jack Danner of Earth, Altaria, Chuuruthia, Chrystan, and Callosephia," Haah Imman Foo said from within its furry depths. Jack noted its voice was exceptionally smooth and serene. The voice of a seasoned politician. "Are you prepared to present your case?"

Jack blinked at the question and once more wondered what he was doing. He hadn't intended to do more than listen today. Maybe he'd speak up if he didn't hear what he needed. Now it seemed he was about to take over the meeting entirely.

He looked at the three committee overseers. They seemed interested and willing to listen, but he assumed they had no skin in this game other than the time it took out of their day to attend these meetings.

The expressions on the faces of the Team Leaders, on the other hand, were downright hostile, except for the Qui Qui Qui, who just appeared to be frozen with indecision. He wondered if this was likely due to the number of participants in this conversation. Jack counted three committee overseers, six Research Committee members (the triad would count themselves as one), six regular Tik (Ray and the Tik team), and six black-garbed guests (counting Jack and Rikki as separate entities). These were all fortunate numbers for the Qui Qui Qui, so their frozen state must have another cause.

Back to the question, was Jack prepared to present a case? He needed information, so he addressed Rikki internally. "Rikki, do you have statistics on the Research Committee's performance in successfully identifying the deceased on Allsa Komanae over the years?"

"The Tik team can provide me with this information instantly," it responded immediately.

Jack looked to the committee overseers, who were beginning to grow impatient. "Yes, I am."

Ghunka actually seemed pleased by the change in direction for the meeting. "Please proceed."

Jack stood once more and took a deep breath. "Let's get one thing out of the way. I'm not here because I think I'm better qualified to do the job of the Research Committee. What are my qualifications? I was there. Before anyone knew the Allsa Komanae were keeping slaves on their homeworld. I saw horrors and experienced things I still have nightmares about. The rescue operation, regardless of who did it, was necessary! It had to end as it did. Those slaves needed to be freed. For the ones who didn't survive, their remains need to be taken home to give their families closure." Jack swallowed past the lump and continued.

"In the early days, the Tik were performing the task of identifying the living and dead. I say now, there is no one better suited to this task, but it was taken from them for reasons only some members of the Assembly believe."

This brought a scowl to Ghunka's face. Jack couldn't see Haah's face or interpret facial expressions on sticks. "Instead, a new Research Committee was selected, comprised of the six member races we see before us. The task was difficult, and without the skills of the Tik, delays could only be expected."

Internally, Jack imagined a graph showing year after year numbers of victims identified. In less than two seconds, Rikki presented real numbers in a chart. It was as expected. There was an immediate drop off in successful identifications right after the Tik were removed from the project, but there was a sudden and suspicious drop seven years ago.

Jack gestured to the walls. "Is there a wall or a screen I can project something onto?"

Nris pressed a button, and one of the lovely wall murals became a brilliant white surface.

"Thank you," Jack said with a little bow toward the RooRoovah. Internally, he asked Rikki to project the graph.

"We see the immediate drop in successful matches when the Tik were removed from the task. The Research Committee tried their best at first, as can be seen, but the numbers were steadily dropping until this precipitous drop seven years ago. The number of successful identifications has become minimal in the last... seven... years."

The Research Committee was beginning to get loud with their protests.

"Let me say again, I'm not here because I think I'm better qualified to do the job of the Research Committee. These numbers are terrible and getting worse, but what I find most disturbing is that no one is asking for justification for this pattern to be allowed to continue!" Jack picked up the uneasy and potentially hostile body language from the committee overseers. They were now being put on the spot for their indifference.

"FACT: Allsa One had no slaves residing there. This has been proven. All slaves were moved directly to the Allsa Komanae homeworld via their spacecraft. I know what that feels like as I rode in one.

FACT: Allsa One has no documentation for the slaves or the business of collecting or moving them. This was discovered in the initial days after the rescue by the Tik and was reported to the Assembly."

Rikki slipped another tidbit of information about Allsa One's Gate to Jack, and he picked it up seamlessly.

"FACT: Allsa Komanae was given a Gate of its own a few months after the rescue. The Research Committee and their team could go there directly from any Gate with their special authorized access, but instead, they had the new Gate made only available to the Gate on Allsa One. Was there a valid reason to bind these two planets into the same restricted access rules?"

He raised his hand to block the responses from the Research Committee members. "They've given no timeline for when they will release Allsa One, and from the facts we know, we can find no viable reason it shouldn't be opened now! We understand work continues on Allsa Komanae, but again, the Harruushans face prematurely shortened lifespans and altered birthrates due to the hazards caused by their altered sun. The law of diminishing returns has been reached and passed. I'm not saying we discontinue the work on Allsa Komanae. It shouldn't end until every one of the victims is given some kind of closure."

Jack looked directly at each of the three beings sitting on the Dais. "Can you justify extending Allsa One's lockdown for a decreasing number of identifications against the known and increasing risk to the populace of Harruusha? We are losing more Harruushan citizens than the number of deceased slaves the Research Committee's team is identifying."

Rikki projected the current rate of premature deaths against the most recent report from the Research Committee. It was a damning statistic. He saw them shift uncomfortably, so he hoped they finally understood their responsibility.

The Borrelian team leader stood to face the committee overseers. "If this so-called expert is finished slandering the excellent work of our teams in their most trying endeavor, I would like to address some of the misinformation that's been presented."

Jack bowed to the beings on the dais for giving him the opportunity to speak and sat, facing the Borrelian.

"If you look at the report we present at each progress meeting, you see a natural decrease in the number of victims we've identified. This is because we are approaching the threshold where the remains are severely degraded, and it takes longer to process each case. It's as simple as that."

"What happened seven years ago which caused such a precipitous drop in your numbers? As the Allsa Komanae had been steadily taking slaves for a very long time, there couldn't have been a sudden and dramatic increase of decomposition to explain such a significant decrease," Jack asked calmly.

The Borrelian curled his lip at Jack as he wasn't one of the scientists working the site. He glanced at the Vikk-Tahh, who quickly frowned at him.

Before they could spout another fabrication, Jack looked to the three on the dais. "When the Tik were removed from the task, who was assigned to audit the work being done by the Research Committee's teams? Tik are perfectly suited to dealing with projects of this scope. They record everything as it happens. These recordings act as a built-in guarantee of integrity and uniform quality. Outside of the Tik, we have to rely on auditing teams."

The Shriis snapped his jaws together. "Making claims against the integrity of other races is a very serious charge!"

"Then it's a good thing I haven't. I've simply asked the questions which would have been part of the audit that would protect them against such charges. Auditing is a requirement for projects of this scope for exactly this reason. If assigning one was missed in the turbulent time after the rescue, it isn't too late to protect them now," Jack suggested. He saw the Borrelian's expression freeze as he heard himself being outmaneuvered.

The Vikk-Tahh's expression was far more telling. She was genuinely nervous. She quickly covered this up with a neutral look of boredom, but Jack's interest was locked in. Something was going on. Something they didn't want anyone interfering with.

He glanced at the Qui Qui Qui, and they looked completely frozen with indecision. He caught the Borrelian throwing hand gestures at them, and they calmed. He wasn't positive about all the signs, but the last one was definitely the symbol for in control.

This wasn't the time to push them. Not while he had the committee overseers contemplating the out he'd just handed them. He knew adding the audit team wasn't missed. It was never considered. They were all so eager to prove they respected each other that they wouldn't have suggested it. Spinning it as protection for their fellow citizens made it palatable.

"One moment as we confer," Nris said, then a privacy field went up between the committee overseers and the rest of the room.

Jack went internal again. "Rikki, whatever happens, I want you to know I didn't come here to pick a fight with the Assembly. Maybe it's my primitive Human soul which leaps into the flames when it sees injustice."

"Jack, all Tik welcome your involvement in this. We trust your primitive Human soul as we know where that passion comes from. How others react to your honest assessment is no reflection on your message. We remain hopeful," Rikki returned.

"Thanks, buddy." Jack was touched and more than a little relieved.

The deliberations behind the opaque field went on... and on until Jack's brain began to think up potentially dire consequences.

He avoided looking at the Research Committee members as they were not pleased with his interference. Instead, he smiled at the Tik team, who gave him little waves of their tentacles.

Cha'Risa leaned a little closer. "Does this usually happen at these meetings?" she whispered.

He snorted quietly. "This is my first time at one of these, so I have no idea. I think I really stepped in it, though."

Cha'Risa gave him a curious look. "You've been to committee meetings on Maghadahn before. You told us you were called in for a statement after you returned from being rescued."

Jack looked at her and saw she was just confused. He nodded and looked down at his hands clasped together tightly on his lap. "Yes... yes, I've been to an Assembly meeting before, but that was... more of an interrogation. I wasn't in a good state back then."

She placed her hand atop his. "How are you now?" she asked gently.

Jack looked into her compassionate gaze. "Much better and getting better every day."

The privacy shield dropped, and the three Assembly officials faced them once more. Cha'Risa pulled her hand back, and Jack focused on Ghunka's expression, which might have hinted at a smile.

"Jack Danner, you've given us a great deal to consider and highlighted omissions we may have made when we were asked to chair this project. We require additional time to review the facts and determine what, if anything, can and should be done. We ask that you remain on Maghadhan as a guest of the Assembly until we reach our decision.

Jack's eyes widened, and he made to protest when Nris whistled a lovely harmonic sound. "We understand you are occupied with the duties of Ambassador for Altaria and Shadeem for the Ishilon, so we promise to reconvene the meeting in no more than two days."

Jack frowned. "I wasn't expecting an overnight stay, so I didn't pack a bag."

Haah chuckled. "Mr. Danner, this is Maghadahn. You can get anything you need. As our guest, please feel free to simply ask. The same goes for your security team. A guide will meet you outside the chamber to take you to your guest suite."

Jack was a little put out as they'd already assumed he'd say yes, but when he looked at the group of Tik, he could almost sense their excitement as they were all focused intently on him.

He looked at Cha'Risa. "Is that okay with you?"

"Of course. We are here to protect you for as long as you need us," Cha'Risa said with a small smile.

Jack looked up at the committee overseers and nodded. He cleared his throat. "Sure."

"Excellent!" Nris said. "Adjourning the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. The meeting will reconvene in no more than two days, at which time we will present our decision regarding the issues Jack Danner, Citizen of Earth, Altaria, Chuuruthia, Chrystan, and Callosephia brought before us today."

The three Assembly officials stood and left the chamber, nodding to Jack on their way by.

Jack held the eyes of each of the Research Committee Leaders as they went by. The Vikk-Tahh was still nervous, but the Borrelian paused to speak.

"If you had a grievance, you should have addressed them through the proper channels. Now I'll be forced to file a harassment complaint with the Assembly Overseers for Civil Discourse, naming Earth, Altaria, Chuuruthia, Chrystan, and Callosephia as the offenders against Borrelia, Jool, Qui Qui Qui, Deen-Diin, Grellia, and Vikk-Tahh," the male asserted.

Jack tilted his head to examine the Borrelian team leader. "That's certainly one thing you could do. You might also consider speaking with the other team leaders on the project about opening Allsa One to colonization. That would get us out of your business way quicker. Just sayin'."

The male snarled and moved away in a huff.

The others filed out past Jack and his dark-suited protectors.

When the Qui Qui Qui were passing, they kept one of their large eyes focused on Jack. He bowed and wiggled three fingers on his right hand at them, tucking his pinkie and thumb in his palm. This was a gesture that indicated friendship and peace for them. They paused in surprise, then returned the gesture before rushing out of the room after their fellow team leaders.

"What was that?" Nann asked as she tried to emulate the finger wiggle.

"Is it read-between-the-lines fuck you?" Maxim asked with a grin.

Jack chuckled and shook his head. "I was just wishing them friendship and peace. I think we could use a friend inside their group."

"And you picked the most difficult-to-understand race?" Cha'Risa asked in surprise.

Jack nodded thoughtfully. "It's my understanding that the Qui Qui Qui struggle to understand other races, so they do their best to complete interactions quickly and move on. This reduces their stress. However, this group has been linked to the project from the very beginning. Why haven't they swapped out with another team? What's keeping them in place?"

He contemplated this briefly, then shrugged and smiled at the others. "A mystery for another day."

Moo-san approached and reached out a tentacle to grip Jack's hand. "Our faith in you has not been in vain."

Jack held up his free hand. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Nothing has been achieved yet... aside from pissing off the Research Committee Team Leaders. Who knows how much grief I've just caused." He frowned in worry.

Livingstone took up the challenge of assuring Jack. "We've been trying to get the Committee Overseers to listen to our concerns regarding the opening of the planet for years. We've attended every progress review meeting to no avail. We brought you to one meeting, and you connected with the Assembly Officials in a way we've never achieved. Something good has already happened. We have faith further success will come. You have our thanks!"

"We will return when the meeting reconvenes to support you," Moo-san indicated, withdrawing his tentacle and leading the other Tik outside.

"What's next, chief? It sounds like we get a sleepover on a new world," Ray said cheerfully.

Jack nudged himself out of the funk settling over him. "Yeah, I guess we should find our guide—"

The door to the chamber opened, and a face peeked around it. A face below the largest ears Jack had ever seen. They were triangle-shaped dishes covered by reddish tan fur. The being's face was small compared to their hearing organs. Dark eyes and a black button nose that twitched nervously. "Jack Danner?" they asked timidly, and Jack picked up that this was either a young male or a female.

He raised a hand. "You've found him. Are you our guide?"

"Apologies. I was waiting for you outside. I wasn't aware they wanted me to meet you here," the female said as she walked into the room, and Jack saw the rest of her, including her big floofy tan tail. Jack heard an odd noise and glanced at Maxim. The man was gaping at their guide with a shocked expression.

Embarrassed by his outburst, Maxim was blushing as he looked at Jack. "The Assembly has Fennec Fox people?" he said quietly with a strained voice.

"I am not a Fennec Fox, whatever that is." She answered with great dignity. "I am from Vix. We are the Vix!"

Those big ears obviously gave her excellent hearing.

Jack was biting his lips to stop laughing as he watched Maxim try to contain whatever emotions he was experiencing. He was obviously drawn to the svelte being walking towards them. While she was walking upright, she had the same leg structure as the fox Maxim just mentioned.

Jack thought she was definitely cute, but she was demonstrating some nervous tells, so Jack let her off the hook. "Actually, we owe you an apology as we were told to meet you outside, but we lingered here too long." He glanced at Maxim and then the others, who were better at disguising their interest in the new arrival.

"My security team is new to traveling amongst the Gate Network worlds. This is their first time on Maghadahn. I've been here before," Jack explained.

She smiled and nodded to him. "My name is Malena. I've been assigned the privilege of being your guide while you are on Maghadahn. I will take you to your suite and will assist you with obtaining anything you need to make your stay more comfortable."

"Thank you!"

"If you'll follow me?" she said with a smile.

"Lead the way," Jack said.

As they left the chamber and walked toward the transport station, Jack saw Malena's eyes flicking to look at him frequently. She was especially curious about the ominous black orb hovering between his horns.

"I should have introduced you earlier. This is a Tik named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and it's my good friend," he said with a smile.

"Hello, Malena. Nice to meet you," Rikki said.

Malena's eyes widened. "I've never met a Tik who looks like you!"

"I'm one of a kind, much like Jack," Rikki responded.

Malena's eyes went back to Jack. "It would be rude of me to ask..."

Jack grinned. "I was originally a Human from Earth. Then I had a one-in-a-billion reaction to an Altarian virus and became part Altarian."

She gasped excitedly. "You're a Hybrid? I've read about the possibility in my studies, but I never thought I would ever meet one! They're extremely rare!"

Jack gave her an interested expression as they stepped onto the transport. "What are you studying?" His security team created a perimeter around him, Maxim paying closer attention to Malena now that they were within a secure area.

"I'm enrolled in xenobiology at the university. I'm doing this for course credits," she responded excitedly. "My study partner is going to be so jealous!"

"I'm not really that impressive," Jack scoffed gently.

The transport was taking them to a spire that glittered like it was covered in diamonds. Jack pointed out the window. "Now, that is impressive!"

Malena shook her head. "That's just another tower with a fancy exterior. You are unique inside and out!"

Jack just grinned at her enthusiasm as he followed their guide from the vehicle with his team around him.

He immediately noted fewer people were milling about at the station. They entered the tower's main hall, and the décor matched the extravagance of the exterior.

She led them to the elevator bank and took them up to one of the highest floors.

She stopped before a set of double doors. "Guest suite 4020 is keyed to your biosignatures." She gestured for Jack to open the door. He touched the handle, and it unlocked. He opened the door, and Cha'Risa went first, followed by Maxim and Ray. Moments later, Nann indicated Jack could enter. He gestured for Malena to enter first.

From how she glanced around quickly, this was also a first for her. "Your bedroom is behind the double doors. There are four other bedrooms down that hall."

"How long have you been working as a Guide? If you don't mind me asking?" Jack said.

She looked at him to see if he was upset and relaxed when she saw his interested look. "This is my first month."

"This job must expose you to a good variety of races," Jack suggested.

She nodded. "So far, I've been assigned to a Grellian, a Klaekta, and a Kwua."

Jack nodded with a grin. "The first two will give your diplomacy skills a workout, but the Kwua are a delight."

Malena looked at him in surprise. "I must have done something wrong then as they left prematurely."

Jack shook his head. "I sincerely don't believe the cause of their departure was anything you did. If you behaved with them as you did with us, it must have been their natural discomfort of being in such a high tower. I assume they were given a suite like this?" Malena nodded with wide eyes. "Kwua are gentle spirits, highly in tune with the world beneath their broad feet. They prefer to be at ground level or at least within sight of it. They feel disconnected from their environment otherwise. The agency which assigned them their suite should have been aware of this. They're the ones who did the disservice to the Kwua."

The comm on Malena's hip gave a gentle tone, and she listened to her earpiece for a moment, then faced him again. "You've been formally invited to an Assembly Reception for Ambassadors at ten this evening."

"Ah! I suppose I should attend," Jack said, glancing at his team.

"Your security team will not be required at this function. An Assembly security transport will pick you up the deck from your suite's patio and take you directly to and from the venue. There isn't a more secure means to travel, and the venue is on the grounds of the Assembly Headquarters, which is the most secure place on Maghadahn," Malena explained.

"I see," Jack said as he realized arguing this point would just insult their hosts, something he needed to avoid in the next few days at least. He looked toward Cha'Risa and her team, who were admiring the suite. It looked like they'd have the night off.

Then a smile crept over his features, and he turned back to Malena. "I take it you're not attending this function with me." She shook her head. "Would you be available to act as a guide for my security team to take them out on the town, show them the hotspots for a meal, drinks, music, and dancing, or whatever it is the kids do for fun these days? They're complete beginners when it comes to visiting other worlds. I would consider it a personal favor if you could do this for me," he asked as he looked into Malena's lovely eyes.

She suddenly smiled with a calculating look. "A personal favor?" Jack nodded slowly. "So, I might be able to call on that favor for something like assisting me with my course presentation?"

Jack gave her an equally crafty look. "A course presentation? Entailing what?"

"Whatever you can tell me, on video, about what it means to be a Hybrid," she said. "I'd need a body scan or two for the presentation, too," she said eagerly.

He looked at her carefully and thought about what she was asking for. He supposed he could do it, though it was pretty personal. "You'll need to invite a few friends along to make it a party. Keep my people safe but expose them to living on the most cosmopolitan planet in the Network. Charge it to the suite's account, and I'll sign for it."

Malena's smile was wide and delighted. "We'd better get moving then! Your lift will pick you up on the deck at nine-forty-five. It's an official Assembly Transport, unit number seventy. You should see the Assembly seal and that number on it. Otherwise, stay inside. You're safe here. You can find food in the kitchen there," she pointed to a door. "Or you can order food in. Anything you want."

"We're ordering in?" Nann asked in disappointment as she walked closer.

Jack smiled as the others joined them. "Not you guys. You have the night off. I've been invited to an ambassadors-only party at the Assembly headquarters. No bodyguard duty required. Instead, our lovely guide and her friends," he shot her a look, and she nodded. "...will take you out on the town so you can really experience life on an alien world. But don't get too crazy."

Leo and Maxim were grinning like idiots at the idea of a night out on a strange new world, and Nann looked pleased, too, but Cha'Risa's face wore a concerned frown. Jack gestured for her to join him for a private conversation.

"I'm concerned you're going to be without protection at this reception," she said immediately.

Jack shook his head. "It's at the Assembly Headquarters and will be just ambassadors. I can't show up with armed security. That makes a bad impression in front of the others. We have to play it this way. Besides, for there to be even one punch thrown would be a political catastrophe of epic proportions. Everyone has to be on their absolute best behavior. I'll be fine, and I have Rikki with me." He paused and turned to Malena. "I can bring Rikki with me tonight, yes?"

She frowned and lifted her comm to connect with the reception organizers. She spoke quietly, then looked back and shook her head.

"Let them know where I go, Rikki goes, and if they disapprove, thank them for the invitation, but I'll have to decline," Jack said firmly.

Internally, Rikki sounded concerned. "Jack, I could remain outside of the grounds."

"And if they shield the room or the building? I'm unwilling to take that chance," Jack replied to his Tik friend. He watched Malena whispering, and she put her comm back onto her belt.

"They finally agreed but indicated that Rikki must remain between your horns at all times," she explained.

Jack smiled. "That's fine. Someone wants me at this function tonight." He saw Cha'Risa's frown and shook his head. "Nothing you need to be concerned about. It wouldn't be that kind of attack. The verbal knives may come out, but I know how to deal with those."

He faced his group. "Go have fun! That's an order! Don't make me report back to Altaria that you're a bunch of party poopers!"

Malena suddenly had a shocked and disgusted look on her face.

"That's just an Earth phrase which means someone who doesn't know how to have fun. No actual pooping is involved," Jack explained, much to her relief.

He looked to the team. "May I recommend you take fewer weapons for a night off?"

They nodded with grins and quickly stripped off the armor, which took most of their armament with it. They still had the Reaver silk body suits and a small number of blades strapped to their arms and legs. He didn't push the issue.

"Enjoy your evening, and I'll see you in the morning," he said

With a final concerned look back at Jack, Cha'Risa was the last to leave the suite.

Jack wandered into the kitchen and found the ingredients to make himself a sandwich. He ate it sitting at the counter inside, then walked back out into the sitting area.

"I'm going to catch some sleep, Rikki. Can you wake me at nine-thirty?" he asked.

"Alarm set. Enjoy your rest," came the reply.

Jack rested back in a sinfully comfortable chair and soon drifted off.

-=-

Malena smiled at her guests for the evening. "Our first destination is the University to gather my friends who will join us tonight. This won't take long."

Leo looked to Maxim. "Your last girlfriend, you met at university too."

Maxim swatted the back of Leo's head as the man chuckled, watching his partner's face get hot.

Malena looked at Maxim. "Your girlfriend is in university?" She seemed to be trying to gauge his age.

The big man sighed. "Leo says foolish things. I have no girlfriend. I did when I was younger."

Malena had them get off the transport, and when they stepped outside, they noted they were a good fifty stories above the ground. Four towering buildings were anchoring a wide grassy concourse between them. They followed her across this field to the tower that contained the dorms. "Give me a moment," she said and rushed inside.

They looked around at the mostly young-looking beings moving across the concourse.

Cha'Risa felt completely out of place.

"Don't you feel awkward with this?" she asked her team.

Nann shook her head. "If Jack asked us to try and fit in here, that would feel awkward. But he just arranged for us to have local guides take us out for dinner and maybe a club on a world we've never been on. Aside from the time we were hunting the Allsa Komanae, we've spent very little time off Earth, and you recall how restricted our access was during the hunt. They really didn't want to advertise our presence as we were the killers in their midst. Now we're here doing protection duty, but tonight we really have our first chance to let our hair down off-world. Jack was right. We're Gate Network virgins."

A couple of Vikk-Tahh male students stopped to look at them when they caught Nann's words. They aimed interested looks at Nann, who blushed as she realized what she'd just said far too loudly.

"Go about your business, boys. We're not here looking for that," Nann scolded as she made shooing gestures. They flicked some obscure gestures back at her and left with annoyed expressions.

"Nann is such a tease," Ray quipped.

"Shut it, you!" Nann snapped as Leo and Maxim struggled to suppress their laughter.

Maxim was the first to spot Malena returning and made an odd choking sound. Leo looked at him curiously, then glanced toward the door. Malena wasn't alone. Behind her were two more females from Vix, two dark blue-furred males from a race they hadn't met before, a tiger female with formidable projecting fangs, and an Avian, which could've been either sex.

Malena brought her friends to meet the commandos and grinned at their expressions of surprise. "Friends, these are Humans from Earth." She nodded to Cha'Risa. "Please introduce yourselves."

Each of the commandos said their names as the new group listened with smiles, then Malena gestured to the Vix.

"These two are my childhood friends from Vix, Kerra and Freeda!" Kerra was slim as Malena, but Freeda was plump, which made her look even larger with her fluffy fur. Maxim couldn't hide his admiring gaze as he looked at Freeda, and she smiled in return as her eyes roamed his large frame.

"The two blue fellows are from Ibbaree. They tell us they're prime examples of Ibbaree males, but they are the only ones we've met, so we take them at their word. Idrex and Pike, our resident engineering students." Cha'Risa smiled at their admiring gazes.

"This is Sooka. She's from way out on the Galactic rim from a planet called Krreegah. She told us she wasn't happy there, but she's made so many friends here! She's studying xenopsychology."

Seeing the toothy female smile was equally sweet and terrifying due to her long six-inch fangs.

"And finally, we have Dav. He's a Shoo Sha studying urban planning. Careful, he has a wicked sense of humor."

Dav ruffled his feathers and thumped one of his powerful feet against the ground as he aimed one of his saucer-sized eyes at her. "Malena, warning them spoils the wonderful surprise humor!"

Malena just grinned and shook her head before looking at Cha'Risa. "Dinner first, and for the most authentic Maghadahn experience, we need to go to Down."

"Go down?" Cha'Risa clarified.

Dav made a chattering sound which was apparently Shoo Sha laughter. "No, we're going to Down. That's where the best food vendors are!"

Nann was still confused. "How do we get there?"

"We go down!" Dav crowed and laughed at their frustrated expressions.

Malena took pity on them and explained. "There's an unofficial restaurant zone set up all the way down at the base of the university towers. It's called Down, for obvious reasons, but the food there is cheap and really good! All the students go there."

"Lead on!" Cha'Risa said with a smile.

The others cheered and marched across the concourse into one of the towers but passed the elevator bank to enter a service corridor. There they found four service elevators which were wider than the regular passenger units but much less fancy. The walls had been removed, so the shaft was visible as their car rushed downwards. This made it look like they were falling while the gravity controls on the car reassured them they were in control. Leo and Maxim were all grins, but Nann fixed her eyes on her feet.

"Isn't that a little dangerous? If you extend a hand outside the car, you could be badly injured," Cha'Risa asked in concern.

Idrex, one of the Ibbaree males, smiled reassuringly. "The physical wall panels were removed, but we replaced them with force fields to keep the inside things inside. It was an engineering project of ours. Not that I'm admitting to personally modifying tower property."

"Good to know," Cha'Risa said with an amused smile. The big blue male's smile was more than a little flirty. Nann gently slapped Cha'Risa's arm with a grin of her own to get her friend's attention.

"These are university students!" Nann said.

"What? We're just talking!" Cha'Risa said defensively, but she was still wearing a smile.

It took some time to reach the bottom, and they felt a gradual increase in air pressure and humidity until the elevator stopped and let them out in a poorly lit corridor. The air had an almost tropical feel, and they could detect the sweet pong of flowers. Cheap party lights had been added to the walls, so they followed them out some double doors into a wall of light and cooking scents. This overpowered the flowers.

The path ahead of them wound its way through a garden of sorts. There were wide seating areas with tables for two, intimately tucked in between the trees and flowers, to long tables for twenty under strings of lights. Surrounding all of this were row after row of food vendors.

They found an unoccupied table long enough for their group, and Ray and Dav staked their claim on it. The two were quick to begin sharing stories of their pranks.

The rest followed Malena to the evaluation desk. "This gives you a chit you show at the food vendors to let them know what foods you can eat without being poisoned. With so many races on Maghadahn with such a wide array of dietary requirements, this will let you sample foods you might not otherwise know are safe for you," she explained. She pointed to the bioreader pad, and Nann placed her palm on the screen. It beeped, and a disc rolled out of the machine next to the sensor. "When you find a vendor with something showing on the displays above his stand which looks appealing, place your chit on the reader, and the display will change to let you know if it's safe for you. They won't serve anyone without a chit. When Down was first set up, they didn't have this system in place; once in a while, a student would poison themselves while experimenting. There were a few deaths. The vendors were run off a few times until the University gave in and paid for the system."

Each of the commandos moved forward and got their chits.

"You'll be fine with the restaurants we frequent as your toxins match ours. We like our food spicier than most can endure," Pike said, holding up his own chit.

Sooka flashed her eyes at the blue-furred males. "Don't let them trick you into a spice-enduring contest! I will not fall for that again!"

"Heat without flavor is missing the point," Cha'Risa agreed. "I do enjoy spicy foods, though."

Nann rolled her eyes as she heard the challenge in her friend's voice.

Idrex shared a grin with Pike, and they pointed in the direction of their favorite vendor.

"I'll meet you back at the table. I'm going to get fish!" Sooka said.

Nann looked at her. "Is it compatible with me?"

"I have some particular dietary requirements, but you can check your chit at the booth and see for yourself. There are several seafood vendors nearby," Sooka said, and Nann nodded, so the two walked away.

Cha'Risa followed Idrex and Pike leaving Leo and Maxim with Malena and her friends.

"We like meat," Freeda blurted.

Maxim smiled. "Lead on."

The two men followed the trio of Vix, and Leo wanted to tease Maxim, but he recalled how good Malena's hearing was. He kept his mouth shut but couldn't suppress his grin at his friend's obvious interest in Freeda.

As for himself, he was content to watch his friend's pursuit as his girlfriend, Meagan Lane, was on tour in Europe. He'd give her a call when he returned to Earth. He snorted quietly to himself as that phrase sounded so odd.

"Something funny back there?" Malena asked as she looked back at Leo with a raised brow.

Right. Really sensitive hearing.

-=-

Jack felt well-rested as he left the transport to walk on the path leading to the reception hall on the Assembly Headquarters grounds. He gazed at the cluster of impressive towers linked by expansive lawns and gardens growing on the vast platform stretched between them. It was more than a little surreal. He was walking on an enormous deck hundreds of stories up, anchored between the skyscrapers. Still, the air was the perfect temperature and breathable courtesy of the energy field over it, which also provided security.

Amongst the lovely flower beds was a breathtaking multicolored glass building. This was the reception hall. To Jack, it looked like a single-story cathedral with a tall, peaked roof. The translucence made the entire structure seem light and airy. He could see delicate, white lights suspended from the high ceiling lighting the interior amongst the splashes of color.

The front door was flanked by crystal columns that pulsed as each guest passed between them.

"Scanning tech?" Jack said to Rikki internally.

"Very likely. I assume we are about to meet security personnel," Rikki returned.

Jack sighed as it was his turn to enter.

The columns pulsed and changed to red. Two serious-looking agents, completely concealed in body armor, stepped forward to prevent him from moving forward. Jack waited a step beyond the columns with a smile on his face.

"Sir, your robes are blocking our scans. Are you concealing any weapons within them?" one spoke, their voice an almost mechanical croak. Jack had no idea what race of being was inside that armor which he supposed was the point.

"I have no weapons. My robes are defensive protection," Jack answered calmly.

The second pointed to the forbidding-looking black orb hovering between his horns. "What is the nature of the mechanism between your headdress?" the second agent asked.

Jack blinked at the guard. "Headdress?" He reached up and pushed back his hair so the agent could see the horns growing from his skull. "My horns are part of me." He pointed to the orb. "This is a Tik in a body designed by the Ishilon. Its name is Rikki-Tikki-Tavi."

"Greetings," Rikki said for itself.

"Tik don't use black orb bodies," the second agent insisted.

Jack turned his face to look directly into the camera lenses on the front of that guard's armored face. "One does. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Contact any Tik for confirmation, then refresh your records," Jack insisted firmly.

The agent made a sound that sounded like a grunt, and its body language was definitely showing signs of agitation. Jack looked to the first agent. "Is this one new to working with ambassadors on Maghadahn?" That elicited another partially stifled grunt from the angry guard.

Before the agent could speak, Jack continued. "My arrival with my Tik companion was arranged in advance. As arrogant as this sounds, you do know who I am, yes?"

"Y-yes, you are Ambassador Jack Danner," the first agent croaked.

"And your records show I am accompanied by a Tik?" Jack asked reasonably.

The first agent paused as it reviewed something inside its helmet, most likely. "Yes. There is a mention of a Tik. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, but no mention of its custom body."

A black tentacle extended from the orb, and the guards stepped back. Rikki paused. "I can prove my identity if you have a reader."

The doorway behind the security agents was suddenly filled by a wall of fur.

"Ambassador Danner, welcome. Are you experiencing some difficulty?"

Jack bowed slowly to the Kwua, who returned the gesture. "Just a small miscommunication on their part, Ambassador Kwua. They do not recognize my Tik companion, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," Jack said calmly.

It turned its eyes to the orb. "Ah! Is this the same Tik who was with you at the art exhibition on Earth?" the massive bear-like being said in surprise.

Jack smiled without showing teeth and nodded. "It is indeed!"

"My kinsmen informed me that both you and it suffered life-threatening injuries during this event. We are most pleased to see you both are in good health once more!"

"Thank you, esteemed Kwua," Jack said graciously.

"You are most kind, honored Kwua," Rikki responded as well.

The large being focused his attention on the security officers. "Will my acknowledgment of their identity be sufficient, or do you intend to continue this disagreeable behavior?"

Jack quickly passed his eyes across the nearby faces to see how many were paying attention to the drama unfolding. The belligerence of the one security agent felt... out of place, so he wondered if there might have been some orchestration involved.

He first noted that most ambassadors wore white or light-colored robes, which picked up the splashes of colored light from the stained glass surrounding them. He'd stand out like a sore thumb in his black light-absorbing robes. Something to remember for subsequent visits.

Not too far away, the Jool ambassador was standing next to the ambassador from Borrelia. Both were keeping the entrance in the corner of their eye. Neither looked pleased by the Kwua's arrival. Imagine that. Jack maintained a happy smile as he returned his attention to the agents by the door.

"Apologies for the confusion. You may enter," the first said to Jack, gesturing to his partner to move aside. After a deliberate pause, the second backed down and returned to his post.

The Kwua nodded to Jack and beckoned him to follow. Once they were inside, he turned his face to Jack. "I believe this is the first reception for ambassadors on Maghadahn you've attended. I'd always hoped to encounter you in your role of Altarian Ambassador."

"I'm flattered and curious to know why I would generate such interest when there are so many skilled professionals you might converse with," Jack said, gesturing to the large chamber filled with beings of all kinds. This gave him the opportunity to glance past the grumpy twins from Jool and Borrelia. They were still keeping an eye on him.

The Kwua growled deep in its chest, and several beings nearby moved further away, but Jack just smiled up at the big being, understanding the sound was laughter.

"I'm aware that Humans are a young race and have yet to evolve past their baser instincts. I've paid keen attention to your career as an ambassador, as to me, this position seemed a delightful contrast to the volatile spirit of your people. I wondered how you'd fare in the occupation I've been immersed in for so long. When I heard that you'd lost the title after the Phem Kalos revolution, I will admit, I was deeply disappointed, as you'd shown such promise!" the Kwua sighed.

Jack nodded and sighed as well. "I was greatly saddened to lose the position, but I accepted it was my actions that ultimately led to that decision, actions I would do again without hesitation if such circumstances reoccurred. Family is paramount. SennLann is family, and Altaria is family. Both needed me to act, so I did."

The Kwua nodded as he agreed with this wisdom. Family was the most important element in Kwua culture as well.

"My Altarian children challenged the ancient Altarian laws and made it possible for me to be reinstated. I'm deeply grateful to them and Queen Elissa, who accepted me as her ambassador again," Jack said with great fondness.

"May I inquire as to the reason for your presence on Maghadahn?" the Kwua asked delicately as he stepped outside the normal softball questions one used at these events.

Jack nodded with a smile. "I was invited by the Tik Allsa One Petition Team to sit in on an update meeting. We're keen on seeing Allsa One open for colonization for the Harruushans, who need a new home as their sun is poisoning them. It's taking too long for this to happen."

"I must admit I've not involved myself in the Allsa One situation at all," the Kwua said with a frown.

"There is no expectation that you would. The Tik have been championing it for years, but the Assembly has shown them nothing but disrespect by ignoring them." Jack looked up at the small smile on the Kwua's face. He returned the smile self-consciously. "Perhaps I'm showing my personal bias, but I know the Tik are honorable and steadfast friends to all. You don't treat friends like that."

"Perhaps they need more champions. Your voice is heard, but many voices make things happen," the Kwua suggested.

Jack looked up at the gentle giant in surprise. "That-that would be extremely generous of you, honored Kwua. I would welcome another voice of reason and compassion supporting them. The Tik have worked faithfully for the Assembly since its inception and have never forced their opinions on anyone. Their mandate has always been to preserve life, which means they are willing to come to anyone's aid in a crisis. Yet the Assembly no longer listens to them. Their voices should be heard, and they should be given the respect they deserve."

The senior shook his head. "I am ashamed that I have failed to notice the struggles of the Tik. I will lend my voice to their cause. As you do, I will endeavor to be their steadfast friend."

Jack held up his hands in a gesture to calm the Kwua. "You bear no blame for being unaware. The Tik do not champion their own issues. They make no one aware of their difficulties but endure it in silence because doing otherwise might frighten the beings they serve so selflessly."

"What do you mean frighten?" the Kwua ambassador asked.

"The only time the Tik exposed how much strength they have was when they aided the Altarians on their mission to rescue slaves from the Allsa Komanae homeworld, myself included. While everyone praised the result of removing this scourge from the Gate Network, the Assembly was frightened by the power the Tik displayed. Their response was banishing the Tik from the planet, preventing them from doing what they do best, saving lives and reconnecting families with their loved ones or giving the families of the deceased some closure. This has escalated into a policy of disrespect and denial. Neither is healthy, and it must stop."

The Kwua ambassador was quiet for a moment as he contemplated this. Finally, he spoke. "These policies have not been openly discussed, making them especially harmful. I know a group of ambassadors who, like you, strive for open dialog and fair treatment for all. The Tik are so essential for the Gate Network to function. I believe we are all guilty of taking them for granted." He smiled at Jack. "Aside from you." His smile became a determined look. "I will address this failure to acknowledge their equal rights as Assembly Citizens. As you've said, such behavior must stop." The Kwua's smile widened, still hiding his teeth, as his eyes took on the glow of righteous zeal. "I must thank you for bringing this to my attention. It feels good to champion a cause for the good of the entire Network. Now I must round up my fellow champions for the coming battle."

With a final nod, the Kwua ambassador moved away, striding purposefully toward the far side of the room. Eyes watched him go with concern.

As Jack watched this with a smile, Rikki's voice came through their private channel. "Jack, I'm deeply moved by what you've just done."

Jack blinked in surprise. "What? I just told him the truth. It is a sign of the Kwua's personal integrity that he's choosing to use his authority and influence to correct the imbalance. The Tik do so much for us. It's on us to ensure you're treated fairly too."

"That's—From your six. Incoming, Jack."

At Rikki's warning, Jack turned slowly to see the Borrelian and Jool Ambassadors approaching. They stopped an arm's length away.

The Borrelian spoke before his counterpart could. "Good evening, Ambassador Danner. I'm Ambassador Hirrahn of Borrelia, and this is Ambassador Kikacraw from Jool."

Jack tipped his head toward them.

"We've been apprised of your actions today during a routine update meeting for the Allsa One Research Committee," Hirrahn began.

"That might be a symptom of the problem," Jack suggested mildly.

The beings facing him paused to consider his words. "What do you mean by problem?" Kikacraw asked cautiously.

"Routine is a symptom of complacency. When the task of identifying the slaves was given to the new teams, those assigning the work to your people failed to put a mechanism for due diligence in place. This would have protected their integrity by pre-emptively answering questions such as why their recent performance has dropped so dramatically," Jack suggested reasonably.

"They can explain that themselves, and they have!" Hirrahn snapped.

"You seem agitated, Ambassador Hirrahn? Are you well?" Jack asked with concern as he ensured others nearby heard.

The Borrelian glanced around and locked down his voice and expression. "I am perfectly well, thank you. I was just attempting to inform you that such due diligence is unnecessary—"

"So, the decrease wasn't due to efforts by your people?" Jack asked.

"Of course, it wasn't my people's fault!" Hirrahn scoffed with a superior tone.

"You aren't saying..." Jack began, then glanced to Kikacraw.

By their nature, Jool are paranoid and quick to take offense, so hinting that the Borrelian was blaming him was the equivalent of throwing liquid oxygen on the bonfire.

"How dare you deflect blame from your people to mine!" Kikacraw yelled.

Hirrahn was having none of that. "I've deflected nothing as there is nothing to deflect!" he scolded his colleague.

They were joined by a concerned-looking Deen-Diin. "Ambassadors! This is not the venue for sharp words and displays of aggression. Leave such activities to the more primitive races," he added with a glance at Jack.

Taking that as an invitation to jump in, Jack smiled and nodded vigorously. "I agree. Avoiding explosive reactions is precisely why the Committee Overseers are looking into auditing the efforts of the Allsa One Project."

The Deen-Diin locked his cool eyes on Jack in confusion. "What? Why?"

"Being able to assure the rest of the Assembly that there is a clear and reasonable cause for the unexplained and sudden performance drop will protect the teams from being accused of being a bottleneck or worse, inefficient." That jab was directed at the Deen-Diin, who were efficiency-obsessed.

"That's not—" the Deen-Diin began, but Jack wasn't finished.

"...fair to single out a particular group until all the facts are known. I couldn't agree more. I understand the Deen-Diin pride themselves on efficiency. Having that reputation sullied by this would be tragic," Jack sighed as he glanced at Hirrahn and Kikacraw.

"The Deen-Diin don't make mistakes. Our work is unquestioned. Always has been and always will be," the Ambassador said, looking down at Jack. Kikacraw looked like he was about to lose his shit once more.

Jack spotted the Vikk-Tahh Ambassador stepping up to the group. The more, the merrier.

"What mischief are you up to, Ambassador Danner?"

Jack smiled. "You have me at a disadvantage as you know my name."

The Vikk-Tahh enjoyed the idea of having the advantage but couldn't resist sharing his name. "I'm Ambassador Umannas."

"Delighted to meet you," Jack said as he launched the next phase of his attack. He saw the male's expression tighten to hide a satisfied smile. "As to mischief, I claim innocence as I'm meeting these fine beings for the first time. I save my mischief for people I know."

The Vikk-Tahh wasn't finished. "Yet I received a report from Ullenta indicating you stirred up mischief at a routine update meeting for the Allsa One Research Committee," Umannus suggested.

Jack assumed he was speaking about the female Vikk-Tahh in the Research Committee. He also wondered if Umannas practiced his lines with Hirrahn, who said almost exactly the same thing. Jack smiled and looked at Hirrahn. "Routine." Then he locked eyes with Umannus. "I just had a conversation with the Borrelian Ambassador about the dangers of routine. You can ask him for details."

"Ambassador Danner!"

Jack turned, looked down in the direction the voice came from, and spotted a small ball of orange fur. He smiled. "Greetings, Ambassador Wuu."

"Don't you know his name, Danner? How embarrassing to use his race name," Hirrahn sniped with a sneer.

The Wuu made a growling noise.

Jack stepped between the Wuu and the Borrelian. "Please pardon this one's ignorance, Ambassador Wuu. He obviously has no understanding of your race's social conventions." He looked to the Jool, but it was also clueless. At least the Vikk-Tahh and Deen-Diin appeared embarrassed by the outburst.

"The Borrelian came close to incurring a personal blood debt, but your intervention means his line will be allowed to live," the Wuu grumbled.

"You're as gracious as you are fierce, Ambassador," Jack said with a little bow.

"We received word of your recent injuries. We are pleased you are well. Should an opportunity present itself, please know we would welcome the chance to hunt with you." The little ball of fur was vibrating with excitement.

Jack grinned and showed his teeth. "Perhaps a Skrahak, Dynast class?"

"Yessss! That would be a legendary hunt!" the Wuu purred.

"If I'm invited to Chrystan to participate in a Ridger's hunt, I'll be sure to send you an invitation as well," Jack offered, and the Tik purred louder, unsettling the others nearby. How such a small being made such a noise was a mystery.

"Until such time, be well," the Wuu said, rolling away.

Jack turned back to the Borrelian. "Never ask a Wuu for its name. Unless you wish for you and your bloodline to come to an abrupt end. You seriously pissed her off!"

Hirrahn opened and closed his mouth in shock but said nothing.

"Similarly, the Kwua don't share their names outside their family units. They won't hunt you down and eat you and your family like the Wuu will, but they do find it terribly rude, and you'll never be able to remove that tarnish from your reputation. That's a free lesson in diplomacy," Jack looked at the Deen-Diin. "...from one of the primitive races."

He walked away with a satisfied smile on his face, but he was more convinced than ever that something was afoot with the Research Committee. He just had no idea what it was.

"That was fun!" Rikki said.

"Yeah, it was. Let's go see if we can make some more friends!" Jack said as he scanned the room with his eyes. He made eye contact with the Grellian ambassador, but the large armor-skinned being frowned, turned, and left the building. Huh. They were rude, but that was a little over the top.

Jack heard the musical chiming of a Rooroovah and looked to his right as another of the race approached him. Currently lit by one of the white spots overhead, Jack saw this one had different coloration, more reds and oranges, but otherwise could have been a twin to the one he'd met earlier.

"Greetings! I am Ambassador Yada Daja. I was informed by Nris Jolo that you were on Maghadahn," it began, and Jack suppressed his delighted grin. Rooroovah voices were beautiful!

"Ambassador Danner. It's very nice to meet you," he returned. "I hope Nris had only good things to say about me."

Yada trilled a short series of notes. "He gave me no assessments, just the fact of your presence and the details of your claim." It tilted a little to give him an appraising look. "A most bold assertion."

Jack bowed slightly. "Bold words were required to stimulate thought in a matter that was not receiving the attention it desperately deserves."

"Races like mine who have extensive lifespans compared to others may find such haste to be distasteful," the Rooroovah suggested.

"Possibly, but you do appreciate the value of that extensive lifespan, yes?" Jack asked.

The ambassador paused to consider the odd question. "Of course!"

"Imagine your race being targeted for genocide only to discover when the attempt failed, your sun had been altered and was now poisoning your planet. Now, your extensive lifespans are shorter, and the birthrates have increased to the point where your offspring are in danger of outstripping the world's resources. Imagine facing the fact that you have less time to spend with your parents and children. Grandparents have even less time to enjoy their grandchildren. The Harruushans don't have to imagine any of this as they're living it," Jack said grimly. "This loss of time is precisely why we must risk being distasteful to the Committee Overseers. We are losing Harruushans while we wait for the committees involved in the Allsa One Project to save them from this fate. Allsa One needs to be opened for colonization. We haven't received any reasonable, rational explanation for why this hasn't happened nor a date for when it will."

"While I'm not as knowledgeable about the project as some, I was under the impression that the identification of the older remains would naturally take longer," Yada suggested.

Jack nodded. "Sure, but all the remains are on the Allsa Komanae home world. None are on Allsa One."

The Rooroovah paused. "The Gates—"

"They exist on both planets now. The Research Committee teams could access the home world Gate directly, but the Research Committee has locked that Gate to Allsa One's. No explanation," Jack said firmly.

Yada was silent for a moment. "I understand now. Thank you."

Jack nodded to the smaller being politely.

"Perhaps you'd like to be introduced to some of the other senior ambassadors? They might also appreciate a little clarity in this issue," Yada offered.

Jack bowed to the Rooroovah. "I would welcome the opportunity to shed some light on this for others. Let open communication be the foundation of progress."

Yada made another musical trill, and Jack realized it may be laughter. He hoped the ambassador was laughing with him, not at him.

They set off toward a cluster of beings, half of which Jack didn't recognize. He'd have to be on his best behavior and pick up as many clues as he could from the Rooroovah... without being able to read an expression or body language from a bundle of sticks.

Jack loved a challenge, but this was expert-level!

-=-

Cha'Risa was feeling pleasantly full and relaxed after enjoying her meal and a few local brews with the Blue Brothers, as she'd taken to calling Idrex and Pike. They were so similar in appearance she swore there must be a familial relationship. Their short, felt-like blue fur was also exquisitely soft, and she had trouble keeping her hands back.

She snorted softly to herself as she recognized why she was attracted to them. They fit the type she was always drawn to. Confident and a little cocky. Alpha males but self-assured enough not to force their dominance on anyone.

Malena mentioned they were prime examples of their race, and Pike filled her in on what that meant during dinner.

Physical strength trials are an annual planet-wide event on Ibbaree, and only the top ten percent of their strongest are given permission to travel amongst the other planets of the Gate. Their governing body wanted their Gate neighbors to believe they were all strong. Most Ibbaree quickly dropped the act once they went native on whatever planet took them in as they realized it only mattered to the Ibbaree who remained on their home planet.

That didn't stop Pike and Idrex from boasting about their performance in the trials. Pike was the quieter of the two, but he made sure she knew he'd scored higher than his friend.

She looked over at Nann and caught the smirk on her face. "What?"

"It's going to be a difficult decision," Nann said.

Cha'Risa frowned curiously. "Decision?"

Nann's grin widened. "Which one to bed?"

Cha'Risa held her eye without reacting. "Who says I have to pick only one?"

Nann's eyes widened, and she burst into laughter, drawing eyes in her direction.

When she finally regained control, she shook her head. "You are priceless when you let your hair down! You should do it more often!"

"How do you make your hair go up?" Malena asked curiously when her sensitive hearing caught Nann's words.

Cha'Risa grinned. "It's just an Earth figure of speech. Letting your hair down means relaxing your inhibitions." She smiled at the Vix as she unclipped her long, thick ponytail from her belt. "That said, we can style our hair like this."

She coiled the braid on top of her head.

Idrex and Pike made exclamations of surprise.

"What?" Cha'Risa asked.

The two Ibbaree glanced at each other then Idrex spoke. "We didn't realize that was your hair! It is so long!"

Their hair was extremely short, just all over their bodies. None of the Ibbaree had long hair. The long and thick braid was intensely exciting to them.

Cha'Risa moved her braid down into her arms. "It's non-regulation length, but I was given special permission to keep it this long if I braided it during active duty and kept it securely clipped to me."

"It's exceptional!" Pike added with wide eyes.

"You're so sweet! I may have to tie you up with it later," Cha'Risa said, looking into their eyes with a sexy smile.

Both of the blue males moaned quietly at the idea.

"Maybe we could see some of that nightlife Jack mentioned before things get that hot," Nann said as she suppressed her laughter.

Malena nodded. "There is a place we go to listen to music and drink. It's not far from here."

"Lead on!" Cha'Risa said, and the group headed back to the service elevators.

As they walked through the dark pathways lit by the strings of colored lights, Nann peered off into the dimmer pathways leading off to the sides.

"Does anyone live on the surface?" she asked their guide.

Malena frowned and looked at her friend Kerra. "Weren't you dating someone who lived down here?"

The young Vix rolled her eyes. They'd discovered Kerra was the least excitable member of the group. While friendly, nothing seemed to lift her energy levels above mildly amused. "Yes. Ghadaam. He was in my classes and was a lot of fun. Then we heard he ate one of the other students." She said it so casually they weren't sure they'd heard correctly.

"Ate?" Leo asked cautiously.

"Yeah. As in consumed," Kerra confirmed in a bored tone. "Xiixii was from one of the smaller races. I'm not sure what they're called. Anyway, Ghadaam ate her, fled to the surface, then tried to hide by living amongst the surface dwellers, as they're called. One of them turned him in when he acted suspiciously around their children. Apparently, it was an instinctual response from his race. He couldn't suppress it, and no one knew they did that."

"That's... gruesome," Nann said.

"Yeah," Kerra agreed with little change in her tone.

"Back to the original question, people are living down here," Cha'Risa confirmed. "Who are they?"

"I don't think anyone has bothered to take a census. Unless they cause trouble, they're left alone. The food pavilion operators are mostly surface dwellers. I've talked to a few of them, and they mostly live in tent communities. Many different races and a huge variety of restaurants. They come from so many planets, and some find conditions here better than their own worlds. I mean, it's not great down here, so I imagine it must be pretty bad on theirs," Malena suggested.

They rode the elevator back up to the transit level. On the way up, Leo caught Maxim's attention with a signal. Leo let him know he felt they had an observer in Down. Maxim agreed but didn't identify anyone in particular. Likely just official surveillance.

Once they reached their level, they hopped on the transport. There were a lot of others boarding as well, so there was no way to tell if their tail was amongst them or if they even had someone watching them.

Cha'Risa raised an eyebrow as she looked at Leo, and he signaled it was just a feeling. She gave him the smallest nod, then smirked at Maxim's focus on Freeda. Leo once more suppressed a chuckle. The Vix's hearing was just too good!

A very short trip later, they pulled into another gorgeous tower, and they got off with a huge group of excited students and young professionals... it was difficult to tell them apart. Whoever they were, they seemed happy and excited to be there. Most followed them through the entrance of what looked and sounded like a dance club.

The space inside was enormous, and a center stage appeared to be revolving. On the platform, a band played instruments and sounded pretty good. It was certainly danceable.

There were spaces around the stage set aside for dancing and other areas where people sat and listened or chatted with each other.

Cha'Risa grabbed the hands of Idrex and Pike and dragged the willing males out onto the closest dance floor. Nann, Malena, and Kerra laughed at the happy expressions on their faces, but Malena giggled when she saw Freeda pulling Maxim out to dance as well. The rest found a cluster of chairs and punched in their drink orders on the order station built into the low table between them.

"This is covered, yeah?" Kerra asked her friend.

"Courtesy of Ambassador Jack Danner," Malena said with a nod.

"Thank him for me, yeah?" Kerra said, and Malena smiled at her friend.

"What's the ambassador like to work with?" Malena asked Leo, Nann, and Ray.

"Jack's a lot of fun!" Ray offered. "And a great guy!"

Leo nodded. "Is true. Jack is decent man. He also loves to dance." He grinned, remembering Jack's visit to his club.

"He's a family man, too. He loves his children," Nann said with a smile.

Malena perked up, but before she could ask about that, a waitress stopped by and left their drinks. Once she left, Malena leaned closer to Nann. "He has children?"

The redhead smiled and nodded. "Lots of kids, but you'll have to ask him about that yourself."

The Vix nodded to Nann, hearing she wouldn't get the answers she was after from her.

They listened to the music and sipped at their drinks as they talked about Leo's club and life on Earth. Sooka was fascinated by Earth's culture, which she thought might have been similar to the Krreegah's. Ray and Dav both got hooked into this conversation, and Sooka was thrilled to find out that Ray had come from the recorded brain patterns of a Human.

As the three were completely absorbed in their conversation, Nann, Leo, and the two Vix eventually decided to join the others on the dance floor. They'd been out there for some time.

They found no sign of them on the closest dance floor, so they moved to the next but couldn't spot them there either.

Leo glanced at Nann. "Trouble?"

Malena giggled and pointed to the club's back wall, where a series of doors were partially hidden behind undulating curtains lit with red lighting. Emerging from between the curtains were Maxim and Freeda, the latter clinging to the dazed man with a satisfied expression on her face as he smiled at her.

"What... what's behind the curtains?" Nann asked Malena.

"Intimacy rooms," their Vix guide offered.

Leo's eyes widened as he realized why his partner's face was looking so relaxed. He slapped a hand over his mouth to contain his sudden laughter. A few snorts leaked out as Malena and Kerra watched him curiously.

"You disapprove?" Kerra asked, an edge to her voice.

Leo shook his head vigorously. "No! No! Is good!" He managed to get control and grinned at the two Vix. "Maxim has been... how you say, without company for far too long. I am happy for him."

The two Vix immediately understood and grinned back at him, relieved he wasn't a bigot.

"But where's the Major? She wouldn't—" Nann started, then froze as she spotted the tall woman boldly passing through the curtains to the left side of the room. The Ibbaree males were following, their eyes watching Cha'Risa with awed expressions. Nann locked eyes with her friend as she saw the pleased smile on her face and immediately knew what and who had put it there.

Then she caught motion to Cha'Risa's right and flashed her a hand signal.

Cha'Risa ducked under the punch and pushed her assailant as she skipped aside. The Rakin stumbled, then sprawled out on the floor at the feet of Pike and Idrex, who glared down at it.

Two more Rakin rushed out of the crowd of dancers to confront the Major, but they were carrying short clubs.

"Disgusting Earthers corrupting the ignorant youth of Maghadahn! Take your deviancy back to your primitive planet!" one of the two bellowed at her.

Nann reached Cha'Risa's side to hear this declaration and spared a moment to share an incredulous look with her friend. Rakin's had no morals or opinions that weren't paid for, so these were reciting dialog someone wanted to be heard.

"We'll make you pay for poisoning the minds of these impressionable students!" the second bellowed then the two surged forward, having completed the task of delivering the message.

Pike's fist struck the jaw of the first speaker with a loud crack as Idrex tackled the second and took him to the ground under a flurry of punches. The first Rakin was pushing himself to his feet to rejoin the fight when Freeda crashed into him and took him back to the floor. She began pounding on his face with both fists.

Maxim wrapped an arm around Freeda and pulled her off the unconscious Rakin.

Three more Rakin appeared at the edge of the gathering crowd of young partygoers. One stepped forward.

"Disgusting Earthers corrupting the ignorant youth of Maghadahn—"

That's as far as he got before the crowd surged forward to attack the Rakin. A small riot erupted around the hired thugs as Cha'Risa and her team watched in surprise.

"What's going on, Major?" Ray asked as he, Dev, and Sooka wandered up to join them.

"Not sure—"

A suppression pulse blasted over the area, and everyone slumped to the floor except Ray.

Maghadahn Security flooded into the club and encircled the unconscious beings.

"State your business, Tik!" a mechanical voice snapped from the speaker on one of the suits.

As he hadn't been recognized, Ray saw an opportunity. "Greetings. I was assigned to record the lives of these Humans. This is a most intriguing development."

"Shit, another recorder," one guard mumbled to another.

"All right, just stay out of our way. Everyone is going to the station. Which are the ones you are assigned to?"

Ray smiled to himself as he beamed a gentle light on his teammates. "They are special guests of Committee Overseers Ghunka Hree, Haah Imman Foo, and Nris Jolo. These members also assigned this one to act as their guide." He added a beam to illuminate Malena. "She enlisted these ones to assist her," Ray said, shining additional beams on Malena's friends.

For just a moment, Ray considered not identifying Dav as a prank, but that might be a little too cruel.

The two Security Officers stiffened when they heard the names of the Assembly members. They turned to each other, conferring privately, no doubt, then moved forward to put blue bands on the arms of Ray's team and yellow bands on Malena and her friends. Once this was done, all the unconscious bodies were loaded onto hovering platforms which were carted away.

Ray followed closely and joined them in the back of the security vehicle for transport to the detention center. The platforms were locked in place in rows of racks in the back.

Once they were underway, Ray reached out a tentacle to touch the necks of his teammates as if checking their pulse. He was actually injecting them with a stimulant to wake them. As each surfaced, they felt him tapping a message into their palm with another tentacle and remained still as he moved to the next. It didn't take long for them to recover. He placed his tentacle in the Major's hand, and she pulsed a message asking for a situation report. Once he gave her the quick facts, she took a breath and sat up, nodding to him. He tapped the others, and they sat up and looked to the Major. She searched amongst the racks and found the Rakin, who was first to issue a challenge to them. Ray woke it with the stimulant.

Ray wrapped a tentacle around the Rakin's snout as Cha'Risa grabbed its balls. Eyes flew wide, and it grunted painfully but quietly.

"I'm going to ask some simple questions which you will answer truthfully, or I will see if these will stretch down to touch your feet. Am I understood?" Cha'Risa asked calmly.

The Rakin winced painfully but nodded, so Ray released its jaws but rested his tentacle across the Rakin's throat. That being eyed the Tik warily as it wasn't behaving like any Tik it had ever seen.

"You were paid to start a fight with us? Yes or no. Remember, the truth or lose these," Cha'Risa said softly.

"Yes," it whispered.

"Do you have a name for the one who paid you? Yes or no."

"No," it said quickly, and Cha'Risa squeezed a little tighter. "No! It didn't tell us who it was, but it was dressed very fancy."

"Which race?" Cha'Risa said with a snarl.

"Borrelian! Looked like a Pure! Grey skin!"

Ray pulled up an image of the Borrelian Team Leader they met the day before and projected it against the wall next to the Rakin. "This one?" he asked.

The Rakin looked back at Ray. "C-could be. They all look alike to me besides their color."

Cha'Risa released its balls and stepped back as she nodded to Ray. He sent a current into the Rakin's neck and put it out once more before retracting his tentacle.

The back door of the security van flew open, and they found themselves suddenly facing multiple weapons pointed at them.

"FREEZE!"

"Hello! Have we arrived?" Ray asked innocently.

-=-

Jack was listening to the Fior Tenka ambassador effusively thank him for championing the cause of ensuring the Tik received fair treatment from the Assembly. The Fior Tenka were a race of timid pacifists who relied heavily on the Tik to protect them from their overly aggressive neighbors, the Nekto Phasca. Jack had no direct experience with either race, but the Fior Tenka ambassador was currently displaying a veritable technicolor light show on its slick, rubbery skin. This indicated happiness.

The four-foot-tall beings resembled bipedal salamanders with frilly gills and had the most extraordinary bioluminescent skin. Their mood was instantly visible. When Jack was first introduced to Nal Yesha, its colors were dark blue and green. As it listened to Jack tell them of the Tik's struggle and the injustice perpetrated on them, its colors began to lighten. When it saw how the other ambassadors were listening and taking up the cause as well, it began to get excited, and its skin brightened further.

Jack was happy he'd finished spreading the word to the gathered dignitaries as the Fior Tenka's display was driving some of them away. Its translucent toga did nothing to diffuse the bright pulses of light.

Then there was the Nekto Phasca ambassador.

As tall as Jack, minus the horns, the Nekto were slim and furred beings. After he met one, Rikki gave him a quick breakdown of their species' characteristics.

Their coloration was white with a hint of pink, and their fur was very short over most of their bodies, with the exception of their extremities. Hands, feet, and heads were covered with longer fur. They wore minimal skirts around their waists and many fine metallic chains. Grash's face made Jack think of a feline, but he was careful not to allow that to set his expectations.

Grash Bel Skir, ambassador for Nekto Phasca, had introduced himself earlier when he attempted to sloppily redirect Jack's discussion with a gathering of ambassadors. His interruption was quickly squashed by the others who wanted to hear what Jack had to say. Now he was approaching again with his wide toothy smile, and Jack could see Nal Yesha's colors began to dim.

Ignoring the Fior Tenka, he began speaking over the smaller being's words. "Ambassador Danner. My apologies for interrupting you earlier. I became a little too excited by your enthusiasm and passion!" Grash said as he brushed back his lush head of hair.

Jack sighed internally to Rikki. "He reminds me of that joke: How do you tell when a politician is lying? His lips are moving."

Rikki chuckled secretly as Jack directed his attention outwards once more. "It's quite all right. Ambassador Yesha and I were just saying that it's an important issue worth becoming passionate about! Right, Nal?"

The Fior Tenka stood taller and smiled at Jack. "Indeed, that's true."

"Oh, I feel the same way! I was just saying to the Jool ambassador...."

"Jack," Rikki interrupted Jack's concentration on Grash's spiel. "Based on your joke, I took a closer look at Nekto Phasca. I'm picking up some possible biological tells. Can you run some benchmark questions on him?"

Jack tried not to react to this internal dialog, but he was intrigued. Grash likely thought his sudden expression of interest was for him.

"You need clear truths and lies?" Jack asked Rikki.

"Yes, please."

Jack waited for a gap and jumped in with a question.

"Ambassador Bel Skir, please forgive my ignorance as I've met so many races tonight for the first time, yours included. How long have the Nekto Phasca been part of the Gate Network?"

The question derailed the male's train of thought, and it reached for the number. "Two hundred and thirty-two cycles."

Jack looked to the Fior Tenka. "And your people?"

"Two hundred and fifty-one cycles," Nal said proudly, and Jack nodded.

Jack looked to Grash. "Had your people developed space travel before the Tik found you?"

Grash preened again. "Yes, we were just about to leap out into the great unknown!"

Jack gave him an impressed look.

"Lie. More," Rikki asked.

He looked to Nal, who shook his head. "We were concentrating on maintaining balance with nature. We had not looked beyond our planet."

Jack nodded thoughtfully. "That is a worthy path! It shows great wisdom to ensure the health of your home." The Fior Tenka's colors pulsed a little brighter once more.

"Earth struggled with over-population and over-consumption of its resources for a very long time. Have the Nekto Phasca ever had these issues?"

Grash nodded. "Our society grew at an accelerated pace. We had to take steps to ensure we had sufficient resources to maintain progress."

Jack knew Earth followed that pattern as well... and descended into the dark times before clawing their way out of them.

"We also instituted some harsh social rules to survive some turbulent times. Not a period we are proud of," Jack admitted. He locked eyes with the Nekto Phasca. "It can be difficult for a people to accept they don't need what their neighbor has in abundance."

This seemed to strike close to home as Grash pushed back his hair and went still as he looked at Nal, then returned his gaze to Jack.

"What lies about the Nekto Phasca has the Fior Tenka ambassador been filling your head with?" Grash asked bluntly.

Jack didn't look away. "Ambassador Yesha hasn't mentioned the Nekto Phasca at all tonight. I was speaking of something the people from different regions on Earth did when we had shortfalls of food. Tell me what these lies are, so I might guard against them."

Grash weighed that statement for a moment, then nodded. "We've been accused of secretly harvesting a river-dwelling fish from their planet. Of course, there is no proof, and the very idea is ludicrous."

"Lie," Rikki said.

Jack pretended to be confused. "Why would people of your world go to Fior Tenka to take their fish? To eat?"

"Yes, this is what they say!" Grash said with great indignation.

"Truth," Rikki said.

"And you've never eaten any," Jack continued.

"That's right! Never!" Grash exclaimed.

"Okay, Jack. I have enough data from this one source. See if you can brush this terrible liar off. We need to speak to the Fior Tenka in private," Rikki said, and Jack was once more intrigued.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Consider me informed. If you'll excuse us, I must address another point of concern regarding the Tik with the Fior Tenka ambassador. It was good to meet you," Jack said as he scooped an arm around Nal and guided him away from the sputtering Nekto Phasca.

Jack found a quiet corner, and Rikki assured him Grash was not attempting to follow. Then Jack focused on the smaller being. "My apologies for that. I just needed to get away from him and his lying."

Nal smiled, and his colors brightened considerably. "You don't believe Grash?"

"No, I don't, but more importantly, my Tik friend Rikki doesn't believe him." Jack pointed to the black orb between his horns. "Rikki, what can you tell us about your little experiment?"

"I must preface this with the caveat that an experiment with only one test subject is not a viable proof of anything beyond a possible truth about that one individual. With Jack asking questions with known answers, I was able to match what Grash said to the facts and identified certain biological tells when Grash was telling the truth and when he was lying. Again, this may only be accurate for him, but the tells were tied to his autonomic nervous system in very specific ways, suggesting a species' behavior. You need to take this information to your people and have them do their own experiments on as many different Nekto Phasca as possible. It is critical to maintain secrecy so they don't know they are being tested. They should never be told.

Ask them questions they will comfortably answer truthfully and questions you know the answers to which they typically lie about. While doing this, record the temperature of their neck and the color of the fur there. When Grash told the truth, there was no temperature or color change on the fur of his neck. When he lied, the temperature went up two degrees, and the fur there became a deeper pink. If your people can do this experiment and prove the correlation between lying and this temperature and color changes to their necks, you may have the means to win any case against them. At the very least, your negotiations with them will be greatly strengthened."

Nal gaped at Rikki. "I have seen this color change in them, but I didn't consider it was a sign they were lying. Looking back now, I feel like a fool!"

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about. I only thought to check because Jack suspected Grash might be a liar. I saw the Nekto Phasca pushing his hair away from his neck as he spoke, so I checked his temperature there and saw a small spike. Running the simple test left Grash unaware that we could detect when he was lying. Again, don't let them know you can tell when they lie. That's a strategic benefit," Rikki suggested.

"Why do they steal your fish?" Jack asked, and Nal smiled widely to have someone believe in this long-standing charge.

"These creatures are sacred beings to us. They protect the very waters we came from. The Nekto Phasca find them delicious. This is a horrible sacrilege for us, but they visit our planet and take what they want."

"The answer seems simple. Ask the Tik to reject their visitation rights. If there is something you are dependent upon the Nekto Phasca for, find an alternate provider. The Altarians are excellent trade partners, as are the Chuuruthians. You shouldn't feel like you're being held hostage by a trade partner who abuses your good nature," Jack suggested.

The Fior Tenka was beginning to glow once more. "Thank you! I don't know how to repay you for this kindness!"

Jack smiled. "The Gate Network makes us all neighbors, and this is what good neighbors do. We look out for each other."

The pulsing being looked up at Rikki. "If you are correct regarding their body tells, you have done the Fior Tenka an enormous service."

Jack could hear the smile in Rikki's voice. "I, too, am a firm believer in balance. The Fior Tenka-Nekto Phasca relationship needed balance. It is my hope that this information helps you achieve it."

The brightly lit ambassador bowed deeply to Jack and Rikki and rushed away.

"Jack, we have incoming," Rikki said not a second later.

Jack turned his head to look toward the entrance, where he spotted three Security officers making a bee line toward them. He cracked a weary smile. "It doesn't rain, but it pours," he muttered.

The Security officers stopped before him. "Ambassador Danner! You need to come with us!" one said with excess volume.

"I don't believe the ambassadors on the far side of the room heard your bellow," Jack said calmly, smiling at the armored goon.

"Are these beings harassing you again, Ambassador?" a rumbling voice asked from behind the trio.

Jack looked up at the concerned expression on Ambassador Kwua's face. The large being must have immediately set off in pursuit when he saw who they were targeting. Jack smiled as he marveled at how fierce agitated Kwua appeared.

He bowed to calm the gentle giant. "Not yet, Ambassador Kwua. But they haven't explained their request."

One of the Security team was more frightened than the others and spoke up. "Danner's security team instigated a bar fight!" he blurted. The other two turned their masked faces to the talker, likely to shut him up.

"That doesn't sound accurate. Being in a bar fight, yes, but they wouldn't start one," Jack reasoned.

"You need to come with us," the loud one repeated.

"I think this one has a faulty volume actuator in its suit. It can't seem to maintain a reasonable conversation level," the Kwua stated.

"I agree. It certainly demonstrates poor quality assurance for Maghadahn Security," Jack sighed.

That comment stiffened the spines of all three officers, and the loud one discovered his volume control worked after all. "If you would please accompany us to Maghadahn Security Headquarters, Ambassador Danner."

Jack smiled and bowed slightly to the now polite officer. "Certainly." He turned to the Kwau and bowed deeply. "Honored Kwua. Until we meet again."

"I look forward to the day," it replied with its own bow.

Jack immediately set off for the front door causing the security team to hustle to keep up. He kept a smile on his face and nodded to the ambassadors he'd spoken with earlier as he passed them.

Once they were outside the building, Jack turned to the Security officers who called in their transport. After a brief wait, the vehicle descended to the pad before them. The side door opened, and Jack followed the officers inside to take a seat.

The ride to the Security Headquarters didn't take long, but the hour was late, and Jack was beginning to fade.

They landed before the entrance, which was once more on a platform between towers, high in the skies. Jack followed the officers inside. These towers were not bathed in glittering lights or coated in sparkling crystals. Their austere facades spoke of their official judicial nature.

Once they walked through the higharched doors, the officers led him through the halls to a large circular room with a central raised podium where several senior officers were working. Holding areas were arranged around the outer wall of the chamber. A Tik floated over from one of these pens to greet Jack.

"Greetings, Ambassador Danner."

Jack recognized the voice and the distinct markings on the shell, which told him this was Ray, but he was pretending to be a Tik? He'd play along.

"Greetings. How is my Security Team doing?"

"They are well, though they do not believe they are being held justly. Having witnessed the incident myself, I believe they are correct," Ray stated calmly.

A senior officer on the podium joined the conversation as he moved closer. Jack noted the officer was a citizen of Wallejoon.

With a blue skin tone, the rough and tough leather-like skinned being had four arm appendages, each ending with eight supple digits. The lower half of its body was circular and supported by eight short limbs for locomotion.

Their heads had multiple small tentacles tipped with ocular sensors which could work independently. They had exceptional vision and highly complex senses.

They excelled in occupations that depended on rapid and accurate eye-hand coordination. Many found careers in clerical roles with data entry functions, as was the case with this Security Officer. Its digits flew over the terminal it stood before while only two of its ocular appendages were aimed at Jack and the others before the desk.

"With all due respect to this Tik witness, Maghadahn Security is our responsibility. We have more races to oversee than any other world in the network. We take the duty of protecting the safety of every citizen very seriously. There will be a careful and thorough review of the security camera footage from the entertainment facility. Statements will be gathered from multiple witnesses to establish the most accurate assessment of the infraction and identify the instigators." He was rapidly interacting with the terminal. "I'm pulling up all the available footage now. I will let you know when I have completed this review." It moved the two eyes it had aimed at them to the screen before it.

The three Security officers who collected him turned their backs and walked away too.

Jack looked at Ray as this felt like a dismissal. "Please take me to the others," he said.

They left the central desk and moved to stand before the force field of the detention cell containing Cha'Risa and her team. Jack noted the camera and the sign indicating they were being recorded. He looked to the next cell and spotted Malena and several other young-looking people. They all gazed at him hopefully, so he gave them a confident smile that seemed to assure them.

He had no idea how to help here.

"Rikki, I need some research done as quickly as possible to find some legal leverage to get our people out of here," he asked internally.

"On it!" Rikki returned.

Jack smiled at Cha'Risa. "Enjoying your first night out on an alien world?"

She chuckled. "It started well enough. We had a lovely dinner with our guides. The dancing was fun too! Then a group of Rakins showed up at the club and started yelling about their moral outrage at disgusting Earthers fraternizing with ignorant youth."

"Rakins? They have no morals," Jack said, and Cha'Risa nodded.

"One confessed they were paid to make the statements and attack us," Cha'Risa said, holding his eyes with hers.

Jack understood this meant they questioned the Rakin, and he knew what was required for that.

"Did it happen to mention who paid them?" he asked.

"They didn't get a name but said it was a Borrelian. A grey, Pure Borrelian," Cha'Risa said with a grim expression.

"Ah. I can guess who might want to discredit us," Jack sighed. He smiled at the team. "I had a similar interaction with the Borrelian ambassador at the Assembly reception. He and the Jool ambassador tried to verbally spar, but their lack of wit was a significant handicap for them." He paused. "There was an odd interaction with one of the Security officers when I arrived at the reception. I got the impression the Borrelian was keenly interested in how that progressed. I wonder—"

"Jack! Don't continue that thought before their cameras," Rikki warned.

"Right. Sorry Rikki, thanks!" Jack apologized internally.

He looked at Cha'Risa, then glanced up at the camera, and she nodded.

"Ambassador Danner. Please return to the Central Podium," the Wallejoon's voice said over the intercom.

"I'll be back," he said to the team, then walked back with Ray.

As Jack approached, he watched the Senior officer working on his station and noticed they didn't look happy.

"Your Team is to be released into your custody. They must remain with you until you leave Maghadahn," the officer said without looking up.

"What about our guides?" Jack asked.

"They will remain until punishment is determined for their role in the incident," the official said dismissively.

"Jack, my research discovered Assembly-appointed guardians and guides are covered by the same protections as the Assembly guests," Rikki shared privately.

"Thanks, Rikki."

Jack tapped on the desk, and two eye stalks looked up.

"My guides were appointed by the Assembly Council Members. This means they fall under the same protection as my Security team and me. This evening's events should not be added to their record as they were occupied with official Assembly duties. Please release them," Jack asked politely.

The Wallejoon scowled at Jack as it obviously didn't enjoy being schooled on its own rules, but it couldn't refuse to follow them. "The assigned guide will be released."

"And the ones she deputized," Jack insisted gently but firmly.

"Some of these were directly involved in the actual fight. Their adversaries have the right to claim damages!" the senior officer argued.

Jack gave him a doubtful expression. "Rakin don't get involved in long-term legal cases. That's not their modus operandi."

The officer's scowl returned as he tapped a series of buttons and then froze. He tapped some more, and his face took on a startling purple tint. "The Rakin assailants have been released without prejudice. The event has been expunged from the records. You may leave with your security team, your guide, and her deputies."

Jack stared at him in surprise until Ray tugged on his arm and led him back to the detention cell. The fields on theirs and Malena's dropped, and everyone gathered before the cells.

The three Security officers returned and led their group to collect the weapons and items confiscated from them then they were escorted out of the building. Malena made a call, and they settled in to wait for their ride.

"It'll drop my friends and me at the university, then take you back to your guest suite," she explained to Jack.

He nodded, then noted Maxim speaking quietly to a rather plump Vix, who made no effort to hide her interest in him. Jack glanced at Leo, who was all grins but remained silent on the new development. Then he caught the two blue-furred males watching Cha'Risa wistfully. His eyebrows rose as he looked at the Major, and she pretended not to notice his gaze.

The Assembly security transport arrived, and they all climbed into the vehicle, which quickly got them underway once Malena gave it their destinations.

"I'm sorry we drew you away from your function tonight, but I'm grateful for your intervention with Maghadahn Security. Will this affect our academic records?" she asked. Many worried eyes turned to Jack.

He cleared his throat. "No, it won't. The Rakin were released, and the entire incident has been removed from Maghadahn Security's records."

The university students all sagged with relief, but Cha'Risa and her team stiffened in surprise. Nann leaned closer. "That seems suspiciously convenient for everyone." There was no missing that she was referring to the parties who ordered the attack.

Jack nodded. "Something is going on with the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. They're behaving suspiciously and were likely the ones who hired the Rakin, but I doubt they'd have the authority to remove records from Maghadahn Security."

Rikki offered some details on that. "It would take, at minimum, three senior members of the Assembly to sign the requisite orders to make this happen. Those orders are sealed to anyone outside the Assembly, so we cannot learn the identities of the ones who did it unless you can convince an equal number of senior members to request it."

They stewed on that information until the transport settled down on the pad before the university. Malena's friends waved and said their goodbyes. Maxim seemed to be trading contact details with the affectionate Vix, who seized and kissed the commando before she left with a burst of giggles.

The transport was silent as Maxim returned to his seat with as much dignity as he could.

They lifted off and headed back to the tower with their suite. The journey was short, and they disembarked on their private balcony. The suite was as they left it, and Jack wandered over to the seating area and dropped himself onto the couch as Rikki remained to hover above the coffee table.

"It was a rather illuminating evening," Rikki said, and Leo burst into chuckles as he glanced over at Maxim. That man pitched a pillow at Leo's head.

Jack smiled at their play and then nodded to Rikki. "Yes. The reception was a definite win as we met so many top-level ambassadors and spread the word about Allsa One and the mistreatment of the Tik. I'm feeling very positive about that."

"I'm very grateful for your efforts on behalf of the Tik!" Rikki acknowledged.

"My pleasure, buddy!" Jack said with a grin. Then his expression became serious again. "I'm trying to wrap my head around what the Allsa Komanae Research Committee is doing on those planets that's keeping them from releasing them."

"Maybe they discovered treasure!" Leo suggested. "The Allsa Komanae were thieves. Maybe the committee has found vast piles of precious metal and jewels in enormous caves. They spend their days counting money. Numbers so big, they slow down other work."

Jack grinned at the man. "While that's possible, it would more likely be on the home planet. Allsa One has no developments anywhere except the one main city with the spaceport. All that pristine world, just waiting to be settled." He sighed.

"You sound like American Pioneer!" Maxim teased.

Jack snorted in amusement then he looked to Cha'Risa. "So, we have suspicious Research Committee members. We have Maghadahn Security officers seemingly supporting their bad behavior. And we have multiple unknown senior level Assembly members interfering with Maghadahn Security."

He shook his head and rubbed his face wearily.

"Maybe you should get some sleep," Cha'Risa said with a smile.

Jack sighed. "Yeah. The ol' brain isn't firing on all cylinders tonight."

He caught the amused expressions on the team's faces and smiled. "Sorry. It's just a phrase I read in a book a long time ago. It's a reference to an old internal combustion engine." Their amused grins were getting wider. "And you know all this because you're Human like me." He sighed as they chuckled. "Shit, I'm tired. Good night." The team said their goodnights in return.

Jack pushed himself to his feet and glanced at Rikki. "You staying up?"

"Yes, I'll stay out here tonight. I can charge up and see you in the morning," the Tik explained.

Jack trudged into the master bedroom and didn't even register the room's luxurious appointments as he dropped face-first onto the mattress. With a little content sigh, he quickly slipped into a deep and restful sleep.

-=-

Rikki's thoughts were buzzing with excitement as Jack had surprised it at the ambassador reception. Jack stirred up so many ambassadors from some truly influential races amongst the Assembly with his passionate championing of the Tik's cause.

It connected to the private Tik channel in Maghadahn's network and sent a data burst of his memories of the event to Socrates and Plato. While not as complete as an experience file, it contained the visual and audio data, and the Tik needed to see what efforts were being made for them.

Once more, Rikki wondered at the beautiful kismet of its life to have found a place here. It felt Jack's warm, comfortable sensation of sleeping on the plush bed in the next room, something all Tik would get to experience through the files it shared.

It truly felt like the gatekeeper of a new world for the Tik.

Rikki felt Jack stir slightly in his sleep... and fart.

The Tik would know the wonder of that too.

Chapter 8

Bayly followed Tito through yet another Gate and realized she'd lost track of how many she'd crossed.

The previous night, while they rested in a small room on a cold planet, the Tik had tried to illustrate exactly how far Dannt was from their destination, Maghadahn. It projected a map on the ceiling and showed how far they had to go and how far they'd gone already.

When she moaned in dismay, Tito assured her they would make better progress the closer to the core they went.

As they stood before the first Gate this morning, Bayly insisted they try to go twice the distance planned for the day. She promised she could endure it.

The worlds seemed to flash by, and Bayly did her best to focus on the space before her and not be distracted by the strange and unique features of the beings she encountered or the environments they crossed. Sometimes there was a considerable wait before they could use a Gate to make the next jump, and these moments were the worst as her mind returned to the image of ships in space bombarding her world, slaughtering her people.

She was exhausted as she stepped through the mirror, and Tito wrapped a tentacle around her upper arm to guide her to the side of the chamber. He tugged her down to make her sit on a bench.

"We have gone as far as we can today. You need food and rest. I need to recharge. This world is the last one with accommodations suitable to you. The next worlds will not be comfortable for you, so we stop now," Tito insisted.

She frowned as her comfort meant nothing to her compared to the mission, but she recalled the harsh lesson of the Krreegah. She nodded wearily.

She glanced up and saw a very large being standing before them, wrapped in a voluminous pilgrim's robe, complete with a hood, leaving only his hands and face visible. Tito had explained their custom and purpose to her earlier when they'd been on a world that she no longer recalled.

The planet they were on now was one of the outposts for the Galactic Peace Trail, a planet-hopping pilgrimage route for nomads searching for meaning in the Galaxy. No one was sure when the GPT was founded or who built the first shelter, but the path extended across a vast expanse of inhabited space. On these worlds, GPT hosts wore the pilgrim's robes so they'd be recognized.

But this one was not your typical host.

"I apologize, but I could not help but overhear your words. May I offer you weary travelers the comfort of my home for the evening? A meal, a charging station, a bed for rest, and best of all, the peace of mind of a secure shelter?"

It was the standard GPT Host offer, but Tito was cautious because of the male's appearance. He was a brute with multiple vicious-looking scars visible on his face and hands. The Tik was aware that some nomads disappeared on their quest and were never seen again.

"I think there might be a hotel nearby, but thank you for the offer," Tito replied.

The being nodded but continued. "There is one hotel within walking distance, the Hoollee-Doo Aun, now run by a cluster of Clarn. The patriarch of the cluster was murdered last evening. Their security is... not good."

Bayly was too tired to listen, but she watched the man's hands and studied the scars on his face. While she was still young, she was familiar with these experience marks on her elders. They locked eyes for a moment then she reached out to stop Tito from responding. "Yes, thank you for the offer. We will join you." He smiled.

Tito was not pleased, but the man was already moving away, with Bayly pushing herself to her feet.

"I'm concerned—" Tito began to whisper, but Bayly patted its top before following the man out the door. The Tik had no choice but to rush to keep up lest it lose track of its companion. She was being willful again, and Tito dreaded the outcome of this act.

The world they were on, Baerl, was densely forested, and the giant's home was a short distance from the main settlement within that dark grove, another fact that made Tito nervous.

Baerl was a more recent member of the Gate Network, and the native population had tragically dispersed entirely amongst the other worlds of the Network, leaving none behind. Their numbers were rapidly dwindling, and the Tik expected them to be extinct within a few decades. Their members were now so widely distributed amongst the other worlds there were no pairs to propagate the species, and they were becoming difficult to track, even for the Tik.

The circumstances that led to this outcome were under careful review by the Tik scholars. The Mun Lin Kay were a species of bipedal, furred, and tailed sapiens who'd evolved sufficiently to descend from the trees of their forested planet. They'd established basic living accommodations in villages scattered along the edges of the planet's three continents. They had no native predators as the planet's only other lifeform besides the vegetation were a kind of butterfly. Billions of them. The planet's temperate climate was perfect for the vegetation that dominated the world. The sapient species were an anomaly for developing here at all.

The Mun Lin Kay lived peacefully with nature, farmed for their vegan diet, and bartered for goods with their neighbors. There was no war, no violence of any kind, and when the Tik discovered them, the global population had been roughly seven-point-eight million beings.

The exodus began when they discovered thousands of worlds connected to their planet. All the Mun Lin Kay found in themselves a deep desire to explore this vast Galaxy at their doorstep. The Tik had tried to suggest some may wish to remain on their home planet, but none could be dissuaded from living out their dream.

Then the Tik discovered the Mun Lin Kay were dying in surprising and tragic ways. The list went on: free-climbing mountains, base jumping, deep sea exploring, high-velocity racing on land, in the air, or on the seas. Each of their deaths was linked to some adrenaline-inducing high-risk activity. The Mun Lin Kay were addicted to excitement and would do anything to find that next high, ultimately leading to their demise. On some planets, they reached a kind of celebrity status before they eventually attempted something beyond their abilities and perished.

The Tik couldn't help but feel partially responsible for this outcome, but they could do nothing to put the Mun Lin Kay back on their safe little Baerl.

Additionally, while it was empty, the planet couldn't be opened for colonization until the last of the species perished in some exciting way. The vegetation was not compatible with the Harruushans. They would not thrive here.

So, the planet had no inhabitants except for the Tik operating the Gate and short-term visitors like their GPT Hosts. It was a policy of GPT that hosts could only reside on each planet for a maximum of three years. This matched Baerl's policy as well.

"H-how long have you been a host on Baerl?" Tito asked once it caught up.

The big man turned slightly to glance back. "Three years and two days. The new Host is late in arriving. I have to move on tomorrow whether they show or not."

Tito's worry deepened. The Host would be leaving the planet the following day. Convenient timing to elude authorities.

Then Tito realized the only authorities on this empty planet were the Tik at the Gate Terminal!

They reached the end of the road and came across a lovely little cottage. Tito paused as it compared the architecture of this structure to the others it had seen on Baerl.

"What a pretty little home!" Bayly sighed.

The brute smiled at her. "Thank you. I built it myself."

"You built a cottage on Baerl?" Tito asked in surprise. That wasn't allowed.

The big man nodded slowly as he passed his eyes over it lovingly. "I know. I don't own it and won't get to live in it after today, but it made me happy during my stay here. It's registered as part of the Galactic Peace Trail now, so it'll be preserved for future visitors, like the hundreds of others I've built."

"That's wonderful!" Bayly said with a smile, then her tired mind picked up on the timeframe he'd just alluded to.

"Come inside, and I'll make a meal for you. Touch the reader inside the door so I know what ingredients are safe for you," the host said as he unlocked the door and disappeared inside.

Tito was suddenly suspicious that the reader might be booby-trapped to stun Bayly. It rushed to follow them inside. "Wait—"

Bayly looked back at it curiously as the display above the reader indicated her dietary restrictions.

The scarred man glanced at the Tik and then back to the screen. He smiled at Bayly. "I can make you a really nice vegetable stew. It won't take long. There's a comfortable sofa in there you can relax on until dinner." He pulled his robe off and hung it on the hook by the door, and they got a better idea of his true size. He was massively muscled but wore a loose shirt over his torso that only exposed his neck and forearms. Loose, comfortable pants hid his legs. The additional skin on display also listed his injuries. Tito wondered how he survived them. Especially the healed wound on the side of his head.

He disappeared into the next room, and Bayly went the opposite way, heading straight for the sofa in question. Tito followed her.

"Ahhh, he wasn't lying about the comfort of this sew fah! We need these on Danat," she sighed as she relaxed back.

Tito moved close so it could whisper to her. "I did not get to finish my point. I am concerned for our safety with this individual. While I admit my experience is limited, I had some intense involvement in scenarios with persons with similar physical characteristics as our host. These scenarios ended badly."

"Have you not looked into his eyes?" Bayly asked in surprise.

Tito stopped and considered her words. It reviewed its memories of its interactions with the Host and noted it hadn't examined his eyes in any great detail. "They are blue."

Bayly rested her head back. "We are in no danger."

Tito stared at the female. She had so little experience, even compared to it. How could she be so certain?

It spotted an outlet on the wall, and noting their host was still making sounds in the kitchen, it ran a full diagnostic on the electrical port. It was... a plug. Tito tentatively connected and began to recharge. That felt good.

As Bayly was resting, it was charging, and their host was otherwise occupied, Tito went back to reviewing their path to get them to Maghadahn in the most expedient way. It was beginning to worry that their efforts would be made redundant by the impending invasion force the Krreegah might be sending to Danat at this very moment. It had sent an expedited query through the Baerl Gate Terminal Tik for developments on the Krreegah's world. Once the Tik on Krreegah prepared the reply, it would be rerouted through the chain of terminals Tito passed through to reach it.

There were shorter routes they could take to reduce their time, but the worlds they'd have to pass through were not so... gentle with novice travelers like Bayly. Even Tito had avoided them on his trip outbound to its posting on Danat. If they followed the route Tito had already adjusted for time, they would be skimming through less appealing worlds but not the truly dangerous ones.

The Gate Network connected to some planets where rougher occupations were common and legal. They tended to stay away from the rest of the civilized worlds out of respect for what the Gate Network could offer them and kept their games to themselves. Considering their host, Tito thought he might fit in quite well, but Bayly would be a target. The Tik were generally left alone.

It didn't pay to bite the hand that gave you access to the galaxy.

-=-

Bayly sighed with pleasure as she swallowed the last spoonful of their host's delicious stew. He was a genius in the kitchen, she was sure!

Tito had rudely scanned her bowl before she'd even taken her first bite. It apologized, but she wasn't sure what had gotten into the mechanical lifeform.

"Thank you for the delicious meal and the comfort of the sew fah!" she said with a satisfied smile.

"You're most welcome," he said as he finished up his bowl as well. He collected and washed the dishes in the sink before putting them away.

"May I ask you your name?" Bayly said.

He looked at her with a gentle smile. "Most just call me Host."

"My name is Bayly. I'm a Dannt from the planet Danat, and I must get to Maghadahn as quickly as possible, as I may have started a war with the Krreegah. We met a group on our way to the Assembly headquarters, and their leader took offense to a pelt I was wearing. It was from one of his people, but they are just wild beasts in our world. This insult caused the leader to declare they would send their fleet of spacecraft to my world to kill my people. We're moving from world to world as quickly as possible to reach Maghadahn, but I'm beginning to fear we'll be too late. Your kindness is a welcome balm during this terrible journey. I would know the name of the kind-hearted person who comforted me."

The quiet man leaned back against the counter as he wiped his large hands with the dish towel, watched her carefully, and then glanced at Tito. "You may call me Grenville."

Bayly smiled. "Thank you for your hospitality, Grenville."

The big man nodded and turned back to finish cleaning the countertop as he spoke over his shoulder. "You should be able to get to Maghadahn in ten more gates. Depending on traffic, it should only take you two or three days."

Tito finally joined the conversation. "That would take us through the restricted zone."

"What's that?" Bayly asked.

"A series of worlds where they don't follow Assembly Law. The inhabitants of those worlds cannot leave the zone, but they have provisional Gates to allow them to travel amongst their own worlds. No one may visit without first acknowledging Assembly Laws will not protect them," Tito explained. "There is no guarantee of your safety, so we will not travel through that zone."

Grenville turned back to face them but remained silent. It was their decision.

Bayly glanced between the two. "How much time will it take if we don't go through the restricted zone?"

"Four days," Tito answered.

Bayly's eyes flared. "We will go through the restricted zone! If we can spend half the time to reach our destination, it's worth the danger!"

"You could be targeted for capture. Your fate beyond that is unknown. I will not be able to protect you," Tito insisted. "It is too dangerous."

"Why would I be targeted?" Bayly snapped in her fatigue.

Tito turned to Grenville. "You tell her."

The big man considered the Tik, then nodded gently before facing Bayly.

"If you cannot remain unobserved, you will be targeted because you are young, female, exotic, innocent, passionate, and willful. Each of these characteristics will draw the predators to you the moment they see you." He tilted his head as if reading her. "You are a warrior? Trained to be a defender and protector?"

She blinked at his bold statements. She was also pleased that he recognized her battle readiness. "Yes!"

"You don't have the training to deal with these predators," Grenville said simply.

Her mood was dashed against the rocks as quickly as she felt uplifted. She stared at Grenville. "You've been there." It wasn't a question.

He looked into her eyes and then nodded. "It's not a nice place to visit. The inhabitants of those worlds accept it as the cost of living by their own rules. Outsiders are targets and currency in some cases."

"We will not travel through the restricted zone," Tito insisted.

"Would you guide us through to Maghadahn?" Bayly asked Grenville.

Tito made a gasp sound. "Are you intentionally not listening to me?"

She looked at the Tik. "I'm sorry, Tito, but my entire world is at stake. Everyone I love, even those I don't, may die if we can't stop the Krreegah. If I can reduce the amount of time it takes us to get to Maghadahn, I'm willing to try. Please, Grenville!"

He sighed. "I hadn't planned on going back there, but you'll go whether I'm there or not, won't you," he said.

She nodded with a hopeful smile.

He seemed to be struggling with something momentarily, but then he settled. "Fine. But you will stay close and follow my instructions even if it goes against your judgment," Grenville said firmly, and she nodded with a smile. Then she yawned as her fatigue caught up with her.

Grenville pointed to the hall. "Last door on the left is a bedroom. You can take a shower, and there's a refresher for your clothes. I'll wake you in the morning. We leave after breakfast."

"Thank you," she said, climbing to her feet to head for the bedroom.

Then it was just Grenville and Tito.

"Can I trust you?" Tito finally asked.

Grenville smiled. "That's an odd question. It implies you may believe my answer."

Tito considered that. "I don't know you. All I have are visual cues that indicate you've been involved in terrible violence. Our limited experience with you has shown you to be a gracious host, but actions, like words, can often be misleading. I have been charged to assist Bayly on a critical mission to get her to Maghadahn. The encounter with the Krreegah was a complication we encountered early on in our journey.

"Where is her planet?" Grenville asked.

Tito projected his galactic map once more and indicated where Danat was. Grenville nodded as his eyes widened.

"She's almost at the farthest edge. Where are the Krreegah in relation to them?" Grenville asked, and another glowing circle appeared. Grenville frowned. "How long would it take a fleet of their space-traveling ships to reach Danat?"

"That is unknown as we don't know the capabilities of their ships. The Tik were unaware that the Krreegah had space flight-capable ships when we found them. They must have for a Krreegah ship to have reached Danat centuries ago. How those original Krreegah invaders/explorers devolved into a wild animal state while on that planet is also unknown, but it may be linked to missing nutrients," Tito mused.

Grenville looked at Tito seriously. "You don't know how much time you have, and you're willing to waste time to save one Dannt when all the rest are at risk?"

Tito sputtered, then went quiet. "She is my mission. I must not fail her," it said.

"Your mission is to get her to Maghadahn? What do you expect the Assembly to do for such a remote world that none have heard of or are likely to care about?" Grenville asked gently.

Tito was quiet for a bit. "I will make them listen, somehow." It looked more closely at Grenville. "How did you come to have this poor opinion of the Assembly?"

The big man nodded with a small frown. "I've traveled extensively amongst the people of the Assembly's outer worlds. I've lived on the restricted worlds to see if their rules work any better. They don't. I've visited every planet on the Galactic Peace Trail and met so many nomads looking for the same answers. One truth I've found is that people are people but get them into a committee, and progress grinds to a halt." He sighed. "I truly hope for her sake you can make them listen."

The Tik remained silent, worried for his mission's success and the Dannt's survival.

Grenville looked in Tito's optical sensor. "Yes. You can trust me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to collect some flowers."

Tito stared at the brute who left the small cottage to step out into the night's darkness.

Flowers? It hoped these weren't to be laid on their final resting place.

Chapter 9

Nris Jolo began addressing the group filling the council chamber. Everyone from their previous meeting was in attendance.

Jack and his group had received the news as they ate breakfast in their suite that some decision had been reached early, so they were to return to the room that morning at ten AM.

The Rooroovah began the meeting. "Reconvening the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. Chairing the meeting are Ghunka Hree, Citizen of Shriis, Haah Imman Foo, Citizen of Fullchowe, and myself, Nris Jolo, Citizen of Rooroovah. Recognizing the presence of all members of the Research Committee as well as the Tik Allsa One Petition Team. We also recognize Ambassador Jack Danner, Citizen of Earth, Citizen of and Ambassador for Altaria, Citizen of Chuuruthia, Citizen of Chrystan, Citizen of Callosephia and Shadeem to the Ishilon, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and Ambassador Danner's security detail."

The Research Leaders sat stiffly in their seats, watching the committee overseers like hawks. "Tense much?" Jack thought.

"I believe the good member Ghunka has some questions regarding recent events he wishes to address before we present anything further," Nris stated, giving the floor to his esteemed colleague.

The bulky Shriis glared down at the gathered people before him, then locked eyes on Jack, whose eyebrow began to rise. He wondered what he'd done now?

"Ambassador Danner, it has come to our attention that last night, you attended a gathering of ambassadors and proceeded to sow discord amongst them to the point that there was so much agitation amongst the Senior Assembly Councillors that the Grand Assembly Committee has indicated it intends to add an item to its agenda to review the results of our committee! Was this your actual intent when you came to Maghadahn?" Ghunka growled like low thunder.

Jack stood to face him. "When I came to Maghadahn, it was exclusively to listen to the progress report. What transpired in the meeting was not rehearsed or even expected. I'd intended to go home after the meeting, but instead, I found myself in a lovely guest suite.

The invitation to the Assembly Reception for Ambassadors was another surprise for me. I'd received no previous notice that there was even going to be a reception, but I was here with nothing else to do, so I accepted.

When I met the other diplomats, I was delighted to meet so many brilliant minds, with some notable exceptions," Jack glanced directly at the Borrelian and Jool Team Leaders, who sputtered indignantly, "They asked me to bring them up to speed on the circumstances surrounding the release of Allsa One. So, I did. What they did with the information was up to them. If I may ask, what is the Grand Assembly Committee, and what's its function?"

"Are you telling us you didn't know about the reception and didn't intend to embarrass this committee before the Grand Assembly?" Ghunka bellowed.

Jack paused as he looked at the large being. "My intent was never to embarrass but to enlighten those who might be able to save lives. I brought the information to you, and you indicated you'd review it and give us your findings. My apologies for any discomfort you may have experienced. And I don't know who invited me to the reception. As I said, it was a surprise. I have my suspicions, but I'll keep them to myself as I'm actually very grateful. Besides, their attempt to embarrass me was very weak!"

The Borrelian made another angry noise and quickly stifled it.

"Too late, stupid," Jack thought.

Ghunka's attention locked on the Borrelian Team Leader. "Do you have something you'd like to share on how Ambassador Danner received the invite?"

The Borrelian shook his head so quickly that Jack was concerned it might injure itself.

Nris answered Jack's question. "The Grand Assembly Committee is the one which incorporates all Senior Assembly Members from every race. It's held in the Grand Hall."

"Oh! That sounds wonderful!" Jack said with a smile, but Ghunka wasn't done.

"Before they add this to the schedule, they've requested a preliminary audit. Very high level. They asked us for suggestions on which race should be assigned to this. As you also made accusations at the reception that the Assembly was mistreating the Tik, we insisted the only viable team to assign to the audit would be you and your Tik companion. Our recommendation has been accepted. In two days, you two, not your security team, will be given full access to Allsa One and Allsa Komanae. The Research Committee's teams will share with you anything you ask for. If they fail to do so, they will be removed from the Research Committee. You will have three days to produce the high-level audit report, which you will present to us. Then we will present your findings to the Grand Assembly Committee. Do you have any questions?"

Jack's mind locked up when he was told he was returning to Allsa Komanae.

Rikki felt his paralysis of fear. "Jack? They've asked you a question."

"What if I don't—can't go?" he suddenly blurted.

Haah replied with a smile in his voice. "Then this committee will recommend we continue the task at hand with the existing members."

Nris concluded the meeting. "Adjourning the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. In two days, we expect your presence here to begin the audit."

With that, the three committee overseers stood and left the room.

Jack was frozen. He didn't want to go back to Allsa Komanae. He didn't want to go to Allsa One, and he had no memories of that world at all. He suddenly became irrationally angry, but he couldn't stop it. All he could do was glare at the Research Committee Leaders as they filed past. The Borrelian and Jool leaders looked surprised and pleased by Jack's upset expression.

Then the Qui Qui Qui slowed to watch him as they left. Each raised an appendage and wiggled three fingers at him.

Friendship and peace.

He sucked in a quick shuddering breath to force some calm into his mind, then returned the gesture. They hurried on their way.

"Are you going to be okay, Jack?" Cha'Risa asked gently.

"Fuck no! I want to go home!" he barked. He pushed himself to his feet and fast marched out of the chamber. In the outer hall, he met Malena, whose smile slipped away when she saw Jack's stiff and slightly desperate expression. He gave her a quick shake of his head and kept moving, unaware that Rikki had stopped to explain.

"We're terribly sorry, but Jack will not be able to assist you at this time. He's received some very unsettling news from the Committee Overseers. We may return in two days. If not, we will contact you to make alternate arrangements to meet. Again, our apologies."

It zipped away to take its customary position between Jack's horns without Jack's notice. It tight beamed an apology to the Tik Allsa One Petition Team, but they responded with their understanding.

Jack was going home.

Chapter 10

Laannaa-Klovalis, High Priestess of the Dannt, shook with righteous anger as she glared down at Senior Researcher Warrez. That female was not looking the least bit contrite after reporting news she should have shared days ago.

"For this extreme act of blasphemy, I should have your entire team disbanded and sent for indoctrination training to enlighten you of the glory of the Goddess' wisdom!" the priestess snapped shrilly.

Warrez's expression showed her opinion of that as her scowl deepened. "With all due respect, High Priestess, as brave young Bayly demonstrated, this may be a time for action, not contemplation."

Laannaa-Klovalis' eyes widened at the other's audacity to talk back. Warrez needed a lesson in humility. Perhaps the cleansing ceremony, an ordeal of seven days of reflection, naked to the elements on Balancing Rock. Her own cleansing had almost stripped her of her life, but she'd come out of it with the greatest clarity of thought.

As she opened her mouth to announce Warrez's sentence, Queen Mara walked into the tent, which suddenly seemed smaller in her presence. Tall and wide-shouldered with thick muscles, she was the strongest of them. She also bore the marks of her mourning, a dark vertical stripe beneath each eye. This would identify her as a widow for the rest of her days. Which might not be long, considering the noises she was hearing from the north. Kressa was aware of her new opportunity to challenge for the leadership.

"These aren't the faces of harmony and hope I expected to see," Mara said with a raised eyebrow.

The two looked at Mara and saw, aside from a slight sadness in her eyes, she was very much their Queen. Powerful, wise, intelligent, compassionate, and ready to take on any challenge. Her presence brought them comfort.

The priestess rushed to deflect. "There is no need for you to be concerned—"

"When two of my most trusted advisors appear ready to join in a duel to the death, my duty as Queen and friend is to intervene. What triggered this clash of wills?"

Laannaa-Klovalis took a quick breath to silence Warrez from speaking of the act of blasphemy when her Queen placed a gentle fingertip over her lips. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Dearest heart, Laannaa. You may speak for the Goddess, but sometimes even she listens first," Mara said kindly.

Laannaa hadn't heard her friend call her that in some time. Her throat closed in a surge of emotion, so she fell silent and nodded.

Mara turned her attention to Warrez, who was giving her a worshipful smile. She snorted. "Okay, out with it!"

Warrez jumped slightly with a self-conscious blush. She took a moment to compose her answer and then smiled. "Young Bayly has left Danat on a quest for hope."

Mara's eyes widened. One of her people stepped out into the unknown. The sheer bravery of that act itself took her breath away. She glanced at Laannaa, who was struggling not to speak.

"I know. It is forbidden," she said softly.

The priestess exhaled the breath she'd been holding. "She has thrown her life away for this foolish quest! She cannot ret—"

"Stop!" Mara said before the priestess made a declaration she could not take back. "I'm certain Bayly fully understood the ramifications of her actions, yet she put her personal needs aside for the success of her mission. One must not question the bravery and virtue of her actions, even if they fall outside the rule of law. The Goddess respects such selflessness and honors it. You know this in your heart, and I believe it in mine." She looked to Warrez. "You have led your team well to have nurtured such a soul. We will respect the Goddess' plan for Bayly and wish for her success. I don't need to hear more, as you have already given me hope. Thank you!"

She embraced them both and then left the tent with new energy in her step.

Warrez couldn't wipe the joyful smile from her face as it felt permanent. She looked over at the priestess, who was smiling too, but within it was desperation and... love? Warrez looked at her questioningly.

"We must not lose Mara as our queen! We will pray for Bayly's success, whatever that may entail," Laannaa-Klovalis said quietly.

-=-

Jack sat on a lounge chair on his patio and watched the sun slowly drop toward the horizon across the valley, the lovely cottage silhouetted in the warm glow.

In the lounge next to him was Queen Elissa. She held his hand but remained silent as they simply enjoyed the evening. Rikki was back in the house reporting to the Tik Elders with only a minimal connection to maintain his mental cohesion.

"I have to go."

Elissa turned her head to gauge Jack's mood. He was a lot calmer than when he'd first returned from Maghadahn. He'd called her to give her the news, and she'd immediately parked her busy agenda and came to his side. He'd fallen apart a bit in her arms that night, but her patience and compassion knit him back together by the morning, and they slept through most of the day. She was there when he awoke and stayed by him as he considered his options.

"The Tik do not expect you to fight their battles. They are grateful but also aware of the cost to you," Elissa said gently.

Jack nodded, frowned for a bit, then cleared his expression. "The Assembly offers the best and the worst aspects of governing so many different races. We have overt peace but secret agendas too. Getting so many to agree on anything is incredibly difficult. We're being given an opportunity to bypass a secret agenda I can't grasp the purpose or shape of. All that's required is for me to keep my shit together when I visit a place I never wanted to see again." He held up a hand to indicate he wasn't finished. "I know, it's not the same as it was then. The Allsa Komanae no longer exist, and I know I won't be alone this time. Rikki will be there."

"Yes, I will," the Tik affirmed in his mind.

Jack took a long breath and let it out slowly, feeling his muscles begin to loosen. "Okay. I can do this."

"I know you can," Elissa said.

He turned his head to look into her loving eyes. "Once more, you put Humpty Dumpty back together again."

"I what?" she asked with a smile.

"It's an ancient Earth nursery rhyme. There's a dim fellow named Humpty Dumpty who sits on a wall and falls off. All the King's horses and all the King's men couldn't put Humpty together again."

Jack pressed Elissa's hand to his lips. "It takes a Queen."

-=-

In the private conference room of a long-dead senior administrator of Allsa One, the architects of the AOK Pact gathered for possibly the last time. The following day they would learn if the committee overseers would force amongst them an infiltrator who could expose their work as a meticulously orchestrated camouflage.

Having the members of six races involved vastly increased the chances of exposure, but they'd done the impossible for over seven years. They'd maintained a secret.

It was one of the largest conspiracies ever undertaken by a group of Assembly Races. For it to have even the slightest chance of success, the original members defined and imposed the strictest possible guidelines for behavior on the two worlds for their teams. No one outside their group would be allowed to venture outside designated zones on the planets. All information gathered by their teams was reviewed by them before being distributed to any other team members.

The original members of the pact were all seated around the table. They were the Allsa Komanae Research Committee Leaders.

The first to discover the great secret was a Borrelian investigator. She found a hidden building partially buried near Allsa One's northern icecap. The structure held a Gate that led to a chamber with an ornate vault door, behind which were unknown treasures. Everyone knew the Allsa Komanae were thieves of an extreme magnitude. She brought this information directly to the Borrelian Team Lead, Keshwan Tay, who promptly murdered her to contain the secret.

The Vikk-Tahh Team Lead, Ullenta Favash, was present when this happened and was quickly convinced to join. They identified that they would need their work on the two worlds to continue unimpeded while they followed up on the investigator's discovery. To achieve this and eliminate others stumbling over the discovery, the work would need to follow rigid guidelines for all teams. This meant they needed the cooperation of the other team leads.

They brought Creetak, the Jool Team Lead, into the plan next as he would be most eager to benefit from the discovery.

Lirsha Ghelach, the Deen-Diin Team Lead, was convinced to join as he was the best at defining the new work structure required for all teams to give them the time they might need. He succumbed to their flattery and his own greed.

The Grellian Team Lead, Huullowah Jinsto, joined without comment as he just wanted his share.

The difficult task was convincing the Qui Qui Qui Team Leads. Li Bin Wes, Li Bon Wes, and Li Ben Wes would not understand the need to contain this information or change the work patterns for their team. So, the group devised a plan to have the Qui Qui Qui murder the already dead Borrelian investigator. Keshwan lured the three to his office, where their arrival set off an explosion that devastated the corpse. The other Team Leads arrived to see the result, and all stated they would keep the Qui Qui Qui's act a secret to prevent war between the two races.

Hopelessly lost in the machinations of the others, they agreed to follow along and were trapped into remaining in the conspiracy to protect their world from war.

Now, seven years later, they were no closer to discovering the secret to opening that damn vault door! They'd looked for clues on both planets, but no reference had been found to the vault.

The semi-subterranean building was a single room with two ancient and lobotomized Tik positioned against the wall opposite the entrance. Below this room was a geothermic energy station that powered the Tik. Entering the room caused the Tik to open a Gate that led to a second chamber with the vault door across from the Gate anchored by two additional ancient and brainless Tik. The vault's location was impossible to determine as the room containing it was a windowless box.

Analyzing some residue on the floor of the vault chamber determined it was soil with the same chemical makeup as Allsa Komanae, so this led them to believe the vault was somewhere on that planet. However, a thorough search found no sign of it.

With Danner poking his nose where it didn't belong, they worried the secret might finally unravel.

The faces around the table were grim. "What are the chances that Danner will succumb to his fears of the planet where he was enslaved and tortured?" Creetak asked boldly.

"His fear was delicious," Ullenta said with a smile, but it faded quickly. "But I believe he is likely to defeat it. He understands too well what he stands to gain for the Harruushans."

"It is the Tik we should be more concerned about," Lirsha snapped. "The Human-Altarian hybrid freak is of lesser concern! The Tik can unravel us."

Huullowah spoke up, which was rare for the Grellian. "No. Give the Tik the raw data collected from all the teams for the entire period the planets have been under survey by us. Every bit of data, no matter how meaningless. That will keep it busy while the fleshy one wastes his time. They only have three days. We can bury them in useless data just as the Allsa Komanae buried so many."

Keshwan smiled as he looked at the Grellian with new respect. He offered a suggestion as well. "We can unhinge the ambassador's weak mind by first taking him to the Colosseum's slush pit. If he thought the task was simple, this demonstration should crush his misconceptions and maybe his willingness to endure the three days.

The Qui Qui Qui were exhibiting signs of distress, so the Borrelian directed his attention to them. "What is it?"

The three quickly conferred, and Li Bin Wes was elected to speak for them. Its quiet voice was picked up and translated through the device it carried.

"Ambassador Danner is Singular-Duality-Triad/No conflict intent/Harmony." The three parts of its question were separated by two distinct clicks.

Even with the translator, there was still a need to piece together the three parts to glean the message. They heard the Qui Qui Qui were uncertain of the nature of Danner's being. Was he a singular entity, which to a triad meant the danger of insanity, a dual entity of himself and a Tik, which meant logically unbalanced, or a trio due to his hybrid nature and the presence of the Tik to complete the harmony of three?

Secondly, it indicated they didn't believe Danner was threatening them.

The final part said it wished for harmony.

The Vikk-Tahh sent a stern look to Keshwan to remind him to keep the Qui Qui Qui in line. He frowned as he already knew his role here. He addressed the triad.

"Ambassador Danner Singular. Our Dual Triad Unity Must Endure/Borreliana and Qui Qui Qui peace/Stability."

His message structure wasn't as precise as he should have used, but he saw all three Qui Qui Qui lean back at the message he delivered. He'd included the numeric cadence in his reply to drive home his message that Danner was dangerous, the Qui Qui Qui had to remain firm in their support, and war with Borrelia for them was possible otherwise.

He was unaware that his front-heavy response created an unbalanced response and confused the Qui Qui Qui.

He could see them tremble as they absorbed that message. He was surprised and pleased at how this triad had managed to endure the proximity when so many of their team was rotated back to their home planet. But they really didn't have any choice, did they.

Keshwan looked at the others with a smile. "Shall we begin creating an agenda for Danner's visit if he actually finds the fortitude to show up tomorrow?"

The others nodded with smiles of their own... except for the Qui Qui Qui, but they were too intimidated to object.

This was the only harmony they would be allowed.

Chapter 11

The meeting chamber was silent as Ghunka Hree, Haah Imman Foo, and Nris Jolo quietly conferred with each other on their raised podium before the Team Leads for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee.

The Tik Allsa One Petition Team silently communicated their distress about Jack's state of mind.

Of Jack, there was no sign.

Keshwan and Ullenta shared a slight smile of relief as it appeared the committee overseers were going to rule in their favor.

The boom of the doors slamming open echoed across the chamber. In the opening, gasping for breath, was Jack, his Tik companion hovering between his horns.

"A-apologies... for the... lateness." Jack gasped out. "Trouble with... Maghadahn Security... Two agents... attempted... to delay me." He was staring directly at Keshwan, who was scowling but also looked a little nervous.

Ghunka just looked relieved. "Please take your seat, Mr. Danner, so we may proceed."

The Rooroovah began the meeting. "Reconvening the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. Chairing the meeting are Ghunka Hree, Citizen of Shriis, Haah Imman Foo, Citizen of Fullchowe, and myself, Nris Jolo, Citizen of Rooroovah. Recognizing the presence of all members of the Research Committee as well as the Tik Allsa One Petition Team. We also recognize Ambassador Jack Danner, Citizen of Earth, Citizen of and Ambassador for Altaria, Citizen of Chuuruthia, Citizen of Chrystan, Citizen of Callosephia and Shadeem to the Ishilon, and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, Mr. Danner's Tik companion."

Haah spoke next.

"Ambassador Danner. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Are you two prepared and committed to travel to Allsa One and Allsa Komanae to complete the preliminary audit requested by the Grand Assembly Committee?"

Jack took some deep breaths to calm his panting. "We are." He gestured to the pack he'd carried in.

"Keshwan Tay of the Borrelians, Ullenta Favash of the Vikk Tahh, Creetak of the Jool, Lirsha Ghelach of the Deen-Diin, Huullowah Jinsto of the Grellians, and Li Bin Wes, Li Bon Wes, and Li Ben Wes of the Qui Qui Qui, are you prepared and committed to provide Ambassador Danner and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi with the information they require for the preliminary audit?"

Keshwan took it upon himself to speak for the group. He stood and faced the committee overseers. "We are, but under protest for this grievous display of disrespect. When we are vindicated, we will expect significant and comprehensive restitution."

"It is not the function of the Committee Overseers to determine fault or compensation. You will need to file such grievances with the appropriate legislative department!" Ghunka growled disapprovingly.

"We will each need full transcripts of each convened meeting of the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review," Keshwan asserted boldly.

Nris sounded confused. "You all receive these transcripts automatically after the meetings. What value is there in requesting something you already receive?"

Jack smiled. "There is the potential for intimidation. Much like how Keshwan indicated he was filing a harassment complaint with the Assembly Overseers for Civil Discourse on behalf of Borrelia, Vikk-Tahh, Jool, Deen-Diin, Grellia, and Qui Qui Qui against Earth, Altaria, Chrystan, Chuuruthia, and Callosephia." Jack turned his attention to the Borrelian. "I guess you haven't gotten around to actually following through on that threat?"

Keshwan glared at Jack. "Not yet. And it was a promise, not a threat."

Jack turned his face to the three on the podium and shrugged.

Rikki interrupted Jack with a quick internal warning which made Jack face the entrance.

The doors opened, and three Tik and two Maghadahn Security officers entered the chamber.

"Excuse me! We are in a session!" Ghunka said incredulously at their rudeness.

The lead Tik addressed the three on the podium. "Please forgive our abrupt entry, but we are on Grand Assembly Committee business. The Tik have been presented with incontestable evidence that the Borrelian leadership has been waging a genocidal war against their neighbors, the Ush. Until such time as these leaders are held accountable, and Borrelia can prove it can be a valued member of the Gate Network, all Borrelians in the Gate Network without citizenship on another network world are being sent back to Borrelian space."

It turned to the stunned Borrelian in the room. "Keshwan Tey, you are to be escorted to your apartment, where you will be given two hours to collect your belongings. Then you will be escorted to the Gate Terminal and sent to Borrelia."

Jack was watching expressions flash by on the team leader's face. He had the impression that Keshwan was aware of the genocide and was super pissed the secret had gotten out. He also seemed desperate to stay, but there was no chance of that. The Assembly may not respect the Tik, but they knew who ran the Gates. The most fundamental rule for Gate Network membership requires you to maintain civil behavior towards your neighbors, be they members of the Network or not. A genocidal war was about as far as you could get from civil.

Keshwan leaned down to quickly flash some hand signs at the Qui Qui Qui, who also seemed quite agitated. The triad went still as they locked their eyes on Keshwan. The Borrelian ignored them as he was already speaking quickly to Ullenta. She nodded and glanced briefly at Jack.

With a final glare at Jack, the Borrelian was led from the chamber encircled by his guards. As the doors closed, there was silence.

Jack turned to face the three on the podium. "What does the loss of the Borrelian team from the Allsa Komanae Research Committee mean?

Ghunka frowned. "It means nothing in the short term. The Grand Assembly Committee still requires the preliminary audit. Once that has been presented, they will determine the next steps. If you do not report any significant issues, the existing team will likely be asked to add additional members to pick up the slack."

The Qui Qui Qui were beginning to become agitated once more, and Jack had a pretty good idea why.

"Dual Triad broken/Flawed Logic/Dissolution," they said harmoniously.

The Vikk-Tahh looked like she was about to snap something, but Jack got there first.

"Dual Triad reconfigured/Balance/Cohesion," Jack said.

The Qui Qui Qui looked at Jack with an expression that he interpreted as hopeful.

They pointed at him, and Jack smiled.

"Borrelian out/Jack Danner in/Triad of Human, Altarian, and Tik," Jack explained as he pointed to his face, his horns, and Rikki. This seemed to please the Qui Qui Qui very much, but they immediately settled as the Vikk-Tahh flashed the sign for Remember. Jack didn't know what that meant, but the Qui Qui Qui turned away from him.

"Are you ready to begin?" Haah asked.

Jack took a deep breath and settled his nerves. "Yes."

"Access for you and your Tik companion has been granted. Considering the scale of your task and your limited time, it would be wise for you to begin immediately after this meeting. It's my understanding the Team Leaders have comprised an itinerary to assist you in obtaining the data you will need," Ghunka said. He looked to the Vikk-Tahh Team Lead, and she nodded distractedly.

Nris closed the meeting once more. "Adjourning the one-hundred and seventy-fifth progress review for the Allsa Komanae Research Committee. The meeting will reconvene in four days, at which time Jack Danner and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi will present their findings which we will take to the Grand Assembly Committee."

The Rooroovah looked to Jack. "I understand there is a customary Human phrase one says for such an occasion. Good luck to you both."

Jack was surprised by the attempt. "Thank you."

The three on the podium quickly rose and left the room.

Jack waved to the Tik Allsa One Petition Team, and they all waved back. This brought another smile to his face as they gracefully hovered out of the chamber.

This left Jack facing the Team Leads. He moved closer to the group. "Shall we go?"

Ullenta presented a haughty expression as she looked down her nose at Jack. "Yes, let's proceed with this unwarranted inquisition."

Jack smiled. "Just the facts, ma'am."

She blinked at Jack in confusion.

"I'm not here to persecute anyone. I'm just here to collect facts and determine the truth. If that leads to Allsa One being opened for immigration, then we've saved some lives."

The Vikk-Tahh huffed and headed for the door.

Following her, Creetak clacked his mandibles as he passed Jack. What that meant, Jack had no idea.

The Deen-Diin, Lirsha, was watching Rikki with a suspicious expression and ignored Jack entirely.

Huullowah didn't acknowledge either of them, but that was typical Grellian behavior.

The Qui Qui Qui brought up the rear. Li Bin Wes, Li Bon Wes, and Li Ben Wes all flashed the triangle hand gesture for Harmony.

Jack returned it and saw the Qui Qui Qui suddenly perk up with relief. They were looking up, but Jack couldn't see what Rikki was doing. He grabbed his pack and followed as he sent an internal question to Rikki.

"I followed your lead. I made a triangle with my tentacles, and I also ran another up the back of your horn and then across to connect the tips to form a third triangle. This seemed to please them," Rikki said internally.

Jack smiled. "Good thinking, Rikki. Nicely done. Threes are very pleasing to them."

The group crossed the lobby of the Assembly meeting hall building and climbed into an official transport to take them to the Gate Terminal.

Once they arrived, they saw a crowd had gathered to voice their outrage at the news of the Borrelian's attempted genocide. Members of that race were being guided into the terminal surrounded by Maghadahn security agents. Some held their heads high and cast contemptuous looks at the protestors. Jack had to assume they'd been aware of and supported their leader's plans.

Other Borrelians being ushered into the Gate Terminal looked bewildered and frightened.

Rikki interrupted his thoughts. "Jack, there is news of a military uprising in Borrelian space. A vast majority of the Borrelian space fleet has mutinied against Borrelian Leaders and their Military High Command and are following one of their Field Military leaders, Fleet Commander Julla Gorresh."

Jack kept an eye on his group as they moved closer to the entrance, as he responded to Rikki's internal dialog. "Is that a good thing? Who is this, Julla Gorresh? Is she pro-genocide?"

"No. I've received word that she was instrumental in exposing their leader's secret war," Rikki returned.

"And most of the military is backing her? That sounds like a good thing," Jack said.

"Yes. She's also leading a cultural revolution for the people of Borrelia centered on destroying their caste system, which is based on uniformity of skin tone and marking."

Lights came on for Jack. "Ah! That's why they reference themselves as Pure!"

"Indeed. Only the Pure caste is allowed to leave the Borrelian system to work," Rikki confirmed.

Jack thought back to something the Tik who collected Keshwan said. "What was that reference about Borrelians having citizenship on another network world?"

Rikki's voice conveyed his smile. "Well caught, Jack. That was a standard escape clause the Tik must offer anyone affected by a forced repatriation. In this case, Borrelians are not allowed to hold citizenships on any other world by order of their own government, so none can refuse being sent back."

There was a gap in the crowd, so Jack's group moved forward and entered the terminal.

Ullenta stopped before the aisle leading to the terminal agent. "We will go to Allsa One first. You will be given access to our collected data," she said stiffly. "Do you have any issues with this?"

Jack smiled at her. "None at all. Please proceed."

With a weary roll of her eyes, she turned and led the way to the agent. Each team member spoke with the agent then it was Jack's turn.

"Jack Danner and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi traveling to Allsa One on Grand Assembly Committee business," he said.

"Ambassador Danner?" the agent asked, and he nodded.

"Permission granted. Gate nine-nine-nine," the agent said with a bored tone.

Jack followed the others into the Gate room and once more marveled at the vast number of Gates available to travel through. Visiting even a fraction of the worlds beyond would take multiple lifetimes.

Rikki checked in on Jack as they approached the mirrored surface. "How are you feeling about visiting Allsa One, Jack?"

Jack smiled. "I can't say I don't feel a little nervous, but I have no memories of the world. This is the place I've been trying to get open for the Harruushans. I should at least make sure it's a good world for them to raise their families on."

They stepped through and faced the standard terminal layout. This standardization helped travelers adjust to moving from world to world. Staying within the terminal meant far less exposure to the unknown. Jack was a seasoned traveler, so he was eager to step outside, even if it was a world once held by the Allsa Komanae.

Jack exited the terminal and looked at a lovely blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. The sun was a warm yellow which felt good on his skin, and the air carried the scents of the woodlands to the east of the terminal. He smelled flowers, soil, and a slight tangy scent from the trees.

Based on the angle and quality of the light, Jack determined the local time to be early afternoon, but he popped that question to Rikki.

"That's correct, Jack. I got the timestamp from the Gate Terminal as we arrived," the Tik responded.

He'd seen the reports from the early Tik who'd done the initial assessment of the planet. Nothing dangerous for most lifeforms. No large animals. Some smaller insects, but all were pollinators and consumed only plant nectar. The plant life wasn't poisonous, and the soil was chemically balanced to support feeding the Harruushans.

As Jack followed the Team Leads to the headquarters, he saw Tik and Maghadahn security agents guiding the Borrelian Research teams from the planet.

"That's all the Borrelians identified for Allsa One," Rikki told Jack privately.

Jack watched their confused and outraged expressions as they passed. Some called out to the other Team Leaders, but none of them paid any attention to the departing workers.

A female Borrelian with dark grey, almost black complexion called out in desperation. "Please! My orchids! Can someone replant them in the forest?"

Jack paused to look her in the eye. She didn't want her plants to die. That seemed fair. "Where are they?"

She burst into a grateful smile. "Wing eleven, unit seven. Ground floor."

"I'll see what I can do," Jack called back.

"Thank you!" The female was directed to continue by the security agents, but she sent one final relieved smile to Jack before she stepped into the building.

The orchids would be native as no plants were allowed to be transported from planet to planet. The Gates prevented that. Jack assumed the female expected to be here a while and needed to soften the harsh lines of the living quarters she was housed in. He knew how brutal Allsa Komanae architecture could be.

Ullenta sneered back at Jack. "Do you really think you'll have time to save some silly flowers when you have so little time to produce your report?"

"Saving lives is always a worthy cause," Jack returned with a grin.

Ullenta stared at him incredulously, then looked away in frustration.

They boarded the ground skimmers, and soon they were cruising to the center of the city where the administration building was situated. There was no industry in the Allsa Komanae city, just admin offices and living quarters. They'd imported everything they needed. Some warehouses were on the outskirts for storing the goods they'd imported, but by now, they were all empty aside from what was necessary for the teams working here.

He looked to the wooded ridgeline in the distance and recalled Queen Elissa telling him the spaceport was just on its other side. It was just wreckage now since the commandos took out the ships in their quest to find him.

Jack had a creepy sensation dancing over his nerve endings as he watched the blunt architecture pass by. If he had his way, this city would be razed to the ground before anyone emigrated to the planet.

Small groups of researchers from the other races were visible, moving between the buildings. Jack noted they were never intermixed. They kept to themselves when they had to work on such a long ongoing project? That seemed counter-productive to Jack.

They stopped before the largest building. This time the Deen-Diin spoke first. He kept his eyes on Rikki as he did. Jack didn't exist for him, but that didn't bother Jack in the slightest.

"We will take you to the data center where all our findings are collected. You may download the data you require there," Lirsha stated dryly.

"Thank you," Rikki said.

They went inside and met the data team responsible for recording every bit of data they received from the teams on Allsa Komanae. Again, it was a group of five Deen-Diin. Even for a people who looked like walking skeletons, they looked exhausted.

Lirsha once more introduced Rikki to the team, ignoring Jack. Rikki was becoming indignant, but Jack told it to let it go. Internally, of course.

Then Rikki was given access to a data terminal to download the data it wanted. It connected and reviewed some of the initial files. Then it paused and turned to Lirsha.

"The data has been excessively normalized," Rikki said.

Lirsha's expression, which was normally dour, now looked hostile. "There is nothing excessive about it. The data is in a pristine state. All information can be ascertained from this format."

Ignoring the Deen-Diin, Jack looked at Rikki hovering next to the terminal. "What do you mean, Rikki?"

"Everything has been given a unique ID. People, objects, events, actions, locations, dates, times, and attributes. Each of these bits of data has an ID number, and these numbers are linked in massive cross-reference tables. The table for identifying what each ID is allocated to is multiple petabytes of data on its own. The tables that relate a person at a place performing an action with an object on a date and time are multiple times larger. Generating reports from this will take excessive amounts of time," Rikki stated.

"Clever," Jack said with a little smile, and the Deen-Diin glared at him.

Jack continued to ignore the Team Lead and focused on Rikki. "Well, grab the data, and we'll see what we see. I know you have the capacity and throughput." Jack was distractedly running his fingertip over the central link of his slave collar like it was itchy. Rikki paused, and Jack heard its internal understanding. "Oh."

Soon the data was streaming from the Deen-Diin supercomputers, through Rikki, and into the storage in Jack's collar.

"The data transfer will take approximately three hours," Rikki stated.

The quickness of the transfer widened the eyes of the data team and the Team Leads.

"Could someone get me a comfortable chair?" Jack asked, looking at the Deen-Diin team.

They gawked at him and then glared at Lirsha.

"You do not need to be here for the Tik's work. You can find other avenues of research while this is being performed. Go and plant the flowers, should you so desire," Lirsha insisted.

"Rikki?" Jack asked internally.

"Your proximity is enabling this rate of throughput," Rikki stated.

Jack smiled at Lirsha. "Nah, I'll hang out with Rikki. About that chair?"

Ullenta spoke up. "We have an itinerary—"

Jack interrupted. "Which will have to wait until Rikki is ready. Hey, we're a package deal. The chair?"

Lirsha seemed to be attempting to fire lasers from his eyes through Jack's head but was defeated by Jack's disarming smile. The Deen-Diin released a long, painful sigh and looked to the data team. "Get a chair."

"A comfortable chair," Jack insisted with a smile.

They looked deeply offended but moved quickly when their Team Leader clacked his jaws at them.

Within minutes, a plush chair was rolled into the department, and Jack eased himself into it with a sigh.

"You guys don't have to wait around if you have other things to do. You can come back in three hours. We should be done by then," Jack suggested.

Jack pulled an energy bar from his pack and munched on it as the Team Leads glanced at each other and gradually made their way to the door. The data team remained, but even they eventually lost interest and moved back to their desks.

Keeping their conversation private, Rikki expressed its concerns. "Seriously, Jack, the data has been split into such a granular state the queries to select meaningful relationships will run excessively slow. Especially when we don't know what to start looking for."

Jack heard the concern in the Tik's voice and tried to put it at ease. "I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest we do know where to begin. The Team Leads."

Rikki focused on Jack's peaceful expression as the man rested back in the chair with his eyes closed.

"What's specifically interesting about the Team Leads?" Rikki asked. "Outside of how unpleasant they've been?"

Jack took a moment to put his thoughts in order. "They've been excessively suspicious in their behavior, so it's my impression that they must be directly involved in the cause of the performance drop. Their teams don't seem to interact with each other, as I haven't yet seen any intermixing. What little I've seen of these teams so far shows me their attention on us is curious rather than cautious. Again, these are all preliminary impressions. I'd have to interact more closely with the team members to confirm if I'm right."

Rikki thought about that. It seemed like as good a place to start as any. "Hopefully, they have fewer references in this mountain of data." Then it paused. "It's so much extra work to over-normalized the data this way. It's hard to think of a legitimate reason for them to do it."

Jack snorted. "Yup." Then he settled in for a snooze. Allsa One felt nothing like Allsa Komanae, so he actually felt himself relaxing.

Three and a half hours later, Rikki nudged Jack awake.

"What's up, buddy?" he said.

"We have it all, and our guides are back," Rikki said.

Jack rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he looked to the doorway. He could see the Research Committee Leaders looking at him from the next room with various expressions of annoyance, except the Qui Qui Qui, who were chatting with each other calmly.

"Why are they waiting out there?" Jack asked Rikki internally.

"They arrived at the three-hour mark. I told them the data hadn't finished downloading and they should let you sleep," Rikki returned.

"It took this long to get it all?" he asked.

He picked up Rikki's satisfaction. "Actually, it was complete fifteen minutes ago, but it felt good to make them wait."

Jack covered his laugh with a cough, then stood up to join the others. His pack went back on his shoulder.

"What's next on the itinerary?" Jack asked with a smile.

"We should begin our tour of the dig sites on Allsa Komanae," Ullenta insisted. She gave him a pinched smile, which made her squeaky voice that much funnier, but the idea of going to that planet immediately killed any humor in his mind.

"No! I mean, it's a little late in the day for that. I think we'll hold off until the morning." He nodded to himself as he tried to override the sudden tension making his muscles twitch. He'd promised himself he wouldn't go to pieces, and it was only day one.

"Rikki has a lot of data to go through, so I think for tonight I'm going to go plant those orchids, then get a good night's sleep. We can meet back at the Gate Terminal first thing in the morning at, say, nine AM? We can pick up the itinerary from there, yes?" Jack suggested, hoping his voice didn't wobble too much.

Ullenta gave him a surprised look but nodded.

"You are wasting your limited time—" Creetak snapped, but Ullenta held up her hand.

"If Mr. Danner wishes to plant orchids tonight and do the serious work in the morning, then that's what we will do. The Committee Overseers indicated we are to support his efforts during this time," the Vikk-Tahh explained to the others calmly, then she turned to Jack with a smile.

"Dining facilities for us are in wing one, unit three, ground floor. Sleeping quarters have been arranged for you in wing one, unit fifteen, second floor." She paused. "If you'd prefer to return to Maghadahn at night, I'm sure that could be arranged."

"No, Allsa One is fine. I will need access to a skimmer for getting to and from the woods," he said gratefully.

"Huullowah, please requisition the transport for Mr. Danner and have it delivered to the lot outside wing one," Ullenta asked, and the large stony being frowned then nodded.

"Jack, please call me Jack," he said with a smile as his tension eased.

The Vikk-Tahh paused, then smiled with a nod. "For Jack, then," she finished for the Grellian and nodded to Jack. "You may call me Ullenta."

Jack smiled at her.

The others didn't extend the offer, and Jack didn't push.

They left the data center, climbing back into the ground skimmers, and the procession headed back toward the buildings next to the Gate Terminal. Jack did his best to ignore the brutalist architecture and the lack of color. Instead, he looked to the lovely blue sky overhead, the puffy white clouds, and the way the afternoon light painted them. This world had a lot of promise. He truly hoped he'd be able to get it opened for the Harruushan colonization.

"Jack, the number recorded on the control console of this vehicle. It is in the data I collected. It is one of the objects, and the related attributes indicate it is a vehicle, and I can see records indicating its use," Rikki said to Jack on the private channel.

"There's a starting point. See if you can track the movements of the Team Leaders. I assume they spend most of their time here in the city. There shouldn't be too many records for them," Jack suggested.

Rikki paused. "What do you think their use of the transports will tell us?"

Jack sighed and got a look from the Vikk-Tahh as he'd done it out loud. He just smiled at her and shook his head before returning to his private conversation with the Tik.

"I have no idea. I just thought it would be a smaller data set which should be easier to collect. It might lead to other queries. They are involved in the secret. We might answer the question of where they do that," he suggested.

Rikki accepted that silently and began its analysis of the data and went silent. Jack knew it would be busy for some time and left it alone. The drone was locked in place between his horns, moving automatically with his motions.

When they arrived, the Grellian pointed to a skimmer parked next to the front door of wing one. Then he turned and walked toward the entrance of the first building without saying goodbye.

Jack assumed the skimmer was the one he'd been assigned.

The housing structures were long grey rectangles positioned side by side. More ugly architecture. He recalled how the Harruushans covered their buildings with flowers and vines. That's what these buildings desperately needed. Life.

Ullenta moved to stand before him. "We will meet you tomorrow at the Gate Terminal at nine AM as requested. Have a good evening, Jack."

"You as well, Ullenta," Jack said with a little bow.

She smirked a little and joined the other team leaders, walking into the main building and leaving Jack and Rikki standing in the sunlight. He noticed it was heading for the horizon, so he went to the skimmer and secured his pack in the cargo space. Then he took a seat and powered the skimmer up. Its power cell was fully charged and shouldn't need a refill for a week. He wouldn't be here that long.

Wing eleven, unit seven, ground floor.

The orchids would be in the eleventh building, so Jack moved the vehicle down the lane to a spot directly before the front door of wing eleven and parked it. There were no other vehicles, so no other tenants?

He walked in the entrance to the building and faced a long hallway. Unit seven wasn't a long walk down the hall, and the door opened to his touch. He glanced at the handles on all the doors he could see, and they all indicated an open state. He realized all the locks were disabled, as all Borrelians were no longer welcome. Maybe that meant only Borrelians lived in this building. No mixed accommodations either?

Jack stepped inside, and the layout was as stark and utilitarian as he'd expected, but pictures of a lovely planet were affixed to the walls. Most were scenics, but there were a few with people in them. In some, he recognized the female who lived in the apartment. She seemed happy in the photos. Jack wondered why she hadn't taken them with her when she left but realized that if they were of her home, she would be there soon enough.

At the end of the room were the windows with the orchids carefully arranged on tiered shelves to capture whatever light fell between the buildings.

He spotted some gardening hand tools under the lowest shelf, along with a watering can, potting soil, and a few extra pots.

Standing in the middle of the room, Jack picked up the sense of a life disturbed. Like the flowers, the woman had been rudely uprooted in the midst of her daily routine and taken away. A half-eaten meal sat on the table next to the low seating cushions in the living room. Reading material was scattered on the pillows, along with some clothing items.

He picked up a tablet from the table, and the screen powered up. At the top was a name, Loreeta Keega, citizen of Borrelia. Jack read through the text and realized it was the official recall order from Maghadahn. Her credentials were listed on the form. She was registered as a botanist by trade. What was she doing on Allsa One? How was a botanist assisting with the slave recovery and identification process?

Jack set the tablet back down on the table and walked over to the shelves. He picked up the tools he'd need to replant the flowers and carried them out to the skimmer. Then he returned to the apartment to collect the potted plants and put them on the floor in the back seat until he had all of them.

Activating the skimmer's guidance app, he spotted a road that led up into the hills north of the only city on the planet. The road ended at the ridgeline, which was good enough for his purposes. He found himself enjoying the drive through the countryside, which dipped down to cross a meadow with a lovely stream crossing it. The skimmer floated over ground and water with equal ease, so the terrain was no issue for it. The road he was following was simply a route someone had mapped for the guidance system. No one had bothered to extend the path beyond the ridge as no one went there.

Soon enough, he reached his destination. Looking to the sky, he confirmed he still had sufficient daylight to complete his task.

He parked and got out to take a look at the hilltop. He spotted several clusters of the orchids already growing here, so it had to be a suitable spot to plant the others.

He got to work replanting the flowers and felt a deep calm settle over him as he returned each to its native environment.

The warm breeze flowing across the ridge carried with it the scent of the forest beyond. He inhaled and smiled as the remaining tension he was carrying dissolved away. This was a good world, largely untainted by its previous occupiers.

The soil felt good in his fingers, and he flashed back to a memory of working in the small garden behind the townhome his parents rented. His mother loved working with plants and growing carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. He'd loved working with her, and they spent many hours together there.

As he sat back and looked at the row of orchids he'd replanted, he imagined what his mother would say if she could see him now, sitting on this alien world with its dirt on his skin.

"Close your eyes, Jack. Think of her," Rikki said.

He did, and suddenly she was there with him, sitting on the ground next to him, leaning back on her hands, her long legs stretched out before her. Tall and slim, her long sandy blonde hair flowed back over her shoulders as she enjoyed the breeze. Her lovely blue eyes opened, and she looked at him with so much love. She smiled, and her nose crinkled slightly, drawing his attention to the sprinkle of freckles that crossed her cheeks and the bridge of her slim nose. He could see she was happy and happy for him.

Jack sat with his mother on the ridgeline, communing with nature and just enjoying each other's company. She reached over and played with his hair as she used to, but she cocked her head with a questioning look. He grinned as he knew she wouldn't approve of his new color. He shrugged.

He knew he should return to the real world, so with a final smile for his mother's memory, he opened his eyes.

"Thank you, Rikki."

He felt Rikki's supportive presence, and no words were necessary. The Tik's ability to boost the realism of Jack's memories and imagination was still a precious gift they enjoyed from time to time.

Today's session was special. Rikki couldn't control the content of their sessions, only increase their immersive quality. Everything else came from Jack's mind, and memories of his mother were some of his most treasured moments. That he could share his new life with his memories of her was a blessing.

With a profound feeling of peace and contentment, Jack packed the tools into the skimmer and headed back.

He returned the tools to the apartment, then parked the skimmer in front of wing one and got his pack from the back. He went inside, took the stairs to the second floor, and walked down the empty hall until he reached unit fifteen. The handle indicated it was locked but unlocked and opened to this biosignature. He activated the lights as it was getting darker outside. He paused to examine the quarters they'd allotted to him. It was a mostly empty, grey rectangle of space with a window at the far end. Next to the door he'd entered was a small sanitary room for the toilet, sink, and a stand-up shower stall. Very utilitarian. In the room, the only furniture was the bed, a desk, and a chair. Just another bleak and barren sleeping quarter. Sheets, towels, and a pillow were stacked on the bed.

Jack dropped his pack next to the bed, turned around, and headed back into the hall. The door locked behind him, so he returned to the ground floor to see if there was anything to eat in the dining area.

As he stepped through the doors, he was surprised to see the room filled with Qui Qui Qui. The quiet trill of their conversation suddenly halted as they all turned to face him. Jack made the triangle symbol for Harmony, and Rikki repeated his dual triangle symbols with his tentacles and Jack's horns. The group before them immediately relaxed.

The closest trio to Jack elected a speaker, and it activated its translator and spoke to him. "Qui Qui Qui scheduled/Erroneous arrival/Lost?"

Jack smiled. Apparently, the dining room was reserved for them at this time, and they wanted to know if he'd just made a mistake or was lost. Time to let them know he was a special exception.

"Special Auditor Assigned by Grand Assembly Committee/Exempt from schedule/Location correct."

That created a stir, but they didn't appear upset by the news.

"Auditing purpose/Allsa One/Allsa Komanae?" the Qui Qui Qui asked.

Jack heard curiosity in its voice, not concern, so that was good. They wanted to know why he was auditing and whether his work covered one or both planets. Jack had questions of his own.

But first, "Rikki, are there any surveillance devices in the room?"

"One second, please," Rikki stated, then flew around the room's perimeter and returned to its position between Jack's horns. "None detected."

The Qui Qui Qui were staring at Jack in shock as part of his head had just toured the dining room. He pointed to himself. "Name is Jack Danner/Human/Altarian." Then he pointed to Rikki. "Its name is Rikki Tikki Tavi/Tik in a custom body/Part of my team."

The Qui Qui Qui settled down as they knew Tik by reputation were very peaceful, even if Rikki looked intimidating. Jack felt safe to speak openly.

"Assessing opening Allsa One for colonization/Assessing performance discrepancy/Assessing everywhere," Jack responded honestly.

That quiet trill he'd heard when he first entered suddenly surged once more as they were all talking at once. He wiggled his middle three fingers for Friendship and Peace, and the sound diminished.

"Curious/Lack of cooperation between teams/Separation by policy?" Jack asked.

The speaker conferred with their peers and then addressed Jack.

"Concern/Focus/Punish," it said timidly.

Jack guessed they were afraid to say anything and catch flack from the others.

"Anonymous/Absolute confidentiality/Private," he said.

The smaller beings conferred once more then the speaker turned back to Jack.

"New policy applied/Separation of all teams/New strict guidelines," it said.

Jack looked at it in surprise. "Counter-productive/Less Harmonious/More work!"

"Yes/Yes/Yes!" the trio sang, the other two passionately adding their voices.

Jack chuckled. They were in agreement.

"Same policy for all teams?/When implemented?/Guideline documentation available?" Jack asked.

"Yes/Seven cycles ago/Only on tablets within accommodations," the Qui Qui Qui replied.

"Rikki, could you please go back to the eleventh wing, room seven, and get some shots of the guideline from the tablet that the Borrelian botanist left behind?" Jack asked, and Rikki quickly flew out of the dining room. The Qui Qui Qui watched with interest.

Jack looked toward the food prep stations. It looked like it was set up to prepare and deliver premade meals.

"Meals are high quality?/Nutritious?/Satisfying?" Jack asked and received a trill from the trio.

"Meals are standard/baseline/boring," they sang. "Home/Family/Feasts," they added.

Jack nodded. "Home cooking/Family dinners/Dinner parties," he said longingly. They made more happy trills.

He reviewed the options on the prep station. There were no Human or Altarian meals, of course. The possibilities were Borrelian, Vikk-Tahh, Jool, Grellian, Deen-Diin, and Qui Qui Qui. He needed Rikki's assistance with determining what was safe for him to eat.

Speaking of the Tik, the dining room door opened, and it returned to quickly settle into its usual spot.

"How did it go?" Jack asked.

"We should discuss that after we return to our room. Have you found a meal?" Rikki asked.

Jack was concerned, but he followed Rikki's advice. "There are only meal offerings for the races who are allowed on the planet, and I don't know what's safe for me."

"There will be plenty of Borrelian meals available. Prepare one, and I will scan it for substances toxic to you," Rikki suggested.

Jack activated the food prep station. "Mmm, toxic substances. Doesn't that sound appealing," he muttered skeptically.

The tray came out of the machine, and he was surprised by the pleasant scents. Jack held it out, and Rikki scanned it.

"Don't eat the orange paste. It may cause digestive issues, but otherwise, the rest is safe to consume," Rikki suggested.

Jack carefully scraped the orange substance from the tray into the organic waste reclamation bin, then carried his tray to the empty table next to the one where the speaker had been sitting. The trio returned to take their seats and watched Jack as he sampled the Borrelian meal.

They seemed fascinated until the speaker couldn't contain its questions.

"Unfamiliar Human and Altarian confusion/Apology for rudeness/Surprise at consumption of Borrelian meal," it exclaimed.

Jack flashed the symbol for Friendship and Peace again to indicate he wasn't offended. He rather liked the beige mush. It tasted like buttery mashed potato.

"Origin is Human from Earth/Altarian Genetic bond/Tik Friendship bond," Jack told the Qui Qui Qui, and the trilling spread to the surrounding tables. They seemed pleased. "Humans rarely leave Earth/Few in Gate Network/I'm not typical," he finished, and the trilling increased.

"Tik ensured food was safe/Humans omnivores/Borrelian meal... not terrible," he added as he pushed aside the somewhat bitter green vegetable. It might not be toxic, but its flavor wasn't appealing. More trilling ensued, and Jack scanned the room with his eyes, but none appeared upset.

The brown meat-like bits on the tray had the flavor and texture of spiced and diced beef, which was actually yummy, and the yellowish leafy substance wasn't bad, though its flavor was harder to pin down. It wasn't a large meal, but it took the edge off his hunger. He'd augment it with an energy bar when they returned to the room.

The Qui Qui Qui seemed to be finished with their meal and were beginning to leave.

"Success in your audit/Qui Qui Qui support you/Hope to go home soon," their spokes being said.

Jack paused as he had a suspicion. "Occupation on Allsa One/Occupation at home/Contract to be here?"

"Data collating/Dessert Food Preparing/Obligatory Fulfillment Rotation," it responded.

Jack stared at the trio. They were pastry chefs stuck in a data entry gig here on Allsa One? It sounded like they were conscripted by their government to fulfill the need to have bodies fill the positions required. He wondered if having a Borrelian Botanist here was the same thing. More questions for later.

"Dining schedule posting/sequence of dining/separation of Races?" he asked, and they conferred. They pointed to a chart by the door he'd mistaken for art.

"Colors represent races/Qui Qui Qui always last/Borrelian time slots available," it said.

"Thank you/Valuable assistance/Absolute confidentiality," Jack said sincerely, then made the Friendship and Peace symbol again. Having it returned to him from every Qui Qui Qui in the room was heartwarming. Then they filed out of the room, cleaning up as they went.

"Let's go back to our room as well so you can fill me in," Jack said internally.

He dumped his finished meal into the proper bins, and they climbed the stairs back to the second floor. Their room was untouched, and Rikki confirmed it was free of surveillance devices. They still kept their dialog internal.

"What happened when you went back for the tablet?" Jack asked as he pulled the energy bar from his pack and unwrapped it.

"I found it where you left it and searched for the page with the operations guideline. The moment it appeared, the tablet's screen went dark. Then I heard its battery going critical. I managed to toss it across the room before it exploded."

"Someone didn't want us to read it. May I assume you captured the screen before it cleared?" Jack asked.

"Of course," Rikki said, projecting the image against the wall.

Jack read the new policies that went into effect seven years ago and sighed. He finished the bar and discarded the wrapper. "This on its own might explain why they had a sudden drop in productivity. Complete isolation of each team, all data goes through the Team Leaders, and a travel ban. I don't get that last one, especially for Allsa One. The rest of the planet is undeveloped! You want happier, more effective people, let them explore the countryside. It did wonders for me today!"

He stewed for a bit as he thought about the work culture these guidelines had generated. He needed more information.

"Rikki, I'm going to get some sleep. Please wake me at five AM tomorrow. I'm going to visit each of the teams for breakfast. We'll see if any of them are willing to talk," Jack said. He looked at Rikki fondly. "Thank you again for this afternoon."

"My pleasure. Good night, Jack." Rikki tested the wall power port and confirmed it was load protected before it connected to it. After seeing the tablet explode, it was taking no unnecessary chances.

Jack made his bed, dipped into the bathroom with his kit to prepare, then stripped and slipped under the covers. With memories of sharing Allsa One's lovely vistas with his mom, Jack eased into a blissful sleep.

-=-

"You detonated the tablet's battery? Are you insane?" Ullenta screeched.

Huullowah didn't like being yelled at. Grellians, by their nature, were antisocial, and his forced interaction with the other Team Leaders grated on his nerves like nothing else ever had. He might have left if there wasn't such a promise of a reward at the end of this effort.

After he killed them.

"It was the Tik that activated the tablet. It requested Lirsha's Operations Guideline to display, so I purged the request and sent the command to overload the battery. There is no way to track where the command came from, so it would look like a device failure," Huullowah explained as if speaking to a simple-minded child.

Lirsha stood up. "I told you the Tik was the true threat!"

"You both need to calm yourselves. They would have learned nothing damning from the guideline. We were fully sanctioned to make any changes we felt necessary. Your reactions look far more guilty than the guideline makes us. Stop acting like fools!" Ullenta scowled at her partners in crime.

Lirsha looked like he wanted to argue, but Huullowah turned and left before he stomped the Vikk-Tahh into a paste.

"Continue to speak to the Grellian as you do, and he will kill you," Creetak said calmly. Imminent violence wasn't something to get excited about for the Jool.

Ullenta hissed a breath out in frustration. "Our first stop tomorrow, based on Keshwan's suggestion, should be sufficient to destabilize Danner's mind. We take him to the oldest mass graves and finish with the morgue. When he sees all those bits and pieces, if his nerve hasn't broken, he will be sufficiently shocked to understand that the remaining task will take an extensive amount of time.

Lirsha frowned. The Vikk-Tahh was still focused on the wrong target. He would take steps tomorrow to rectify that.

Chapter 12

Bayly did her best to follow Grenville's every move. She listened to his advice and became his shadow.

Since they entered the restricted zone, she'd felt the eyes on her. Tito had been right. She felt like prey in these worlds. The presence of Grenville was enough to keep most of the predators back. His pilgrim's robe was in his pack, and he wore a tight, short-sleeved top over combat pants and boots. His arms were now on full display. Between the bulk of his muscles and the brutal scars, the display kept most of the lowlifes at a distance.

It was their second day of travel, and Grenville was pushing their pace. He let them know the previous night in the secure inn they'd taken refuge in, that he was becoming concerned with the number of hunters on their tail. He'd slipped out of the inn's back door at the crack of dawn and dealt with a group who'd set up an ambush on the route back to the Gate Terminal. He'd returned to the inn covered in blood, but most of it wasn't his. Bayly bandaged up the minor cuts he'd taken.

That's when she saw the five neat chevron marks carved into his arm. They stood out as they were the only marks that seemed deliberate. The other spoke of chaotic violence, but these said he'd intentionally let himself be painfully marked with this pattern.

"These are different," she'd blurted in surprise.

Grenville smiled. "Yes. They're a tribute to the love of my life."

Bayly's eyes widened. "They're not with you anymore."

Grenville's smile became a little sad. "We had a lifetime of happiness. AnnaZelle made me happier than I'd ever felt before. She loved me, and I keep her in my heart every day... and on my arm."

Bayly returned from her memories as Grenville slowed. They'd left the inn shortly after she finished with the bandages and made their way back to the Gate Terminal along a route they hadn't taken the night before.

He turned his head to lock eyes with her and tapped his lips. She tensed immediately. That was her signal.

As they continued to walk, she reached into the small pouch he'd given her to wear. She pulled out a thick wad of brilliant blue flower petals... and stuffed them in her mouth. She began to chew them, biting down as hard as she could as she rolled them back and forth in her mouth. Gradually they began to turn into a thick paste.

Grenville gestured with his thumb pointing up, and Tito launched himself skyward until he was just a little dot far above.

Bayly's mouth was watering severely from the sourness of the flowers, and she struggled not to swallow. Grenville was explicit in his instructions. She must not consume it! Her chewing continued as the paste began to mix with her saliva. She pressed her lips together to keep herself from drooling.

When the path ahead was suddenly blocked, Bayly passed her eyes across the faces of the hunters who'd been tracking them since they entered the zone. She recognized a few. The common thing they all shared was the tattoos on their faces.

While she'd bandaged him, Grenville explained that the team he'd taken out this morning were the unaffiliated scum, the freelancers who were taking a chance to make the score and maybe get picked up by the syndicate. These new bandits were all marked with the syndicate tattoos. Getting one was an extremely difficult and dangerous process, so they'd paid their dues. Grenville said they would need to be extremely careful with their next moves, or Bayly's mission would end here, as would Grenville's life.

The being in the center of their path looked like a five-foot tall, bright pink bipedal Salamander with red feathery gills. It wore black armor over its torso and carried what looked like shock sticks in two hands. On its forehead was the circular tattoo of the syndicate, but it also had three chevrons bisecting the circle, one from the top and the other two from the sides.

Last night before they slept, Grenville taught Bayly the hierarchy of the symbols. Her eyes darted from face to face. There were five pink aliens and twice that many from various races whose markings also indicated junior levels. All the pink ones were senior-level thugs.

"Hand over the fresh meat and be on your way, ugly one," the senior thug said with a sneer. Grenville continued walking until he was just outside his reach.

"Who's in charge?" he growled.

Center-most thug lost his smile and was about to shout when something wet struck his forehead. He leaned back instinctively, then lifted his fingers to his face and tried to wipe the wetness from his forehead. The touch caused him to flinch in pain, and he saw his fingers were stained blue and covered in blood. Then his fingers began to sting.

"Who's in charge?" Grenville growled once more, just a little louder.

Seeing their leader in trouble, the next two in charge stepped forward.

Bayly jetted the blue inky substance between her lips to strike the tattoos of these goons. The first thug was wailing as his forehead began to burn painfully.

As the next two succumbed to their own pain, Grenville cast an angry glare at the remaining thugs.

"Last chance. Who's in charge?"

One of the remaining Salamander beings put his hand over its tattoo. "You are," he said with a shaking voice.

"Then why are you still in my way?" Grenville yelled, and the thugs scrambled to get away, vanishing in seconds.

As they stepped past, the three beings Bayly spat on were writhing on the ground. The middle one painfully reached into his jacket to pull a weapon, but Bayly spat in his eye.

His scream could be heard for blocks around, and the neighborhood became very quiet.

Grenville continued toward the Gate Terminal, and Tito dropped down to join them when they reached the entrance.

All Gates in the restricted zone were operated by Tik to prevent their abuse. They went to make their next jump which would take them back into the safety of the Gate Network. Their identities cleared them for the transfer, so they hustled to the Gate and stepped through to safety.

Grenville pulled Bayly over to stand next to a fountain in the Gate Terminal. He handed Bayly a glass bottle. "Spit the rest into this and seal it tight."

She did as he asked and closed the bottle. When she went to hand it back to him, he shook his head. Instead, he handed her a water bottle and told her to rinse her mouth and spit several times. She glanced around, but no one was paying attention to them. She did as she was told.

"Keep that small bottle in your pouch in case you need it again. The coloring in the flower petals stains skin, perfect for hiding tattoos, but this was the first time I saw it burn. That must have been due to a reaction with your saliva. Your mouth isn't burning, is it?" Grenville asked.

"Not at all," Bayly said.

Grenville looked at Tito. "That went about as good as it could have. Bayly's accuracy is amazing. When we tested it with water last night, I thought she might be able to splash a face if she got close enough. Being able to hit the tattoos from a distance made the attack so much more effective. Nothing terrifies them more than losing that status marker."

Bayly smiled, proud of her achievement. "The Dannt are natural spitters. Not sure why, but we are."

Grenville nodded to her with a proud smile, and Bayly was surprised by how good that made her feel.

"One more Gate to Maghadahn!" Tito said excitedly.

"And this is where I leave you," Grenville said with a little smile.

Bayly spun to look at the big man in surprise. "You're not coming?"

Grenville shook his head. "No, I've had my fill of their committees. I wish you good luck."

Bayly stepped up to Grenville. "Thank you for helping me help my people. I hope you find what you're looking for on the Peace Trail." She hugged him, and he wrapped his big arms around her.

When she pulled back, Tito extended a tentacle and shook Grenville's hand. "I owe you an apology for how I distrusted you based on appearance alone. I hope you can forgive me."

Grenville smiled. "Take care of Bayly. Get it done."

He turned and walked away, then Tito turned Bayly to guide her to the desk.

"Maghadahn, please. Assembly Headquarters," Tito said to the Gate agent.

"Gate six. You'll have to hurry. Due to excess traffic, the Maghadahn Gates will be offline for six hours. They're sending the Borrelians home," the agent warned.

Tito grabbed Bayly's wrist and almost dragged her across the building to leap through the Gate at the last second. When they exited the other side, they jarred to a stop before colliding with uniformed Maghadahn security agents who were clearing the Gate aisles.

Bayly was stunned by the expansiveness of the enormous terminal and the view through the windows above of the incredibly tall and stylish towers rising into the sky.

"You two! Get the fuck out of there, now!" one of the guards yelled impatiently.

Once more, Tito pulled Bayly out of the terminal building into the main concourse, but the view from here was even more awe-inspiring, and Bayly struggled to cope.

"What... what do we do now?" she asked Tito.

"We contact the Tik to locate Ambassador Danner," Tito said firmly.

Bayly was feeling dizzy. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she struggled to catch her breath.

She was finally here! The goal they'd pushed so hard to reach was... so much bigger than she could have imagined. The buildings were too tall. There were too many people and too much movement. She couldn't breathe. She saw Tito reaching for her then everything went black.

-=-

Jack walked toward the Gate Terminal at three minutes to nine. He'd had a surprisingly restful night's sleep and a very interesting morning. He ensured he was in the dining room when the Vikk-Tahh crew arrived for their breakfast shift. Enduring the standard arrogant behavior, Jack picked up some interesting details about their occupations at home and their lack of enthusiasm for being here.

When they left and the Jool arrived, Jack was enjoying his Borrelian breakfast. He fielded several suspicion-driven pointed questions before they realized he was harmless and began to let slip they'd prefer to be home to get back to their regular jobs.

The Grellians, all of them, refused to speak to him, but he hadn't held out any real hope for them. They always looked like they'd rather be elsewhere.

The Deen-Diin asked him to leave as his presence disturbed their meal.

That was enough abuse for Jack's early morning, so he headed to the terminal. His skimmer was no longer in the spot he'd left it, so he'd have to ask them to bring it back as he wanted to visit the ridge line again.

Rikki was pretty quiet this morning as it was filtering the data for their first query, tracking the movements of the Team Leaders. Jack let him be.

Ullenta was waiting at the entrance with a smile on her face.

"Good morning, Jack! Did you sleep well?" she asked.

Jack smiled. "Good morning, Ullenta. I slept very well and feel refreshed."

She seemed a little surprised, but she rolled with it. "That's excellent news!"

"Oh! Did you get a meal last night and this morning?" she asked as if she'd just recalled there were no Human meals.

"Not my favorites, but Borrelian meals are compatible with Humans, and there are plenty of rations now," Jack said as he guided the Vikk-Tahh into the terminal so they wouldn't be late.

Creetak, Lirsha, and the Qui Qui Qui trio Li Bin Wes, Li Bon Wes, and Li Ben Wes were inside waiting. Huullowah was further in the building, standing apart from the others.

"My skimmer seems to be gone. I'd like to reserve it again as the ridgeline is so peaceful. I want to visit it again," Jack said.

Ullenta looked for the Grellian and called out. "Huullowah, why was Jack's skimmer taken back. He's not done with it. Please have it returned."

The big stony being glared at her and then spoke to someone on his comm. When he disconnected, he looked back at the group. "Are we going?"

Jack nodded to Ullenta to indicate he was ready.

Truthfully, his skin was crawling slightly, but he was firmly clinging to the now as there were no Allsa Komanae in the present.

"I'm with you, Jack," Rikki said, and Jack smiled.

"Thank you, buddy. That helps a lot!" he sent back with a breath of relief.

They approached the mirror of the Gate and stepped through. While Jack knew he was now on Allsa Komanae, the neutral nature of the Gate Terminal gave no signs of it. So far, so good.

The group walked to the exit and stepped outside. Jack looked up for blue skies, but it was overcast here. A solid sheet of grey blended in with the buildings' grey. Ugly, blunt blocks of grey stacked on other grey blocks. The architecture of his nightmares, the difference being he wasn't helplessly controlled by his subconscious here.

"You wouldn't have been aware of where the Allsa Komanae disposed of their expired slaves while you were here. Our teams have discovered areas even the Tik were unaware of—"

"To be fair, the Tik weren't given the opportunity to find them before they were forced to leave the planet," Jack said calmly, interrupting the smug statement from the Vikk-Tahh.

Ullenta had no argument for that, so she nodded stiffly and gestured for Jack to board the large skimmer that would take them into the city.

Jack turned his attention to his fellow passengers as the vehicle moved through block after block of sameness.

Ullenta was pouting. She didn't like having her bragging challenged.

Huullowah appeared to be brooding. He'd have to keep an eye on the brute.

Creetak looked bored. Safe enough.

Lirsha was studiously avoiding looking in his direction. The Deen-Diin were a rude bunch.

The Qui Qui Qui trio were watching him. "Harmony, Rikki," he said internally as he made the symbol. Rikki did his part as he saw the trio return the gesture happily. After his dinner last night with the Qui Qui Qui workers, he was becoming more familiar with their body language. These were showing a lot of stress as they responded so eagerly to the smallest gesture of peaceful intent.

The vehicle was slowing, and Jack noticed they were pulling up to the front doors of a very large building he'd never seen before.

Ullenta perked up, seeing his interest. "We discovered this colosseum which they used to pit the slaves against each other. We haven't found any weapons yet."

They left the skimmer and walked into the building as Jack's mind was trapped in the past. He was hearing Eve's stories of the games she participated in, no, reigned victorious over until they retired her as undefeated. No one would bet against her. He smiled to himself as he recalled how proud she was of her record. He had to ignore the fact that the fucking parasite monsters were sharing these sensations as they tapped into the slave collar feeds.

Soon they were standing in a vast room with a circular arena surrounded by a tiered seating area where the Allsa Komanae would watch the slave attempt to make their opponent have an orgasm before their own. All for the pleasure of their audience and to increase the status of their owner.

Jack had no trouble picturing this as Eve had described it for him, and he'd experienced the sensation of Allsa Komanae feeding from his sensory bandwidth.

"Something they can never do again, Jack," Rikki said gently.

He nodded stiffly, then picked up that Ullenta was speaking to him. He'd missed her question. He turned to face her. "I'm sorry. I was lost in my thoughts and didn't hear what you said."

"I was asking if they made you battle in this arena too?" she said with a gleam in her eye.

His eyes returned to the arena, and his voice was quiet and strained. "They didn't fight here. They had sex."

The others froze, and Ullenta's mouth opened in shock. "Sex?"

Jack nodded, his thoughts returning to Eve's words. "The Allsa Komanae could no longer have sex, but they could tap into the sensory feed broadcast from the slave collars and place bets on which slave could make the other come first." Jack stopped as he realized he was speaking about stuff he didn't want anyone to know about.

Shit. He wasn't at his best in this environment.

He locked eyes with Ullenta, who was staring at Jack's collar.

"I-I never participated in the Games. The Prime had other plans for me," he said.

"Then how did you know about these Games?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I spoke to other slaves, and some Allsa Komanae bragged about the status promotions they received due to the Games."

Lirsha finally focused on him. "That leaves us with questions about another room we found."

Huullowah nodded in agreement and set off toward a door behind the seating. Ullenta motioned for Jack to follow her. They descended multiple floors until the Grellian went through another door, and they stepped out into another circular chamber which was obviously below the arena. It was a very dark and gloomy space, but the glow of the emergency lights showed they were in some kind of control room. The back wall was filled with metal cabinets with switches, dials, and screens.

Then the smell hit him. Stale and musty, it raised the hairs on the back of his neck.

Death.

His muscles locked up.

"What... what is this room? Can you find a control for the fucking lights?" he snapped, his nerves stretched tight.

When none of the others moved to do this, Rikki left its spot between Jack's horns. "I will see if I can locate the power for the overheads."

Jack felt better hearing Rikki's voice and found his legs moving him closer to the doorway to a balcony over that dark pit. He didn't want to see what was down there but had to. As he stepped out onto the six-foot-wide balcony, he saw it was made of metal grating and was bolted to the wall all around the circumference of the deep pit. The railing was just a simple metal tube supported at wide intervals, but otherwise, the balcony was open to the space beyond. He moved further from the door as he looked down. The chamber floor was lost in the shadows, and Jack's mind filled it in with movement.

There was a loud click, and a few overhead lights came on, shining their dim beams down into the pit.

The illusion of movement came from the grating Jack was walking on, but the floor, fifty to sixty feet below, wasn't empty. Instead, Jack could see bones, potentially millions of them.

"Fuck," he gasped through his suddenly tight throat.

"CAN YOU SEE WHY IT TAKES LONG NOW?" Huullowah shouted as he stomped onto the balcony to confront Jack, who was frozen in shock.

The balcony moaned and pinged under the heavy load from the Grellian, and Jack felt it suddenly begin to give. The support struts and bolts under the balcony started to rip free from the wall as the Grellian angrily approached.

Jack flung his hands up to stop the approaching team leader. "You have to stop!"

"WE must NOT stop. YOU must LEAVE so we can CONTINUE!" Huullowah snapped angrily.

There was a flash of light as an arc of electricity cracked through the air in the control room. Jack's connection to Rikki suddenly went dead, and he staggered, hitting the balcony railing with his back. It was shaking dramatically with the hard thumps of the angry Grellian's approaching steps.

Dazed, Jack looked back toward the windows to the inner room and saw Lirsha bending over to pick something up. Then Jack saw the balcony section he was on begin to separate from the next. It was failing under the excess load and violence of the Grellian's steps.

His path to the door was blocked by Huullowah, so Jack spun away from the Grellian, ducked under his outstretched hand, and sprinted as fast as he could to reach a stable balcony section. He could feel his feet adding to the flex of the surface under him, but he needed the forward momentum. As he heard the tortured scream of the metal finally give, he dove forward with his hands outstretched.

Jack's fingers missed the balcony surface as he dropped, but one hand managed to catch an underside support on the next balcony section. He clung to it desperately as he watched the Grellian fall into the dark pit below. It screamed until it landed face-first onto the bone pile and suddenly went silent.

Huullowah landed on what looked like the spinal ridge of a Klaekta. Jack could see the point of one of its spikes poking up through the top of Huullowah's head.

Jack recalled Gee mentioning the roof of their mouth was a Grellian's weak point.

The support he dangled from felt loose, so he moved hand-over-hand to reach the outer edge of the balcony. He grabbed the lip, hooking his fingers through the mesh, and his legs dangled in the open air. He swung his body sideways, caught the balcony edge with his heel, and began to pull himself back on top.

There was a loud crash, and pebbled safety glass spilled out onto and through the metal mesh of the balcony as Jack stopped in surprise. Small hands gripped his leg and arm to tug him further onto the surface. He made a final heave and rolled onto his back. He panted as he looked up at the concerned faces of the Qui Qui Qui. He could see the window they'd busted out to get to him.

"Thank you/Rikki/Others?" he said between breaths.

"Bright flash/Panel exploded/Tik on the floor," one said.

"Deen-Diin burned hands on Tik/Grellian dead/Vikk-Tahh, Deen-Diin, and Jool left to get help," the second added.

"Feared you fell too/Surprisingly agile/Came to help," the third added.

The Qui Qui Qui were endearingly chatty when excited.

"Go back inside quick/Balcony feels loose/I'll go last," Jack insisted.

They made a squeaking sound and scrambled back through the window.

Jack slowly slid himself closer to the wall, and he felt the grating tremble under him. He cursed the Allsa Komanae for under-engineering this structure when they spent so much effort on building the ugly blocks. Then he saw he was covered in soot. Something had been burnt?

The ugly purpose of the room suddenly came to mind.

He pushed that from his thoughts as he reached up and gripped the edge of the now-open window. Jack pulled himself up and got his torso through the window when the next section of the balcony fell away below his feet. A chain reaction began as each span dropped, causing the next to go until the sound was deafening.

Once more, tiny hands grabbed him and pulled him the rest of the way inside the window. He wiped his hands on his clothes though they were also a mess. He quickly rushed to Rikki, whose voice was slowly coming back to him.

"Jjjjjjjjaaaaaaaccccckkkkk, wwwhhaattt hhhappened?" he heard internally.

With the Qui Qui Qui at Jack's elbow, he kept his dialog external. "Rikki? Buddy? You okay? There was an electrical arc, and you dropped to the floor. Any damage?" he asked.

"Checking," Rikki said audibly, and the Qui Qui Qui relaxed.

"All systems are good. No physical damage detected. It must have been an EMP. I'll review my memory to see if I can determine the cause. Why are you covered in soot?" Rikki asked.

"I almost fell into the pit when the balcony I was on broke loose. Huullowah was too heavy for it. Do you mind if we continue this discussion outside? The odor is getting to me.

Jack led Rikki and the Qui Qui Qui up and out of the building. He spotted the other three having a very loud argument. He would have liked to have listened in, but he had company, so he walked out onto the steps leading down to the street, and the three immediately stopped talking.

Lirsha rushed up the stairs to confront them. "My hands! You've ruined my hands!" he screamed.

"How did that happen?" Jack asked innocently, though he had a good idea.

"I touched the Tik—"

Jack went on the offensive. "Who gave you permission to touch Rikki? Was it even conscious when you attempted to touch it? Are you some kind of creepy sleep toucher?" Jack asked indignantly.

The Deen-Diin's mouth was working as he leaned away from Jack. "It-it should have some kind of warning label on it—"

"Should I have a warning label on my body to keep you from touching me if I fall unconscious or just asleep? Do I have to worry about you and your bad touch? Are you seeking professional assistance for your compulsive touching disorder?" Jack insisted.

After sputtering, Lirsha shouted his rage unintelligibly in Jack's face, then stomped back to the curb.

Rikki went internal again. "My last memory before the blackout showed the Deen-Diin standing beside a console and activating a switch. He may have triggered the arc that knocked me out. Why he decided to touch me afterward is unknown. My surface would have felt painfully cold to him, and the Deen-Diin have extremely sensitive hands."

"Then he probably deserved it. Who knows what he intended to do to you," Jack returned as they continued down the stairs to meet the rest of the group. A skimmer arrived for them, and behind it were a few larger trucks. In the back of these were more Grellians than Jack had ever seen in one place. They were heading to their dig site, perhaps? The first truck rolled forward until the driver stopped next to the Vikk-Tahh, and its window rolled down.

Ullenta stepped forward to look up at the driver.

"Where is the Team Leader?" it asked bluntly, peering at their group.

"Huullowah has fallen into a death pit. He did not survive—What are you doing?" she barked as the Grellian's window began to close. It stopped, and the driver scowled at her.

"We are going home. No Team Leader, no team." It paused to look at Jack. "No identifiable dead left to recover."

"What about collecting Huullowah's body?" Ullenta screeched.

The Grellian winced at the sound and scowled at her again. "We don't attach significance to empty vessels. Only other races do this. Worthless, stupid activity. We're returning home to meaningful tasks."

Without another word, the trucks pulled away from the curb and turned around to head for the Gate Terminal. Jack assumed they'd collect the Allsa One Grellians on their way home. Or maybe they wouldn't, and the others would have to find out on their own that their Team Lead was dead.

Jack would leave them a note in the dining room.

The information this group gave him was the most damning of all.

Ullenta had her eyes on Jack as he turned his face back from watching the Grellians leave.

"They were working at an old burial site. There are others they'll be assigned when they return," she insisted. "The next stop on the itinerary is—"

"Back to Allsa One," Jack insisted, and she stared at him.

"I'm not doing anything else until I wash off all this soot from those carbonized corpses in that incinerator. You wouldn't get any viable genetic data from any of the bones in that pit. That's a dead end. I need a shower, and Li Bin Wes, Li Bon Wes, and Li Ben Wes need to get cleaned up too. Lirsha needs medical attention. Let's go back," Jack said firmly.

Unable to argue, Ullenta gestured for them to get into the skimmer.

As they rode back to the Gate Terminal, Rikki kept an eye on the Deen-Diin, who periodically winced from the pain.

"Jack, you seem far more comfortable than before," it said internally.

Jack paused as he realized his anxiety at being here didn't feel as sharp as it had before. He smiled as it felt good to do so. "Maybe surviving another near-death event here gave my anxiety some perspective."

When they reached the Gate Terminal, there was a lineup as it was a single Gate connecting to a single Gate on Allsa One, which was also being used to send the Grellians home.

Ullenta pulled rank and took their group to the front of the line. The waiting Grellian workers grumbled but didn't argue for long. Jack held his tongue as he really wanted a shower.

The moment they were back on Allsa One, Jack bowed to the Qui Qui Qui to show his gratitude and thanks. They seemed very pleased and returned the gesture before Jack rushed away to wash off the soot.

As they crossed the road, Jack saw the requested skimmer parked before the building.

Rikki shot forward and momentarily dipped inside the vehicle before returning between his horns as he entered the wing and started up the stairs.

"What was that?" Jack asked.

"I was just checking the ID of the skimmer to see if it was used by one of the Team Leaders," it replied.

"Ah, you've found something interesting in the query?" Jack asked with a smile.

Rikki was playing its cards close to its chest. "I need a little more time, but possibly."

"Okay, I'll wait," Jack said with a smile.

"I'm very impressed with the processing performance of your collar. The queries I've been running on it are amazingly quick," Rikki noted.

Jack blinked in surprise. "You've been running queries in the collar itself?"

"Yes! Its processors are much more powerful than mine!" Rikki gushed.

Jack frowned. "I wasn't aware it had processors. I thought it had storage only."

"It has tremendous storage but needs fast processors to manage it efficiently. That's likely how it's able to preserve a Tik without loss," Rikki suggested.

Jack tried to think about that but shrugged and accepted it as it was beyond his knowledge.

They stepped into their unit. "I just want to take a shower, wash my clothes, and put on something clean."

"I should have something to tell you after dinner," Rikki suggested.

"Works for me," Jack said and busied himself with the mundane task of getting clean.

The simplicity of it was bliss for his overworked nerves.

This was relaxing.

Chapter 13

Bayly woke with a start and stared at unfamiliar surroundings. She was lying in a bed with soft sheets in a small but brightly lit room with no windows. There was a door at the foot of the bed.

"Tito?" she called out.

Moments later, the door opened, and the Tik entered with a tall, slim avian-like being at its side. This new being walked up beside the bed and glanced at the readout on the wall above the bed. "She's fine. It was a simple panic attack brought on by the shock of her sensory overload. Stay away from the open areas on Maghadahn, and she should be fine."

"Thank you, doctor," Tito said, and the being nodded to it as they left.

"How long have I been out?" Bayly asked.

"Not long. A few hours, and I've used the time well. I got in touch with the Tik officials on Maghadahn. I've informed them of the Krreegah crisis. Due to Dannt's status, there will be a problem with getting the Assembly Members to hear our case." At her immediate expression of dismay, Tito held up two tentacles to stop the outburst. "They offered a solution. We need a champion to present our plea for support to the Assembly. Since we are already looking for him, they said Ambassador Danner would be our best choice," Tito said.

"Where is he?" Bayly gasped as she leapt out of bed and noticed she was naked. Tito pointed to the fresher, and she collected her clothes and put them on.

"He's on a special mission for the Grand Assembly Committee on a planet called Allsa One," Tito explained.

"How many Gates will it take us to get there?" Bayly said.

"Uh, it's only one Gate, but we can't go there," the Tik said.

Bayly froze. "What? We need to speak to him! We're running out of time!" she exclaimed.

"The planet is restricted, but Ambassador Danner will be returning to Maghadahn in a day or two to give his report to the Grand Assembly Committee," Tito said encouragingly.

Bayly stared at Tito in dismay again. It wasn't listening! "We just took a shortcut through the restricted zone to shave two days off our journey, and now you're expecting me to wait two days? No! We need to speak to him now!"

Tito watched Bayly's hands trembling and tried to think of something it could say. "Maybe... maybe we could speak to the Committee Overseers who sent him to Allsa One so we could get a message to him?"

Bayly latched onto that and nodded. "Yes! We must reach him. Let's go!"

Tito turned and left the hospital room, and Bayly followed.

"We'll have to travel to the Assembly Headquarters and inquire about getting in touch with the Assembly members on the special committee," Tito explained as they left the hospital and headed for the transport station.

They kept to the internal tunnels to avoid exposing Bayly to the spectacle that was Maghadahn.

-=-

As Bayly and Tito boarded the transit, they failed to notice their shadow slip into the next car. Eyes tracked the Tik, who'd made inquiries about Jack Danner. Nothing was to interfere with the plan.

They were unaware of the eyes watching them.

-=-

Jack returned to the room feeling pleasantly full. His dinner with the Qui Qui Qui was highly entertaining. They were a great bunch and listened to his story of how their Team Leader saved his life with great excitement. They were also shocked to hear about the death of the Grellian Team Leader and expressed interest in what it meant for their team with the departure of all Borrelians and now the Grellians from Allsa One and Allsa Komanae. They wanted to go home too.

Apparently, the moment Jack and the remaining Team Leaders returned to Allsa One, Ullenta returned to Maghadahn for a meeting. She was expected to return this evening.

"I have a report for you, Jack," Rikki announced when Jack dropped his tired body onto their most comfortable chair.

"Hit me, buddy! Dazzle me!" he said with a grin.

Rikki paused as it wondered if its report was dazzling enough.

Jack waved his hands weakly. "Sorry, just tell me what you found."

"As requested, I concentrated on the movements of the Team Leaders. You were correct that there were fewer records for them, so even with the grossly exaggerated data normalization, I was able to isolate instances of their use of the skimmers. I concentrated on the records for the past seven years and discovered a single pattern. I went back to the data to confirm if this pattern was in place prior to seven years ago, but it was not.

In the two years before the change, teams were allowed to travel all over Allsa One. Then seven years ago, all traffic outside Allsa One's city limits stopped, except for the Team Leaders. The night it stopped was two days before the new work guideline was posted for all teams to isolate their work from the others. They must have grounded all skimmers before they released the new rules.

The leaders continued to travel outside the city, but their destination was always the same, based on the distance traveled. These records don't identify the location, but based on the high and nearly identical mileage, it suggests they were traveling to the same place. The night the travel restriction went into place, a Borrelain investigator had taken a skimmer this distance. They died that night."

Jack sat up straight.

"Hang on. Let me see if I understand you correctly. Seven years ago, travel restrictions went into place after a Borrelian investigated something a great distance away and died when they returned. Then the Team Leaders potentially went to this location repeatedly but only them. When was their most recent visit?" Jack asked.

"Three days ago. I can't tell you which ones, as one requested the vehicle, and multiple leaders could have been in the vehicle," Rikki suggested.

"How do we get a fix on the actual location?" Jack asked.

Rikki pointed a tentacle toward the skimmer parked outside. "The vehicle we have was recently used to travel there. The Driver's GPS Destination logs are cleared after every trip, but the maintenance logs are not, and they contain the coordinates."

"We need to investigate this tonight!" Jack insisted.

Rikki paused. "Based on the distance, it may be one of the planet's polar regions. You don't have any cold weather gear."

Jack shook his head. "We have to do this without letting them know we're going. I'll bring a blanket and won't get out of the skimmer unless there is something to see at the location."

Rikki wasn't happy with the plan, but he understood the risk of losing the element of surprise. "I am not affected by the cold, so I could do the investigation first."

"Enough talking. Let's go!" Jack said as he hopped to his feet and pulled his blanket from the bed. He pulled a sweater from his pack, slipped it on, and snuck out into the hall. The building was quiet, so he went down to ground level and looked out the window to see if the coast was clear. It was dark out now, and he saw no one on the street at all.

He slipped outside and hustled over to the skimmer. Tossing the blanket onto the rear seat, he got in and started the vehicle. It was fully charged.

Rikki connected to the skimmer's maintenance terminal and reviewed the logs. "This one has made the trip multiple times in the past few months."

"I'll take us out to the ridgeline, then you can fly us to our destination as quickly as possible," Jack suggested.

Jack eased the skimmer out of the spot and drove them through the dark streets until they left the buildings behind. He smiled over at Rikki in the passenger seat, who put the vehicle into flight mode and entered the coordinates.

"My guess was accurate. The location is in the northern polar region," Rikki said.

The vehicle rose into the sky and accelerated away.

"It will take ninety-five minutes to reach the destination at this top speed," Rikki said as he watched the monitors for pursuers. "No sign yet of anyone chasing us."

Jack smiled, reached back to grab the blanket, and gestured to the windscreen as he covered himself. "There's nothing to see, so I'm going to nap."

He closed his eyes, and Rikki took over.

"I'll keep an eye on things. Pleasant dreams," Rikki said, his attention focusing on the route and their six.

It reviewed its memory of their departure and saw Ullenta step out of the Gate Terminal just as they turned the corner to head for the ridgeline.

Did she see the taillights on the skimmer? It decided it was better to assume she did. It increased the skimmer's power output to one-hundred-and-twenty percent to increase their speed. No risk of running out of power for their return trip, and it might give them a few extra minutes alone at their destination.

-=-

Ullenta saw a brief flash of red and wondered who would be driving at night. She glanced up and saw they had clear skies, and the stars were out in full display. It was a nice night to gaze at the stars.

Her trip to meet with the cabal of ambassadors on Maghadahn had been very stressful. With the loss of Ambassador Hirrahn from Borrelia, their group was losing cohesion.

Compounding that was the volatility of the Grellian Ambassador, Khestra. He'd become enraged when she informed him of his Team Leader's death and the revolt of the Grellian workers. He claimed the Grellians were done with the entire mess and were withdrawing all support for the project. He said their promises were empty and saw no value in pursuing them further. Then he stormed off.

Ambassador Umannas assured her Khestra would not leak any information. Umannas, Ambassador Kikacraw from Jool, and Ambassador Bretesh from Deen-Diin would deal with the Grellian.

Her superior suggested she attempt to seduce Danner, but she reminded him that the Tik was always by his side as required by the Research Committee. The accident that claimed Huullowah had unfortunately failed to take Danner.

As she crossed the street, she stopped as she noticed the skimmer she ordered for Danner wasn't there.

Was he the one going out for a midnight drive? Where would he go?

A chill suddenly shot down her spine.

Ullenta raced across the street and let herself into the Team Leader's control center. She turned on the lights, then rushed over to a terminal where she could pull up the present location of all the skimmers. As none of the workers were allowed to leave the city limits, very few skimmers were in use.

Danner's wasn't inside the city limits. She expanded the range and widened it once more to see it leave the screen... headed north.

"NO!" she screamed as she pounded her fists against the desk.

Ullenta called Creetak, Lirsha, and the Qui Qui Qui, who they could use as leverage against Danner as he seemed to like them so much. She ordered them all to meet her at the entrance to the skimmer yard.

She rushed out the door and crossed to the utility yards, where they kept all the equipment. She ran into the skimmer lot and grabbed the largest one, which already contained the snow gear. Jack wouldn't have that.

She drove the vehicle to the front gate where the others were waiting and opened the door.

"Get in! Danner is heading to the site!" she yelled, and the others hustled.

She punched in the coordinates she'd memorized and pushed their speed to max.

"How did he find it?" Creetak snapped.

"Are you kidding me? How many times do I have to say it? He has a Tik with him! Danner couldn't find his way to the bathroom without it! The Tik somehow found the location in the data. I told you it was a mistake to give it access to the data!" Lirsha argued. He was wearing bandages over his hands and prosthetics over those. The fake hands had a few extra hooks on them, which were rather frightening to look at.

Ullenta ignored the others and checked the position of Jack's skimmer in relation to theirs. She noticed it was moving faster than theirs but didn't know how to boost their speed. "Jack will arrive roughly fifteen to twenty minutes before we do."

"We have to be prepared to take steps to guarantee he doesn't leave the site with the secret," Creetak said.

"Finally, someone's saying something intelligent!" Lirsha insisted.

Ullenta saw worried expressions on the Qui Qui Qui. Too bad for them. Lirsha and Creetak were right.

The time for gentle behavior was over.

-=-

Jack woke at a light nudge from Rikki. He looked blearily across the seat at the Tik.

"We're arriving. We'll also have company in a little under twenty minutes, so we'll need to work quickly," Rikki said.

"Shit," Jack grumbled as he rubbed his eyes, then sighed. "That's not much time, but we'll do what we can with it. What are we looking at?" he asked, gesturing to the skimmer's control panel.

"There is a single dome structure ahead. It has one entrance, and it's partially underground. I'll land us by the front door. That blanket is not going to provide much protection from the sub-zero temperatures. If the structure isn't heated, you won't be able to stay in it for long," Rikki noted.

"They visit frequently, so I'm going to assume they'll want to be comfortable," Jack suggested.

"We will see," Rikki said. "Be prepared to run back to the skimmer."

They came in fast and used the gusts of wind to clear most of the loose snow from the entrance.

Jack wrapped a thick blue blanket around his shoulders and opened the skimmer's door. Frigid air poured in, and he gasped. Then he was running for the shelter's door. Rikki got there first and activated the entrance. It slid open, and they moved into the airlock. The outer door closed, and warm air blasted in. When the fans stopped, the inner door opened, and they were facing an empty, dimly lit room.

"That's pretty anticlimactic," Jack sighed.

"That's pretty horrifying!" Rikki said as it moved straight across the chamber. Jack followed and saw what Rikki had seen in the poor lighting. Two partially disassembled Tik were bolted to the far wall. Making this even more creepy, they powered up when he got closer to them, and a black vertical rectangle formed between them. He had difficulty looking into the inky darkness. More disturbing were the sickly-colored flames moving around the edges of the black abyss. The whole thing made his brain ache.

"What the fuck?" Jack asked in confusion.

"The Tik have been lobotomized to make them Gate Generators activated by the presence of organic life forms," Rikki said stiffly.

"That's a Gate?" Jack asked.

"A very old one," Rikki qualified.

"Okay, but to where?" Jack asked.

"Please stay here," Rikki said, floating into the blackness.

Jack held his breath as he could no longer feel Rikki. That silence grew louder.

It was approaching the one-minute mark, and he was about to step through when Rikki returned. "Jack. You need to see this. There's air, but keep the blanket."

Jack's eyes widened. "There's air?" What did that mean?

He stepped through the old Gate and gasped as he exited the other side. His stomach felt queasy after that transition. He looked around and was in another dimly lit empty room, but the difference was, on this wall were two more lobotomized Tik with an ancient Gate and a vault door on the opposite wall. It was very ornate and filled half of the wall.

"So... it was treasure?" Jack said.

"Maybe, but we aren't experiencing natural gravity. The floors are gravity plates," Rikki said.

"Huh," Jack said, but he could feel no difference. "You'd need to be a Tik to identify that."

Jack walked over to the vault door and marveled at the intricate design on its surface. Then his eyes caught the symbol at the center. "Oh, shit."

"What's wrong, Jack?" Rikki asked in concern.

He lifted his hand and traced the deep V design on the door as he stroked the V at the center of his slave collar.

"The Prime?" Rikki asked.

"I think whatever's behind this door, a Mahrell Drun Prime had something to do with its design," Jack said quietly.

Rikki scanned the entire surface of the door. "There are no handles or controls on the door or the frame."

Jack nodded. "The Team Leaders have been trying to open this door for seven years with no luck. That's a stupid amount of time to be spent on a door."

"They were probably looking for clues on Allsa One and Allsa Komanae," Rikki suggested.

It looked closer at the center of the door. "Just under the Prime symbol is a grid of tiny holes with a membrane behind it. Does this give you any ideas?" Rikki asked.

"I'm sure they've been trying voice controls." Jack scoffed. Then he frowned. "If this was designed by a Prime, it would definitely be voice-activated as they're so fucking vain. Hearing themselves speak is the pinnacle of entertainment," Jack said with a stiff smirk.

"We could try that. Use the voice of the Prime, I mean," Rikki suggested.

Jack looked at Rikki cautiously. "What do you mean?"

"I know you keep your memories of the Prime buried deep, but if you shared one with me, I could emulate her voice," Rikki explained. "We don't have much more time before the others arrive, so we should try something soon."

Jack nodded stiffly. "Okay, fine. I'll try to find one that doesn't make me wet my pants. Hang on a second," Jack said. He took slow deep breaths.

When he was ready, he closed his eyes and recalled his initial meeting with the Prime in the fitness center. He let that memory fill his mind. Then Rikki arrived, and his memories skewed until they reached a new one. He was clamped to a table, naked and helpless. Then the Prime's voice slid into his brain like honey:

"All of my people, dead at your hand. How am I going to rule if I don't have a loyal ruling class? I need to repopulate my race. That's what a Queen does. I'm the last Prime, so I'm going to repopulate our world.

You and me, Jack, we're going to make some new Primes."

Jack's eyes flew open as he felt a severe tremor run through his muscles, stealing their strength, and he dropped to his knees. He sucked in deep breaths as he fought off the nausea.

Naturally, his brain couldn't allow him to use a less traumatic moment to relive.

"I'm sorry I asked you to do that, Jack," Rikki said contritely.

Jack took slow deep breaths until his equilibrium returned. "It's okay, Rikki. Please tell me you got her speech patterns and voice."

"Yes," it said.

Jack nodded and pushed himself back to his feet. "So, what do you think? Open Sesame?"

"Let's try Activate and Open first."

Rikki positioned itself before the grid of small holes. Then the Prime's slick voice spoke, and Jack's mind rebelled. "Door Activate."

A deep hum began, and Jack felt a vibration in his feet. "Holy shit. You got it on the first try! They're going to be so pissed!" he said to Rikki with a shaky smile.

Rikki pointed at Jack. "They would never have gotten through it as they didn't have the voice of a Prime. They needed you and me to make that happen." Rikki switched back to the Prime's voice. "Door Open."

A series of snap and thunk sounds came from the door before it swung towards them slowly. Jack saw it was at least eight feet of armored, super-dense metal.

The light was muted inside, but Jack picked up an orange glow to the left of the entrance.

"Seems like a rather intense door," Jack said nervously as he stepped inside. Rikki moved back between his horns. He took a sniff, and the air held a faint staleness to it.

"We should close the door in case our chasers arrive," Rikki suggested.

Jack was really not happy about that idea, but he agreed it might be safer. "Okay."

"Door Close."

Jack watched the vast door closing and unconsciously moved away from it further into the room.

There was a short square hall to the left with a right turn at the end, which was another short square hall.

Stepping out of that passage, they saw stretched out before them a vast chamber with a high ceiling lost in shadows. The deep and wide room looked naturally formed except for the perfectly smooth floor and its gravity panels.

Complimenting this natural aesthetic, the walls running the length of the room sloped toward each other as they climbed into the darkness above. The wall to their right had a distinct sixty-degree angle from the floor, but the wall to the left had an irregular slope.

A deep, triangular room?

It was completely atypical for Allsa Komanae architecture, making Jack appreciate it more. It was also strangely warm, so Jack dropped his blanket to the floor.

Aside from the dark ceiling, the long room was brilliantly lit by orange beams of light pouring in from the right. They couldn't see the actual windows from this end of the room, but the light cut through the space and highlighted the one jarring reminder of the Allsa Komanae's presence.

Directly in the middle of the widest swath of orange light stood three control consoles meant to be operated by a trio of the diseased cybernetic monsters. A short distance back from that was a row of metal cabinets, whose purpose was unknown.

Aside from these out-of-place add-ons, the chamber was stunning!

Turning his eyes from ugly mechanisms, Jack aimed his feet toward the source of that broad beam of light. As he stepped around the edge of the deep window alcove, he struggled to grasp the reality of what he was seeing and how it related to where he was.

He faced a window thirty feet wide at the base, probably eight feet thick, and easily thirty feet tall, tapering to a point.

Rikki reached out and touched the surface for a moment. "I think it's a diamond," it said.

Orange-tinted diamond. It was the largest diamond Jack had ever seen.

As if this wasn't enough to dazzle his mind, outside the window was a view Jack did his best to grasp. He'd stepped through an ancient Gate on Allsa One, bringing him here. Now, he stood before a huge window facing a vast, unnaturally flat crater suspiciously free of debris.

He was on a moon.

This explained the need for gravity plates.

In the distance was a star providing ample light and lighting up the side of a planet seen on the lunar horizon.

"Rikki? Are we on Allsa One's moon?" Jack asked quietly.

"Hmm? No. The planet you are looking at is Allsa Komanae, I believe. We are on one of its moons," it responded with an equal amount of awe in its voice.

The control room they stood in was built into the upper lip of the vast crater. There were many vertical fissures of various sizes in the slope which may have been exposed to space at one time. Now they were filled with orange diamond windows. The sheer quantity and size of the diamonds was yet another wonder.

"Is that a natural crater?" Jack asked.

"Yes. The crater walls are natural, but I think long after the impact site cooled, some mechanism was built into the crater floor. What it does, I have no idea," Rikki responded.

Jack turned his back on the spectacular vista and looked nervously back at the consoles and the bank of cabinets. The hairs on the back of his head were standing on end. He didn't know what they controlled, but he was pretty certain it wasn't something good.

He walked closer to the equipment that didn't seem to fit in this otherwise artfully crafted settling.

As they approached, lights came on in the row of servers at the back. Rikki suddenly shot forward and reached out with a tentacle to brutally slap a cluster of sensors projecting from the top of the middle case, causing several of the rods to break clean off while others dangled from the wires that connected them to the device.

The tentacle Rikki used to do this drooped loosely at its end. It was clearly broken.

"Remain silent. The servers are waking," Rikki said internally to Jack.

"Prime. Novae Control Center One activating. Damage detected in internal security sensor array." The voice came from a speaker hidden in the darkness above and had the distinct mechanical buzz of an Allsa Komanae. A shiver ran down Jack's back.

Rikki responded as the Prime. "Bypass internal security sensor array assessment. Status update."

More squirmy shivers ran down Jack's back as he peered more closely at the five distinct server towers and the glowing lights leaking from their insides. There had to be something creepy going on in there, as they were built by the creepiest fucks he knew.

"Power cell systems running at eighty-five percent efficiency. Activating secondary systems to restore shortfall. Energy accelerator systems are nominal. Targeting systems nominal. Jump Drive systems powering up and nominal. Navigation systems are nominal. Defense systems are nominal. Stealth cloaking systems show forty-three percent surface coverage due to surface impact damage and are offline for repair. Gravity plate systems are nominal. Cooling systems..."

Jack listened to the list of functions this control center managed, and his mind returned to the first thing it said. Novae Control Center. Jack looked back out the massive window to the flat, grey expanse below as the realization struck with full force.

He was standing on the Allsa Komanae's star killer.

This was the weapon the bastards used to alter the Harruushan's star to poison them and destabilize the Shreen's star until it consumed their planet. He'd wondered why they hadn't used it on any other worlds. Going through the list of active systems, he'd only heard one issue, the stealth system was damaged. Was that why they hadn't continued to use it?

"Jack, I'm going to connect to the server to gather as much information as I can get from it while remaining undetected," Rikki said to him internally.

"Be careful!" Jack said unnecessarily, his nerves buzzing.

Rikki hovered next to the first console and slipped one of his tentacles under the control panel.

"Prime. What are your orders."

Jack stood in a vast chamber listening to the hum of the servers gently bounce off the high ceilings.

There was a high-pitched whine coming from the top of the middle cabinet. A slim rod was extending upwards amongst the debris of the broken sensors.

Shit.

The hum of the servers suddenly cranked up to full power. "Intruders. Connecting to Network."

There was an eerie silence as the voice went quiet as it... investigated?

"Allsa Komanae are extinct. Home world infested. Weapon has been compromised. Initiating Autonomous End Plan."

Now that his presence was no longer a secret, he figured he could ask a question.

"Define Autonomous End Plan," he said aloud.

"Purge all non-Allsa Komanae life from home world by triggering supernova in local sun. Weapon will travel to all Assembly worlds and trigger suns to supernova, extinguishing all life. As stealth systems are still offline, all subsequent targets will be chosen randomly after the initial target, Maghadahn's sun," the cold voice announced.

Jack looked to Rikki, who was still connected and hopefully looking for an off switch.

Rikki dropped to the floor with a thump. Its tentacle was still connected to the console.

The speaker above went silent as well.

"Rikki? Are you okay, buddy?" Jack asked internally.

"Busy," Rikki said.

Jack figured Rikki was battling the AI and didn't need the distraction.

"Keep duking it out with the AI," he said in support.

Rikki chuckled. "Duking is more your thing." Then it went silent.

Jack felt useless, so he moved closer to the servers and wondered if he could find an off switch manually. Walking around the cases showed no such controls. It would have to be inside. He realized he had no tools to use to open them. He glanced around, but the room was empty of anything he could use.

Digging in his pockets only yielded his padded gloves. He stared at them until he felt a strong vibration and saw the sun beam on the floor was moving. Jack rushed back to the window. The sun was slowly moving upwards, which meant the moon was rolling to reposition itself. Thinking of something as large as a moon being maneuvered like a vehicle boggled his mind.

A new vibration began and settled into a steady rumble. The vast expanse of the crater floor was starting to iris open. After just a few moments, Jack began to see the muzzle of the weapon, which would fire at the sun.

A second hum began, higher in pitch and growing steadily louder. Jack's imagination was telling him this was the weapon charging.

He ran back to the row of cabinets and slipped his gloves on. He looked closer at the five server towers. The central one had the security sensors, and the fifth one was wider than the others with fewer lights on it. Otherwise, they were all pretty much the same. He stepped in front of the first case and began to punch the front panel, slamming his fists against the flat metal plate. Eventually, it buckled, and one side popped loose from its frame. He grabbed the edge and pulled with all his strength until the metal plate folded back.

Jack looked inside and yelled in fright as he threw himself back to land on his ass.

Inside the cabinet was a partial Allsa Komanae head and some floating tissues interconnected to the server hardware inside a closed nutrient solution delivery system. The head floated in a clear glass cylinder with glass pipes feeding and draining that.

Shaking off his disgust, Jack climbed back to his feet and kicked at the bent panel until he had better access to the insides. He glared at the head, then examined the connections. The glass was one solid piece, so he'd have to break it at its weakest point.

He began to punch the nutrient feed pipe until it suddenly cracked and burst open. The fluid inside was pressurized and jetted the liquid out, splashing his glove. The Reaver silk was not affected, but the gel padding began to dissolve. It thankfully had no effect on his skin aside from the odor.

The pressure change in the nutrient system caused the Allsa Komanae's organic tissue to immediately swell and pop sickeningly. Jack felt a little dizzy, but looking down at the sunbeam on the floor, he saw its movement slowing.

Rikki's voice suddenly called out over the overhead speaker. "Next!"

Jack moved to the second server and punched his fists against the panel. The damaged glove didn't protect his hand, and he broke his little finger, making him hiss in pain. He pushed through it and got the panel open, kicking it back.

Another hideous head was inside. Jack considered how he might kick the pipes, but they were too high and awkwardly positioned. He didn't want to ruin his good glove, so he slammed his broken fist against the nutrient tube, cracking it badly. He howled as another finger broke. Through his wince, he watched the head inside the glass bottle as fear filled its eye while it bulged and popped.

Panting with pain, Jack listened but detected no change in the rising tone and vibration from the weapon's charging nor the rumbling vibration from the iris opening.

"Fourth!" Rikki called out from above.

A moment later, Rikki's voice came back. "Destroy the first workstation! Save me!"

Jack took a step forward, then stopped. Rikki would never put himself before anyone else, so he turned back to the fourth cabinet and punched the panel with his good hand until he could pull the panel back. Six solid kicks opened it wide enough to see the floating Allsa Komanae face in the tank watching him with hate in its eyes. Jack lurched back in revulsion, tremors running through his body. He reacted without thinking and punched the tank itself. It cracked and began to drain as Jack howled in agony from his hand.

The liquid shorted something out as there was a spray of sparks from the bottom of the server, and the low rumble stopped. Cradling his broken hand protectively, Jack ran to the window and saw the doors had stopped opening. The rumbling began again, but the massive crater doors were closing.

The higher-pitched hum continued to climb in tone and volume, so he wondered what that would mean if the doors were closed.

"Last!" Rikki yelled.

Jack ran back to the largest cabinet and punched the shit out of the cover, but it refused to bend.

Cursing violently, Jack pulled back as far as he could, then charged back, leaping headfirst at the smooth metal plate, smashing into it with his horns.

He picked himself off the floor, shaking off the daze. He noted the side panel had been knocked out of its track. The top edge was still partially connected, but he could now slide the cover plate to the side, exposing some of the insides.

There were no heads inside the case floating in a nutrient bath, just computer components. He didn't know what to do as he still had nothing to use to damage the stuff inside.

Looking over at the server, which had shorted out, he rushed closer to see if some fluid was left and something he could carry it with. Nothing.

"Last! Hurry!" Rikki called out again.

"Fuck!" Jack yelled and rushed back to the open server.

With no other option, he dropped his pants, concentrated on relaxing, and pissed into it.

Moments later, a bright flash knocked him back onto his ass as the server began to sizzle. He looked down at himself and sighed in relief as he saw nothing was burnt. Then he got to his feet and zipped up his pants with a grin.

The server exploded, tossing him across the room.

Chaotic seconds later, Jack became aware of Rikki dragging him toward the end of the room and the vault door.

The noise had become deafening as the building vibrated in sympathetic resonance to the still-climbing tone. He tapped Rikki's tentacle to get it to let go. He scrambled to his feet, and they ran for the vault door. The door was closed, and Jack placed his undamaged hand against it, but everything was vibrating, so he couldn't tell if it was operating or not.

Rikki used the Prime voice again. "Door Activate. Door Open."

Jack felt the latches releasing, so he stepped back. It swung open slowly, and the moment the gap was wide enough, Jack squeezed through.

He suddenly stopped with two weapons pointed at his face.

Ullenta was pissed. "How did you get the door open?"

"We can discuss that later! We have to leave right now!" Jack insisted.

Creetak clicked his mandibles together sharply. "So, you can keep the treasures to yourself? Do you think we're that stupid?"

Jack looked at the far wall in exasperation, then froze as the eerie Gate wasn't active. "Rikki, what happened to the Gate?"

"It's out of alignment since we turned," it replied.

"What do you mean we turned?" Lirsha asked.

While Jack didn't want to tell them where they were and what it was, he didn't have enough time to invent something believable. "We're on one of Allsa Komanae's moons." He gestured to the open door. "That noise is the equipment that controls the moon's movement. It spun slightly."

"What about the treasure?" Creetak yelled, shaking his weapon in Jack's face.

"There is nothing valuable in there—aside from the diamond windows," Jack admitted.

The Jool's eyes widened, and he pushed Jack over as he rushed inside. Lirsha growled at the Jool's impulsiveness, then quickly followed him inside. Ullenta looked at Jack with doubt in her eyes as she walked backward to the entrance. "You won't be going anywhere without a Gate, so stay put." She turned and rushed inside.

Jack looked at the Qui Qui Qui, who seemed torn between curiosity and fear. "Death inside/No treasure/Danger," Jack said as he stood up and joined Rikki by the Zombie Tik.

"Can you reactivate them?" Jack asked.

"Yes, but we can't connect to Allsa One. I may be able to make an emergency linkage with Allsa Komanae, but these Gates are really old and not very compatible. It's risky, and I won't be able to keep it linked for long. You'll have to move fast. Also, if this moon blows, Allsa Komanae isn't going to be a safe place to be, either. We need to get back to Allsa One!"

"Do it as quickly as you can," Jack said as Rikki connected to the other Tik.

Jack saw movement behind him and saw the vault door closing. The Qui Qui Qui were watching it with dread. There was no time to waste, so he gestured for them to come to the Gate.

"Activate Gate/Others sealed in vault/Rescue Team Leaders?" one asked.

"Team Leaders unstable/Unable to reason/Moon explodes soon," Jack said honestly.

The Odd Gate opened. "Go through now!" Rikki yelled.

Jack got the trio to leap through then he was right behind them. Rikki bumped into his back as he followed so close. They were in the Alsa Komanae Gate Terminal.

"Sorry, Jack. I could only hold it for a few seconds," Rikki said apologetically.

"No problem, buddy." Jack turned to the Qui Qui Qui. "Emergency recall/All personnel/Evacuate through Gate to Allsa One now!"

The trio rushed to the doorway, broke a small glass window in a box mounted to the wall, and pulled down on a lever. A siren began to wail loudly.

Jack looked at Rikki in surprise. "Is that what that little box was for? I've seen them in every Gate Terminal and never knew their purpose!"

Rikki gestured to the Gate. "It also sets the Gate to outbound only. No one will be coming to Allsa Komanae until the crisis is resolved. You should go through."

"I will as soon as we get the workers off the planet. I'm not leaving any more people to die on this fucking world!" Jack growled and rushed to get outside.

Allsa Komanae had three moons in its sky, and Jack had no idea which of them was the weapon platform. The largest was furthest out, with a slightly smaller moon in a closer orbit, and a much smaller moon was closer still.

Just as they reached the doorway, a brilliant flash lit up the night sky. A beam of energy lashed out from the middle moon, spewing a stream of surface material it ripped away with it. The beam struck the smallest moon, carving into its surface until it split in two. A second, larger flash terminated the energy beam as an enormous cloud of rock lifted from the weaponized moon's surface into space. At least a third of its mass broke away due to the massive explosion. The fractured moon began to move closer to the planet as a brilliant white glow appeared on its outer edge.

Jack and Rikki shared a look. They were responsible for this. Granted, they were trying to save the rest of the Assembly worlds at the time.

He turned to the Qui Qui Qui. "Inventory of personnel on planet/checklist/determine all are through?"

They bowed and rushed across the plaza to duck inside a grey box of a building.

"All skimmers and public buildings, including the barracks where the workers would have been sleeping, will repeat the evacuation message. I believe some are already inbound," Rikki said, pointing to the light seen on the horizon.

The Qui Qui Qui trio ran back across the street, one clutching a tablet in its hands.

"Thirty Qui Qui Qui/Twenty Jool/Ten Deen-Diin and Twelve Vikk-Tahh," it said.

Jack stared at the smaller being then he looked at Rikki. "Seventy-two beings working on recovery?"

"The Borrelians were forced to leave, and the Grellians left on their own," Rikki reminded him.

Jack looked back at the Qui Qui Qui. "How many Borrelians/How many Grellians/Total workforce on Allsa Komanae?"

"Ten Borrelians/ Eighteen Grellians/One hundred in total," it responded. Jack's jaw clenched tight in anger. The Harruushans were forced to endure living on a planet that was killing them while the research team only numbered one hundred people?

The first skimmer landed, and four Jool rushed into the terminal and headed straight for the Gate. Rikki reached out a tentacle and took the tablet from the Qui Qui Qui, and scanned all the images of the workers listed as on the planet. "Four Jool down, sixteen to go." Rikki looked at the three. "I will ensure all are present and accounted for. You should go through."

The Qui Qui Qui looked at Rikki and then at Jack.

"Workers go through/Go to Maghadahn/Tell the Committee Overseers of the disaster," Jack said, but the trio didn't move. "You are the last surviving Team Leader/You go home after this/The Allsa Komanae Research project is over," Jack said. Still, the trio didn't leave. They looked unsure. Jack nodded.

"You knew of the vault/Conspiracy to keep the project running/Lies," Jack asked gently.

"Yes/Yes/Yes," it said quietly.

A large group of Qui Qui Qui was approaching in a hurry. Rikki moved to the Gate to monitor it and record the people going through it.

Jack stepped aside with the Qui Qui Qui Team Leader.

"Why keep secret?/Blackmail?/Greed?" Jack asked.

"Killed Borrelian investigator who found Gate building/All promised to keep secret/Prevent war with Borrelia," it said sadly.

Jack saw how they'd roped in the Qui Qui Qui. To prevent a war they claimed would happen from its murder of the investigator, it had to keep the secret. "When did investigator death occur?/Most accurate recollection/important."

The three looked at each other then their speaker addressed Jack. "Day of new Operations Guideline/Confused/Went to speak with Keshwan."

Jack nodded as they watched a steady stream of workers rushing through the entrance and running through the Gate. The mirror surface rippled momentarily then the next group rushed through.

Jack refocused on the surviving Team Leader. "Borrelian Investigator death registered night of discovery/Reported to Keshwan/Keshwan killed her." That made more sense to Jack.

This news disturbed the Qui Qui Qui. "Why?/Why?/Why?" they trilled in harmony.

"Keshwan needed secret kept/Others joined plot/Tricked you into participating," Jack suggested. His inner ear was acting up. He felt a moment of vertigo and saw the Gate's mirror ripple again. The flood of workers was quickly diminishing.

"War?/No war?/Crime?" the Qui Qui Qui speaker asked in confusion.

"Never war/No crime/Innocent victim of a plot," Jack said. "Go through Gate now/Speak the truth to the Committee Overseers/No penalty for you as I will tell them."

The trio flashed him the Friend, Peace, and Harmony signs, and he did his best to return them. Then they rushed through the Gate.

"Speak to me, Rikki. How many left, and what's going on with the gravity?" he called out.

"One Vikk-Tah and Two Deen-Diin outstanding. It's all I can do to keep the Gate stable. The Gravity field is distorting!" Rikki answered.

Jack ran to the door and left the floor momentarily. He reached the entrance to see a skimmer slam down on the road before the building. Jack rushed to the vehicle and pulled the door open with his good hand. The driver was dazed but conscious, but his passenger was knocked out. Jack ran around to the other side, pulling the Deen-Diin out and into his companion's arms. "Get through the Gate fast!"

A glance down the road showed a female Vikk-Tahh hobbling toward the terminal more than a block away. Jack knew she wouldn't make it, so he sprinted toward her, doing his best not to look up at the sky as he ran. When he reached her, he saw she was crying. "Are you hurt?" he gasped.

"My ankle!" she cried.

He turned to face away and squatted down. "Climb on my back and hold on tight."

He wrapped his arms around her legs as she clung to his neck then he was off, running faster than he'd ever run before. He felt a little lighter, so that helped.

When they reached the terminal door, Jack stepped inside and crouched to set her down. "Get through the Gate!" he said, and she limped away quickly.

Jack paused to look back. The fractured moon in the sky was much closer and accelerating as the glow behind it was the flare of its drive engines. It was going to collide!

Jack rushed back toward the Gate, and only Rikki was there. "Go through!" the Tik yelled.

"With you!" Jack yelled back as he stopped before the trembling mirror.

"I must maintain the Gate. I've lost the connection with Allsa One multiple times and locked onto other Gates. I have to use the Emergency connection protocols as our signal can't be verified in this flux. The gravity distortions are off the scale. One more thing I can do...." Rikki said as Jack watched it try to keep the rectangular mirror smooth and that shape. It was a little frightening to see it warp like this, truthfully.

Then he felt a mighty shove from behind and sailed through the funhouse mirror face first.

-=-

Rikki hoped Jack reached a safe destination. In truth, it wasn't certain where he'd land as Gate Emergency protocols didn't share location IDs. All Rikki knew was that it had achieved something of a miracle by using Jack's processor to perform the required connection calculations faster than the gravity waves changed to bind this Gate to another active Gate.

Jack wouldn't die on Allsa Komanae.

That was the promise Rikki made to Eve before they left Chuuruthia.

Rikki left its post at the Gate, which collapsed gratefully in the mighty gravitational tug of war. Rikki used its functional tentacles to drag itself to the exit and braced itself in the doorway. Its ability to fly was lost in the distorted gravity.

The planet was empty of life except for Rikki. Considering what it was facing, it realized this was both sad and the best outcome it could have hoped for.

Staring in the face of death without the rich sensory input from Jack's collar, Rikki felt disconnected from the reality of its imminent demise. Like it was seeing a simulation or watching it on the entertainment channels.

This planet had so much death associated with it. Rikki felt a moment of clarity as it realized it was witnessing the planet's... rebirth. The Allsa Komanae's own weapon of genocide was going to be used to cleanse the planet with fire.

The sky before it was filling with the fractured face of the moon, which raced ever closer to meet its doom. Rikki could see all the details of the craters. The three beings whose greed outweighed their better judgment were spared the wait as they'd perished with the initial explosion to be cast out into space.

Seeing a moon crash into its world was not a sight many would ever have.

This was a memory Rikki would share with no one.

Chapter 14

Bayly was practicing her slow breathing exercises to remain calm as she and Tito stood beside the large ambassador from Kwau who was addressing three ambassadors who seemed to be purposefully belligerent about Jack Danner. The large furred being made one more attempt.

"We are not asking to monopolize Ambassador Danner's time. We simply ask to speak to him briefly, so this young female may present her petition to him. She has crossed a considerable distance on a matter of great import—"

"Be that as it may, Ambassador Danner is currently occupied with a smear campaign against the vigilant and hard-working Allsa Komanae Research Committee and their teams of researchers. We received notice that the audit was cut short for unknown reasons. We expect him to make some sort of presentation today. If he fails to show, he will show himself for the fraud that he is. If he does show, I fully expect him to present a report filled with slanderous lies!" Ambassador Umannas said with a scowl. Tito told Bayly that he was a Vikk-Tahh.

"Nothing Ambassador Danner says today will change the fact that we must not abandon our duty to the victims of the Allsa Komanae!" Ambassador Bretesh added. Tito identified the tall and grim looking being as a Deen-Diin.

"Danner's lies will not go unpunished!" The Jool Ambassador snapped as he clacked his mandibles. Bayly watched this one cautiously. It seemed Jool were not very adept at being subtle.

Now the Kwua pulled himself up to his full height and looked down his muzzle at his three bitter colleagues with a look of cold disdain. "The Ambassador Danner I know is a man of honor and respect. I have the utmost trust in his integrity. Carefully choose your words when you speak of him in my presence. I have heard disturbing facts regarding the Allsa Komanae Slave Recovery initiative. Facts that present a grim view of any who attempt to undermine the truth with political grandstanding. One wonders where you will be when the truth shines its light this day."

The committee overseers walked down the corridor toward them, and Tito whispered their names and races to Bayly. These were the officials who would receive Jack Danner's report. Ghunka Hree (Shriis), Haah Imman Foo (Fullchowe), and Nris Jolo (Rooroovah). The latter intrigued Bayly as it seemed like no more than a mobile bundle of sticks to her.

Following them were four very distinct Tik, which Tito indicated were the Tik Allsa One Petition Team.

The Shriis noticed the confrontation, the Kwau's body language, and paused his steps to bow to the Ambassador. The Kwua graciously returned the gesture as the other three looked uncomfortable.

"I'm surprised to find you down here in the halls of the second-tier conference rooms, Ambassador Kwua," Ghunka said.

"I am on a high-priority mission. I've learned that Ambassador Danner will be meeting with this committee shortly, and the young female with me has traveled from the outer rim to present him with a petition of critical importance. She only needs a moment of his time."

"I was trying to convince the good Ambassador that Mr. Danner would be too occupied with giving this report to you and the Grand Assembly Committee—"

"Ambassador Danner, please. He earned the title and deserves to be addressed by it in this venue," the Kwua insisted.

Nris spoke up. "Rightly so. We weren't expecting to meet until tomorrow, so I'm sure Ambassador Danner won't mind listening to her petition before he delivers his report. She traveled so far to deliver it. We can make a small effort to wait."

Bayly liked this Rooroovah and bowed to it.

Haah finished the trio's interference. "Seems like the matter is settled. Please join us in the conference room."

Bayly moved to the Kwua's side while waiting for the others to file inside the large chamber. He guided them to seats next to the door.

She gazed up at the murals painted on the walls. They appeared to display different races having peaceful and harmonious first-contact meetings. She recalled JuJu and TkaTken telling her team about how the Tik were the first contact for most races before they joined the Assembly. Tik found races in various phases of their cultural development. If they were reaching the capability of space travel or had an otherwise stable society, the Tik presented an offer for them to join the Gate Network in the hopes of preserving the race.

One of the portraits showed each race standing before what might be spacecraft. Bayly looked to Tito. "I'm confused by these paintings. Aren't the Tik responsible for first contact?"

The Kwau overheard this, glanced up at the paintings, and immediately made a loud coughing sound drawing every eye in the room.

"What concerns you, Ambassador Kwua?" Ghunka asked.

"An innocent comment from my companion here just opened my eyes to a subtle poison to which the Assembly is exposing its new citizens. Lies disguised as art! The most heinous use of that glorious expression! It's... it's propaganda!" It swung a large arm gesturing to the murals. "Not one of these depicts historical truth, and each one removes the significance of the Tik's contribution in bringing these societies into the Assembly. This is my first visit to one of these chambers, which I believe are usually reserved for meetings with new additions to the Assembly. A most impressionable time for these new participants and a perfect opportunity to administer the first dose of poison against the Tik," the Kwua said scornfully.

Ghunka, Haah, and Nris paused to turn and review the art on the walls.

Nris was the first to speak. "I must admit, I didn't pay enough attention to the art's message when I attended these meetings. We were assigned this room as none of the rooms on the main floor were available."

"Why are we wasting the valuable time of the Committee Overseers on issues that do not concern them?" Ambassador Umannas spoke out boldly.

"Rooting out the evil of lies should be a primary concern for all good Assembly Citizens. Turning a blind eye to them hurts everyone!" Ambassador Kwua responded passionately. "Discovering it may begin here is a tremendous step in identifying the source and holding them accountable!"

The doors opened, and several beings entered. Bayly slid forward to the edge of her chair in anticipation. Leading them were Li Bin Wes, Li Bon Wes, and Li Ben Wes, the Qui Qui Qui Team Leader. Two Deen-Diin in bandages followed, as well as four male Jool and a female Vikk-Tahh with her ankle bound. The doors closed.

After waiting for the rest to come through, no one did, and Umannus became impatient. "Where is Ullenta?"

The Qui Qui Qui ignored him and bowed to the three on the podium. "Disaster occurred on Allsa Komanae/All workers were saved/Planet is lost."

Surprised exclamations filled the room, but the Qui Qui Qui continued. "Brought witnesses/Four Jool first group through the Gate/Jack saved Deen-Diin and Vikk-Tahh as last through Gate."

"Where are the other Team Leaders?" Umannus demanded.

"Where is Ambassador Danner?" the Kwua asked.

The trio turned to address the ambassadors. "Borrelian Team Leader deported/Grellian Team Leader died in Allsa Komanae cremation pit/Vikk-Tahh, Jool, and Deen-Diin Team Leaders died on Allsa Komanae moon."

The trio bowed to the Kwua and looked sad. "Rikki managed the failing Gate/Jack ensured all safe/Neither came through the Gate."

"Jack's dead?" the Kwua said, stunned.

"No," Bayly gasped quietly as she saw the defeat in the body language of the three small beings. Her hope suddenly died.

She might still be able to save her people from the Krreegah, but without their beloved queen, she would only be saving them for death at the hands of the northern barbarian.

Bayly put her head in her hands and cried for her people.

-=-

Tito watched Bayly's sorrow, and the pressure of its failure weighed heavily upon the Tik. If only it could have found some way to get here quicker.

Ghunka was bringing the meeting back to order, and Tito listened carefully as Bayly was too emotional to hear. "Team Leader, please explain what you meant by the planet is lost."

The trio bowed to the committee overseers once more. "I will speak the truth/The Seven Year lie is over/Grateful to Jack for uncovering it."

"Remember your promise to Keshwan!" Umannus snapped.

The Qui Qui Qui spun as one, and all three pointed to the Vikk-Tahh Ambassador. "Lie number one!/Borrelian Investigator was killed days before the explosion/Keshwan murdered his own!" It was the first time Tito had ever heard the peaceful Qui Qui Qui use an angry voice. "Blackmailed to preserve peace between Borrelia and Qui Qui Qui/Never a risk of war/So many lies!"

The Vikk-Tahh, Deen-Diin, and Jool Ambassadors were looking very nervous now.

The expressions on the faces of the three atop the podium were grim.

The doors opened again, and four large Maghadahn Security agents entered and nodded to Ghunka as they took positions next to the doors.

If it wasn't for the quiet crying from Bayly, Tito would have been excited to be at such a historic meeting.

-=-

Jack tumbled out the other side of the twisted Gate upside down, landed on his broken hand, and spent the next few minutes practicing every swear word he'd ever heard.

Not the most elegant arrival from a Gate.

When the pain eased to a bearable level, he noticed the soft cushion of a beautifully manicured lawn under his body. Above him was a pristine blue sky. The temperature was slightly cool, but the sun above warmed his body. Aside from the pain in his hand, he assumed he'd live, so it was time to sit up. Once he managed this, he saw a single-story building a short distance behind two ancient-looking Tik running at minimum power. They were the controls of the Gate he'd come through?

He looked around for Rikki, but it wasn't between his horns.

"Rikki?" he called out, but there was no sign of the Tik in the garden-like setting. He called out with his mind but nothing. He thought he felt his collar tingling as he ran back to Allsa Komanae's Gate Terminal with the Vikk-Tahh on his back, but he couldn't be sure. He prayed Rikki transferred a copy of itself. A wave of guilt and sadness washed over him, and he pushed it back. He knew even if Rikki had copied itself into his collar, the original sacrificed itself for him on Allsa Komanae.

He remained still for a few minutes coping with the grief of losing his friend. If it did manage to transfer into his collar, Jack would give it a thorough talking to when it was back in a new drone.

Jack got to his feet, his hand throbbing in time with his heartbeat, and looked around. The planet he'd ended up on was beautiful... and quiet. Only the gentle wind rustling the leaves on the nearby trees disturbed the absolute silence.

No flying animals or insects. No sounds of a mechanical nature. No sounds of life of any kind other than the leaves.

It was eerie.

He walked toward the building and knocked on the glass as he saw no buttons to press to announce his arrival. When no one came to investigate, he tried the handle, and the glass panel slid smoothly aside. Ahead of him was a wide, empty white hallway.

"Hello? Is anyone home?" he called out, casting his voice as best he could while trying not to sound like a dangerous home invader. He listened, but again, all he heard was silence.

Sighing, he stepped inside and walked down the hall. "Hello? I just arrived. I'm looking for someone who might help me get home?"

His voice echoed slightly in the building.

Jack reached the corner, and just beyond it were two side corridors and what looked like a computer terminal in an alcove. He took a seat on the low stool and touched the display.

It immediately activated, and Jack looked at a complex and indecipherable array of symbols. He looked over the options and pressed one, another, and a third before the screen shut down. He blinked at it in surprise. Touching it again brought him back to the symbols.

He was presented with far fewer options on his third attempt to wake the screen. He snorted softly as it looked like a child's control panel if he had to guess.

He touched one that looked like it might be for communicating. The screen changed, and he heard a strange buzz.

"Hello?" he said when there were no further sounds.

Then a voice. "Who is this?"

"Jack Danner. Who is this?"

"Jack Danner, you are in violation of Security Directive KF-20012-32-1000001."

"Huh. Okay, I have no idea what that is. For that matter, I don't know where I am. I was pushed through a Gate on Allsa Komanae and ended up here.

"No Gates are directed to this planet."

Jack blinked at that. The only planet he was aware of that did that was Allsa Komanae.

"A Tik named Rikki—" Jack's emotions swelled, but he regained control. "It was trying to get me to Allsa One, but one of Allsa Komanae's moons was about to impact the planet. Gravity was acting a little strange. Rikki had to find another Gate. That's how I got here."

There was a loud boom from somewhere outside. "What was that?"

"Stay where you are. You will be taken into custody," was the abrupt reply.

"Sure," he sighed.

Moments later, a very intimidating armored suit thumped down the hall to stand before the alcove.

It squeaked, and the terminal went dark. Jack stood and walked to stand before the mech. It looked like some form of battle armor, but glancing in the unit's window, he could see no one inside operating it. Remote control, then.

"Can you take me to a hospital? I'm injured." He held up his right hand, and the mech passed a green beam of light over his body, making him feel queasy. The mech squeaked again, then pointed to the hallway behind it.

Jack left the building and saw a flatbed vehicle parked outside the door. He climbed onto the platform, and the mech followed him. They immediately lifted into the air and accelerated away from the building. The deck had its own gravity field, so he felt no movement, but Jack immediately felt sick from the motion blur and dropped to his knees, then forward onto his face. His hand hit the deck, and the pain took him out this time.

-=-

Jack woke strapped to a bed with machines surrounding him.

"Ah, you are awake!"

Jack couldn't move his body but could scan much of the room with his eyes. He saw no one.

"Hello?" Jack called out.

"You are a most interesting species, but I've found nothing in the database that matches your genetic signature."

"Where are you?" Jack asked.

There was a pause. "That's a question I've been asking myself for a long time. I don't have an answer yet."

"Why can't I see you?" Jack prompted.

"Oh! How's this?"

A screen before Jack changed from displaying medical data to the face of a being. It was light grey with two wide and curious eyes, a wide mouth, and a small flap where the human nose would be. Jack couldn't place its species either. "Better. I don't recognize what you are either."

"Interesting! I feel like that should be an impossibility... but I'm missing something," it said with a frown, then shrugged with a fluid motion to stare at Jack again. "You had some broken phalanges in your limb. I've reset them and fed you a nutrient solution to expedite their healing. They appear to be well on their way to repairing themselves. You have a most interesting healing process, much unlike our own." It frowned. "More missing information. I find this disturbing." Once more, it shrugged.

It looked up at him. "In studying you while you were unconscious, I determined you had some minor genetic damage I could repair, so I have done so."

Jack's breath caught in his throat. "The horns?"

"What? Oh! No, your skeletal structure is well integrated into your genome. That cannot be altered without severe repercussions. This damage was just an overlay instruction improperly tacked on by some external means, but as I said, it only had a cosmetic impact.

Jack didn't know what he was talking about. New topic, then. "Can I leave now? I'd like to go home."

The face stared at him incredulously. "Leave? No one is allowed to be here. I very much doubt you'll be allowed to leave. No, you'll be added to the collection."

That didn't sound ominous at all. "Maybe I could speak to someone? A Tik, perhaps?" Jack said.

The being giggled in amusement. "Why would you want to speak to a Tik. They only squeak. Can you speak to machines? You seem to have significant cybernetic integration," it asked with sudden excitement.

Jack frowned at the being's impression of Tiks. Squeak? Then another question rose in his mind. This being seemed to have access to advanced medical technology. "Do you have the capability to remove the cybernetics from my body?"

"Certainly, but you would lose most of the sensation in your body in the process," it replied.

"Ah, that wouldn't be good. Never mind," Jack sighed.

"You didn't answer my question," the being said in annoyance.

"No, I can't speak to Tik unless they can speak as we are," Jack replied.

"Why did you ask about the Tik then?" it argued.

"I thought maybe you had some that could speak," Jack said wearily.

"But what good would it be to speak to a machine?" the being asked in frustration.

Jack wondered at this being's lack of knowledge of the Tik. "Nothing, I guess. Hey, can you disconnect me from these machines?"

"Normally, I would dissect you to learn more about your species... but I don't seem to have that ability now. Another disturbing difference," it grumbled.

A door opened before Jack and the mech walked in. "Your guard has arrived. I would have enjoyed studying you in greater detail, but that is no longer an option."

The bed suddenly retracted its restraints and tilted upward to put him on his feet.

"Where are my clothes?" Jack asked as he realized he was naked.

The screen had gone dark, and there was no sign of his clothes. The mech gestured to the door, so he moved and walked down corridor after corridor.

He spotted two Zombie Tik resting in an alcove down one hall to his right. They showed minimal power, but they were on. As Jack and his guard moved through the hallways, he counted the lefts and rights until he felt he was far enough away.

Jack spun, dodged around the mech, ducked around the first corner, and raced back the way he came at his top speed. He heard the heavy thump of the mech chasing him, but it couldn't make the corners as quickly as he could, so he poured it on.

As he ran around the final corner and saw the Tik, he shouted to the Tik to open a Gate to Maghadahn. Relief shot through him as the ugly black Gate opened between the Tik as he got closer. He knew the last corridor was too open, so he leapt headfirst at the blackness as an arc of electricity grazed him. His body spasmed, but he flew through the Gate to crash through a thin plaster wall and tumble across a cold marble floor. His body was twitching, but some of his muscles were still working. His brain was only partially scattered from demolishing the wall.

He stared at several familiar faces as he lay there on his back.

Wait, wasn't that Ambassador Kwua?

"Jack!" the furry being bellowed in joy. A female beside him, who Jack didn't recognize, jumped to her feet to stare at him. She immediately rushed to his side but caught the next electrical blast from the armor, which had followed Jack through the Gate.

How it managed to function autonomously on this side of the Gate was lost on Jack as his body was now covered by a lovely female of unknown species. As he heard the thump of the mech's approach, a huge male in a poorly fitting Maghadahn guard uniform came to stand next to Jack, checked on Bayly, and looked down at him. He ripped off the shirt to wrap it around his big fist.

Jack gawked at the man's muscles, then became aware of the scars. So many violent-looking scars. Jack locked eyes with him.

"Help Bayly," the big man said, then leapt over Jack and grappled with the mech. It got off a few shots, hitting walls and the Vikk-Tahh and Jool Ambassadors, who were trying to hide behind the witnesses.

With a deep grunt, the scarred man lifted the armor off its feet and ran them back through the Gate as it fired wildly, scorching the ceiling. Inside the plastered wall, one of the Zombie Tik was grazed by a shot as the mech and man tumbled through the Gate. It burst into sparks, and the Gate closed. The second Tik popped a few sparks too, and both powered off completely.

For a few seconds, the room was silent, as everyone was stunned.

Training finally kicked in, and the remaining security personnel rushed forward, collecting the unconscious female, and threw a blanket over Jack before medics arrived with gurneys. Jack and the female were taken from the room first and hustled to the hospital. Other gurneys were called for to collect the stunned Ambassadors.

This time on his way to a hospital, Jack remained conscious as his shocked muscles slowly returned to him. He saw Ghunka, Haah, Nris, and the Qui Qui Qui following with Ambassador Kwua and many, many Tik bringing up the rear.

Jack was immediately taken into an examination room, where a doctor quickly scanned his body from the tip of his horns down to his toes. What she saw on the screens must have been good as her expression relaxed.

"You'll be fine once the shock wears off. There's no permanent damage," the physician said, then smiled with a twinkle in her eye. She had just one very pretty violet eye.

"I think this coloration suits you much better," she said cheekily.

He stared at her in confusion, so she set one of the medical monitors to mirror mode, and Jack got to see what she meant.

His jaw dropped open, and he heard the doctor chuckle as he stared at his blond hair and blue eyes! This must have been what the being on the other planet meant by genetic damage with cosmetic impact.

"Thanks," he mumbled, and the doctor gestured for the orderlies. He was hustled to a recovery room with guards posted outside the door.

Moments later, he had company. Lots of company.

The committee overseers filed in, followed by Ambassador Kwua and the Tik. Before the officials could speak, the ambassador stepped forward, guiding an unfamiliar Tik to approach the bed.

"Welcome back, Ambassador Danner. I don't see your Tik companion," the Kwua said gently.

Jack nodded stiffly. "The... last time I saw Rikki, it pushed me through the Gate on Allsa Komanae."

"I will continue to hope it found a way to save itself as well," the large diplomat said gently, and the words struck at Jack's deepest desire as well. He nodded shakily.

The Kwua continued before the impatient committee members could get a word in. "This Tik is named Tito Bandito—" He paused at Jack's surprised sound, then continued. "It and its companion Bayly, who was also stunned by the mech, came from the edge of the Galactic Rim so she could present her petition to you for your assistance."

"Tell her I'm at her service, if at all possible," Jack said.

The ambassador paused in surprise. "Don't you wish to hear the petition first?"

Jack held his eye. "The large man with the scars who saved us asked me to help Bayly. What happened to him, by the way. I couldn't see from under Bayly. I'd like to thank him."

The others exchanged uncomfortable glances.

Tito spoke up. "Unfortunately, he was on the other side of the Gate when it collapsed. Can you tell us where the Gate originated?"

Jack blinked at the Tik. "I have no idea where I was. Rikki pushed me through a blind jump because the gravity was so distorted. The planet I landed on seemed empty except for the Mech and some being I saw only on a monitor who said he repaired my injured hand and my hair and eye color. I managed to evade the mech and jumped through a Gate to Maghadahn. I never expected to end up in the conference room."

Tito tipped forward to acknowledge his answer. "The man's name was Grenville. He was a Galactic Peace Trail host we met on our journey from the rim. He assisted us through the restricted zone at great danger to himself. He said he wouldn't come to Maghadahn because he had no faith in the committees." It looked toward the three committee members. "Apologies." It turned back to Jack. "Obviously, Grenville had to see the mission through."

Jack stared at the Tik, unsure if he'd heard right. It couldn't be. A large man with scars named Grenville? If it was the same Grenville who once lived on Chuuruthia, he'd have to be hundreds of years old!

"If that's settled, could we please return to what happened on Allsa Komanae? Why did you cut your audit short and summon us?" Ghunka growled.

Jack blinked in confusion, so the Qui Qui Qui Team lead stepped forward. "We summoned the Committee Overseers/Thought Jack was lost on Allsa Komanae/Promised him to expose the truth."

Jack nodded as he looked at the three Qui Qui Qui. "Good to see you again/You suffered too long/Grateful for your assistance."

They sent him the Friendship and Peace symbols again.

Jack looked to the Shriis. "Rikki and I began our investigation on Allsa One and collected the data from the Deen-Diin team—"

"You collected a copy of the data?" Haah interrupted excitedly then his voice became far more subdued. "Ah, it would be with the Tik who did not return from Allsa Komanae. We contacted Allsa One to secure the data the moment we heard the Qui Qui Qui Team Leader's initial statement but were notified the servers were purged at the order of the Deen-Diin Ambassador."

"Don't give up hope, Haah. Rikki was exceptionally resourceful. A copy of the data exists." Jack said. He wasn't about to tell anyone he was carrying it in his collar.

Jack looked at the three officials. "If you've spoken with the Qui Qui Qui Team Leader, you'll have heard how he was tricked into joining the cabal of the other Team Leaders. Rikki found proof to support this." The Qui Qui Qui looked at him gratefully.

Jack took a deep breath as what he was about to say would upset people. Aside from the Qui Qui Qui's testimony and the data he had in his collar, which would take a Tik to decipher as Rikki had, he had nothing he could use to prove it.

Fuck it.

"Seven years ago, a Borrelian investigator found something and brought it to her Team Lead's attention. Upon receiving the report, I believe Keshwan killed the investigator to maintain its secrecy. Her death is recorded on the night of her find. That night a travel ban was imposed to prevent anyone else from finding it.

Keshwan brought in the other Team Leads as he needed their assistance. They joined to share in the discovery, implemented a new Operational Guideline, and then blackmailed the Qui Qui Qui into silence. Seven years ago, the Slave Recovery project was subverted into a treasure hunt.

To prevent the possibility of a data leak, they limited the teams on the two worlds, isolated them from the other groups with the new Operational Guidelines, and selected untrained personnel like botanists, bakers, and general laborers. None of them wanted to be there, but they weren't truly expected to find anything, just make a show of going through the motions.

What the Borrelian Investigator found was a single-room structure in the north pole of Allsa One. It only contained two mutilated and ancient Tik acting as a Gate. Not the standard mirror Gate but the weird dark one we saw today hidden in the wall of the committee room. The destination of the north pole Gate is another windowless room with two more butchered Tik and a huge vault door. To my knowledge, none of the Team Leads discovered the actual location of this room." Jack looked to the Qui Qui Qui. "Was that the case?"

They nodded. "All attempts to determine location failed/Keshwan stopped attempts as time wasted/Opening was the priority."

Jack nodded grimly. "Other Team Lead opinions?/Knowledge of what they expected to find behind the vault door?/Overheard conversations?"

"Creetak expected Allsa Komanae's most valuable treasure/Huullowah and Lirsha remained silent/Overheard Keshwan and Ullenta speaking of great power over other Races."

Jack nodded again and looked at the committee members. "That tells me the Borrelians and the Vikk-Tahh may have been aware of the truth."

"What truth?" Ghunka asked impatiently.

"I'm getting to that. The Team Leads directed most of their energy toward investigating a means to open the door while managing the information flow to you to keep the project alive. Without the Audit process I suggested, you had no means to prove the project was straying from its initial purpose." Jack was giving them an out. "Without the proper people in place to recover the remains, there is a serious question of validity for all recoveries done in the past seven years," Jack said, and the committee overseers looked very uncomfortable as they could be taken to task for this.

"Rikki tracked the records of the skimmer mileage and determined that the Team Leaders were still traveling to these coordinates in the north pole regardless of the restrictive guideline, so we went to see it for ourselves. When we found the vault door, we recognized the symbol for a Mahrell Drun Prime at its center." Jack stopped as he couldn't explain how Rikki emulated the Prime's voice without disclosing too much, so he used a convenient lie that couldn't be confirmed. "My slave collar was also designed by the Prime, so it acted as a key, and the door opened."

Jack paused and saw every eye was focused on him. "There was no treasure. The vault door was the entrance to the control room for the Allsa Komanae's Star Killer. Their weapon for destabilizing stars. The same weapon they used on the Shreen and Harruushan stars. It was the Allsa Komanae's middle moon."

More sounds of dismay, especially from the gathered Tik.

"Our entry activated the AI running the weapon, and it discovered we weren't the Prime and that the Allsa Komanae were extinct. It informed me that it had initiated a doomsday seek-and-destroy mission which would randomly target the home system suns of every Assembly race, starting with Maghadahn's sun."

Another much louder surge of exclamations erupted, but Jack held up his hands.

"Rikki tried to hack in and stop it but needed me to destroy the control room servers in a specific sequence. I managed to do this, but the weapon was locked into its charging cycle and was going to overload. Rikki and I fled from the control room and reopened the vault door, where Ullenta and Creetak stopped us at gunpoint. The Gate back to Allsa One was offline as the moon had moved out of alignment. I tried to reason with them, but Ullenta, Lirsha, and Creetak entered the vault door that sealed behind them.

We were running out of time, so Rikki linked the ancient Tik Gates to Allsa Komanae. After we reached the terminal, a large portion of the moon exploded, but its engines activated and pushed the rest out of orbit toward the planet. The Qui Qui Qui Team Lead, Rikki, and I got everyone off the world, but Rikki couldn't leave. It pushed me through the Gate, but I don't know where I landed. It felt like an automated world as it was completely silent, and I saw no one except a face on a monitor. I was given medical attention," Jack gestured to his hand and hair, "but I was told I'd be imprisoned for just being there. I barely managed to escape."

Jack watched the three Committee leaders who remained silent. Only the Shriis had a face with expressions he could understand, and he wasn't happy.

"We need that copy of the data," Haah said with a subdued voice.

Jack nodded to him. "I'll get it to you, but due to what Rikki called grossly exaggerated data normalization, you'll need the Tik to analyze it for you. The Deen-Diin's data structure was very useful in obscuring the patterns needed to investigate the circumstances."

"How did you find it?" Haah asked.

"I just suggested to Rikki that it should concentrate on the movements of the Team Leaders. That might have led to nothing, but Rikki discovered the skimmer mileage anomaly, which led to us finding the structure at the north pole," Jack said. "Truly, it was just a lucky guess."

The hospital room door opened again, and four more Tik entered. It was the two in the middle who surprised Jack the most. He'd been told the seniors didn't travel anymore. Socrates and Plato were as old as Tik got.

The other Tik in the room moved back respectfully, letting the seniors move up to the bed.

"Greetings, Socrates and Plato," Jack said, dipping his head forward.

"Greetings, Ambassador Danner. Are you finished debriefing with the Committee Overseers?" Socrates asked.

Jack looked to Ghunka, who nodded stiffly. "We may have additional questions. We still need a formalized statement from you regarding the audit. This will need to be presented before the Grand Assembly Committee." Jack nodded to him, so the three bowed and left the room. The Qui Qui Qui followed them out with a wave to Jack.

Turning his face to the Kwua, Jack bowed as deeply as he could in the bed. "Ambassador Kwua, once more, you have risen above my already elevated impression of your kindness and selflessness. Assisting Bayly and Tito in their efforts to meet with me was truly inspiring."

The Kwua was very pleased and returned the bow. "It was fortuitous for me to attend that meeting as I discovered the insidious use of art in the murals to poison the minds of new Gate Network members against the Tik! Once I inspect the remaining conference halls on the second level, I will endeavor to track down the facts regarding who commissioned this propaganda."

His expression darkened. "I will also see to it that a full survey is done to all chambers in Maghadahn's facilities for other butchered Tik used for rogue Gates."

The Tik seniors bowed deeply to the Kwua as well. "We are very grateful for your efforts on our behalf."

"It is my honor and pleasure to support such a just cause." Looking back to Jack, he nodded. "Until we meet again."

Jack bowed his head, and the large furry being left the room.

"Rikki?" Socrates asked gently.

"It sacrificed itself... again," Jack said as he tapped his collar, and they tipped forward, acknowledging his unspoken message. Better not to reveal anything where they might be overheard or recorded.

Jack passed his gaze over the large gathering of Tik, then looked to the two seniors. "I recognize the Tik Allsa One Petition Team," he waved to the four, "but I'm not sure why so many Tik have come to see me."

"It's your celebrity!" Plato insisted.

Jack stared at senior Tik. "My what?"

Socrates made an annoyed sound at its partner. "It's not celebrity. Tik are simply drawn to people and events of historical significance. Your campaign to draw attention to how Tik are treated in the Assembly makes us very happy. You've already made excellent progress and involved some significant members of the Assembly, many of whom have thrown their considerable support behind the initiative. Whatever happens, we are eternally grateful."

Jack looked at the Tik and gave them a little wave. They all waved back, which made him grin.

He looked to their leaders. "And what brings you two to Maghadahn?"

"We understood you would present to the Grand Assembly Committee on your return from Allsa Komanae. We were concerned you might have found the visit overwhelming, so we came to support you."

"And we have a favor to ask," Plato added.

Socrates turned to Plato. "Seriously, I wonder when you lost the ability to be tactful."

"And I wonder when you lost the ability to speak plainly," Plato returned.

Jack raised his hands. "It's cool. Thank you for looking in on me, and you know I'll do what I can for you. Before we discuss your favor, though, I promised to speak with Tito and Bayly as they came from the galaxy's edge to speak to me."

The Tik in question moved closer, and Jack smiled. "First off, I have to say you have a great name!"

Tito bowed to Jack. "Thank you."

"We should check on Bayly's condition." Jack looked under the bedsheet and saw he was naked. "I need some clothes."

The Tik got busy digging through drawers and looking in closets. Livingstone found two white gowns that looked like they'd fit if he tied them tightly. He'd put one on with the ties at the back and the second one with the strings at the front to guarantee coverage.

Moo-San rushed over with some stretchy white hospital slippers.

"If I could get a little privacy, I'll get changed and meet you in the hall? Tito, if you could find out where Bayly is?" Jack asked, and the Tik quickly filed out.

It didn't take long for Jack to dress, and he felt a little ridiculous in the brilliant white garb, but not that long ago, he felt the same way about the black ceremonial gown he wore. He pulled his long sandy blond hair forward and smiled. "Hello, old friend," he said quietly with a silly grin, then stepped out into the hall.

Tito met him and pointed to the next recovery room. Jack felt a little residual tingling in his left arm and leg, but it was tolerable. It felt like they were just waking up.

As he entered, Jack saw the female propped up in bed, watching the door. Her eye widened as she took in his white gown, his long blond hair, and the tall black horns rising through it from his temples.

Jack walked over to her and smiled at her. "Hello, I'm Jack Danner. You're Bayly?"

Beautiful, soft brown eyes stared at Jack as she tried to speak but couldn't get the words out.

"I'm sorry you got hurt because of me. Tito tells me you have something to ask me."

"Yes! I'm sorry for being so scattered. My people desperately need your help, but I've made such a terrible mess. It took so long to get to you, and now it will take so long to get back in time to stop the Krreegah from killing everyone!"

Jack blinked at her in surprise. He glanced at Tito. "Krreegah?"

The Tik bowed slightly. "Bayly, perhaps I should begin by explaining the crisis your world faces before you present your petition?"

She just nodded as she wrung her hands together nervously. Jack automatically reached over and placed his hand over hers to calm her.

Tito explained the fateful encounter with the Krreegah and its threats to send a fleet of ships to destroy the Dannt.

Socrates spoke up. "We have no record of the Krreegah having space travel when they joined the Gate Network."

Tito tipped forward slightly to agree. "Yet there are devolved Krreegah on Danat who arrived during the time of the Dannt plague. We weren't permitted to do planet-wide scans of Danat, so we didn't find the Krreegah ship.

"What level of technological advancement is the Dannt at now?" Jack asked.

"While they once had space flight between their three worlds, after what they call the Goddess' Culling, they've returned to a form of semi-nomadic agrarian society," Tito said.

"If the Krreegah attack, it'll be a bloodbath. Perhaps even genocide!" Jack said grimly.

"We must address the Grand Assembly Committee to make them aware of this terrible situation," Socrates insisted.

"There's no time for them to argue endlessly before they choose to take action. We must act now!" Jack responded. His mind was leaping forward, working out the logistics of a plan.

"We cannot use the Blade of Reason—"

"I wouldn't ask you to. Favor for a favor. I would greatly appreciate the assistance of..." Jack did a quick mental calculation, "forty Tik to assist on a diplomatic peacekeeping mission."

The two senior Tik paused while trying to keep up with Jack's thought process. "You need forty Tik to assist you with what?" Socrates asked.

"They will move the Ishilon's ship from Callosephia to Danat as quickly as possible. Once we arrive, their role is to witness Krreegah's actions and our response. We will not engage with the Krreegah ships but will show them they will not be allowed to slaughter the people of Danat. It's also a demonstration that the Tik are aware of their actions and have the means to enforce their policy of non-violence between Gate Network members, even on the farthest edge of the galaxy."

"I'm not comfortable with the idea of Tik enforcing through military might," Socrates said.

Jack shook his head. "I didn't explain that correctly. Your enforcement is simply being present to witness the threatening of a neighbor with violence and pulling their Gate access as you've defined in the rules for Gate Network membership. The peacekeeper role is ours, and we will use non-lethal force to convince the Krreegah that their military efforts will not be allowed."

"Non-lethal?" Plato asked.

"Yes," Jack insisted. "We will serve both races; protecting the Dannt, determining how the Krreegah visited Danat in a ship, then assisting the Krreegah with collecting their devolved people from the world, which makes Danat a safer place to live for the Dannt. The benefit of stopping the Krreegah from this foolish battle is that it also protects them from losing their access to the Gate Network."

"How will you get permission to move the Ishilon ship through all those territories?" Plato asked.

"It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. We won't ask, as our time spent in each place will be minimal since we're just passing through. The Tik jump to the coordinates of a planet on the route but in high orbit, then move out into space as far as they are comfortable. They open a large gate for the ship but perpendicular to the planet's surface to minimize its profile. The ship comes through, the Tik drop the Gate and board the ship to recharge as the next fully charged group of Tik exit the ship and create a Gate for themselves to move to the next planet and repeat the pattern. The ship will only be in the vicinity of the planet for as long as it takes the Tik to set up the next Gate. The ship uses stealth technology, so it's not visible from the planets unless someone focuses on the location and detects the starlight it obscures. We will try for longer jumps to reduce the number of regions we potentially disturb. Once the mission is complete and we've returned to Callosephia, I will personally address the Grand Assembly Committee on the actions taken."

Socrates and Plato faced Jack and were silent for some time as they considered the plan. Jack waited patiently.

Finally, Socrates spoke. "To maximize the jump distance and minimize the number of systems visited, you will need eighty Tik. We can make them available. I hope this doesn't cause us more grief than our involvement in the Allsa Komanae.

Jack bowed to the Tik leaders.

"I assume they should be sent to Callosephia?" Socrates asked.

"Yes, please. We will endeavor to achieve peace with no loss of life," Jack said to assure them.

"If you arrive before the Krreegah do," Plato added.

"If they have already engaged in attacking the Dannt, we will stop them and return them to Krreegah without their ships to prevent further hostile activity. I assume you would revoke their Gate Access as you did for the Borrelians?" Jack said.

"Yes, we would," Socrates answered.

Jack turned back to Tito and Bayly, who stared at him in shock. "Okay, we have a plan for dealing with the Krreegah. Now, what's this about a petition?"

Bayly tossed her sheets aside and slipped off the bed to hug Jack firmly. She was almost as tall as he was and generously cushioned in some delightful places, so it was wonderful to be in her arms. She was also very strong!

"Thank you!" she gushed in his ear as she pressed her body against his.

"That's quite all—MMMmm!" Jack's eyes flew wide as Bayly's full, soft lips pressed against his, and her tongue slipped into his mouth to caress his.

"BAYLY!" Tito squeaked in shock.

This seemed to pull the female from the emotional surge she was riding. Her eyes opened wide, and she pushed back abruptly. "Oh! Oh! I'm sorry!"

Tito pulled the sheet from the bed and draped it around her. "Maybe we should step outside so you can get dressed. Did the doctor say you were okay?"

Bayly was focused on Jack's mouth but turned to nod to the Tik as she held the sheet to her body.

"We'll just... wait outside," Jack said, looking away from her lips.

He followed the Tik into the hall.

"I will ask Taggart to join the Tik going to Callosephia," Socrates said, and Jack nodded.

"What was the favor for you?" Jack asked.

Socrates pressed a tentacle against Plato. "We will discuss that after your return."

Jack nodded as he looked between the two, wondering what was so embarrassingly difficult to ask for? Maybe it was a really big favor?

Bayly joined them and smiled shyly at Jack.

He looked at Tito. "Time is our enemy. We must assume we have no time to spare and move as quickly as possible to prevent the loss of lives. We need to get to Callosephia first to speak with the Sultessa to get her blessing to send the ship and some warriors to Danat."

"Jack? Someone is using me as an anchor point for a Gate," Tito said in confusion.

Jack closed his eyes and sighed wearily. Of course, they were listening in.

Three Gates snapped into place in the hall, and a member of Jack's Ishilon security detail slipped through each, scanning the area with their eyes.

Bayly squeaked in surprise and positioned herself before Jack, but he placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled, turning her eyes to him. "It's okay. They're with me."

A broad-shouldered female moved to face Jack. "Shadeem—your hair! Your eyes!" Jack just waved a hand, so after a moment, she continued. "We have come to your assistance. Are you in any danger?"

"Danger? No. Trouble? Yes, due to your unauthorized Gates on Maghadahn, of all places!" He sighed in exasperation as the security team just smiled at him. "Fine, let's go to Callosephia. Now, before Maghadahn Security shows up." He directed Bayly and Tito to follow the other two Ishilon as he followed Dennesh. Before he went through, he smiled at the Tik elders. "Thank you! Oh, and could you let them know I'm sorry?"

Jack stepped through the Gate onto the sandy street, and the Gates closed. Facing them was the old Colony Leader's office which had been converted to an office for Callosephia Security.

He looked around and smiled as he saw the changes from his last visit. The buildings of the Altarian colony were undergoing dramatic changes, and he doubted the original habitants would recognize it.

Some of the warriors were discovering their artistic side. Walls were painted with murals depicting scenes from their past lives on their original home world. Wind chimes were common ornaments on business fronts and homes alike. Apparently, they loved the sound as there were so many of them.

Time to speak to the Sultessa.

-=-

Bayly watched Jack as they walked through the streets toward some destination ahead. Her eyes returned to his broad shoulders, wide neck, and those horns. They were so majestic! He was wearing some kind of caps on their tips, so she assumed they were deadly sharp. A thrill rushed through her. She hadn't thought about choosing a mate yet, but there was something about Jack. His face looked nothing like a Dannt's. His eyes were much smaller, as were his ears and mouth. She found herself fixating on his mouth. Their kiss had been... really good!

She tore her eyes away and looked at their guides. They were even stranger in shape to her. They had no legs, but they certainly had no issues with movement. They seemed to enjoy the sand. Their eyes were beautiful, and their scales gleamed in the afternoon sunlight.

She admired the scenery of yet another world. None of her team had any experiences like she was gaining.

"This world feels like the opposite of Gilloollee," she sighed.

Tito chuckled at the comparison, and Jack looked over at her curiously. "I've never been there. What's it like?" he asked.

Bayly smiled shyly. "There is only one small land mass with ninety-nine percent of the world underwater.

Their guides looked back at her with shocked expressions. "That sounds horrible!" the large female gasped.

Jack laughed, and Bayly was pleased with his happy sound. "Dennesh would much rather bathe in the fine white sand you find on Vista Ridge."

The warrior grinned at Jack and nodded. "It's so soft and feels so good!"

Jack looked over at Bayly with a smile. "It's the local equivalent of a spa. A place to go to relax and feel refreshed."

"We don't have such places on Danat," she replied.

Jack looked at her in surprise. "You don't have someplace to go even to get a massage?"

"What's a massage?" Bayly asked.

Jack reached out, then paused. "The Dannt don't have a taboo about touching hands, do they?"

Bayly looked at him in surprise. "No! Is that a thing?"

Jack nodded with a little smile on his face. "The Shreen are a beautiful, loving people, but you won't see them holding hands in public."

He held out a hand as they walked, and she placed hers in his. He stopped walking as he gently pressed his thumb against the muscles of her fingers and palm. "You have very strong hands," he said as the Ishilon watched his actions with keen interest.

Bayly smiled at Jack for the compliment, then she released a low moan as Jack began to knead her hand muscles with his thumbs in pulses.

"This stimulates blood flow to the muscles, which relaxes them," he explained as he reached her wrist and stopped.

Bayly immediately held out her other hand to him, and he repeated his actions on that one as well. As he released her hand, he gestured for them to keep moving.

"We should get to the Sultessa quickly. As I said, time is our enemy." Jack started walking again, and the security team shared smiles.

"Does Sultessa Sahhahr enjoy your massages, Shadeem?" Dennesh asked with a coy smile.

"Should I ask her on your behalf?" Jack asked in return.

"No! I mean, I'm sure the Sultessa does, and she doesn't need to be bothered by my questions," the female responded quickly before focusing on the road ahead.

Bayly saw Jack's satisfied smile, so she wondered what relationship Jack had with this Sultessa Sahhahr.

Moments later, they arrived at a lovely single-story dwelling with a wide but low wall around it. A few security types were guarding the estate and waved to the three with Jack but bowed to him.

"Why are they all bowing to you?" Bayly worked up the nerve to ask.

Jack looked at her, and she saw he was embarrassed. "Uh, I'm kind of their Shadeem."

"I heard them use this word, but what does it mean?" Bayly said.

Dennesh saw a chance to redeem herself, so she addressed Bayly.

"A Shadeem is a spiritual advisor who guides us through life. He uses his wisdom and experience to ensure we do not lose our way. We are his people!" the warrior said proudly.

Bayly looked back at Jack and saw some discomfort in his expression. "You don't like being their Shadeem?" she asked in surprise.

Jack stopped to face her once more. "I'm greatly honored by it, but I can't help but feel I'm unworthy of the title. I barely have a grasp on my own life. What gives me the right to set the course for others?"

Dennesh smiled broadly at Jack. "This is one of the reasons why you're such an excellent Shadeem!"

Jack rolled his eyes and went through the entrance in the low property wall.

"Papa!" The cry erupted from the mouths of many small Ishilon who rushed across the lawn to swarm over Jack, who went down on his knees to hug them.

Bayly looked to Dennesh, who was grinning at the display of affection. "Is Papa another title of honor?"

The Ishilon warrior grinned at her. "It is, but it also means these are Jack's children, which he had with the Sultessa."

Bayly looked at Jack, rubbing his face against the faces of... his children. He'd had children with an Ishilon. Here was proof that Jack might be able to assist Queen Mara! She looked at Tito excitedly, and it gestured with two tentacles for her to calm herself. She knew she needed to follow his advice but couldn't hide the smile that wouldn't leave her face.

Once they moved again, the children circled their father excitedly as he reached down to let them grip his fingers. The group entered the lovely home. Bayly gawked at the beautiful and unique décor, so unlike the tents she lived in at home. They reached a door with two more security guarding it. They bowed their heads to Jack, and he returned the gesture before he knocked on the door.

"Come!"

Jack opened the door, and his kids streamed past him to rush to their mother's side as Jack followed.

Dennesh gestured for Tito and Bayly to enter as she and her two colleagues remained outside.

Bayly walked into the Sultessa's office and was awestruck by the rich fabrics, the soft cushions, and the lovely wall hangings. It was almost like Queen Mara's tent.

Jack was rubbing his cheek against the Sultessa's. She was larger than her subjects, making Bayly think of Queen Mara.

He turned to face her and Tito. "Sultessa Sahhahr Tessahr, please let me introduce Tito Bandito and Bayly of Danat. She's a Dannt. They are on a mission to save her people, who at this very moment are at risk of being wiped out by a neighboring race, the Krreegah."

Sahhahr moved forward to greet the two. Bayly bowed to her, as did the Tik, so she returned the gesture.

"What can we do to assist you in your time of need?" Sahhahr asked. Bayly blinked, then looked at Jack as it was his plan.

"I'm hoping we might enlist the use of your ship to perform a peacekeeping mission for the Dannt. We need to stop the Krreegah from attacking Danat. This means we need to get the ship there quickly and use it to stop their violence. We would use non-lethal force in our response, but they must not be allowed to harm the Dannt. I have enlisted the aid of eighty Tik to operate Gates to move us through a series of jumps to get across the Galaxy to the rim," Jack explained. "If the Krreegah have already launched their attack, we must stop them, capture them, and take them back to Krreegah minus their ships. The Tik will then disable their Gate access for breaking the non-aggression policy."

Sahhahr smiled at Jack and touched his cheek fondly. "We don't need assistance from the Tik to move the ship. It is now capable of creating its own Gates. We've also improved the distances we can travel with each Gate."

"Ah," Jack said. "That's certainly helpful for this situation, but it will make the other Gate Network members very uncomfortable should they learn of its capabilities."

Sahhahr smiled at Bayly. "We'll just keep it between us friends then, shall we?" Bayly couldn't stop her smile from shining as hope flared in her heart.

The Sultessa turned to face Jack. "I like this term, Peacekeeper. It has an honorable ring to it. I've been thinking our ship needs a name to match its new mission. Do you think this might be suitable for it?"

Jack smiled and nodded. "Not that we should paint the name on the side of it. That would ruin the stealth."

Sahhahr shook her head at Jack's teasing and smiled. "You will take a full security team with you," she insisted.

Jack nodded. "If the Krreegah have landed, we may need to subdue their troops to capture and take them prisoner. We'll need warriors, but in keeping with the peacekeeping nature of the mission, they should carry non-lethal weaponry only. Shields and stun weapons?"

"Lorrem will be so instructed. It will take no more than two hours to have Peacekeeper ready for this mission as it's always prepared." She smiled. "Yes, I like the name."

"Tito, can you contact Socrates and Plato and see if they can meet this deadline? As we don't need eighty Tik any longer, perhaps twenty would be sufficient for bearing witness to our activities? We may need this for a report to the Grand Assembly Committee when we're done," Jack said.

Sahhahr looked at him in surprise. "What is the point of stealth if you're going to tell the Assembly what we did?"

Jack gave her a wolfish grin. "If I need to tell them what we achieved in Dannt space, I have no intention of telling them how we got there or how we did it. They don't need to know that, and the Peacekeeper will be far more effective if it stays that way."

Sahhahr smiled at Jack as her eyes flared with desire. "When you return, we will address how you will compensate me for showing up at our charter signing ceremony with a black eye." Bayly picked up what kind of reward she was expecting and felt a little embarrassed witnessing this intimacy. She saw Jack's face warm up as well.

"Yes, uh, that's fine," he mumbled with an awkward smile.

"I like your new coloration, and the odd gown suits you, but you might wish to wear clothes for the mission," Sahhahr said with a smile as she stroked a finger down his chest.

"Yes. I have time to get home to pack a quick bag," Jack agreed. He turned to Bayly. "You two are welcome to join me to see the Danner homestead. To get a brief look at it at least."

Bayly smiled. "I would like that very much!"

Lorrem entered the room and bowed his head to the Sultessa. "We have a mission?"

"A peacekeeping mission," Jack clarified. "We're heading across the galaxy to the outer rim to prevent the Krreegah from killing the Dannt." He gestured to Bayly. "Lorrem Tessen, this is Bayly of Danat. She's here to petition our help as her people are not technologically advanced and face attack from the space-faring Krreegah. If we get there before them, we will prevent them from attacking. If they've landed troops, we'll capture them and deliver them to their home planet, and the Tik will revoke their access to the Gate Network."

Lorrem nodded with a grim look. "We will endeavor to protect your people!"

Bayly felt a little overwhelmed after days of desperate fear and hopelessness. "I don't know how we'll repay you for this," she said with a shaking voice.

Jack stood before her and took her hands in his as he looked into her eyes. "Maintaining civil relations with our Gate Network neighbors is in everyone's interest. There is so much to gain with peaceful coexistence and so much to lose when one of those neighbors steps out of line. We will move as quickly as possible to protect your people and ensure the Krreegah know this behavior is unacceptable."

He glanced at Lorrem. "Speaking of the timing, we'd like to leave in two hours. I just need to get some clothes from home, and then I'll return. I'm taking Tito and Bayly with me for a brief visit."

"We will be ready upon your return, Shadeem," Lorrem said firmly, so Jack nodded to him.

"Sultessa, until we return, be well," Jack said with a little bow, and she smiled hungrily.

Jack guided Bayly and Tito into the hall, where they picked up their escort.

"Where to?" Dennesh asked.

"Gate Terminal. We're going to Chuuruthia so I can get some real clothes and pack a bag." He rubbed a hand across the fine stubble on his chin.

"We can take you directly to Chuuruthia," Dennesh offered.

"No. We use the Gate Terminals. Tik find it very rude to be used as anchor points without permission," Jack said with a scowl.

The three Ishilon warriors looked uncomfortable. "Apologies, Shadeem."

"Don't apologize to me," Jack said, pointing to Tito.

They bowed their heads to the Tik. "Apologies, Tito."

"Thank you," the Tik said politely.

Bayly smiled at Jack's consideration for her Tik friend.

They reached the Gate terminal, and Jack greeted the Ishilon working at the agent's desk with a smile. Bayly placed her hand on the biometric reader then the agent set the Gate for her to step through onto another world. Bayly inhaled and immediately smiled as this planet smelled so good! She felt herself relaxing, and she couldn't stop smiling.

Jack looked at her strangely as they approached a lovely being standing on the other side of the agent's desk. Bayly reached out and touched the biometric reader, and the pretty Chuuruthian smiled at her in delight. "I've never met anyone from your planet before!"

Bayly grinned at her. "I'm the first of my kind to step through a Gate, and I've stepped through so many! So many worlds, so many different people!" She was gushing, and she couldn't stop herself.

"Could she have one of those packets?" Jack asked the Chuuruthian, who nodded with a smile and banded him a little white pouch.

"Breathe through this," Jack said, lifting the packet against Bayly's nose.

Her eyes widened in surprise, then she did as Jack asked and inhaled deeply through the fabric.

"Again," Jack said as the Ishilon smiled at her in amusement.

She inhaled and felt her feet slowly returning to the ground. "What... what was that?" she asked as her mind cleared from the euphoria.

"The flowers around the building can have a relaxing effect, and your race seems strongly affected by it. The pouch contains a remedy. Let's go."

They got a taxi outside the terminal and booked it for a return trip.

As they flew toward the park, Bayly admired the scenery on the way. "Where are the buildings?" she asked.

"The Chuuruthians build their structures to blend into nature, not overpower it. They're a lovely people," Jack explained.

They flew up to the top of a large hill covered in trees. The taxi settled down on a driveway, and people began rushing out the door built into the hillside.

Jack was out of the taxi and running toward the group as Bayly watched in surprise.

"Jack's family," Dennesh said with a gentle smile. "Our Shadeem is blessed with love."

Bayly exited the vehicle with the others and approached the people Jack was hugging and kissing.

One was a tall, dark-haired female with a child in her arms, but the infant had scales like an Ishilon. Jack kissed her deeply, then kissed the child as the woman ran her fingers through Jack's blond hair. She looked very pleased with it.

A black-furred female rushed from the home, leapt into Jack's arms, kissed him feverishly, then rubbed her face against his.

"Jack! Jinnae told me we're having twin girls!" the dark female said.

His face lit up in a broad smile. "That's wonderful news! Do Adina and Zaina know?"

She shook her head, then Jack kissed her again before setting her on her feet.

He picked up a grey-furred female with forward-pointing horns and kissed her sweetly before rubbing his forehead against hers.

When he set her on her hooves, she looked into his eyes. "How were you on Allsa Komanae?" she asked gently.

Jack smiled and nodded. "It wasn't as bad as I feared it might be. I had a few moments, but I wasn't alone—"

"Where's Rikki?" the tall brunette suddenly blurted in surprise.

Jack's expression froze, and he shook his head. "I'm not sure. I'll go into the details later, but Rikki and I ended up on Allsa Komanae when one of its moons was about to crash into the planet. We got everyone through the Gate to Allsa One, but Rikki pushed me through an unstable Gate. It had to stay behind to control the Gate. I may have lost Rikki."

Bayly watched him tap his finger nervously against his collar. That Jack held out hope for retrieving his Tik friend from a world impacted by one of its moons showed incredible optimism or a dangerous inability to accept the loss.

"Aaros and Juul are still on Altaria?" Jack asked as he got control of his emotions again.

"Yes," SennLann said, and Jack nodded.

"Sorry, I should make introductions," Jack said, and Bayly learned the names of each of his family members. When Jack introduced Adam, Bayly was lost.

"Adam's mother is Diana, but you and Lorrem are the fathers?" she asked.

Diana's face was heating up, as was Jack's.

"Yes, but that's a tale for another day. I'm going to quickly change into actual clothes and pack a bag," Jack said, and the ladies protested at the news he was leaving again.

"I'm terribly sorry I have to leave so soon, but there's a time-critical peacekeeping mission the Ishilon and I'll be doing for Bayly's people. She and Tito can explain while I get clothes." He paused and looked at Bayly. "I should have asked. What is the climate like where we'll be on Danat?" Jack asked.

"This time of year, it's sunny and pleasantly warm," she said. He nodded to her, then rushed off.

Bayly faced Diana, SennLann, and Eve and felt her throat tightening. "I'm terribly sorry to steal Jack away from his home to rescue my people, especially when it was my fault."

Tito touched her arm. "Bayly, it wasn't your fault. It was a situation created by the Krreegah and their unreasoning belligerence which led to the current state of crisis."

The Tik saw curious gazes were aimed its way, so it gave them a quick description of the Krreegah's presence on Danat as feral beasts and the encounter at the Gate terminal. It explained how the Ishilon would help stop the Krreegah and send them on their way as the Tik would be watching, and their Gate access was at risk.

The ladies seemed more at ease about the mission as Jack's role was purely as Ambassador for his negotiating skills.

"Tito, would you mind if I had a private word with them?" Bayly asked, and the Tik moved back with the three Ishilon warriors.

Bayly stepped closer and looked into their eyes. "The original purpose of my leaving Danat was to speak to Jack about an entirely different crisis. The Dannt have a trait that bonds mating pairs. Once a male and female choose each other and mate for the first time, the female undergoes a physical change, making her infertile for any other male. Our Queen Mara put off selecting a mate as she concentrated on the needs of her people. She finally chose a mate but lost him just a month later. She has no heirs. By our laws, she must step down after her month of mourning. She is a beloved Queen as she pulled us from the dark ages and reconnected us with the people on our three worlds. The only challenger will drive us back into the dark ages."

"You think Jack might be able to give her a child?" Eve asked.

"He gave the Ishilon Sultessa children, had a child with Diana and Lorrem, and SennLann is carrying twins from him. I know the Dannt mate pairing situation might be different and may be unsolvable, but he is our last hope," Bayly said.

The three ladies shared a look then Diana nodded to Eve and SennLann.

Eve leaned closer. "Word of advice, don't phrase it that way, or you'll put too much pressure on him."

Diana nodded and then offered her own advice. "Better yet, don't tell him at all. Tell your Queen what Jack may be able to do for her and introduce them together. If there's chemistry between them, it will happen."

Bayly looked at Diana. "Chemistry?"

Diana grinned. "A mutual attraction, both mental and physical."

Eve nodded. "Yes, I agree with Diana's idea."

SennLann grinned at her. "As well as us, Jack also had a daughter with Tanz, a Shreen, triplets with Juul, a Harruushan, and multiple children with multiple Altarians." She shushed everyone as Jack returned with a small pack over his shoulder. He eyed their innocent expressions suspiciously.

"Everything okay, here?" he asked cautiously.

Diana gave him a sweet smile. "Bayly was very brave to come all this way to ask for help. We're very proud of you for coming to her aid."

"How long will you be away this time?" SennLann asked.

Jack looked at Dennesh. "Have you got any idea how much time it will take to reach the outer edge of the galaxy in the ship?"

"Sorry, I have no idea," the warrior returned.

Jack looked at Tito. "How long does it take by regular Gates?"

Tito tipped forward slightly. "Nine to eleven days, based on the route."

Jack turned back to the ladies. "I'm going to say a minimum of two weeks. Much will depend on what we find when we arrive."

"You will be safe and stay out of the fight!" Diana insisted.

"Yes! You are an Ambassador, not a warrior!" Eve said firmly.

SennLann hugged Jack, clinging to him. "Come back to us, Jack!" she purred.

Jack kissed them and Adam, then they walked back to the taxi. Another taxi landed quickly behind the first, and Gee and Bal rushed out to block his path.

"Where are you going?" Gee asked as she stood before him with a hand on his chest.

"Uh, I'm going on a peacekeeping mission to the planet Danat with the Ishilon on their ship," Jack said.

"Where is Danat?" Bal asked, equally insistent.

Jack was beginning to get annoyed. "It's on the galactic edge. Way out there!" He flung his arm to gesture to the sky above. He actually had no idea which direction they'd be going.

Gee looked at Eve. "Do not let him leave without us!"

The two Altarian special agents raced away toward the house.

Jack frowned in annoyance. "I'm going to be on a ship filled with Ishilon warriors. I'm not going to be in any danger. I don't need Altarian bodyguards too!" He went to step toward the taxi, but a hand snagged his arm. "Eve—" Jack began as he turned back.

Bayly was holding his arm.

"We can wait a little longer to ease the minds of the ones you love," she said.

Jack held her eyes, and she saw he had no argument. He huffed and adjusted his pack while he waited.

Bayly looked back at the ladies, who were all smiling at her. She bowed her head to them, and they returned it.

A few minutes later, Gee and Bal came hustling back with backpacks twice the size of Jacks and hovering one-person skimmers following them.

Bayly caught their expressions of relief as they smiled at Eve. She, in turn, pointed to Bayly, which made the two Altarians look at her in surprise. As they rushed by to push their bags into Jack's taxi, they thanked her quietly.

"We'll follow you to the terminal on the skimmers," Gee said.

Jack glanced at Bayly, then aimed a frown at Gee. "Why are you bringing them? I may not even need to leave the ship!"

"You will! I mean, we will. You'll need to meet with Queen Mara," Bayly insisted.

"Oh, right. Of course." Jack said, looking at Bayly, then glanced back at Gee. "Still," he mumbled.

"Better to have them and not need them," Bal said but aimed a small smile at Bayly.

"Fine," Jack said in surrender. With a wave to the ladies, Jack got into the taxi, and the others also crowded in. The two large backpacks took a lot of space, so Tito volunteered to fly with the Altarians, and Bayly squeezed in next to Jack.

As they flew back to the terminal, Bayly smiled at Jack. "You have a lovely family."

Jack's expression softened. "Yes, I do." He nodded to himself. "When this is done, I'm going to take a few weeks off to stay home and get on their nerves until they send me back to work."

Bayly laughed happily, and Jack smiled for her.

They enjoyed the sights on the return trip to the terminal, which was unfortunately brief.

When the taxi touched down next to the entrance, Bayly noticed a group of people waiting there. Several more black-garbed Altarians were standing around a regal-looking female Altarian in a white gown. She glanced at Jack's face and saw shock there. He left the taxi first and walked toward her until he pulled her into his arms and held her close.

Tito leaned close to Bayly. "That's Queen Elissa. She rules the Altarian people."

Bayly realized her impression of the female had been more accurate than she thought. "She loves Jack too."

Tito nodded to her as they exited the taxi. "They have two children together."

Bayly couldn't help but picture Jack in the embrace of Queen Mara, making her smile. She prayed to the Goddess that he would be able to help her.

Jack was wiping his eyes as he turned to smile at Bayly. "Queen Elissa, this is Bayly of Danat. Her people, the Dannt, are at risk from a Krreegah invasion. We're taking the Ishilon ship, now named Peacekeeper, to Danat to prevent or stop this from happening."

The lovely Altarian bowed to Bayly. "You've done a very brave thing, crossing the galaxy in search of help. You've made your people proud and found the right person to come to your aid. I pray for the safety and health of the Dannt."

Bayly bowed deeply to the Queen. "Thank you!"

"I won't delay you. I just came to see how Jack was before he went off adventuring again," Elissa said with a sweet smile.

"Thank you," Jack said, squeezing her hand gently before she stepped back.

"Come see me when you return," the Queen said to Jack, and he nodded.

The Queen and her escort went back into the terminal, and Jack looked for his Altarian bodyguards, who approached with the skimmers following close behind, the backpacks strapped down to their decks.

"You brought Queen Elissa?" Jack asked them incredulously.

"No, she brought us," Gee said.

Dennesh urged them to enter the terminal, and they gave their destination to the Gate agent and walked through their assigned Gate to Callosephia.

When they stepped out of the terminal, Lorrem was waiting for them. Several dozen Ishilon were standing in the street waving at Jack.

"Your people are very excited about our peacekeeping mission. We had more volunteers than we needed. Are you ready, Shadeem?" he asked, and Jack just nodded as he smiled and waved to the crowd. A cheer went up.

Three Gates appeared beside the Ishilon.

"How many are we bringing?" Jack asked.

Lorrem nodded. "Just one hundred."

Jack grinned. "One hundred?"

"Thousand," Lorrem corrected.

Jack and Bayly froze.

"Most will stay in suspension sleep until they are needed. Shall we?" Lorrem asked and gestured to the mirror surface. Jack, Bayly, and Tito entered Lorrem's Gate and found themselves standing in a corridor. Lorrem followed them and shut down the Gate.

Gee and Bal had come through Dennesh's Gate.

"Thank you, Dennesh, Jerren, Hallel. Get some food and rest."

The three Ishilon warriors bowed to their commander and smiled at Jack. "Shadeem," they said in unison.

"Thank you," Jack returned.

"The bridge is this way," Lorrem said, then looked back at Gee and Bal. "Please leave the skimmers and backpacks here. No explosives are allowed on the bridge."

Jack stared at them in surprise. "Explosives?"

"Better to have and not need—" Bal began.

"Peacekeeping! What part of peacekeeping is confusing you?" Jack interrupted.

"Says the Bare-Knuckled Ambassador," Gee returned and got a smirk from Bal.

With a final annoyed look at the ebony Altarians, Jack followed Lorrem with the rest close behind.

"Have the Tik from Chuuruthia boarded?" Jack asked.

Lorrem smiled back at him. "Yes, all eighty of them. The Tik leaders insisted this number may be required if the Krreegah fleet needs to be... how did Socrates phrase it? Ah yes. Mothballed."

Jack laughed and nodded. Seeing the commander was waiting for an explanation. "He means to put into storage. Mothball is an old Earth term for a small ball soaked in a pungent chemical. These were added to clothing and blanket storage containers as a repellant for flying insects called moths." Jack shrugged. "That phrase was definitely directed at me. I believe the Tik wanted to emphasize that if we need to take control of their fleet, we aren't to damage them."

Lorrem nodded.

On the main display, Callosephia was spread out before them.

Bayly gasped. "Is that the planet we were just on?"

Tito tipped forward slightly. "Callosephia is quite lovely from up here."

Lorrem grinned at the Tik. "It is especially lovely from the ground, but I will grant you that seeing it from this high up is stunning."

Bayly's mind was struggling to grasp her current reality. "We're in a ship. In space. Above the planet?"

Jack smiled at her and nodded. "Space travel is a rare treat as the Gate Network makes it largely obsolete... except for situations like this." His smile slipped away as he turned back to Lorrem. "What's our fastest route to Danat?"

Lorrem nodded to the navigator, who changed the display to plot the jump points between Callosephia and Danat.

Tito made a sound of surprise, and Bayly looked at it curiously.

"These distances are four times what we would do with our regular terminals. They exceed what our strongest Gates can achieve by a third!" it exclaimed.

"Our power source is highly efficient, stable, and far more powerful," Lorrem said with a smile. "Or so our Gate Technologist tells me. We will share this technology with the Tik once Peacekeeper returns from this test flight."

"Test flight?" Jack yelped.

Lorrem smiled. "I should have said the final test flight. We've already tested it extensively. The design works. We have learned from our past mistakes and overconfidence in our implant-supported intellect."

The navigator zoomed in on the map.

"We have selected this path for our route, but I would welcome a Tik's perspective on the chosen planets. The races at each location, their space flight capabilities, and the chance of their being able to detect our passage through their space. The goal is to reach Danat as quickly as possible without upsetting too many races along the way," the commander said.

Tito moved closer and gestured to a few points and suggested alternatives. When it was done, it paused. "I believe this would be the best route to take, but as we missed the Krreegah's spaceflight capabilities, I cannot guarantee complete accuracy," Tito said.

"I'll need a listing of the Races whose space we'll be passing through in case I need to address their concerns with the Grand Assembly Committee, Jack said.

Lorrem nodded.

Jack paused. "One planet we should stop at before reaching Danat is Krreegah. If the fleet hasn't left, we can stop them from making a mistake before they start. If they've left, we can notify the Krreegah that their attack threatens their access to the Gate Network."

Tito and Lorrem looked back at their route and made the required adjustment. Lorrem turned to Jack. "Krreegah will be the final stop before we arrive at Danat."

"Perfect. Thanks!" Jack responded. His mind was quickly leaping forward with a sensational idea.

"Returning to the idea of sharing this technology with the Tik, Gate Terminals equipped with this would be able to reach more destinations. This would be a tremendous benefit for all races of the Gate Network. To ensure the Ishilon and the Tik get the credit they deserve for this, I'd like the Tik to review the technology to see how they might implement it and provide me with their assessment. If this can be successfully performed, it would go a long way toward improving relations with the Gate Network members. Perhaps enough to make them more accepting of the Tik and less resistant to the idea of Peacekeeper flying through their space. I know some races will welcome the ship's presence as it reminds their more aggressive neighbors to be better behaved."

Bayly saw his expression show his increasing excitement as he continued. "The Peacekeeper and the Blade of Reason might be the best options for delivering the technology to the more far-flung worlds in the Gate Network, starting at opposite sides and working inwards from there. This is such fantastic news!" Jack grinned excitedly, then locked eyes with Lorrem. "But we must ensure the distribution and control of Gate Technology remains in the tentacles of the Tik. The Ishilon have their own, but they must not allow it to get into other hands."

"So shall it be, Shadeem," Lorrem stated solemnly, and the bridge crew bowed their heads toward him.

Bayly noted that Jack still seemed awkward when treated with such reverence. "So, how long will it take us to reach Danat with this route?" he asked.

"Four days."

Bayly couldn't contain her surprised joy and squeaked happily.

Jack grinned at her and then looked to Lorrem. "On your command."

The commander nodded with a smile and nodded to his crew. "You heard the Shadeem. Set our course to follow the designated route and engage."

A deep but low hum began, and the main display switched back to the view of Callosephia. It began to slide to the left as the ship repositioned itself for the Gate.

"Gate Projectors online and charging," one of the bridge crew said.

"Vector confirmed. First Gate ready to be instantiated."

Bayly was watching the display, and almost unnoticeably, a patch of the stars ahead changed position with a huge circular hole at the center. If it was a mirror, she assumed they were seeing their reflection.

"Entering the Gate."

The view didn't change significantly, so the first Gate transition was anticlimactic.

After an extended period of no discernable change, a voice called out. "Peacekeeper is clear. Gate closing."

"Any local chatter indicating anyone is aware of us?" Lorrem asked the comms officer.

"None, commander," came back.

"Nothing detected on the ship's sensors to indicate energy sweeps in our direction," another crew said.

Lorrem smiled. "Next Gate."

"Gate Projectors online and charging," a bridge crew member said.

Jack grinned at the commander. "Here's hoping they are all as smooth as that one."

"Indeed. I've received word that Taggart and Hemmarr are waiting for you in Engineering," Lorrem said, and Jack's expression showed a sudden tension. He looked at Bayly.

"Yes! I'll head there now. You and Tito should get settled into your quarters, and I'll see you later, okay?"

Bayly reached out and took Jack's hands. "Thank you for this. The Dannt are eternally grateful for your efforts on our behalf regardless of the outcome."

Jack smile. "Keep a positive attitude." He nodded to the others and rushed off the bridge with his Altarian shadows, where he met a guide to take him to Engineering.

Bayly looked to Tito. "Was this what you expected to happen when we reached Maghadahn?"

Tito turned back from facing the exit to look at Bayly. "No. This is so far above and beyond the result I imagined. It feels like a dream!"

Lorrem overheard and smiled. "I will have someone show you to your quarters."

Bayly nodded and left the bridge with Tito. She looked to the Tik. "What happened after I was shot by that machine?"

"Grenville was disguised as one of the Maghadahn security team. He rushed forward, checked on you, then picked the machine up and carried it back through the dark Gate, which collapsed after they got through," the Tik responded.

Bayly stared at Tito in shock. "Grenville? I thought he left."

"It seems he wanted to ensure you got the assistance you needed. Jack told us Grenville asked him to help you," the Tik replied.

"Is someone going to help Grenville?" she asked.

Tito paused. "The Tik will investigate the lobotomized Tik used as the Gate, but it will be difficult without knowing where Jack was when he came through, and he said he doesn't know."

Bayly followed their guide as she thought about the unfairness of that.

She hoped they found him as she wanted to thank him too.

Chapter 15

"It could be Rikki. Or it could be the data Rikki copied from the Deen-Diin servers," Taggart said as it examined the massive data block in one of Jack's storage links on his collar.

"Or it could be both?" Hemmarr asked.

Taggart tipped forward. "Possibly. I'm sorry, Jack. Without a drone ready to migrate Rikki into, all we can do is guess. The storage in the collar isn't like anything I've seen. I can't look deeper."

"What about using the last drone Rikki inhabited?" Jack suggested.

"It's not available, and... Rikki isn't backward compatible. It evolves with each consecutive drone," Taggart admitted.

Jack frowned. "What does that mean? Rikki is evolving?"

Taggart sighed, and Jack restrained himself from smiling as the sound matched his own weary sigh. Someone had run the Danner experience file.

"We've discovered that Rikki's identity template expands to match the boundaries of each drone we prepare for it. We've ensured each iteration matches the previous one with improvements and expansions. There can be no reductions in the next design, or Rikki won't transfer into it," Taggart explained.

"I've worked vigilantly to increase the bandwidth for Rikki's sensory feeds in the next drone. This took an entirely new processor to manage the throughput. Faster storage and more of it as well. It is only ten percent physically larger than the last drone. I just need more time to complete it and resolve a final issue," Hemmarr admitted.

Jack nodded to her. "Of course. I know you are performing amazing work, and I have every faith in you and Taggart!"

It was Jack's turn to sigh. "Thank you for checking on the collar and for giving me hope." He rubbed his face as he was beginning to feel worn out. "I think I've had enough excitement today. If you don't mind, I think I'll find my quarters and catch some sleep."

"Of course, Jack. See you in the morning."

Jack headed back out into the corridor, where he picked up his escort. Gee and Bal were instantly alert as they saw his expression.

"Rikki?" Gee asked gently.

He looked at her curiously, then raised a hand. "Inconclusive. Rikki may be there, or it could just be a shitload of data from Allsa One. We won't know until they have the new drone ready for Rikki to inhabit." Jack looked to their guide. "I'd like to go to my room."

"Yes, Shadeem," a shorter but broad-shouldered male said and headed down the corridor with a gesture to follow.

As they walked, Bal moved closer and looked up at his hair. "Why are you blond?"

Jack nodded with a smile. He knew they preferred his hair to match their color. "That happened when I was on the world Rikki dumped me on. I broke some fingers when I destroyed the Allsa Komanae servers for Rikki. Which reminds me, I need new gloves." Bal pulled a pair from a pocket in her gown, which were his size. He accepted them with a surprised smile and tucked them away.

"I was taken for medical treatment, and the being in charge, whose face appeared on a monitor, indicated it had repaired genetic damage caused by... overlay instruction improperly tacked onto my genes. The only impact was cosmetic, so they went ahead with the fix. This was the result."

"You have any idea where you were?" Gee asked.

Jack yawned. "Nope. Never been there before. Felt empty. Silent, like a tomb. Beautifully preserved gardens and groomed lawns, but I detected no life besides plants. Not even insects, as far as I could tell.

They reached the door to a suite, and their guide brought them inside. Jack's eyes widened at the posh furnishings in the room. A second set of doors inside led to the bedroom. The bed was enormous.

His pack was on a small table next to the bed.

Jack turned back to the Ishilon. "What's your name?"

The male smiled. "Norress, Shadeem."

"Thank you, Norress, for guiding us around the ship. Sorry you got saddled with such a dull duty," Jack said with a smile.

"It was my honor, Shadeem," the young male replied.

"You can call me Jack. It's okay."

Norress grinned and bowed. "Thank you, Shadeem."

Jack sighed. He was too tired to argue.

"I will take your companions to their room—"

"We will sleep here," Gee said.

Norress looked at Jack, and he just nodded. "Shall I have their luggage brought here?"

"Yes," Jack said. "Good night." He tipped his head to the Ishilon and entered the bedroom to prepare for bed.

A few minutes later, Gee and Bal joined him with their bags. Gee frowned as she saw Jack stretched out on the bed. "Are you well?" she asked.

Jack opened his eyes. "Yes, I'm just feeling so worn out. The day just took more out of me than I expected."

He closed his eyes again. He resurfaced as soft hands brushed his hair away from his ear. He smiled then something hard poked into his ear canal. That was rude.

"Fever," a voice said.

Then he was out.

-=-

"Jack? Can you hear me?"

He felt warm, but he shivered. Then the voice registered in his mind. "Rikki?"

"Why are you cold?"

Jack thought that was a silly question. He was warm. More importantly, Rikki was speaking to him?

"Rikki?" he said aloud.

"Get him in the ice bath."

Jack didn't recognize that voice immediately and didn't like what it said.

"GAAAAAAAHHH!!!" Jack yelled as his body dropped into the frigid waters. His eyes flew wide open, and he saw Gee and Bal assisting Chena with dunking him in a large tub filled with ice and water.

"FUCK! What? AHHH! Cold!" Jack yelled. The adrenaline was perking his brain up, but his thoughts felt sluggish. He awkwardly tried to climb out of the tub, but Gee and Bal knocked his hands off the sides, and he went under the surface.

When the cold surrounded his head, he felt a deep pulse in his brain. He went still as it actually felt good. His hands were still above the surface, and he felt Gee and Bal grasp them to pull him up, but he clumsily shook them off. His thoughts slowed again, and the pulse came back and calmed him. Hands gently lifted his face above the surface just enough to let him breathe.

He tried to open his eyes, but his brain said no, and he faded again.

-=-

Jack slowly became aware of the softness and warmth pressing on both sides of his body. He eased his eyes open slowly, and his vision swam momentarily. Then slowly, his surroundings came into focus. He was in a hospital bed... in a sick bay. Gee and Bal were squeezed up against his sides. The machine next to the bed made a gentle ping sound, and moments later, Chena entered the room and approached.

The two Altarians were immediately awake and looked up at Jack in concern.

"What am I doing here?" Jack asked. The two shared a look that Jack thought might have been relief then they slipped off the bed to pull on their gowns.

Chena stopped next to his bed. "Shadeem, how are you feeling."

Jack did an internal check and felt much better than he had when he was brought to his suite. "Good. Rested. Really hungry."

Chena smiled. "That's very good."

"What happened? Why am I here?" Jack asked.

Chena nodded. "I'm going to invite some people who can shed some light on it for you." He gestured over his shoulder, and Tito and Bayly entered the sick bay to join Chena beside the bed.

Bayly dropped to her knees and bowed her head. "I'm so sorry, Ambassador Danner!"

Tito looked at her, then at Jack. "Yes, we're sorry for not identifying that the plague virus Bayly was carrying might actually be dangerous to you."

Jack fixed his eyes on the Tik. "Plague virus? I caught a plague?"

"A Dannt genetically engineered virus, to be precise. We believe the same virus wiped out most of their race centuries ago. We confirmed it's in Bayly. The survivors are carriers of the virus and immune to it. It only targets specific receptors in Dannt brains, so the Tik rated it as safe for Gate travel. We obviously missed the unique flexibility of your hybrid genome."

Chena was excited and jumped in. "Your body's distinct immune system managed to defeat it... with some external assistance. Not only did you fight it off, but your body produced an antibody, which eradicates the virus. I've been able to synthesize it in my lab. We can provide an extremely potent antivirus inoculation to the Dannt populace to purge the virus completely."

Jack blinked at him. "If they are all immune to it, why do they need a vaccine?" He finally noticed Bayly was still on her knees. "Bayly, please stand."

Tito answered that. "Ambassador Danner, while hybrids are extremely rare, you aren't the only one who might become infected. You were fortunate to be in a place with top-tier medical care available. The Dannt Gates only move between their three worlds. Unless the disease is eliminated at the source permanently, the Gates will remain closed to the Network, and Bayly will be the only Dannt to have ever traveled beyond their worlds."

She made a little sound of dismay.

"Ah, okay. So... how did I catch it?" Jack asked.

Bayly looked down at her feet, and her hands were clenched at her side. "I kissed you," she said quietly.

Jack recalled the moment with a smile. "Ah, yes. The kiss."

Bayly dropped to her knees, bent forward, and pressed her forehead to the floor. "Please, Ambassador Danner! Don't punish my people for my mistake! Please continue the rescue mission!"

Jack's eyebrows rose. "Bayly! I'm not stopping the mission over this! Don't be silly! I don't hold you responsible. Please stand up."

She did and approached the bed as he held out a hand. She put one of hers in it.

"Please call me Jack. That goes for you too, Tito," Jack insisted. He looked over to Chena. "How long was I out?"

"Roughly sixty hours. You slipped in and out of consciousness, and we had to resort to ice baths when your temperature spiked. Your metabolism has returned to normal," the doctor explained.

"So, we're just a day and a half out? Any issues with the transit?" Jack asked as his thumb absently stroked across the back of Bayly's hand.

"None. It's my impression that Peacekeeper remains undiscovered, but you might wish to confirm with Lorrem as that's his area of expertise." Chena said. "I would like to discuss with you and young Bayly the possibility of her being the first to take the vaccine. She could determine what impact it will have for her people to be free of the disease."

"What does that mean?" Bayly asked Jack.

"The doctor would like you to accept an injection of the medicine to determine how it affects you while it removes the virus. You may show symptoms like I had, worse, or maybe nothing at all. We don't know," Jack said.

"Do you want me to?" Bayly asked.

Jack released her hand and held his up. "This decision has to be completely yours." He looked at Chena. "How dangerous could this be for her?"

"As Tito so accurately remarked, she is in a top-tier medical care facility. We can ensure she receives immediate and comprehensive treatment. However, as this virus bonds to very specific receptor sites in the brain, among its other effects, I cannot give any guarantees. We don't know what these receptor sites are responsible for in a Dannt brain. The sites themselves will not be affected, but the viruses will be eliminated from them."

Jack looked at Bayly. "So, there is some danger. Chena will watch you closely and respond quickly with all his expertise, but there might be some things he won't be able to fix if something goes wrong. We could also ask someone else from your world to be the first patient. The alternative is you and your people don't take the vaccine, and the Dannt continue to live on your planets but will not be able to spread out into the Gate Network. If that wasn't important to your people, and some races choose to stay home, there is no need to take the vaccine."

Bayly shook her head. "Now that I've seen what the Gate Network has to offer, I can't imagine my people being denied the opportunity to meet so many interesting people and experience all the amazing worlds to visit. If we can enlighten our leaders to the point where they get past their fear of technology, I want the Dannt to be free to travel the Gate Network. I'm willing to take the chance to make that possibility available for them."

Jack smiled at her. "Bayly, no one can deny your love for your people or how brave you are." She smiled shyly at him.

Chena was pleased too. "The first thing we'll need to do is a complete scan of your body as a before state. Then we'll do another once we determine the virus has been eliminated from your body."

Tito moved forward. "I can provide the scan if Bayly approves." Chena bowed acceptance to the Tik, and Bayly nodded to Tito. It projected a slow pass of a green light beam over her body from head to toe.

Chena approached her with an injector. "What do I need to do?" she asked. He pressed it against her arm, and it made a little puff sound.

"That's it," Chena said with a smile. "I suggest you lie down on the next bed, and we'll monitor your condition over the next day. The antibodies shouldn't take long to begin removing the virus."

With another shy smile at Jack, Bayly got onto the bed next to his and rested back.

"I'll stay here if you want some company," Jack offered, and she quickly nodded.

Jack turned to Gee and Bal. "Thank you for getting me through this. I have strange flashes of memory of you two helping Chena with me."

"They were indispensable, especially when it came to the ice baths. A most distasteful experience for an Ishilon but very effective for dealing with your fever," Chena added.

Jack froze as another memory surfaced. "I-I heard Rikki talking to me at one point."

Chena nodded. "You spoke aloud in your fevered state. Apparently, your parents were also speaking to you," he said gently.

Jack leaned back on the bed. "Ah... okay." His sudden spike of hope dimmed once more. He rubbed his fingers over the surface of his slave collar.

The two Altarians patted his arm, then left without another word. Likely to get some decent sleep after the ordeal. He'd give them hugs later when they had some privacy.

"I'm thankful you've recovered," Tito said, then followed them out.

Chena placed a monitor band on Bayly's wrist and touched the monitor's controls on the bed to ensure the readings were coming through. With a satisfied nod, he turned back to Jack. "I'll have someone bring you a meal."

"Thank you for everything, Chena!" Jack said.

"It was my pleasure, Shadeem," the doctor said with a little bow before he left.

Bayly smiled over at him. "They really respect you!"

Jack smiled self-consciously. "That never stops feeling strange."

"How did you become their Shadeem?" Bayly asked.

Jack absently touched his collar again. "That's a long story."

Bayly's smile slipped. "I'm sorry for intruding on something you don't wish to discuss."

He smiled. "No, it's okay. I suppose we have time if you'd like to hear it."

Bayly's smile returned two-fold, so Jack began.

Jack's meal arrived an hour later, so he took a break from telling the story. He'd been watching Bayly closely to see if she exhibited any symptoms.

Norress set up a table and served Jack some sandwiches and soup. He leaned over to take in the savory scent. "That smells delicious!"

"Jack? I don't smell anything," Bayly said.

He smiled at her. "You can't smell the soup?" He gestured for Norress to hold it before her.

She moved her face over it and shook her head. "I can't smell it. I've lost my sense of smell!"

"Ah! That's gotta be a symptom," Jack said as Norress placed the soup back on Jack's table. "Norress, could you let Chena know the first symptom has appeared?" The Ishilon rushed away.

"OHH!" Bayly exclaimed as she suddenly leaned away from Jack's dinner, then sneezed violently as she held her hands over her nose.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked as Bayly's eyes watered.

"My sense of smell came back, and it's so strong! The soup is overwhelming!"

Chena quickly reached Bayly. "Your sense of smell disappeared but came back stronger?"

Bayly nodded, then moved her hands away from her face. "Yes... but it's not as strong as before. It smells good."

Jack and Chena stayed with Bayly for the next few hours as her senses came and went. Luckily her vision only dimmed momentarily. During a lull, Jack nodded off and had a lovely dream about his kids. He was reclining on a lounge chair on his patio behind his house. A party was going on, and the kids were playing in the valley below. They took turns visiting Jack, and he got hugs from each.

"What's the matter, Bayly?" Chena asked, waking Jack with the concern in his voice.

Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he looked across at Bayly, and she was staring at him with wide, teary eyes.

"Were... were you dreaming of something happy... about someone you love?" she asked with a tight voice.

Jack's jaw dropped. "You can see my dreams?" he gasped.

She shook her head. "No! I can... feel your emotions!"

"What? How... how do you know it's me?" Jack asked uncomfortably, as it was too close to what only Rikki got to share. His heart clenched as he thought of his Tik buddy.

A few tears escaped Bayly's eyes. "Your emotions are very strong, and they feel like you. I'm sorry if I'm invading your privacy. I-I don't know how to stop it."

Chena was standing on the other side of her bed. "I'd like to ask Tito to run another scan. Perhaps we will see if a previously inactive area of your brain has become active since the inoculation."

Bayly nodded, and Chena rushed away. She looked back at Jack with an apologetic expression.

"You can't feel Chena's emotions? He seemed rather excited," Jack said.

She shook her head. "The only one I can detect is you. As I said, your emotions are so intense."

Jack nodded. "I'm going to try something. A little trick my friends Gee and Bal taught me for preparing for battle."

The Dannt beauty watched him carefully as Jack closed his eyes. He recalled the Altarian lessons for focusing his mind into a serene state. Calm. Quiet. Still. Control.

When he opened his eyes again, Bayly was smiling sweetly at him. "Better?" he asked.

"Almost completely gone. With my eyes closed, I can still sense your presence in the room, but you're no longer projecting your emotions.

Tito rushed into the room with Chena and approached her bed.

"You still can't detect them?" Jack asked.

Bayly closed her eyes, then shook her head.

"Are you well, Bayly?" Tito asked, and she opened her eyes to face the Tik.

"It has been a little frightening with my senses fading away, but they eventually came back," she replied.

"She seems to have gained a new sense as well. If you could perform a new scan?" Chena asked with a smile.

Bayly slipped off the bed to stand beside it, then Tito completed another slow scan.

"I'm not detecting the virus in her brain at all. There are a few small areas, dense organ tissues, where the virus remains, but I assume these areas will eventually be clear. The antibody is performing remarkably well and expediently," Tito said to the Ishilon doctor, who bowed slightly in thanks.

"Are you detecting any activity differences in her brain?" Chena asked eagerly.

Tito reviewed the two scans and projected two images on the wall beside Bayly's bed. "The one on the left is the before scan, and you can see this dark area on the right-side lobe. In the after scan, that area is very active." Tito looked at Chena. "What does it do?"

Chena gestured to Bayly to be the one who answered, and she smiled shyly. "I can sense Jack's emotions."

Tito looked at Jack and then back to Bayly. "Just Jack?" She nodded.

The Tik moved to Jack's bed. "May I do a scan of you?"

Jack sighed as he knew this was coming. It wasn't like Jinnae didn't put him under the microscope every chance she got. "Fine."

"May I have a copy of the scan, Shadeem?" Chena asked hopefully, and Jack nodded.

He slipped out of bed to let Tito perform the same full-body scan he'd done for Bayly.

"Oh! I had no idea how extensively the collar's filaments penetrated your nervous system," Tito sighed.

Jack sighed once more at the unwelcome reminder.

Tito returned to his former spot and projected the before and after scans for Bayly's brain, then he added the scan of Jack's brain next to them. The anatomy was different, so it was difficult to make any comparisons. The Tik looked to the doctor. "Do you have a scan of Jack's brain prior to a week ago?"

"I don't," the Ishilon doctor lamented.

"My Altarian doctor will. Jinnae takes scans of me every time I go in for the slightest thing. She'll have the most comprehensive record of my development since I first began working on Altaria," Jack said.

Chena was staring at him. "I would very much like to see that data."

Jack snorted softly. "As would a bunch of other doctors and a certain Maghadahn university student who's enrolled in xenobiology." He frowned. "I still owe her for helping us when we visited."

"I will share the scans I've made with you," Tito told Chena.

Jack looked into Bayly's eyes. "I wonder if this was an ability your people lost because of the plague." He frowned as he recalled something Tito said. He looked at the Tik. "You said the plague was caused by a genetically engineered virus?"

Tito nodded. "Yes, the Tik researchers determined the source of the plague came from a bio-medical lab on the planet Danax. My analysis of the virus we extracted from you confirmed it was engineered."

"Did they determine the identity of the Dannt citizen who created the virus?" Jack asked.

Tito paused. "I don't see a reference to that. The cause was determined to be lax containment protocols. Is that not sufficient?"

Jack watched the Tik and wondered how this was missed. He must have been silently staring at Tito for too long as it became nervous.

"Jack?"

"You have the answer to the question of how. That's fine, but the Tik haven't answered the question of why. The Dannt deserve to know why someone created a genetically engineered virus that blocks their ability to sense the emotions of others," Jack said.

Tito raised a tentacle. "There are several assumptions in that statement. Is Bayly's ability to read emotion a trait the Dannt once had and lost, or is it a new manifestation brought on by the vaccine or natural mutation? The person or team who created the virus may have been working on something for an entirely different purpose."

Chena weighed in. "The vaccine I created from Jack's antibody only targets the virus. It would not be able to give Bayly abilities. As Jack suggested, it's far more likely that this was an existing ability suppressed by the virus. As for the purpose of creating such a virus, I couldn't say."

Jack waved a hand. "I'm just saying it would benefit the Dannt if further investigation was done into the question of why. The fact that Bayly has this ability now is meaningful to her people as it greatly enhances their ability to communicate. She needs to discuss this with her Queen."

Bayly made a strange sound, and Jack looked at her curiously, but she shook her head.

"It's been an emotional day, and I'm a little overwhelmed by it all. I think I'd like to go back to my room and get some sleep if that's okay," she said.

"Of course!" Jack responded and looked at Chena, who fixed his eyes on the Dannt.

"If Tito could keep an eye on you to ensure no further symptoms arise from the vaccine, I see no issues with you returning to your room," the doctor concurred. Bayly nodded with a smile.

Tito bowed and left the sickbay, following Bayly.

Jack watched her go with a troubled expression the doctor clearly caught.

"Are you uncomfortable about Bayly's ability to sense your emotions?" Chena asked.

Jack looked at him. "No. The fact that she couldn't read anyone else's leads me to believe something in me has changed. I'm really uncomfortable with that idea."

"I'm sorry that I don't have access to your medical records to help answer that question, Shadeem," Chena said sadly.

Jack glanced at him and gave him a smile. "No, it's not your fault. You did an amazing job of treating me through my latest ailment, and your creation of the vaccine will dramatically impact the Dannt people!"

"If they accept it, Shadeem," Chena reminded him.

Jack nodded thoughtfully. "That will be up to them." He sighed. "Can I return to my room?"

"Yes, you seem to be past the danger period. If you feel any further symptoms, please contact me immediately," the doctor said.

Jack was in a hospital gown again. "My clothes?"

"You arrived wearing only these," Chena said, holding Jack's sleep shorts.

He accepted them, then tugged them on under his gown. "Thank you, Chena."

"Shadeem," the doctor bowed to him with a smile.

Jack turned to his guide. "Norress, can you take me back to my room?"

"Yes, Shadeem."

With a glance at the smiling warrior, Jack followed.

Once he returned to his suite, he pulled the gown off and entered the bedroom. He saw two sets of dark eyes watching him from the bed. He pushed his shorts off and climbed up the bed to lie between the two dark-furred Altarians.

He didn't need words to tell them how much he loved them. They might get under his skin occasionally and irritate him to distraction, but they knew they were in his heart.

They didn't use words to respond to his love with their own.

As Bal rode him hard and fast, Gee found bliss from his mouth. Their touches conveyed their need and their bond.

Bal accepted his tender kiss as she recovered, then Gee enjoyed his rough passion under his body as she found her own release. She held Jack close as his followed.

When the three cuddled in their afterglow, the moment's serenity let them slip into a satisfied sleep.

Tomorrow was soon enough to return to getting on each other's nerves.