Page 24 of Grulen

“I don’t know, Jevax.”Wurvez sighed.“The engine signature is for a Frezzian freighter we believe has been visiting Zuvgran labs with supplies.”

“Do we think the Frezzians are working with the traitors?”

Wurvez’s ponytail brushed his shoulders as he shook his head.

“It’s possible, but I doubt it.It’s more likely the Frezzians are just dropping off food for the Zuvgran.”

“I’m not sure I see the connection between the freighter and the traitors.”

“We suspected these Frezzians supplied the lab on XB9428B before the Durelians delivered Lady Talia to the Zuvgran lab there.The scientists who injected her made comments about a Svesti noble working with them.The freighter may only lead us to other labs, but we can’t discount the possibility we may find additional information about the traitors.Either way, we increase our knowledge.”

“What are our orders when we find the Frezzians?”

“Follow them discreetly and attempt to get into their computers.If we aren’t able to gather sufficient intel that way, then we can always capture one of them and interrogate them.”

Grulen nodded, then tapped the console.“We’re automatically scanning for the engine signature, and I’ve set it to alert us throughout the ship if we find it before we reach its last known position.”

“How long until we get there?”

“Seven hours.”

Wurvez released his safety restraints and stood.

“Let’s go check where Devik stowed everything.”

“As you command.”

Grulen looked out into space from his cockpit seat during his twelve-hour shift.Wurvez should be showing up soon for our four-hour overlap.Speak of the irrepressible male.Here he is.

Wurvez dropped snacks and water pouches on the console.Grulen grabbed a water pouch and some green crackers.

“Thanks.I can always count on you to have food.”Grulen grinned.

“We’re growing males.Need to keep us fueled.”Wurvez waggled his eyebrows.“Anything new?”

“It’s taken us five days, but we are finally receiving a constant signal from the freighter’s engine signature.”Grulen tapped the console and a holographic image appeared above it.“See?”

Wurvez perused the map and the location of the freighter.

“It appears it’s going to Praxis.How long until we catch up?”

“I’d say less than a day and we’ll be in a good position to follow it cloaked.”

“Excellent.I was afraid I’d have an eternity with only you for company.”

“That would’ve been a fate worse than death.”Grulen leered.

“Not quite that bad.”Wurvez sat back and nibbled on a cracker.“Why have you never moved up in the ranks?You’re more than capable of leading your own team, Jevax.”

“I’m happy as I am.”

“Perhaps a change to security would suit you.You have an excellent cross-section of skills that would work to your advantage.Devik mentioned he may need to form additional teams to protect the females.”

“Why the interest in my career?”

“You’re a good male with a great deal of the competence and experience preferred in the higher ranks.”Wurvez laughed.“Besides, I’m bored and you’re the only one here to annoy.”

“Perhaps I should channel the Commander and spar with you to make my case.”

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