Page 25 of Grulen

Wurvez slapped Grulen’s shoulder.

“See?That’s what I mean.If Durek can become commander of our flagship, you certainly can aspire higher.”

“Respectfully, sir, you are anaroon.”Grulen laughed and tossed a water pouch at Karid.

“Honesty—another admirable trait for an officer to have.You just keep proving me right.”

Chapter 7

Thenextday,theTenacityentered a cloaked high orbit over the Zuvgran-controlled planet Praxis.Their scans indicated the freighter, theSept Reserve, kept loading supply crates of some sort.Wurvez attempted to hack into the freighter’s computer, but eventually he growled, leaned back, then huffed.His tail flicked in short, fast movements.

“We could use Lady Emmy right about now.According to Tolvex, her skills would have that database wide open for us already.”

“I apologize that I am unable to assist.I can’t even code a synthesizer.I usually ask Volax to do it,” Grulen said.

“We’ll add some computer courses to your training.”

“Please don’t do me any favors.”Grulen shuddered.

Wurvez chuckled.

“I’ll keep trying, but for now, let’s just follow them and see where they lead us.”

“As you command.I’m trying to determine the number of beings on the ship, but even on the ground, they are using a dampening field.”

“Of course they are.Well, we wouldn’t want it to be too easy, would we?”

“Easy would work for me.We could get back to theInvictussooner.Synthesizer food and rations are poor imitations for Previv and Lady Ava’s cooking.”Grulen pouted.

With a grin, Wurvez slapped Grulen’s shoulder.“A male whose stomach agrees with mine.”Crekkin’ male loves to hit my shoulder.

Some time later, Wurvez tapped the console and waited.

“Opening an encrypted comm to theInvictus.”

Durek and Tolvex appeared holographically.

“Report,” said the commander.

“We found the freighter and should be close enough in another hour or so to begin following it.We believe they will be landing on Praxis to take on more supplies.”

Durek’s fangs gleamed against his golden bronze skin.

“Excellent.You may be able to determine the sites of numerous labs.”

“From your lips to the Goddess’ ears.”Wurvez paused.“Anything new about the traitor onboard?”

“He appears to be taking a break from harassing the females.They’ve been spending most of their days in the War Room while we deal with Earth’s nonsense,” Tolvex answered.

“Yesterday, theDefiantbroadcast Talia’s videos and released the proposed draft treaty as well as the medical information about the virus.”Durek’s smile widened.“The initial responses on Earth’s social media have been voluminous and show no signs of ending soon.”

“Well, that’s one way to open up discussions.”Wurvez’s lips turned up.

Tolvex’s braids brushed his shoulder as he shook his head.

“Already there are groups gathering with signs asking us to ‘beam them up.’Emmy said we might have to consider psychological testing before allowing any of them on a ship.”He shrugged.“I’m not entirely certain she was joking.”

Grulen snorted.“My interactions with Lady Emmy would suggest she probably meant exactly what she said.”

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