Page 65 of Grulen

“They’d never be allowed planetside.According to what I’ve found, males are considered unintelligent and their sole purpose to is keep the females happy.”Kara blew out a breath that stirred her pink hair.“Crax and I went over all my research to see what might be required and are willing to do it.”

“I’m not sure I like this.”Makai crossed his arms.He looked at his fellow Jalaxian.“Are you willing to act subservient for the mission and have Kara dressed like the Rumaskans?”

Crax grunted.

“I will do whatever is necessary to keep Kara safe.Of all the human females, she is best suited for the mission.”

“Hey.”Rain smirked.“Are you saying I wouldn’t be able to handle it?”

“Abby would be too uncomfortable being on display.Morgan isn’t mated to anyone and shouldn’t be put in a position to have to perform sexually in front of a crowd with anyone, especially after this morning.”Crax sent an understanding glance at her.“And you are more likely to choke information from someone than talk it out of them.”

Rain lifted the middle finger of her right hand at the huge blue male and grinned.

“I hate to admit it, but your thought process is sound.”Makai pinned Kara with a hard look.“Can you handle being on display?”

“I’m not crazy about the idea, but as long as Crax is with me, I can pretend it’s just elaborate sex play for us.”Kara leered at her mate.

I might have been able to do it several months ago, but Crax is right—I’m too emotionally fragile right now.As much as I’d like to contribute, I just can’t do this.

“Then you two gather what you need and take the smaller transport to Rumaska.We’ll continue to Ladorta where the human females will remain on theFortitudein orbit, while the rest of us escort the Orkites to the surface with the larger transport.Morgan, would you be willing to learn more about the weapons systems before we get there?”

“I would, but I’m not certain if I’d be accurate with them.”Morgan chewed her lower lip.

“I can remain with the females,” Stalad said.“If needed, I can operate the weapons and repair most of the equipment if something breaks.”

Makai’s lips firmed.

“Rain would be in charge.Can you accept that?”

“Absolutely.”Stalad bowed slightly in Rain’s direction.“She’s a competent pilot and has been with you a long time.It’s logical she make any final decisions.”

“Then we have a plan.Do not tell the Orkites about the Rumaskan mission.It’s none of their business.”

“Do we know what the Svesti need the bremmite for?”Rain tapped her upper lip with a forefinger.

“What is bremmite?”Morgan said.

“It’s an ore used in a variety of applications.The Svesti did not indicate what they wanted it for.”Makai glanced at everyone.“Those going to the surface, pack your gear and be ready.I’ll coordinate with Krinir and get a better idea of what will be required of us.We’ll probably be on shifts to ensure adequate coverage of Niksen.Hopefully, her negotiations won’t take long.”

Everyone nodded.

“Lezon, Tren.Double check that everyone’s trackers are working satisfactorily.Especially Kara’s.Crax, Kara, I want daily reports.Stalad, begin teaching Morgan about the weapons systems, just in case.”

A chorus of “yes, sirs” sounded on the bridge as most of them left.Rain remained at the helm, while Makai took a seat in his captain’s chair.Stalad gestured for Morgan to follow him to the weapons console.

She spent the next couple hours learning the various controls and weapons available.Throbbing behind her eyes finally made her ask Stalad to take a break.

“You look stressed.”

“Cramming all this information into my brain is giving me a headache.”She rubbed her temples.“I’m afraid to get it wrong because our lives might depend on me.”

“Hopefully, this is nothing more than a precaution.Let’s go see Lezon and get you a pain reducer.”

She nodded gingerly.

As they walked to the med bay, he said, “I’m sorry I didn’t notice your discomfort sooner.”

“Don’t worry about it.I should’ve spoken up, but we’re on a deadline.”

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