Page 67 of Lhora
“They’re planning something,” Goruu remarked.
Sov chuckled. “Of course they are. A person would be a fool to think they’d simply give in.”
“Sarpi, do you believe the Esstika is using the Sarpen as collateral?” Pra inquired.
Sov shot him a withering glare. “Of course she is. She’d be a fool not to.” He grimaced. “And the Esstika is no fool. Even if she releases him, it will be because she has something planned.”
“Sarpi, if I may ask your opinion.”
Sov turned to the man sitting in front of weapons. “What?”
“I know this has come up before, but we were wanting your opinion on the matter.” Flind glanced nervously around the bridge, looking for visible support from the rest of the crew.
“On what matter?”
“The Esstika. When she dies, who’ll ascend to her position? Who does she appoint?”
“She doesn’t appoint,” Plur countered. “It has to be by blood.”
“How do we know she has any children?” Pra queried. “Or a mate?”
“We don’t…do we?” Diad turned to the Sarpi.
“If she does have a mate or offspring, you know she keeps them well undercover. I’ve heard from a reliable source that she has her pick of bedpartners. They may even be kept as willing prisoners in that manse of hers.” Sov grinned. “She may not have a true mate, but she has plenty of agile males willing to impregnate her.”
“Do you believe she’s holding the Sarpen prisoner?” Plur stated.
“But the Sarpen said he was there of his own free will,” Pra reminded them.
“Sarpi, if it’s true, if he’s there of his own free will, why would the Sarpen be unwilling to return?” Flind also questioned.
It was Plur who answered. “He’s not unwilling. He’s either being brainwashed, or he was forced to say that. Sarpi, what are the chances we’ll be able to rescue him?”
Sov chuckled. “I’m taking eighteen fully loaded warships. The Tra’Mell are sending an additional sixteen ships.” He lifted his face to the overhead transparent bubble above them. “The goddesses are smiling down at us today. We’ll finally eradicate the Beinight regime, and we’ll take all of this planet for ourselves.”
“Sarpi!” Diad nodded at his readout. “We show a flotilla of ships approaching from the south.”
“That would be the Tra’Mell. Goruu, open a hailing frequency.”
“Frequency open.”
“Hailing the Tra’Mellian fleet! This is Sarpi Sov of Coltross! Glad to have you join us!”
“This is B’we Nom of theTof Ganj.We have been ordered to provide backup during your confrontation with the Beinight,” a growly voice responded. “We will remain at-ready until which time you need our assistance.”
“Good to hear that,” Sov responded. “Await my command. Sarpi out.”
“Sarpi.” Diad motioned again. “We have a ship approaching from the west.”
Sov gave the man a befuddled look. “Howmany ships?”
Diad glanced up at him, just as confused as he was. “One.”
“Surely there are more. Maybe coming from the north? Or farther west?”
The radar operator shook his head. “No, Sarpi. Just the one.”
“Impossible.” Sov strode over to check the readout for himself. “The others must be shielded. Goruu, hail the ship.”
