Page 78 of Lorran
Lorran
“The Suhlik patrol near the planet, but they do not enter orbit,” Lorran said, staring at the screen. Green squares glowed on an ancient screen. The squares were meant to represent ships, but they could be anything. “This behavior is most unusual. Suhlik do not hang about. They must detect our energy signature, yet why do they not come to the surface? Also, unusual. Could the scanners be faulty?”
“I agree. I doubt the scanners are working correctly,” Mylomon said.
Lorran considered the equipment in the comm center. Half of the machines were not operational. They had no way to know if this scanner was correct or just showing a random pattern of green blips on a screen.
“The shuttle’s scanners are not ideal, but we could take it into a low orbit,” he said.
If there was no Suhlik patrol, they could leave immediately. The quicker they left this empty planet, the better. However, his proposition was not without risk. He recalled too vividly the panic he felt when his mate had been knocked to the ground while hunting.
No. He could not put his mate in a potentially dangerous situation.
“If we are wrong, the shuttle would be exposed and defenseless against an attack,” Lorran said. Then, “This equipment must be operational. Caldar was waiting for us upon our arrival.”
“True.” Mylomon rubbed his chin. “False readings, then, to keep us in place. We have questions to ask Saavi. There is no need to delay.”
* * *
They foundSaavi in the kitchen storerooms, sorting through fuel tanks to find usable canisters.
“Female,” Mylomon started. Saavi’s back went rigid. “We must have a frank discussion about your mate’s research.”
The female touched each canister, as if counting. “Nothing revolutionary. Basic stellar cartography. We’re updating the charts.”
“Seems a boring post for a male as accomplished as Ulrik,” Lorran said, because nothing sounded more dull than stellar cartography.
“Ulrik did not always agree with the Council. They thought a cycle out here would give him time to consider his wrong. This was a punishment.” She tapped a cannister. “Can you carry this? I will carry the other.”
Mylomon stared down at the canister in his arms, having perfected the broody lone warrior look. “This is unnecessary. We return to theJudgmenttoday.”
“The Suhlik have retreated?”
“The scanners have been altered. Their readings are false, but that is not new information to you,” Lorran said.
To her credit, Saavi did not protest her innocence or make denials. She blinked, as if bored. “Fine. This is thirsty work. I will have tea, and you may ask your questions.”
In the kitchen, the female busied herself preparing the tea and carried a false smile along with a tray laden with cups and a teapot. She set her burden down on the table.
She served the tea. Lorran accepted his cup but did not drink. A bitter, fruity aroma wafted upward, like fermented fruit. It reminded him too much of warm summer days in his parents’ vineyard, an atrociously strong brew.
Mylomon simply stared at his cup.
Lorran set the eggshell fragment on the table. “We know your research was not stellar cartography.”
She sniffed. “And you waited until now to ask?”
“This one allowed himself to be distracted,” Mylomon said, with a nod in Lorran’s direction.
“Newly mated males can’t be expected to do anything. Ulrik…” She let her voice drift away, as if overcome with grief.
Doubt crept into Lorran’s mind. If Saavi was still in the depths of her grief, it was heartless of them to question her so harshly.
“I have not been distracted. I have spent my time exploring this base. It has been most illuminating,” Mylomon said.
She pressed her lips together, eyes flashing as if annoyed.
“The condition of this abandoned base is remarkable. Nonperishable foodstuffs. Working power and utilities. Smugglers have been using this base,” Mylomon said.
