“Mm, when they have refused to share that with us?I shall task Data Officer Tias to prioritize this.”
Cylo pursed his lips.Tias was one of the best and a dear battle-bonds, but the more eyes on this, the better.“Excellent.Perhaps ask all data officers in orbit around Earth, Maloid, and Yithia.”
“Wise.I will keep you informed.”
“Share your findings with Adviser Kanzo, as well.”Cylo ended the comm and headed to medical.
Chapter Twelve
CyloglancedatQaffand opened his mouth to ask—
“No change,” the medic snapped.
“Can we get her showered?”A red-haired woman settled beside Cylo.Other women gathered around him.
He ran his gaze over Wren’s leggings accentuating well-sculpted legs.A sliver of her belly was exposed, but the sleeveless tunic appeared clean.Her hair was as vibrant as when he first met her.
Qaff turned, tablet in hand.“The med-E.D.sterilizes—”
“Nothing compares to a shower; it makes us feel human.”The redhead swept a hand down her body.
Cylo frowned.“She cannot be moved.Not in her present condition.I have just informed Supreme Comma—”
“She has to be,” the redhead said.“It’s her greatest wish.”
“Other than health, Terry?”A brunette scoffed.
“I will not allow it.”Qaff stepped between the women and Cylo.“Not at this stage.A cleansing would awaken her; she must do so on her own.Interrupting the analysis could be hazardous.”
Terry glared at Qaff.“Listen here, Etterian—”
“Please.”A black-haired woman placed a hand on Terry’s arm.“A shower can wait.”
Terry pulled away.“Ronda—”
“I will ensure she is well and receives whatever she needs.”Cylo pressed his fingers to the dome.“In the meantime, those who have not met their Eths—”
“A what now?”a young woman asked; her damp hair, almost brown, soaked her tunic.
“When an Etterian meets his soul mate, it triggers what they call the Ethera.”An older woman grimaced.“It changes his eye color to neon blue.He becomes your Eth and you his Dar Eth.”
“Soul mate?”Ronda squeaked.
“Yes,” Cylo said, silencing their gasps and murmurs.“He will kneel for you.I must apologize.This is your Eth’s responsibility to inform you, but the situation is dire.A shuttle will fly you to the battleshipPhoenixwhere you can decide your destination.A scimitar or two will meet you halfway to escort the mother to Earth—”
“Donna, did you hear?”the woman with the damp brown hair split the crowd to hug another.
“Truly?”Donna asked, raising her green gaze to Cylo.
“Indeed.Etterians do not lie, for it is dishonorable.The scimitar will speed you home, and if you speak to any supreme commander orbiting his battleship around Earth, he will ensure your damu are rescued or guarded as needed.”
Donna crumpled to the floor with a sob.
Cylo’s chest cinched tight.Alarmed, he took a step—
“Thank you,” the woman chanted, rocking back and forth amid her weeping.
He flicked a hand at the common.“For those remaining—”
