“If I fail, we can follow this asteroid’s path for a day or two longer.”Tias slid the controller out of Cylo’s grip then nudged him toward the door.
He marched along the passages to the Hallow—Malo’s private interrogation room.Outside the door waited Trav.
“He is not in a good mood,” he said by way of greeting.
“Why so?”Cylo asked, facing the door.
“Afax says we have been commanded to escort a Serratu Kayarra.”Trav grinned.“She will be my first.”
“She is Imarri ag Zennr, Operative,” Malo snapped, stepped back, and gestured to them both to enter the room.“The favor is on behalf of Prince Citus.Any dalliance with the Maloidian operative would bring dishonor upon him.”
“Not to mention that to do so would make us vulnerable to her skills?”Trav said, sliding into the room to lean against the solid Maloidian steel bulkhead.
“As pleasant as I imagine such an interlude would be, it is not worth the risk,” Cylo said, standing beside Trav.Instead of relaxing, he chose to mimic Malo’s stiff posture.
A five-by-five cube with gray walls, floor, and ceiling was impenetrable.Bolted to the floor was a steel table.For now, bright light filled the room, reaching into its dark corners.When needed, shadows could be enhanced enough to hide a warrior.
Malo paced the tight confines.“There are rumors of a Maloidian joining forces with Yithians.This does not bode well.”
Cylo remained silent.Given time, Malo would reveal the reason behind the summons.
“Their addiction to bargains, the availability of billions of Earthians, and Earth’s uncaring government enables an exploitation Maloidians would not be able to resist.I should have foreseen this though one Maloidian does not mean it should be a concern.”
“We have battleships guarding their planet, do we not?”Trav asked.
“Indeed.”Malo splayed his fingers on the table.“Still, we shall interrogate the Maloidian slave dealer and pray he values his life more than a deal.”He tapped his O.D.I.“Bring him in.”
The door opened to a yellow-skinned male.His tentacle-hair swayed as if underwater, serene in stark comparison to his dire circumstances.
“What is this?”he spluttered, glaring at Operative Ronan, who nudged him deeper into the room.
“Geffa, sit.”Malo pulled out a chair with his booted foot.
The Maloidian hesitated.The spots from his brow to his hairline darkened.He sank onto the seat and clasped his hands between his thighs.“I…do not understand why I am here…with you.”He snuck a glance at Malo then lowered it.
“This I cannot believe.”Malo smirked for a moment before darkness consumed his expression.“King Xeus announced at the last Global Council meeting that Earthians are under Etterian protection.”He tutted.“Of course, I am most surprised at finding a few in your care… And against their will.”
Geffa blustered.“They agreed—”
Malo slapped the table, drawing a squeak from the prisoner.“Am I a fool?”Malo angled his head at Cylo.“What does the buzz say?Have I lost my well-earned reputation?Has the universe ceased to fear my name?”
“It must be so, Operations Commander,” Cylo said, smothering a chuckle.“Perhaps you should demonstrate how well you protect Etteria?”
Malo grunted and withdrew his dagger, its blade glinting in the bright lighting.He spun it and offered it to Cylo, hilt first.
Cylo accepted and took a moment to admire the infamous dagger Malo’s father had given him.The edge appeared razor sharp, typical of Maloidian steel.Even blunt, it would slice through bone with ease.
“Tell me, Geffa, who instigated your last mission?”Cylo leaned his hip on the edge of the table, hoping to convey a casual air.It might calm the Maloidian after meeting Malo.
“Um…” Geffa swallowed hard, a sheen of sweat forming on his brow.“I met a Yithian—”
“Where?Who?”Cylo studied the male.“And what did he say to entice you onto this path of death?”
“A slave ship threatened to blow up my little shuttle.”Geffa sniffed.
Horror sent a chill down Cylo’s spine.A male crying?He soothed an impending shudder.To feel is to fail—the Etterian motto they all embodied.Apparently, the Maloidians had no such creed.Well, not one that mattered.They lived for bargains.Thankfully, Cylo didn’t need to deal with them like Prince Citus had to as Etteria’s ambassador.
“So instead of fleeing, you formed a partnership with the most untrustworthy race in our known galaxy?”Cylo arched a brow.
