males only if they are sane and safe to have around others.”
The feline reaches out, covers his face with one gigantic paw and pushes him dramatically from the frame. “My assistant and I will join you shortly.” The white alien grumbles something, and she sighs. “It will take us nine days to reach you at maximum speed. See that my males are healed and ready for transport.”
I’ve had about enough of this arrogant creature. Taking another step closer to the view screen, I break it down for her. “Your males are on Earth. They’ve killed and been in contact with the enemy. They’re not going anywhere until we figure out what’s going on here.”
My new nemesis rises until she’s standing on all fours, and looks down her nose at me. “I would be an unworthy queen if I did not advocate for my own males. The Sonadraid are highly revered among my people.” Her nostrils flare slightly. “According to intergalactic law, you are not permitted to detain alien beings on your home world. All may come and go as they please to your world. That was your agreement with the intergalactic council, was it not?”
Damn it. We both know it was. It’s common knowledge with so many different species wanting to establish trade agreements. Rolling with the punches, I switch to a different tactic. “Our world is at war. We’ll detain who we must in order to get to the bottom of this.”
She immediately shifts her attention to the white alien she shoved out of frame earlier. “Explain the way of the ’verse to this ignorant creature, Crovan.”
The tall alien jumps back into frame as the feline saunters off. He dips his head slightly before speaking. “Peacekeeper Crovan, at your service.” It’s such a human expression that I wonder if he too has a human mate. He’s definitely picking up our manner of speaking from somewhere. And he’s a lawman. This is just getting better and better.
Narrowing his gaze to read the name on my uniform, he continues. “Queen Watson, according to darcon five of the intergalactic council’s inalienable rights directive, your refusal to release Sonarians being held hostage on your planet will be considered a violation of intergalactic law. These individuals have clearly been abducted from their home world and suffered multiple forms of torture at the hands of the Moltan. That means they are not your enemy.”
“All I know for certain is they’re mixed up in all this and I mean to get to the bottom of what’s going on here. We have no idea where they came from, how long they’ve been on Earth or what the purpose of having them here is.”
“I must caution you that your war is with the Vithacan parasites and their Moltan handlers. Therefore, they are the only species you are sanctioned to detain or enact violence against. Do not complicate your already difficult situation by mistaking a victim for an enemy.”
Mathadar moves forward, standing partially in front of me. “We have no wish to break intergalactic laws. Queen Cassandra will not risk Onello’s hard won seat on the council over a simple misunderstanding. Rest assured, the Sonarian males will be located as quickly as possible and treated with the utmost respect.”
After a few more pleasantries are exchanged, the screen goes blank. Hating that I screwed up in practically the same manner at Chantel did by mistaking a friend for an enemy, I avoid looking at her. I’m not ready to see her reaction to both of us making such similar blunders.
Borak rumbles, “I wonder if you now regret contacting the only Sonarian in our midst, Mathadar.”
Mathadar goes ramrod straight and his wings slowly move into a tight formation in the center of his back. “Although my queen gifts me with the ability to make decisions independently, I seek her council in all matters if there is time. Queen Cassandra thought it best that we seek council from the Sonarian queen. When my queen speaks, I am in the habit of obeying.” His eyes jump from Borak to me and back again before he finishes his thought. “I suggest that you never fail in doing the bidding of our queens. Queens decide what is best and it is left up to us to determine the best way to cede to their wishes. My queen has a saying for such situations. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Borak’s wings droop just a tiny bit and his head tilts down. He’s submitting to their