The warriors gather around what appears to be a large pool of water near the back of the temple. They’ve snapped open several light sources so we can see more clearly. I can’t shake the feeling that something really bad is about to happen.
Moving forward, I slip between two bulky forms and gaze into the cool, clear water. The pool is contained in a huge stone reservoir that comes up to my waist. When I lean over, holding onto the surround, I feel slight indentations in the moist stone. Ignoring the primitive pattern, I stare at the tiny hair-like creatures moving chaotically through the water.
Their bioluminescent skin shimmers, captivating my attention. The tiny aquatic creatures are truly fascinating. I’ve heard they communicate telepathically. Without thinking, I reach out to put my hand into the water. They aren’t shifters. Therefore, touching them is just a means of communication.
Borak’s hand comes out hard and fast around my wrist. When my eyes jump to his, he speaks in a low whisper. “Beware, General; the telepathic link works both ways. Though you will know them and all their motivations, so will they know yours.”
Jerking my hand from his, I hiss. “I’ve nothing to hide.” Why is this man always trying to control me?
He lowers his voice. “You are in command of Earth Gov’s military. You have many secrets worth protecting.”
My head drops forward and my eyes close. I’m filled with shame at how close I came to allowing our new allies access to all the classified intel locked inside my brain. I know the code to lock and unlock the shields of every major city. I’ve committed them all to memory. My mind is filled with the kind of information many an alien species would like to know about our troop deployments and battle strategy. Creating a telepathic link with any alien is a really bad idea for someone in my position. Even our allies can’t be trusted with what I know.
Taking a step back, I allow the warriors to get on with the removal process. They open and lower each pod into the water, allowing the tiny creatures to squirm into place. They all lay side by side in what appear to be thick braids. The warriors are careful to fill the canister with water all the way to the top before locking it closed and activating the hibernation sequence. I watch with my arms folded over my stomach as they repeat the process with the remaining canisters.
When the last one is lifted out of the water, I move forward to see one lone creature left in the water. One of Borak’s sons reaches out to allow the one remaining to crawl onto his gloved hand. Unlike the others, this one is gold rather than silver. I believe this may mean it a different subset of the same species, for I read that all the creatures on the Draconian home world are golden.
Korak practically runs out to the shifter’s prone body. Though I rush out to watch, by the time I get there the shifter is sitting up rubbing his chest with one fist. He’s out of breath and struggling to suck in enough oxygen. I watch the darkness drain out of his scales, and they slowly turn dark green again.
Squatting down to speak to him face to face, I look into his black eyes. “Did we get them all?” The pool looked empty, so we must have. Still, I want to be certain so we don’t have to make this transcontinental journey all over again.
“All who wish to leave are in the hibernation chambers. The rest have gone their own way.”
Shock rolls through my gut. “I thought the deal was for us to gather every single one.” I can’t risk our alliance by leaving any stubborn fools behind.
“Some are too old to make the trip and others are so mired in their grief at losing loved ones they have no desire to continue. We cannot force them. You have my permission to leave them behind.”
I come to my feet and search among the warriors for Borak’s stark face. He nods, his horns falling back slightly. “The shifter negotiated the accord and speaks for his kind.”
Staring down at his large bulky form, it occurs to me to wonder about his name. “Why don’t you have a name like everyone else?”
He pushes up off the ground, gazing at me in silence. I hear a strange sound. It sounds to my