the only way to obtain them is by slicing them off once we have transformed, leaving us to bleed out. The G.C. is aware of this and yet fails to intervene. My queen has reason to believe the G.C. sponsors their illegal hunts. So there you have it. My species wants to destroy the G.C. as much as you do, but we need to be stronger. The only way to do that is to make full use of your serum.”
“What does it do to you?” the male beside him asks. “It’s just a tranquilizer.” His expression is genuinely curious now, the two of them void of their earlier derision.
“It strengthens us during and after we transform. Just think about it. If you ally with us, imagine what an entire army of Incarus can achieve. I trust you have a specific target? A compound, perhaps? Is it on your planet? I see by your nod that it is. Then we’ll be able to wipe out the G.C. in less than a day. It’s a win-win situation; wouldn’t you agree?”
The humans are silent for a long, strained moment. Even Ella stares at me as if seeing me in a new light. I’m nothing if not opportunistic. I may have entered here to discuss my fate, but I’ll be damned if I leave empty-handed. These humans have the one thing that can cure my species. If they refuse to give it—which would be suicide—the AoS will take it by force. I’m merely giving them a chance to unite our people. It’s nothing but a formality.
I glance at Ella, and the corner of her mouth upturns. I want to fulfill my duty, but I also want her at my side. And as much as these males frustrate her, they’re her people, and I know that she, too, wants to fulfill her duty more than anything. She wishes to liberate her people, and that’s something I relate to.
A long time ago, Erebos was governed by a dictator who nearly brought our planet to her knees within his short reign. Azeban tried to drain Erebos of all and any natural resources: healing remedies, oils, crystals. He’d claimed it was the only way to increase enough revenue that would then be poured into enhancing our weaponry, which is why to this day we have superior vessels. But his decision came at a price and destroyed vast portions of our beautiful landscapes. This forced us to relocate belowground, in dwellings and caves that had been, at the time, shuttered in complete darkness. It took decades for us to create a thriving civilization again, all thanks to that bastard Azeban.
If the G.C. Enforcers who control Ella’s planet are half as disgusting as Azeban, I wholeheartedly understand her need for revenge and liberation. To my surprise, she’s the one to break the silence.
“His people might be our best shot,” she says, dragging the males’ attention to her. “Give him a chance. Please…”
When her voice cracks, I squeeze her thigh, my gaze fixed on her. From the way she stares at the males with unwavering determination to the light squeeze she gives my hand, I’ve never wanted her more than I do at this moment.
For a long while, the males are quiet as they consider their reply. Markel continues tapping his finger, this time on his lip, and then he reaches into his padded vest. He withdraws a small vial, no bigger than my thumb, and sets it on the table. That’s the serum. It’s so fucking minute and yet managed to achieve what my species has been searching centuries for.
“This is what you want.” The male taps the vial, his eyes pressed on me. “And we want the G.C. gone. You really think your alien kind can help do that?”
“By the time my alien kind is done, your planet will be bathed in the blood of the Galactic Court and you’ll be enslaved no more.”
It’s the first time any of them smile. Markel leans back in his chair and nods slowly, then he reaches over the table. It takes me a moment to understand his human gesture. I shake his hand firmly, and I know the deal’s been made. Now I need to report back to Hellisa. At least Ella will be coming with me.
We remain in discussion a while longer. First we need transportation to Erebos because the female’s shuttle will not manage the journey. Markel orders his men to prepare a new vessel for us. Once Ella has