"Now see here," Police Chief Goeller said. "We are not a corrupt police force."
"Yet I was able to buy the services of several of your men," Mycos said calmly picking up a coffee cup. "I paid them nicely to pick up seven girls and bring them to me. If some men can be bought, so can others."
"You admit this to me," Police Chief Goeller said. "I could have you arrested."
"You could," Lydia said. "Think of the scandal if you did."
"I'm here to tell you the cases are underway. We've bumped up their priority," Police Chief Goeller said.
"Which you should have done weeks ago," Lydia said venting her dislike of the police.
"Perhaps," Police Chief Goeller said. "The explosion at your gate has been taken over by the feds. The Premier ordered the federal investigators to take over from us."
"When did this happen," Mycos asked.
"As I was on my way here," Police Chief Goeller said crossing his arms.
"Have you identified the women," Lydia asked.
"What women," Police Chief Goeller asked his bushy gray eyebrows bunched.
"The women who died in the car," Lydia said stared hard at him.
"We're running facial recognition on the pictures but it takes time," Police Chief Goeller said his voice edging into testy.
"Right," Lydia said not believing him.
"It has only been a matter of hours," Police Chief Goeller said. "I understand you're upset; however, you have to understand these things take time."
"How many people are working these cases," Mycos asked looking over the top of the coffee cup as he sipped more coffee.
"Why do you want to know," Police Chief Goeller asked.
"Do you have those two oafs working on them," Lydia asked. "They didn't take the first incident seriously. What makes you think they’re taking any of this seriously?"
"I can tell you there are enough people working these cases," Police Chief Goeller said.
Lydia and Mycos exchanged a look. "Thank you for coming out, Police Chief," Mycos said dismissing the man.
"We have questions for your people," Police Chief Goeller said.
"As you said, the federal investigators are taking over," Mycos said. Goeller nodded, Mycos continued, "We will answer their questions. My mate is tired and still recovering from her injuries."
"Good night then," Police Chief Goeller said turning away.
When he reached the door, Lydia said, "Our two injured are recovering, though you didn't ask. I'm sure you want to know in case more serious charges would need to be brought."
Without a word he left the office. "This way," Landros said as he escorted Police Chief Goeller out of the house.
"He's either useless or paid to look the other way," Lydia said once the door closed behind him.
"You are a suspicious woman," Mycos said.
"Do you think I'm wrong," Lydia asked leaning on him. She needed to touch him, couldn't keep her hands off him.
"No," Mycos said. "I thought we were supposed to be polite."
"I was polite, just not overly polite," Lydia said.
Laughing, he brushed his lips over hers. "Who else is coming tonight," he asked.
"Senator Richardson and Tasmine are coming out," Lydia said weariness edged her tone to annoyed.
"Do you want to turn in," Mycos said. "I could see them."
"No," Lydia said. "We're waiting on the structural report on the house."
"The doors and windows have all been replaced," Mycos said. "The rooms have been cleaned and checked again for listening devices."
"I hate we suspect some of the women," Lydia said.
"It would be a good way to get a spy in here," Mycos said.
"It's a good strategy," Nic said coming in the door.
"Abby," Lydia said.
"Is sleeping with Hannah," Nic said. "We've got a file on all the women. I've been doing some searches on them using the Hylatian search functions."
"What have you found," Mycos asked.
"We have DNA on all of them," Nic said. "Those who left on the previous ships were all cleared. I'm guessing Gregor did the searches."
"He did," Mycos said.
"There's a folder of information on the system," Nic said.
"Who has access to it," Lydia asked.
"It's given based on login," Mycos said. "You do as well as your sisters."
"Mycos, Gregor and the team leaders," Nic said. "I checked. There are a few who haven't had complete background checks done."
"Anything suspicious," Lydia asked.
"A couple of women with marriages they don't want," Nic said plopping down in the chair across from them. "However, from their husbands' arrest records, I don't blame them."
"They are not technically getting married," Mycos said smirking. "Gregor mentioned a few of them to me."
"We don't think the women are helping whoever's doing this then," Lydia asked.
"There are a few who haven't been cleared yet," Nic said.
"Have they been paired with any of the men," Lydia asked.
"A couple of them," Nic said. "Are you keeping them away from the men until they are cleared?"
"We are suspicious," Mycos said. "Once the incidences started…"
"You didn't want the men to be betrayed," Lydia said. "It makes sense."
"If they match with one of the men when they come in, we cannot prevent it," Mycos said.
"How many," Lydia asked.
"A little over a dozen," Nic said. "They're running now."
"What do you mean," Mycos asked.
"I set your powerful and vast computer to do the searches," Nic said.
Mycos shook his head. "You are too smart. How far have you advanced?"
"Far enough to know I don't want to stay on earth," Nic said. "I want to see your cities which aren't polluted and your land which is protected."
"And the others," Lydia asked. "Are they ready?"
"You'll have to ask them," Nic said. "How long will it take us to get back to your worlds?"
"What amounts to three of your years," Mycos said.
"Are there more on their way here," Nic asked.
"It was the plan to build a diplomatic relationship," Mycos said.
"How soon will they get here," Lydia asked.
"A few weeks," Mycos said. "We hoped to have a mechanism in place to help them find mates."
"Were you planning to stay," Nic asked.
"We can't," Lydia said. "I'm on the council and need to be there."
"Who would stay behind," Nic asked.
"It depends on the woman," Mycos said.
"We need someone politically savvy who can work with the politicians here," Nic said.
"The right person has not presented herself yet," Mycos said.
"Huh... I think the humans think you are a patriarchal society like they are here," Nic said.
"But they aren't," Lydia said.
"Something to think on," Nic said.
"Does it make a difference," Mycos asked.
"It's a matter of how they view you," Nic said. "You men are big, fierce, and from the outside aggressive."
"From the outside," Mycos asked. "We are fierce warriors."
"Yes but you have hearts of gold," Nic said interrupting his objection. "If one of the girls were threatened, your men would do anything to protect them. The same can't be said for the men here on this world."
"An enemy who realized this would be a bigger threat," Lydia said.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Landros entered followed by Morgan and Eldred Richardson. "Thank you," Morgan said to Landros. "I know you've had a horrid day."
"That's one way to describe it," Nic said rising from her chair. "I'm turning in. I'll check on the monsters."
"Thank you," Lydia said. "Don't mind us. We're all a bit testy."
"Completely understandable," Eldred said.
"The Premier sent me to assure you she’s putting a number of resources into this investigation," M
organ said.
"Please sit," Mycos said. "Can I offer you some refreshments?"
"Thank you," Morgan said taking the seat Nic vacated. Eldred sat next to her. "How are your people? I heard two were injured?"
"One of Colonel Brown's squad and one of ours," Mycos said. "Justinian has healed Bitta but Floren is still… we will have to see how he is in the morning."
"Has anyone confirmed the identity of the people in the vehicle," Eldred asked.
"No," Lydia said. "The police here are less than helpful."
"The lead federal investigator is one of the best," Morgan said. She put her hand to her stomach. "Do you mind if .."
"If you're done with the coffee can the cup be removed," Eldred asked. "Morgan is a little sensitive to smells right now."
"Of course," Mycos said. He signaled for one of the household bots. "Would water help?"
"Lemon water, if you have it," Morgan said. "I'm sorry. We aren't telling anyone. I mean. We've tried and then everyone said we couldn't."
"You're pregnant," Lydia said smiling. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Morgan said smiling. "It's all due to you and your people."
The bot rolled in, Mycos piled the dishes from the coffee onto the tray before the bot rolled out. Another bot brought a pitcher of water, bowl of lemons and four glasses.
"That was quick," Morgan said.
Lydia leaned forward and poured for all of them, adding lemons to the water. "They are very efficient," Lydia said.
"I'm to ask what you need," Morgan said after taking a long drink from the glass. "The Premier wants me to make sure you're safe and aware we're taking this seriously."
"We’d like to meet with the investigators," Lydia said.
"I'll have them report in tomorrow," Morgan said. "Will you be canceling events?"
"It is still under discussion," Mycos said. "It will depend on the level of security."
“You want more women but you don’t want your people in danger,” Eldred said.
“Yes,” Lydia said swirling the water in her glass. “There are a number of men still in need of mates. More than that though, we want to take people back with us.”
“By people you mean women,” Morgan said. “Because their home worlds need women.”
“We do,” Mycos said. “The few who are returning with us will help even out our society.”
“But it’s not enough to put them back in balance,” Lydia said.
“There are a few other countries who might be willing to reduce some of their population,” Morgan said. “While they were hit by the plagues, their population wasn’t reduced as severely except there are fewer men than women left.”
“They are willing to send the women away,” Mycos asked. “Are the women willing to go?”
“I’ll introduce the ambassadors from these countries to you,” Morgan said. “Are you willing to send a representative to their countries?”
“We would be,” Lydia said. “If certain guarantees were made concerning their safety. Tas and I drafted responses to three ambassadors today.”
“Understandable,” Morgan said. “We’ll be in close contact for the next few weeks.” Morgan looked at Eldred before looking back to Lydia
“Are you concerned about safety,” Lydia asked.
“All of our safety,” Eldred said.
“Are you thinking of stepping down,” Lydia asked.
“No,” Morgan said. She closed her eyes. “Are you taking Tas back with you?”
“She has a mate,” Mycos said. “They will likely return when she is ready to leave.”
“Or if you’re forced to leave sooner than you plan,” Eldred said.
“Yes,” Lydia said.
“Will you… are you willing to take others,” Morgan asked.
“She means those who aren’t connected to one of your males,” Eldred said gripping her hands.
“Do your parents want to go,” Lydia asked.
“My parents don’t like my politics,” Morgan said with a hard note in her tone. “Tas is the only family I have. I want.. I mean I’m with child and I want…”
“Many of our mates have taken family with them,” Mycos said. “Some of the families were threatened and some had other women who wanted to find mates.”
“Oh,” Morgan said. Her eyes glistened with tears as she turned her face into Eldred’s shoulder.
“Give her a minute,” Eldred said as he hugged her close. “This has been weighing on her. Glavar has visited us. We enjoy him as much as we do Tas. We want our child to know them.”
“You will give up your position,” Mycos said.
“I will,” Morgan said swallowing hard. “I need this to stay between us. My sister has not told my parents about her mate. They have a tenuous relationship at best. My father has become difficult when it comes to the topic of aliens on our world.”
“Is he difficult with you,” Lydia asked.
“He has cut ties,” Eldred said as Morgan struggled to answer.
Lydia looked at Mycos. “You’ll have a place when your sister decides to leave,” Lydia said.
“Thank you,” Morgan said.
***
"They moved everything," Kramer Sallinger said. "Sir, this was repaired."
"Do we have pictures," Lucas Ando asked.
"We have pictures, video, and a few other things," Kramer said referring to his tablet.
"Other things," Lucas said as he stared at the gate set up for the Hylatian consulate.
"I think this is infrared," Kramer Sallinger said. "Or some other type of sensor reading."
"Let's see the pictures," Lucas said stepping back from the gate.
Kramer reached into the bag he slung over his shoulder. "They're surprisingly detailed," he said.
"From Brown or the Hylatians," Lucas asked taking the stack of pictures.
Looking at his handheld he said, "I believe they came through the Colonel but were provided by the Hylatians."
Lucas grunted as he looked at the pictures. Shuffling, he found the ones which gave him the view he wanted. "Three women in the front seat," he asked.
"Yes, sir," Kramer said.
"Identified," Lucas asked.
"The locals couldn't identify them," Nic said from the other side of the gate. Landros stood behind her, looking tall and intimidating.
"Not surprising," Lucas said not looking up from the pictures.
"Sir," Kramer said.
"Has the explosive been identified," Lucas asked.
"The locals say no," Nic said again. She took another step near the gate even as Landros cleared his throat. He watched the men, the surrounding areas.
"You know something the locals don't know," Lucas asked finally looking up from the pictures to Nic. He raised an eyebrow when he saw how young she was.
"It wouldn't take much to know more than the locals," Nic said scathingly.
"Because they’re bumbling fools or paid to look like bumbling fools," Lucas asked.
"Have you met them," Nic asked. "Take your pick. Either will do."
"What do you think," Lucas asked handing the pictures off to Kramer without taking his eyes off Nic.
"I think you could be inside where it's warm to look at pictures," Nic said. "I've been sent to tell you Lord Mycos and Lady Lydia are available when you're done … gawking."
Lucas smiled, "I find it useful to survey the scene myself."
"If you want to see the scene, you should try our holo recreation," Nic said. "It's cold. Are you coming or not?"
"What holo recreation," Lucas said stepping toward the gate.
Landros stepped nearer to Nic, murmured something Lucas couldn't hear. Nic nodded, "Come inside and we'll show you."
"How old are you," Lucas asked.
"Why," Nic asked as the gate slid open.
"You look all of twelve," Lucas said. "Until I look in your eyes. Then you seem much older."
Kramer hurried to keep up with Lucas. "Sir, you wanted to see
Colonel Brown first," he reminded him.
"Colonel Brown and Morgan Richardson are both in the house," Nic said. "All the usual suspects."
Lucas snorted, "Do you think Colonel Brown had a part in this?"
"If he did," Nic said. "He's a damn good actor."
Lucas stood directly in front of her. He took her chin, she jerked her face out of his hands. Landros moved to her side. She put up her hand to stop him from interfering.
"I don't like to be touched," Nic said.
"You remind me of my kid sister," Lucas said. "All smartass remarks but there's a damn fine brain behind them."
"Where's your kid sister," Nic said. "She sounds like my kind of person."
"She died in the plagues," Lucas said.
"Yeah," Nic said. "That sucks."
Lucas barked out a short deep laugh. "It certainly does," he said. "All right. Take me to your leader."
"Ha ha," Nic said turning around to walk back towards the house. She slipped her hand in Landros' hand, squeezed once. "Did it take you hours to think of that?"
"How are the injured," Lucas asked.
"Bitta's good. Floren is not so good," Nic said worry marring her otherwise smooth brow.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Lucas said. "Is he up to giving a statement?"
"You'll have to ask Justinian," Nic said.
"So are you two mates," Lucas asked.
"We are," Nic said.
"Aren't you a little young," Lucas said.
"He respects me," Nic said. "That's all the information on my relationship you're getting."
Landros smiled at her directness. "Milord and the others are waiting in the dining room," Landros spoke for the first time. "They have the younger sisters with them."
"Are you warning me I should be careful," Lucas asked.
"We're letting you know what you're walking into," Nic said. "Of course, if you don't have a big family, you won't have a clue."
“I do not,” Lucas said. “Care to help me out?”
“No,” Nic said. She wasn’t sure how she felt about him yet.
“Sir,” Kramer said handing him a report.
“Not now,” Lucas said. “What will it take for you to trust me?”
“Trust is earned,” Nic said. Squinting her eyes, she assessed both Kramer and Lucas. “Never easily.”
“I like you,” Lucas said. They mounted the steps. “Was there much damage to the house?”
Seven Sisters Page 30
