“Some were,” Sally said. She clenched her hands.
“We have heard some of their stories,” Gregor said. “Unscrupulous, horrible… I do not understand.”
“We have a lot of broken systems,” Lucas said. “Would Hylatian families be willing to adopt these children? All of them, not just the girls?”
“I can tell you most of them are willing to leave,” Sally said. “They want safety.”
“There are families who would take them in,” Mycos said. “Our families tend to be large but there is always room for more.”
“How do you handle orphans,” Abraham asked.
“Family takes them in,” Gregor said. “If parents or siblings are not able to, cousins or aunts and uncles take them in. No child lives on the street or goes hungry.”
“You have no abuse,” Lucas asked.
“There is some,” Mycos said. “It happens even on our worlds, but the children are taken from the abuser who is punished.”
“The children are our first priority,” Gregor said.
“Sally, there used to be a lot of adoptions from other countries,” Lydia said. “Could we start adoptions processes?”
“It’s an interesting idea,” Sally said. “It would clear out our facility if we could.”
“How will the parents meet the children,” Lucas asked.
“Via holo,” Mycos said. “Lydia, you should ask mother to help you find prospective parents.”
“I’ve got a list of children,” Sally said.
“I meet with her later today,” Lydia said. “Stick around and we can talk it through.”
“We continue to have vandalism at the shelter,” Gregor said. “We have vid of all instances of it.”
“We had an incident,” Sally said smiling at Gregor.
“What happened,” Mycos asked.
“There was a person painting on our building,” Sally said. “Seemed to happen overnight. Gregor hunted the perpetrators.”
“Not to harm,” Gregor said seeing the surprised looks on Abraham and Lucas’ faces. “To capture.”
“One assumes you caught the perpetrator,” Abraham said.
“I did,” Gregor said. “Got the surprise of my life.”
“She’s twelve,” Sally said. “She was too scared to come in but hoped if she kept painting on the outside of the building someone would catch her.”
“She is now one of our guests,” Gregor said. “She is good with the little ones too.”
“You feel your shelter is pretty tight with security,” Lucas asked.
“Yes,” Gregor said. “We are surrounded by possible threats but I believe we are in good shape.”
“Same with the school,” Lucas asked.
“Yes,” Lydia said. “Now we are exiting the facility from the playground.”
“Do you mind if I have someone attempt to get in,” Lucas asked.
Mycos and Gregor exchanged a look. Mycos shrugged. Gregor said, “They will need identification if they are caught.”
“So they don’t get hurt,” Lucas asked.
“To infiltrate our territory is an act of war,” Mycos said. “Breaking in, as you say, we do not give a lot of leeway.”
“Meaning…” Lucas asked.
“They take all infiltration seriously,” Abraham said. “It’s a good idea to have someone attempt it, but that person better be aware they won’t be treated like they would breaking into your house.”
“I’ll let my person know,” Lucas said.
“Moving on,” Lydia said. “Where are you with the investigation?”
“I know you think this links to the senator,” Lucas said. “I’m following a lot of leads. Hundreds of them, in fact. But nothing directly leads back to him.”
“Where do they lead,” Mycos asked.
“To corporations,” Lucas said. “We’re digging into ownership, looking for like people on the boards or in high enough positions to have the pull.”
“But nothing solid,” Lydia said shaking her head.
“These investigations take time,” Lucas said. “All of my people are in place and doing their best, but it still takes time.”
“Which leads to security here,” Abraham said. “You shouldn’t have allowed an unidentified van into the compound.”
“They were checked,” Mycos said.
“How,” Abraham asked. “My people had only begun their initial process of identifying the owner of the van.”
“The risk was minimal,” Mycos said. “We have implemented security measures.”
“Which you don’t want to share,” Lucas said. “Not a bad policy.”
“I should have let you know we checked them,” Lydia said. “We need a protocol for this.”
“Before you ask,” Gregor said. “The technology involved is proprietary.”
“Meaning you’re not willing to share,” Abraham said with a smile.
“Why wasn’t this in place before,” Lucas asked.
“You are very primitive,” Mycos said. “We did not want to risk it.”
“But it would have made you safer,” Lucas said.
“Until it fell into the wrong hands,” Lydia said.
“We did not believe humans capable of such a horrendous act,” Mycos said.
“I think I get it,” Lucas said. “It must be difficult for you to balance the need for a mate against the morals to keep humanity from blowing ourselves up.”
“You have done a good job of the blowing up partially already,” Mycos said. “War seems to be your solution to many tensions. We do not want to be party to that, nor do we want to supply the arms to help you.”
“Damn,” Abraham said. “I’d like to refute your statements but I can’t.”
“Moving on,” Lydia said shifting them from the difficult topic.
“When will I be allowed to speak with Floren,” Lucas asked.
“Justinian said you could speak with him after our meeting but you will have to wear special clothing and not touch him at all,” Lydia said. “He’s progressing but he’s still in a great deal of pain.”
“Your healing devices work well but not on this type of injury,” Lucas asked.
“Our healing devices saved his life,” Mycos said. “Had he been left to your doctors, he would be dead. Instead he is alive and healing. Justinian is cautiously hopeful but will not allow you in if you contaminate his patient.”
“I’ll follow any protocols he requires,” Lucas said raising his eyebrows. “I’ve spoken with the rest of those near the car. I’d like to get this final first-hand account.”
“He may not remember much,” Abraham said.
“All I can do is ask,” Lucas said.
***
Wrapped in clear material, Lucas looked down at himself. “It’s like plastic wrap,” he said.
“Yes, sir,” Kramer said wiggling in his own plastic wrap.
“It is not plastic,” Justinian said again. “It’s a germ-free, antimicrobial protection layer. Floren is in a delicate state. Contamination will not only lengthen his recovery but it will also make it more painful.”
“I get it,” Lucas said. “It’s different.”
“If you are uncomfortable, you could wait to interview Floren,” Justinian said.
“We need his perspective,” Lucas said. “I’ll respect all your rules, but I need to hear from him.”
“He is in a lot of pain,” Justinian said. “He may fade in and out.”
“I can be patient,” Lucas said.
“You will not upset him,” Justinian said. “I will watch his readouts and you will stop if he becomes agitated.”
“Of course,” Lucas said.
With a nod, Justinian led the two men into a special room. Bitta sat near a bed with Floren laying on his stomach. She leaned down to whisper something to him.
“I’d prefer to do this interview alone,” Lucas said.
“Tough,” Bitta said. “I’m sticking with him.”
“She cannot
leave the room,” Justinian said forestalling the argument. “His recovery requires her presence.”
“I don’t see how an individual makes that much of a difference,” Kramer said
“Because you aren’t Hylatian,” Bitta said. “Do your thing or not, I’m not leaving.”
“You’ll do as you’re ordered,” Kramer said.
“It’s fine,” Lucas said. “I can work with this. Is it all right if I sit next to you so I can see his face?”
Bitta moved her chair further around. Her hand remained on his arm, touching red skin which wasn’t damaged.
Lucas nodded to her before leaning towards Floren. The man was encased in some sort of gel. “Floren,” he said. “I’m Investigator Lucas Ando. I’ve been tasked to find out who sent the bomb.”
“Do not know who sent,” Floren said his eyes closed slowly.
“I know you don’t, but I’m hoping you can help me find out,” Lucas said.
“Bitta,” Floren said.
“Right here,” Bitta said leaning into his limited field of vision. “I’m touching your arm. Do you feel me touching you?”
“Yessss, mo chroin,” he said.
“Can you give me a description of what you saw in the car,” Lucas asked.
“Women, three, taped to their seats,” Floren said. “Clear tape on their mouths except the one in the driver’s seat. Scared. They looked terrified.”
“Did you notice anything else,” Lucas asked.
“Self-driving car,” Floren said. “Device in backseat. Instant to protect Bitta.”
“You did a good job protecting me,” Bitta said.
“Did the woman in the driver’s side speak,” Lucas said.
“Get away,” Floren said his eyes closed.
Lucas looked up at Justinian. “Is he all right,” he asked.
Justinian stared at the readings. “He is asleep,” Justinian said.
“He meant she said to get away,” Bitta said. “I forgot about that.”
“Thank you,” Lucas said. “This is enough for now. Once he’s stronger, I’ll want more time with him.”
“He’ll be stronger soon,” Bitta said. She kissed his arm, whispered to him.
Justinian took note of the read outs. “This is the best you will get for at least a week, longer would be better,” he said. He motioned for them to step out of the room.
Once out of the room, they peeled away the protective material. “Will he survive,” Lucas asked.
“Uncertain at this point,” Justinian said. “The longer he lasts the more likely he is to heal.”
“Thank you for letting me speak to him,” Lucas said. “Kramer, back to the office.”
“Yes, sir,” Kramer said. He stepped out of the room ahead of Lucas.
“He will not be allowed in again,” Justinian said. “He is a negative influence.”
“Noted,” Lucas said.
***
Tas sat across from Mycos and Lydia. Her knee wiggled as nerves hit her hard. Glavar put his arm around her. “You want me to do what,” she asked.
“I’ve spoken with the businessmen and the ambassadors,” Lydia said. “I have rough numbers and I’d like you to work with them to help us arrange for the women to leave.”
“Not meet the men but simply leave,” Tas said.
“We have documentation,” Mycos said. “Each woman will be given these forms in their own language ahead of time. You will have several squads of men to assist.”
“You’re just going to take these women,” Tas said.
“No, we’re accepting immigrants,” Lydia said.
“How many,” Tas asked.
“Do you really want to know the number,” Lydia asked. “You’ve been reluctant to discuss numbers with us.”
“My father is…” Tas stopped, turned to Glavar.
“Trust milord and lady,” he murmured.
“My father is trying to cozy up to me,” Tas said. “He only does this when he wants something from me. He’s sent me gifts and money. He plans to visit.”
“You want to know as little as possible,” Mycos said. “Do you not trust your father?”
“No,” Tas said with a big sigh. “He’s spoken vehemently against cooperating with you. When he found out about Glavar, he was…” She stopped talking, turned her head away.
“He called her several unpleasant names,” Glavar said. “Like the others have told us.”
“I’m sorry,” Lydia said. “I’ll tell you everything about this task but do you want to know it all?”
“Are you really letting Morgan immigrate with me,” Tas asked.
“Yes,” Mycos said. “She’s proven herself trustworthy.”
“Dad will try to wheedle his way in here,” Tas said. “He wants to see your house. He is friends with Grant Weatherton.”
“He will not be invited to our home,” Mycos said.
“He’ll use the media to imply you’re doing horrible things to me, brainwashing me and worse,” Tas said. “I don’t know why but he wants in this house.”
“Thank you for the warning,” Lydia said.
Tas held Glavar’s hands. “I’ve hated every man dad introduced me to,” she said. “Since I was fifteen, he’s paraded me out like a prize mare for his friends and their sons. Every visit, every conversation, he’s tried to use me to extend his power. Glavar doesn’t care about power. He cares about me. I don’t want to see my father but I don’t want my refusal to hurt any of you.”
“You should agree to the visit,” Mycos said.
Glavar glared at Mycos. “You want to put my mate at risk,” Glavar said.
“No,” Tas said. “I see where you’re going with this. Agree to the visit but tell him ‘daddy I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. I need to run this errand and it will take some time.’ Then I go off to help these women find mates and avoid my father.”
“Exactly,” Mycos said.
“My pardon,” Glavar said bowing his head.
“I would have reacted the same way,” Mycos said.
“Tell me all,” Tas said. “I’m all in – with Glavar and with you.”
“In a couple of weeks, we have another ship arriving. By my estimate, there are at least sixty thousand women who are being volunteered,” Lydia said. “I believe there are more. Additionally, we’re putting out a call in those areas for others to immigrate.”
“How many do you have here,” Tas asked. She watched as Mycos, Glavar and Lydia all exchanged a look. Glavar nodded.
“Originally, there were around a hundred thousand,” Mycos said. “We’ve had a number of ships leave with mates and families.”
“The second ship will have the same number,” Tas asked.
“Approximately,” Mycos said.
“Sixty thousand isn’t enough,” Tas said. “I’ll see if I can drum up more with these businessmen and ambassadors.”
“They were interested in clearing out their less than desirable areas,” Lydia said wrinkling her nose. “They don’t want to take responsibility for the poor any longer.”
“It’s an angle I can use,” Tas said. “Who’s going with me?”
“Glavar will be in charge of your security,” Mycos said. “You will have several squads though, please do not tell anyone.”
“Not even Morgan,” Tas said.
“Yes,” Lydia said. “Nor about the numbers of Hylatians actually here.”
“Couldn’t something be set up to allow your men and human women to connect and then have a mail order bride type situation,” Tas asked.
“Mail order bride,” Mycos said.
“It comes from our early settler times,” Lydia said. “Men would travel to unpopulated areas and when they built a house, they would write to organizations to connect with a woman.”
“Usually a religious organization,” Tas said. “Obviously there wouldn’t be actual letters but you do the holo meetings with your home world.”
“Men need to meet and see women,” Mycos said
.
“Okay,” Tas said. “I guess I’m going woman hunting for you.”
Lydia chuckled. “I’m glad you’re onboard with this.”
“There will be a healer,” Glavar asked.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” Lydia said. “One of the healers from the ship will go with you and you’ll have access to their technology.”
“Who’s in charge,” Tas asked.
Mycos and Glavar both raised their eyebrows and looked at her expectantly. Lydia said, “You have to remember where she was born. Tas, you’re in charge. Hylatians are matriarchal not patriarchal. You will be making a lot of decisions.”
“Oh,” Tas said. “Oh my. It’s a lot of responsibility.”
“You can rely on your mate,” Lydia said turning her head towards Mycos. “He will be invaluable to you.”
“He already is,” Tas said reaching for Glavar’s hand. “When do we go?”
“I’ve got a list for you,” Lydia said. “Transports will be made available to you to take your squads.”
“Logistically, it would make more sense if the women left from the region they are in, rather than bringing them back through here,” Tas said. “Plus there will be fewer complications with immigration.”
“This is why I wanted your help,” Lydia said.
Chapter 9
“Mr. Sallinger,” Landros said. “You are again in a restricted area.”
“I’m meeting Investigator Ando in your holo area,” Kramer said glancing up and down the hall.
“The holo area is at the bottom of the stairs,” Landros said. “Back the way you came.”
“This is such a large house,” Kramer said.
“After nearly two months, you should know the areas you are allowed in,” Landros said. He held out his hand, indicating Kramer should turn around and go back the way he came.
“I have so many things to keep track of,” Kramer said. “I was reading a report when I came down.”
“This is not acceptable,” Landros said. “I will be speaking to milord and lady about this.”
“I hardly think being in a hallway merits notifying them,” Kramer said.
Landros lifted an eyebrow. “Hylatian security is very different from human security,” he said. He stopped outside the workout area the men used. “See the stairs? This is the holo area. You walked right by it.”
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