Sword of the Gods: The Chosen One

by Anna Erishkigal

Galactic Standard Date: 152,323.02 AE

  Earth: Sata'an Forward Operating Base

  Lt. Kasib

  “The package is ready for shipment, Sir." Lieutenant Kasib tucked his tail along his side and saluted his commanding officer.

  “How many?” General Hudhafah squinted up from a stack of reports.

  “Just one, Sir.”

  “Ba’al (Lord) Zebub asked for three samples,” Hudhafah said. “Why aren’t there more?" His gold-green eyes narrowed into slits.

  “Two expired in transit, Sir,” Kasib said. “Our soldiers reported the cargo reacted adversely to our presence. The native population has had no contact with our species and is unusually terrified.”

  “Hmmm…" Hudhafah leaned back in his chair and scratched the soft white under-scales of his chin. “Have we formed any local trading partnerships?”

  “Yes, Sir,” Kasib said. “The Amorite slavers don't care who they trade with so long as we give them gold.”

  “We'll use those as intermediaries, then,” Hudhafah said. “Be sure to explain we want maximum genetic diversity. No more than two from a single target area, and they are all to be delivered to us in top condition.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Kasib saluted, tasting the air with his forked tongue so he could sense the pheromones which indicated his commanding officer's mood. They were thinly staffed until Emperor Shay'tan resupplied their base and Hudhafah was in a foul mood. “What about the current package, Sir?”

  “Send it to Ba'al Zebub,” Hudhafah said. “He has plans for it.”

  Chapter 22