Why? Her mind reached out.

  You know why. I wasn’t certain she could understand, but at least the fire in her eyes hadn’t been squelched.

  “Captain?” Braga interrupted, breaking the tether.

  Blinking, I turned my attention back to the rest of the group, noticing the cold look Vlanea gave both of us.

  “I believe I have located the mutation. We should be able to test everyone on this ship.” Vlanea moved by the fallen men. “But we must hurry. I’m not certain how long we’ll be able to keep them alive.”

  “I’ll help in any way I can.” As soon as I said the words, I heard the slight chuckle coming from Fiona’s mouth.

  Braga kept his grip on her arm. “He is the captain. He needs to be a part of this, Fiona.”

  She shook her head before shaking him off, closing the distance until we were face to face. “Then you will follow our orders, Captain.”

  I inhaled and resisted any further physical contact, even though my intense cravings kept me on edge. I needed her touch just as she still desired mine. “I will do as you wish, but the invasion still goes on as planned. Braga, find Kalek and both of you determine if there is any sickness on the other ships. Then return to the medical facility. We need to figure out how our people were poisoned.”

  “I also suggest you test any food brought onto this ship. When I was secured, a memory returned to me, something I overheard Captain Hicks saying to a colleague.” Fiona looked from one to the other. “Crop dusting. That’s how they are blanketing the food sources.”

  “What?” Vlanea asked. “I don’t understand.”

  I’d read about the primitive method during my investigation of Earth. The idea was brilliant and wouldn’t go detected by any of our forces on the ground. “A method to eradicate pests and insects destroying the crops.”

  “Yes, and in turn, poisoning the food source and even water used for cooking and cleaning, making them deadly at least for any Cenzan.” Fiona half smiled.

  “Is there a cure?” Braga asked, heavy emotion in his tone.

  “That I don’t know, but if there was any chance the poison would affect humans, there is no scientist in our world that would create something without an antiserum. Finding that lies in locating Captain Logan Hicks.” Fiona glared me in the eyes, making certain I understood that my principles might have cost my people their lives.

  “Then we need to get to work.” What else could I say at this point?

  * * *

  Hours later, we remained in the lab. Every male and female had been tested, but as of yet, there were no concrete results. The Comstar was on its way and I’d gotten two damning confirmations. One, there were handfuls of people on my other battleships that had already been affected, falling to the poison. Two, I’d received several reports that sightings of various government facilities were preparing for an attack on Earth. There were even reports of humans leaving certain cities, as if we were targeting major populations first.

  “Where are we on any gene source?” I asked, desperate for information and hope of any kind.

  “We are working as fast as we can, Captain. If we hadn’t lost several hours, we would be further along.” Vlanea brushed by me, her actions more harried than I’d ever seen.

  “I’ve tested Braga again. I see no signs of the poison recurring, but I still believe it’s a matter of time,” Fiona added. She’d refused medical attention herself, dressing and getting to work as soon as she was taken to the lab. “There is a possibility that his body has produced his own antiserum based on what we did before. If that’s the case, we won’t need to worry about what Captain Hicks has perfected.”

  I’d never seen such dedication, a caring that allowed some joy into my battered heart.

  “Understood. Keep testing Braga’s blood. Thank you for your help, Fiona.”

  “Shandar. There is an urgent call from your father,” Kalek said as he entered the room.

  “Is he with the chancellor?” I had yet to tell my officers of my full thoughts.

  “No.” Kalek gave me an odd look.

  “I will return. I must take this call in my chambers. Braga, Kalek, I need you there.” I didn’t want to leave; I felt responsible for what had occurred. My pride and my certainty that we were the superior race preventing me from trusting my own instincts. “Fiona, for what it’s worth, I am sorry that I doubted you in any manner, but we need to talk further.”

  She brushed me off with a shift of her hand, moving into another room.

  “Give her time, my brother. I can see the love in her eyes,” Braga suggested.

  There wasn’t enough time for any of us. “Come.” We headed for my quarters where the call would be placed on a secure line.

  “Are there any of our men on the ground that are experiencing any effects?” Kalek asked as we walked.

  “None, but our food supply is different than theirs.” I’d been the one to secure the exact location of the food being brought to the ships, the facility within the United States. Sequestering a manufacturing plant as well as several thousand acres of food source had been one of my first directives. The soldiers on the surface were not required to partake in the same food.

  “Then we can narrow down where the poison began,” Braga suggested.

  “Yes, and that will help to some degree.” We entered the room and I locked the door behind us, moving to the telescan and securing the line.

  “You’re certain you want us here?” Kalek asked before the connection was made.

  I turned, studying both. “I’ve been a fool in my actions and my decisions during the majority of this mission. I fear my father has been compromised. If I’m correct, there will be an attempt made on his life and as you suggested earlier, perhaps mine as well. It is my belief that the chancellor is behind this, perhaps making a deal of some kind with Captain Hicks.”

  “To what benefit?” Braga asked, laughing. “We are already going to invade Earth. But to mate, not kill them.”

  “The promise of the antiserum as well as a kingdom on Earth, much like what is falling to ruin on Cenzan.” Kalek smiled. “We were indeed outsmarted.”

  “That is my fear. I need both of you to be aware of all actions and activities, able to take over if something should happen to me.” I still needed some time to formulate the rest of the plan. The call from my father might help answer some of the questions. There were missing pieces, reasons that didn’t connect in any fashion. Zatar already had control and would no matter where he was positioned.

  Kalek opened his mouth, huffing. “You’re going after Captain Hicks in an effort to find the traitor working with the chancellor.”

  “Yes, as well as any antiserum. Braga, I will need you here at the helm, especially if you are carrying any possibility of an antibody. Kalek, you will accompany me on the trip.” I was still debating whether or not I would take Fiona, but her work here was vital.

  “Understood,” Braga said. “I’ve changed my mind. I will be staying at my post.”

  I held out my hand, locking his with mine. “I’m sorry for my arrogance, my brother. I am learning.”

  “Make it right with Fiona,” he whispered before shifting his attention to the monitor.

  I clicked on the picture and my father’s face held fatigue. “King Drateq.”

  He noticed the others and smiled. “I’m glad your officers are with you. We have little time. I fear Cenzan is under threat of an imminent attack.”

  “What?” This I hadn’t expected.

  “Where did this come from?” Kalek added, moving closer to the screen.

  “Are there warships closing in?” I searched for any sign of the chancellor. Seeing my father in such a state was terrifying. The Sanzarkans had heard of our plan and were prepared to take what they’d long coveted, our entire planet, by killing our kind and taking what few resources we had left.

  “Not any that have been detected, but various sources have confirmed activity. I’ve directed our remaining fighter ships to stand ready. There is a second Comstar on its way to Earth.” The king had a certain look in his eyes.

  “The chancellor is one of the passengers.” I already knew the answer.

  “Yes. He is going to lead the colonization in my stead. What is happening with the poison?”

  I held out my hand, lower than where my father could see, yet making certain both Braga and Kalek knew to remain quiet. I didn’t want him to know every detail until we were certain of what we were facing. “We believe the poison has been used through new methods, but is under control at this point.”

  “Don’t ever underestimate our opponents, Shandar. There is always a will to live and for the humans, it’s very strong. We could learn a lot from them.”

  I could feel Kalek’s and Braga’s hot breath as they crowded closer. This wasn’t the kind of talk I was used to hearing from my father. I had a flash of memory, the very first conversation about coming to Earth, his ideas pitted against Zatar’s but he seemed so aware of what the Earth had to offer, as if he’d visited before. A sickening feeling fell into the pit of my stomach.

  “Are you well, Father?”

  He leaned in, smiling. “As can be expected. I understand you’ve mated with the captured human, my son. She is that important to you.”

  At this point, it simply didn’t matter who’d informed my father. Now, I realized the absolute importance of my decision with Fiona. My father knew he was dying. “Yes, she is the one to carry on the bloodline. I hope that you trust in my decision, Father.”

  “I do more than you know, son. Did I ever tell you that you are very much like your mother? She was the most important person in my life. When she died, I was nearly destroyed. I am very glad you are like her, son. She would be so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished.”

  I had few memories of my mother and they were muted at best. Her face was in the shadows in my mind. I’d cried for her many nights before I was told of her fate. She’d been abducted and subsequently murdered when I was four. Or so I’d been told. He also never talked about her, no matter how many times I’d asked. I knew what my father was doing, and I was thrown into a vacuum, unprepared for what destiny had in store. “I am proud to be your son.” My words were choked.

  “Thank you for that, Shandar. You will be a great leader. Look not to the past but to our future for we will rise again. Take care, my son. May the Gods provide you with several beautiful children.”

  The telescan was clicked off and for the first time in my life, a tear formed in my eye.

  My father was saying goodbye.

  * * *

  I remained in my quarters after the others had left. I needed time to process what my father had said, comprehend the burden he’d placed on my shoulders. I did care for my father. He’d been a tough taskmaster, unforgiving in so many ways, but he’d wanted the best for his only son. He was planning on fighting to the death in order to keep our valuables out of enemy hands. He was brave, if not stupid. But he knew the cause and effect. Jesus. I’d underestimated his true power and knowledge.

  The lights flashed, indicating as request to enter. I fisted my mouth, trying to control my breathing. I certainly didn’t want anyone to see me in this state. Kalek and Braga had been shocked at my level of emotion, unprepared at what to say. There were no words of comfort, no method of quieting the beast inside, the anger boiling, refueling. I would hunt and slaughter the person responsible for selling us out to the Sanzarkans.

  After the lights flashed again, I knew the visitor wasn’t going away. Waving my hand, I shored my shoulders, anticipating more disturbing news. “Yes?”

  “May I come in?”

  I could see her reflection in the transparent shield, her long, lovely hair flowing, her face pensive. “Of course, but I’m not certain why you would. I know you loathe me, abhor the sight of me.”

  “You’re right. I did. I also hated myself for trusting you,” Fiona said, her rebelliousness the same as always.

  “Then why are you here?” I clenched my fists, various words and thoughts shifting into my mind. While I understood the English language, having mastered it along with dozens of others, I had no real understanding of the complexity of a human female mind. If she hated me so much, why bother attempting a conversation?

  She smiled, seeing the stars and the way Earth was highlighted. “I’m a scientist, Shandar and I’ve studied the human body, cells and muscles, bones and tendons. I’ve never been good with people or cultures. I prefer being a loner. Braga helped explain your culture, protocol, and requirements that I simply gave no credence to. I won’t try to tell you that I comprehend everything you’re doing or the reasons why, but I will try to respect your command, as well as follow your rules. I was brought here a prisoner and you’ve made me feel like a guest. I defied that.”

  I studied her expression, sensed her conviction. “I’m not always a good leader. I know my people, but humans are… complicated.”

  She smiled, dipping her head. “Yes, we are. I do want to help you. What my people are doing, at least in the ways they’re doing it is wrong. War is a battle fought for territory, food, or power, but not by trying to exterminate an enemy through a food source. We should have learned our lesson from that kind of warfare decades ago.”

  “Agreed. This is only going to delay the inevitable. My mission remains the same.”

  “I know. You are colonizing Earth.” Fiona took careful steps as she headed in my direction. Moving by my side.

  I had to smile. “Yes, not annihilate as you expected.”

  “This will be difficult for my people. They will fight you.”

  “And I would expect no less. I will do all I can to keep their imprisonments to a minimum.” A weight remained on my chest. “How are the stricken soldiers?”

  “Stable. Eerily stable. I can’t make heads or tails of why. Timed release. Planned release. I’m just not certain,” she stated, shaking her head as if in disgust.

  “Vlanea can help.” I knew I’d said the words with disdain, heard the edge in my voice.

  “What is your relationship with her?”

  The question surprised me. “I knew her as a child. She was orphaned. I cared for her.”

  “And you developed a relationship.”

  “Yes, of sorts. I cared for her and we comforted each other but she was never my intended mate. Yes, we were lovers for a time.”

  “I keep coming back to the question, why and how are we intended mates?”

  Sighing, I thought about my realization my father had been to Earth before. Maybe there was some connection there. “I wish I knew.”

  “Do you trust her?”

  Narrowing my eyes, I searched hers for the reason she was asking. “She is qualified and highly skilled. She will help in the transition to Earth, the various needs if we…”

  “Mate. I already know.” Fiona gave me a heated look. “How else do you revive a dying race?”

  “Yes. How else?” Trust. I wasn’t entirely certain I did trust Vlanea but there was no reason for any concern. “Vlanea will do as commanded.”

  “Okay. I’ll have to trust you,” she said as she inched closer. “Braga told me what you suspect about your father, that he’s ready to die fighting for your planet.”

  “He did. Interesting.” It seemed my friend was more in love with her than I’d assumed.

  “Braga cares about you,” she whispered.

  “He’s a good man. You would do well mating with him.” The words sounded bitter in my ears.

  “I’ve had nothing but time to think, including before you had me whipped. I adore Braga, and even Kalek, but neither one is the man I’ve dreamt of my entire life. You are. I can’t explain why or how. Perhaps there is one God somewhere determining fate for all of us.”

  I slowly shifted until I could see her face yet kept my distance. “My behavior has been deplorable. I don’t deserve to have a mate of any kind.”

  She placed her hand on the glass, staring out into the abyss. “You can be a very hard and harsh man, even brutal. You also have very tender moments. When you were with me last night and this morning, I saw a part of you I doubt anyone else has seen. I was so alive, even eager for the future, prepared to give up the life I’d always known. For you. For us.”

  “And now?”

  Her eyes darted a single glance in my direction. “I forgive you. I hope that you can forgive me.”

  I was surprised at her kind words. She had no reason to trust or care for me any longer. “I’ve never felt the way I have with anyone else. What we’ve shared has been the most special moments of my life.”

  “I feel the same, Shandar.” She twisted until she could look into my eyes, the fire softening. “What is wrong with your father?”

  “In truth, I believe he’s lost the will to live. He’s given up on his people, our world, and our way of life.”

  “Just like you’ve given up.”

  Hearing the statement was almost cathartic. “In some ways, yes. This poison isn’t anything we anticipated and I’m afraid we won’t be able to combat it.”

  “I know there’s a way. I remember bits and pieces of conversations I had with Logan. Did he have any idea that the Cenzans were coming even years before?”

  The question was interesting. “There’s been several scouting missions over the years to the far planets, searching for suitable worlds. It’s entirely possible that one of your governments knew. We have ways of masking our ships, but it’s not foolproof. I can tell you believe this has been planned for some time.” If my father had visited years before, what was the point in rebutting the concept when the chancellor had initiated the idea?

  “Just my gut. What I know is that there was a department created almost two hundred years ago to watch for signs, to plan for the inevitable. Humans knew we weren’t the only life forms capable of a high level of intelligence. I have no doubt the United States government, perhaps working with other countries developed their own scouting techniques.”