"They're not taking any chances," I muttered.
Kalyndi joined me at the window, her shoulder pressing against mine. "Neither are we."
As the officials approached our door, I felt her hand slip into mine, a brief squeeze conveying what words couldn't in that moment. Whatever came next, we would face it together.
The sharp knock echoed through our dwelling like a death knell.
"Redmon?" Kalyndi's voice was steady despite the fear I could smell on her skin.
"Yes?"
"Whatever happens, I'm glad it was you they matched me with."
Before I could respond, the knocking came again, more insistent. I squeezed her hand once more, then released it, moving to answer the door.
A Magnus Terra official I recognized from previous inspections stood flanked by the tribal enforcers. His thin lips curved in a reassuring smile.
"War Chief Redmon. We've come to escort Kalyndi for some routine testing. Nothing to be concerned about."
"What kind of testing?" I kept my body blocking the doorway.
The official's smile tightened. "Standard procedure for all high-compatibility matches. It won't take long."
"Then you can conduct these tests here," I stated firmly.
His façade of pleasantness slipped. "I'm afraid that's not possible. The equipment required is at the central facility."
"Then we have a problem." I crossed my arms. "My mate doesn't leave my sight."
One of the tribal enforcers stepped forward, hand moving to the weapon at his belt. "The council has authorized this, War Chief. Don't make this difficult."
"Authorized what, exactly?" Kalyndi appeared at my side, her voice calm despite the tension radiating from her body. "What tests are so important they require an armed escort?"
The official's eyes narrowed at her direct question. "Merely standard evaluations to ensure the matching program's success."
"Like the 'standard evaluations' performed on the children of Orrick and Lyra?" I asked, watching his face carefully. "Or Neven and Talia?"
The flicker of recognition in his eyes confirmed what we suspected. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do." Kalyndi held up one paper we'd discovered. "We know about the genetic targeting. The specific pairings for desired traits in offspring."
The official blanched, then quickly composed himself. "These are serious accusations based on what appears to be stolen information."
"Information that would be very interesting to other matched pairs," I added. "Many of whom we've already contacted."
This was the bluff Kalyndi had suggested, and I could see it hit home. The official glanced nervously at his companions.
"Perhaps we can discuss this reasonably," he offered, his tone conciliatory. "There are aspects of the program you clearly don't understand."
"Then explain them," Kalyndi challenged. "Here. Now."
"This isn't the appropriate venue for such a discussion."
"It's the only venue you're getting," I growled. "My mate stays here."
The standoff stretched for several tense heartbeats. Finally, the official sighed. "Very well. A compromise. The tests can wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll arrange for a senior scientist to visit and address your concerns."
I exchanged glances with Kalyndi. We both recognized the tactic as a delay to regroup, to plan a different approach.
