“As you wish, myVenya.”
Dazed, he followed Valtus and headed toward the bridge.
“My love?” Kacie asked, her smile twitching with amusement.
“We have a lot of catching up to do,” I answered with smile. “I love you, Kacie. Tell me you’re okay.”
A dark shadow passed over her features as if the pain was too much to bear. “I will be, Kerra. With time, I hope I will be.”
Epilogue – Motok
Valtus stood on thebridge as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary. MyFirstwasn’t a warrior of many words, especially when he was caught up in his past. Recent events had dredged up the horrible details of his loss and I wasn’t sure how he was coping. Oddly enough, he seemed in full control, but I would be the first to admit that his emotions weren’t always easy to read.
“The female is definitely myVenya’ssister,” I began, standing next to his side. “I don’t know what to make of this. Who was the female on that video? Why was such an effort made to conceal the truth?”
Valtus never turned in my direction but answered in a low voice laced with venom. “I assume it was to cover any evidence of their treachery or participation in the slave trade.”
“As much as I wish that were untrue, you are correct.”
“There’s something else I found when browsing those files that we finally decrypted.”
“Oh? What was it?”
“They’ve stumbled upon some kind of experimental tech. It’s far advanced, even for our scientists.”
“What does it do?”
“I’m not sure yet but it was used to alter the female’s DNA, voice, and physical attributes on the video to clone Kacie Hargrave. I think they were testing its success.”
“Cloning is mediocre at best. It’s never fully successful.” Concerned with his revelation, I hoped he was wrong. “How do you know this for sure?”
“I didn’t until today. I had my suspicions before we landed on Cryton. Before we left the planet, I set up a remote download of their database. I hoped to gain a little Intel. I was able to salvage more than I anticipated.”
“And?”
“This goes far beyond the council. Members of the Galactic Conclave are also involved. I have placed all the data in your personal files. View them once you’re able and alone. Keep it safe. I only have a few copies.”
