"Why not? Love truly is the strongest force in the universe, Kian. It has toppled empires and built new ones. It has driven people to madness and sometimes to greatness. It is the thread that connects all living things."
"It's also not particularly helpful when we're trying to figure out how to extract five desiccated immortals from a sand-filled enclosure in an enemy stronghold."
Annani waved a dismissive hand. "Logistics can be solved. What matters is the why. Why did the Fates show Syssi those couples? Perhaps because they will play a role in what comes next. Perhaps because their love will be the key that unlocks something we cannot yet see."
"Or perhaps the Fates were just being cryptic, as usual."
"The Fates are never cryptic without purpose."
Kian bit back his response. Arguing with his mother about the nature of destiny and love was a losing battle, and he had more pressing concerns.
"What about the portal?" he asked instead. "Any thoughts on what that might mean?"
Annani's expression grew thoughtful. "Mount Ararat is significant to many cultures. It is where Noah's Ark supposedly came to rest. It has been a place of pilgrimage and mystery for millennia."
"That doesn't explain a portal to another world."
"No, it does not."
Syssi cleared her throat. "The important thing is that we now know that Dr. Petrov and his assistant have some important roles to play that are not limited to their work with the enhanced soldiers. They might be valuable allies on the island if we find a way to contact them."
"They don't know us," Kian said. "They have no reason to trust us."
"They have every reason to want off that island," Syssi countered. "That might be enough."
"Perhaps." Annani pushed her plate away. "But first things first. You must speak with Navuh, Kian. Learn what he knows and what he planned. Make it clear that his bargaining position has crumbled."
"I'll go this afternoon." He hated having to chip away at his time with his family, but this was important to his mother.
"Perhaps we can all go?" She turned to Syssi. "You can come with me to see Areana. Allegra will be happy to see Darius."
"Darius," Allegra repeated. "Go to Darius."
"Oh, boy." Syssi let out a breath. "Those two are developing a bond. I hope for Kian's sake that it's a sibling kind of bond."
"Let's make sure that this is all it is." Kian mock-glared at his daughter. "I don't want Kalugal as my in-law. Having him as a cousin is insufferable enough."
"You love him." Syssi rose to her feet and kissed his temple. "Admit it."
"Let's not get carried away. At best, I tolerate him."
“Right.” Syssi patted his arm. “Anyway, I think I’ll pass on the visit today. Allegra hasn’t napped yet, and we all know what happens when she’s tired.”
20
LOSHAM
"Try the plasma cutter again," Losham instructed.
The technician, a wiry human named Morven who'd arrived on Thursday's supply run, adjusted his protective goggles. "Same settings as before?"
Why was the guy asking him for technical advice? He was supposed to be the expert.
"Use your best professional guess," Losham said dryly.
Morven shook his head. "I'm not taking responsibility for this. I just do what you tell me to do."
What else was new? Losham was getting tired of having to micromanage every little thing.
