“I know,” Jeffrey interrupted wearily. “Exterminate on sight. But your new commander feels, as I do, that we’ve reached a point where it is essential to find out what the Hareema are planning. And that requires taking prisoners, no matter the risk.”
“This son of a shark is lying,” the second guard said. “He has to be. Major Ontarii a Hareema plant? Not likely.”
“Find out for yourselves,” Jeffrey said, pointing to the membrane.
“I’m going to the bridge,” the second guard said. “You stay here and watch the prisoners.”
“Wait,” the first stopped his companion. “We’re under strict protocols. No one should be traveling single. Pairs at all times, remember?”
“Then come with me.”
The guard looked torn. He’d been ordered to monitor the prisoners, but if what was being said was true, then he needed to know. “All right. They can’t get out of here anyway. Let’s go.”
And with that, both guards stepped through the membrane and vanished.
“Now tell us what really happened,” Tan said to Jeffrey.
“That did happen,” he said. “Major Ontarii was a plant. There are Hareema on this ship.”
The women stared at him at a loss for words. “So they’re real?” Chao asked at last.
“Yes. They’re real. I saw one. It beat the crap out of me.”
“If Major Ontarii was a plant, what does that mean?” Tan asked.
“Either he was compromised before or…”
“Or on our ship.” Chao frowned. “Either way, our crew is in danger.”
“We’re all in danger,” Tan replied.
Jeffrey agreed. “That’s true. If Hareema are here, they’re likely on theEarhartas well. And maybe they’re on Earth. Kat seems to think that’s a distinct possibility.”
His words caused a deep silence to descend and cover the cell. They sat there, staring at each other, each lost in their own thoughts of dread and danger.
The membrane opened suddenly, drawing their attention. Two Zantharians stepped through, one carrying a small case.
“What do you want?” Jeffrey asked.
“I’m a medic,” the one with the case replied. “Lieutenant Yarr sent me to tend to your injuries.”
Tan stood and approached the Zantharians. “Let me see what you’ve got.”
The medic knelt, opening his case for the human doctor’s inspection. He pulled out a container and held it out to her. “This salve will speed up the healing process.”
“How do I know it’s safe for humans?”
“We are familiar with human biology. It’s benign, but it will help clear up the bruising and ensure that there is no scarring.”
Tan’s eyebrows lifted. “I’m not sure,” she said, doubtfully.
“Kat’Chinna sent you?” Jeffrey asked.
The medic nodded.
“Proceed,” Jeffrey stated, nodding at the Zantharian.
“But Cheerful, we don’t know what the risks might be. It could—“
