“They’re going to use us as bait.”
“What?” Leader Lidia asked, shocked.
LemAN answered them honestly. “It is true. We are hoping to get their attention and have them follow us through the wormhole.”
“I can’t approve of any plan that purposely puts my people in jeopardy.”
“This solar system has one planet that has already been attacked by the Morins. They are now part of our growing alliance. We cannot leave them here to deal with the Morins on their own. I can assure you that your people will be protected. My transport will be escorting you and there will be other alliance transports on the other side of the wormhole.”
“How do you know that the Morins are even in this solar system still?” Commander Kayley asked.
“They need females. They won’t abandon their efforts easily.”
“What’s the plan?”
“We will make it appear that we are going back to Balar while your transport heads directly to the wormhole. Teagan created a program that can detect and decloak the Morin transport. We will keep a small distance so that the Morins believe they have a clear shot at you.”
Commander Kayley paced back and forth. “This is not a good plan. The power from the weapons system will be rerouted to life support and to the engines. We will not be able to defend ourselves.”
“I have warships prepared to dock that will be traveling with you. I assume you would prefer to keep command instead of letting my second-in-command step in.”
“Kitana! No way are we giving up control of our transport!” Commander Kayley glared at him.
He held up his hands to calm her. “I do not blame you. I would want to keep command as well. Will you at least allow my warships and warriors on board for your protection?”
Leader Lidia spoke. “We appreciate your assistance and your protection, Commander. Your warships are welcome to dock at your command.”
“I will have them come as soon as the supply shuttles depart. I will leave my engineering crew here to help keep the power diverted appropriately.”
“We appreciate all your efforts.”
LemAN stood and walked out of the room with Commander Kayley keeping pace with him. He could sense her emotions, which she was trying hard to keep under control.
“You do not trust me, do you?”
Commander Kayley didn’t deny it. “I’ve only trusted two males in my lifetime. The first was my father who taught me how to be a commander. The second male betrayed me. So you’ll have to excuse my hesitance to put any trust in a male, especially one that is a stranger to me.”
“I have my reasons to distrust you as well, but I am willing to overlook that to do the right thing.”
“We’ll see if your actions match your words, Commander. Let’s go find your mate. Where would she want to visit first?”
He smiled, knowing his mate very well. “The engine room.”
