“I believe the timing was right around when the first transports of Earth females arrived.”
“That would explain his hatred of human women then. He blames us for losing his place in the spotlight.”
“Yes, I suppose it does explain that behavior. There is more, though. While researching his few family members living, we found that there is a sickness that runs genetically, perhaps from a mutation. Some of their family members suffered from grand delusions, to the point that they were a danger to themselves or others and they had to be...dealt with.”
“Great, he’s crazy, too. Perfect. I have to tell you, TanAR, I haven’t had much luck in negotiating with flat-out crazy people.”
“I do not think much negotiating will be done, if I’m honest with you.”
She sighed as she looked at him and the concern on his face was clear. “I prefer your honesty. This situation is dangerous enough without us hiding the truth from one another.” She hesitated, not wanting him to know just how much she was interested in the next question. “What do you know of the rebel commander...MarIK?”
“Our interrogators had found nothing but praise from his trainers, commanders, and fellow warriors. He was highly decorated and expected to continue to move up the chain of command.”
“How did he get mixed up with OrIN?”
“About five years ago, MarIK took a leave from his duties after his mate had gone on to the great beyond. He cut all ties to his family and friends. He never returned to his command and just...disappeared from Katieran society. No one heard from him until OrIN issued the first threats with the rebels.”
“He was suffering a great loss and had cut himself off from any support system he had. His anger and hurt must have left him vulnerable to OrIN’s manipulation.” She felt an ache inside for all that he had gone through and anger at OrIN for taking advantage of him. “Now that he’s had time to work through some of his grief and witness OrIN for who he truly is, perhaps he will be open to helping us.”
“Sharon, you are a kind-hearted female. Don’t let emotion cloud your judgement. MarIK is just as dangerous as OrIN. As far as we know, he is our enemy as well. Watch yourself around him, and don’t trust everything that he says. He is still under OrIN’s command and you can’t know whether he is to be trusted.”
“I hear and appreciate what you’re saying, but I have to believe that there are others who see OrIN for the madman he truly is and might be willing to help take him down. After all, you have a spy here already — you just don’t know who it is.”
“That spy’s identity must be kept a secret at all costs in order to help us to eventually take OrIN down, even if we fail this mission and we all...”
“Die.”
“Yes, sorry. This is just a bad situation any way you look at it.”
She knew he was worried for her. “I will be careful, TanAR. Did you get a chance to try to influence anyone?”
“I couldn’t reach OrIN or MarIK, they are too strong willed, but some of their warriors, on the other hand — I was able to get them to make small movements.”
“How many can you control at the same time?”
“I can do two, maybe three, but only for simple commands and for very short periods of time. It may be enough to give us a chance to get away if necessary. Make sure you stay near me at all times, Sharon.”
“Well, since we’re supposed to be dating I’ll have to stick to you like glue.”
He frowned. “Like glue? A substance that permanently adheres two surfaces together. That sounds unpleasant.”
“It’s just a saying. It means I’ll stay close to you.”
“Good. I think I see a box on the bed in the bedroom. Let me check that out first.”
She followed behind him as he entered the bedroom. “Your warriors have secured the room and would have removed anything dangerous.”
Still, he carefully opened the box and pulled out a shiny material. “It’s a dress for the banquet.”
She looked over his shoulder, frowning, “That’s the gown? I don’t know. It’s awfully thin.”
“I think it will look beautiful on you. I’ll leave you to change. I’ll be in the next room if you need anything.”
“Thank you, TanAR.”
He closed the door behind him. Sharon reached for the dress and held it up. It was pretty and sheer. She wouldn’t be able to hide any weapons easily and it didn’t would hinder her if she had to go into hand to hand to defend herself. She preferred jeans and a t-shirt but she wasn’t given the choice. She would be vulnerable and she hated feeling vulnerable. “Let’s see how this thing fits.”
