“So…this could be a one-way mission?” She wasn’t stupid. They were sending her right into the hornet’s nest. There was more going on than what they were telling her. If this was back on Earth and she were working with the military again, the generals might be sending in a team to take out as many of the enemy as possible.
Commander TylOR explained some of the details of the mission. “You will be traveling on board a Katieran transport but just you, Lieutenant Commander LazAR, Lieutenant TanAR and a handful of well-trained warriors will meet with OrIN. The team will get you out of there immediately when things go wrong.”
Whenthings go wrong, notifthings go wrong. They were planning something and they weren’t going to tell her about it. It made sense — if she was captured, she couldn’t know too much or it would endanger their ulterior mission.
“Who's your informant? Is he trustworthy?”
Commander TylOR shook his head. “We’re keeping his identity a secret for now. He’ll let you know who he is if it is safe. Because of StrykER and Melody’s escape, all of the rebels close to OrIN are being heavily watched.”
Sharon felt eyes on her. The males were probably expecting her to back out of it from fear. Shewasscared. Going into a situation without knowing every detail of what to expect and with the clear possibility she wouldn’t be coming back was not the ideal adventure she had in mind. From what she had heard from Jaxon and Lucy, OrIN was dead set against women from Earth breeding with Katierans.
“This mission isn’t just about a negotiation. I’m a negotiator, but I’m going more as a distraction for whatever it is that you guys are really up too.”
Lindsey snorted. “I told KadEN you wouldn’t be fooled by their little plans. I read your file and spoke with Jaxon and Lucy. You were the top hostage negotiator for the FBI. No one had a better record than you.”
Sharon smiled. “I was an overachiever and many found that hard to deal with.”
“Well, don’t let these guys here get to you. They come across bossy but they do mean well. I think the cook is ready for us to head to the dining room.”
Sharon stood up and followed Lindsey and the baby down the hallway to an elegant dining room. The decor was a combination of the usual Kiljorn sleek smooth lines, but the colors were warm and welcoming. The pictures of islands hung on the walls made the atmosphere feel relaxing. The colors and décor was a good blend of both cultures—Earth and Kiljor.
The rest of the evening went by smoothly with light conversation that didn’t really include the upcoming mission. They had three days to prepare for departure and she would have a chance to meet with StrykER and Melody to talk about their experiences so that she was ready for what she was walking into.
She said her goodbyes to Lindsey and KadEN. Commander TylOR had left early to go home to his mate and child, or “young,” as they called their children. Lieutenant Commander LazAR also left early. Lieutenant TanAR remained and offered to escort her back to her suite.
“You don’t have to walk me back. I know this place is big but I can figure out where to go.”
“It’s my honor to see you back safely.”
“Is that your official duty? My bodyguard?” By the look on his face, that was exactly his assignment. He would be her personal guard through the mission.
“I will make sure you are safe at all times.”
“You can’t promise that nothing bad will happen. That’s not how it works. When you deal with terrorists, you never know where their mind will go. Their intent might seem like no threat but it could turn deadly in the blink of an eye.”
They stopped right outside her door. “It sounds like you have been in many dangerous situations before. Did you not have a male on Earth to take care of you?”
“My father and grandfather wanted me to know how to handle dangerous situations because they didn’t want me to have to wait to be rescued.”
“What about a mate? There was no one?”
“I wouldn’t have left Earth if I had been in a relationship. I think you really want to know if I have any relationships now.”
He seemed to blush. “I admit, I am attracted to you.”
“You’re a handsome man, but I’m not interested in mating with anyone. Especially now that I am about to go on a dangerous mission and may not make it back.”
“Lieutenant Commander LazAR is attracted to you as well. All the warriors coming with us to meet with OrIN are not mated. It could be a problem.”
Oh...she thought she knew what he was getting at. “You’re saying…if I say you and I are dating or something, it might keep the other men’s minds off of me and on the mission.”
He sighed in relief. “Yes, not that I wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with you, but I agree starting a relationship during a mission like this wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“TanAR, are you sure you’re not the lead in this mission? You have a commander’s way of strategizing.”
“My father was a commander before he died in the Morin attack on Kiljor. I have wanted nothing more than to follow in his footsteps. I learned everything I could from him, but I wish I could go to him from time to time to ask for his advice.”
She suddenly threw her arms around his neck, surprising the hell out of him. “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure your father is very proud of how you turned out.”
He cleared his throat. “Thank you. I will leave you to your rest. Tomorrow I will take you to meet with StrykER and his mate.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I heard that StrykER has unique abilities.”
“Yes, the mutation caused him to have very unusual abilities. Have a good rest, Miss Task.”
“Call me Sharon, especially if we’re going to make the others think we are dating.”
“Good night, Sharon.”
“Good night, TanAR.”
