Their Rhimodian escort had taken up positions all around the Terran vessel.
“Maybe we got it wrong,” Caoimhe said. “Maybe we are the ones who don’t understand.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Veta muttered.
The princess glanced at Veta, a knowing smile on her face.
Freya didn’t speak, but she knew what Veta meant. No, the Empire wasn’t always right.
It only took one read-through of Terran Empire history to see that.
Hopefully, this time, the princess knew what she was doing, and the two societies were ready for peace. The question, however, was who was going to have a more challenging time with it. The Rhimodians or the Terran Empire.
"There you are!" Diado said. "Come. We have to go. We haven't much time!"
“How long until we land?” Freya asked.
“Very soon. Wemustget moving.”
Caoimhe lingered at the window. "Our future."
Freya touched her arm. “It is. We will set it right,” she said.
“I hope so.”
3
Master System nudged Kian in his mind.
“How long are we expected to protect this team?” he asked over the private internal coms that connected the unit to one another.
“We are making sure they land,” Jedriek replied.
Kian settled into his position around the Terran ship, one of the five defending it from all angles. The Terran’s own one-seater fighter ships led, with the Rhimodian ships covering the rear.
Protect them until they hit the ground.
It seemed easy enough.
Then Kian would have time to get away for a while. Disconnect.
Do not plan ahead, Master System told him.Follow protocol.
Yes, Master System.
He could feel the pull of Master System and knew that he had orders to complete. Still, he also was aware that, unlike Wrathin, who could find peace in meditation, it disconnected for him.
“Arrive at housing,” Harbin replied. The leader’s ship shifted into a more defensive configuration.
Kian nodded. He knew this—to make sure the Ambassadors arrived at their temporary residence on Sol-3.
He tapped the controls, shifting his wings in time with the others so he could take his position to shield the arriving delegation’s ship.
“This is a full escort, then,” Bahran said.
“Until they are inside, yes. Whatever it takes to create peace. If the Terrans want you guarding their door, that is what we will do, without question.”
“Did the protocol change?”
