Kian stepped away and touched a nearby port. The lysteel in his gauntlets formed thread-like tentacles that linked into the port's systems.
Master System connected with him.
Mission parameters updated. It included extra details about arrival plans and where the Ambassadors needed to be taken.
Like a head rush, it installed instantly.
Secure the Ambassadors.
The command felt like a reprimand, as Kian had seen parents discipline their children on the space station, Disguised Serenity, where the Rhimodians bought and traded for supplies.
Was Master System frustrated with him?
Yes, Master System.
Kian's adrenalin and anxious feelings calmed as the wires from his gauntlet slid back into the metal.
He was ready to complete the mission.
Remorse rose in him for antagonizing Wrathin. This mission was all that mattered. Not his personal emotions—emotions got in the way of being an effective cyborg.
He faced the room, where the others all stood, and everyone circled up.
"Coded and locked," Harbin said.
Their leader held out his hand, palm down.
Wrathin held out his own hand, his pinky touching Harbin's thumb. Kian did the same until they all made a circle, finger to thumb, like a cog.
"Three. Two. One," Harbin said.
"Execute," they all said at once.
The chant was spoken before every mission. A way to focus on the mission at hand and be where they needed to be.
Wrathin glanced at Kian. "Sorry."
Kian waved his hand. "Forgotten."
"To the next," Wrathin said.
Kian nodded. "To the next."
Kian stepped inside his ship and locked in to launch.
2
"Iwill be back. We should be getting close to the Rhimodian's protective shield," Bianca said as she headed out into the main chamber of the suite.
Imperial Princess Caoimhe nodded.
Diado, the official dresser for the princess, made sure all of the Imperial party would be appropriately outfitted for the coming negotiations. Like a designer about to reveal his latest collection, Diado bounded between all of the ladies, inspecting the clothing.
"She is particularly antsy," Freya said as she struggled to wrap her dress's bands around her.
Diado glanced at Freya while he continued buttoning up the princess's dress. "Two times up and one down, Freya."
"Right, yes. Thank you," Freya said, pushing out her proper lady smile. "I always get that mixed up." She adjusted her straps so that they were appropriate—though she never understood why the wrappings were so particular. They were bands under a dress that framed her, so she had the proper silhouette under her over robe.
