Protect the Terran delegate.
Harbin's question was, from whom?
3
The Rhimodian who asked Bianca all the questions led her across the landing zone and into the complex.
She kept her expression neutral as she walked. However, the burnt smells in the air felt like it could singe her nostrils.
Will have to make sure the girls bring some kind of facial mask for outdoor traveling.
The smells would take some getting used to.
She hoped the building’s interior did not have a similar odor to it. It was a silly thing to concern herself with, but it kept her mind thinking and not focusing on the nervousness that had filled her throughout the journey here.
She had not wanted to come with this transport.
It had been the Emperor’s idea. He insisted that she travel to the Rhimodian homeworld to oversee the preparations. If anything needed to be noted or prepared for, they would have the intelligence they needed for it.
She knew the Emperor, though.
One had to, having such an intimate relationship with him for the last decade. Yet, while he had his moments of compassion and caring for her, she knew that she was nothing to him.
But how could she keep up with his activities if she did not maintain a closeness to him?
Which was why she knew the man was up to something.
She assumed it was some sort of contingency plan in case the Rhimodians betrayed them again, as they did before when the Empress had come.
Part of the reason she was so nervous.
Fallon had died right here, on this same moon, a dozen years ago. And it plunged the Terran Empire into war against the Rhimodians.
Wars were not supposed to last for over a decade.
Certainly not this one with the Rhimodians.
Yet here they were.
And Bianca was part of the end of that war.
She hoped, anyway.
The wind picked up and swirled the sooty smell toward her. At least it felt that way. The light ash in the air made her sneeze.
The Rhimodian who had been leading the way stopped and turned. “Are you ill?”
She shook her head and removed a handkerchief from her robe. “The soot in the air tickles my nostrils.”
He took a step toward her. “Do you require medical attention for this nose tickle?”
She raised her eyebrow. “Would you?”
“We always have our systems regularly checked. It is part of our control maintenance.”
She sighed, surprised he did not seem to understand her comment. The Rhimodians must be very literal beings. “I am fine. Thank you for your concern. Let us proceed.”
“As you wish.” He turned and headed toward the building again.
