“We are making sure they land,” Jedriek said over the private internal coms they used to communicate with each other. They were linked up through their neural net when they were on a mission together. It helped them better anticipate each other's movements so they could move like a single mind.
It only engaged when they were in a battle mode. They could communicate with each other as needed that way outside of battle if they chose to. It became something they rarely did. No one wanted others in their head all the time. That got difficult. Having Master System there all the time was enough. If the signal got blocked, it was a strange disconnect for them. At least for Jedriek. He did not feel bad, just unusually quiet.
“Arrive at housing,” Harbin replied. The leader’s ship shifted into a more protective configuration.
The rest of the ships shifted their wings like a shield for the ambassador’s ship.
Jedriek was right. This was a full-on bodyguard scenario. They would not leave the ambassadors on their own while they were in the Sol system.
“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?” Wrathin asked.
If you had been at the meeting, you would have learned about it,Jedriek thought. He almost said something, but there was enough tension between everyone already. And Wrathin would not appreciate the sarcasm.
“Yes,” Harbin said. “Threats against the Terrans have emerged.”
"When did that data come in?" Jedriek asked.
"Recently," Harbin replied.
“Well, at least you will have meditation time, Wrathin,” Kian said.
“You could use some,” Wrathin replied.
“Calm,” Harbin replied. “Keep sharp, everyone.”
“Do you suspect a trap,” Wrathin asked.
“I suspect everything,” Harbin replied.
“Who is the ambassador?” Jedriek asked. “The Terran’s name.”
“Her Imperial Highness Princess Caoimhe London Montgale Bron,” Harbin said. “And her escorts.”
Now that was a name.
Jedriek had a one-word name. He was an -Ek. The youngest of the cyborgs. Each group had its own designation but nothing so elaborate as the princess's full name.
“Do they all have names like that?” Bahran asked.
“The Terrans like their titles,” Harbin replied.
Obviously,Jedriek thought. He didn't get it. They liked big long names and fancy clothing, but if he were to tell one that they were pretty like the pleasure women, he would be considered offensive.
They made no sense to him.
“We will make certain the Ambassador’s entourage is safely brought to Sol-3. No matter what.”
“Execute,” all of them said in unison.
It was only a few beats later when the stars lit up from the explosion. The concussion waves made all the ships near the Ambassador's cruiser lurch to the side. A burst of fire from the far side and the ship lurched again.
Jedriek's sensors blasted him with data. There was another explosion on the ship's far side, and it had done some severe damage. The cruiser started to break apart.
What happened to the princesses?
