Then he reached the top of the mountain.
"You don't realize how tall that mountain is until we move up the side like this," Janae said.
"I hadn’t seen this much natural green since, well, since I can't remember when," Adryel added as they both gazed out the windows. "Since it was safe to be outside in it, I guess."
"We will keep you safe until this is resolved. Lock my words in," Stron said.
Adryel nodded. "We shall see," she said, though it was low. She probably didn't think they'd hear her.
"Do we have any idea when this will be resolved?" Janae asked.
"The investigation is ongoing," Stron said. "When we know more, we shall let you and your people know."
"What do we know so far?" Janae asked.
Khalzin pushed back his guilt. That was something he would have to resolve later if he could. Instead, he defaulted to his pleasant face. The one he learned to use when he was a child and didn't want to show his emotions. "It is more what we don't know. We know it is not one of the major factions here. They would have taken credit immediately if any of their groups were responsible."
Stron nodded. "We also know that whoever was responsible had resources to make this happen and preserve the secrets of it."
"Which typically means either a lot of power, or credits, or death," Janae said.
"Or some combination thereof," Adryel added.
Khalzin kept flying over the lands, slow and outside of traditional flight paths to allow them to see the world.
Though no one seemed to be looking.
"We have seen the ugly side of humanoids," Janae said. "No species can claim they do not have that side of their people. On Trinity Alpha Prime, I saw it all. Regardless of the humanoid species, there were always those who were good and those who were not."
"We hope to be those who are good," Khalzin said.
She smiled. "I think you are on your way."
It felt like he was kicked in the gut when she said that he did not feel like he was very good.
For her or him.
Or either species.
"So, you two are getting along, then?" Adryel asked.
Janae nodded. "We are."
At least she thought so. That would only help his position later if this entire process came tumbling down.
It would.
As soon as she realized his true motivation.
"What happens to the rest of the volunteers?" Stron asked. "If they are not chosen while here? Do you go home?"
"You mean before the ship got blown up?" Adryel asked.
No one spoke.
"Calm down. It's sarcasm, and it's my defense mechanism."
"It was a joke?" Stron asked.
