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“Harsh environments, low or no population density, and a breathable atmosphere,” ELVIS said.

“Yes, but it’s more than that. ELVIS, show the whole galaxy. And run a scan to show me other planets of a similar description to the ones already used by the Siblet.”

“Processing the request. The information is on display.”

Another hundred planets appeared.

Cleo’s gaze flicked over the screen. “What’s different about these planets?” She paced in front of the screen.

“Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Yes! No, I mean, if you have suggestions, let me know. We’re stuck.”

“Processing.”

“If I was a scumbag alien race wanting to run illegal experiments on animals, I’d need to make sure I was discreet.”

“Correct. You wouldn’t want to be noticed performing illegal acts.”

“Exactly. But I’d need multiple bases in case some sites get discovered. And they’d need to be remote.”

“So you were unlikely to be spotted.”

“Yes! And... I’d need a quick getaway if I was found torturing animals and being sleazy and underhand. I’d need to be able to flee without getting trapped on the planet or shot out of space.”

“You sound like a master criminal,” ELVIS said.

Cleo turned and faced the screen. “ELVIS, plot all the jump points and their distance from the planets currently occupied by Siblet. Ignore their home planet, focus only on the sites identified as potential labs or testing facilities.”

“The data is on the screen now.”

Cleo’s breath caught in her throat as she studied each planet in turn. “That’s it! That’s the connection to the sites. They’re picking poorly inhabited planets right by jump points. It’s a perfect location to make sure they have a quick getaway and can be in another galaxy before anyone stops them.”

“That hypothesis seems logical.”

“Remove the planets that don’t fit that criteria.” Her heart drummed with excitement. This could be the breakthrough they’d been looking for. A way to get ahead of the Siblet and defeat them before they had a chance to set up more bases.

ELVIS faded out the planets.

“And show the jump points and distances from the remaining planets.”

“That information is on display.”

Cleo grinned as she saw what was left. “This is a pattern. And with this information, we can figure out their other locations. Open a link to Hunter.” She had to share this with him.

“Comm link is open,” ELVIS said.

She sucked in a breath. “Hunter, it’s Cleo.”

“Hey. Is everything okay?” She didn’t miss the note of caution in his voice.

“Everything is great. But I need your help. I think I know where the Siblet will show up next.”

“I’m on my way.”