Page 25

Chapter 6

“We’ve reviewed theinformation you sent through, and the logic is sound,” Commissioner Viewick said. “We think you’re on to something.”

Hunter wished he could reach through the monitor and choke him. They’d been in this meeting for almost an hour, going over Cleo’s breakthrough. He’d had to bite his tongue several times so as not to warn Commissioner Viewick to show Cleo more respect as he’d poked holes and suggested problems that didn’t exist.

Hunter’s instincts to protect her were overwhelming him, and he was worried about her. Cleo had barely slept since she’d made this discovery. He could tell by the way she swayed slightly on her feet that she was running on fumes, but she refused to back down or take a break.

She was such a stubborn human. Determined, beautiful, and brave. Just the way he needed his woman to be.

“We don’t need to keep analysing this.” Jagger leaned across Commissioner Viewick and yanked the tablet out of his hand. “The time for talking is over. We should execute the plan immediately.”

Hunter suppressed a grin as Commissioner Viewick leaned away from the intimidating, scarred Apexian sitting next to him. They usually held their meetings in different locations, so never got to meet, but it was good to see the Commissioner squirming when face-to-face with an Apexian.

“I don’t disagree. But this merits further investigation before we act,” Commissioner Viewick said.

“If you keep investigating, the damn Siblet will get away. For the first time since we discovered this new poison, we have the upper hand. We take it now.” Jagger stared at Commissioner Viewick before facing the screen. “The Apocalypse is the closest vessel to this next potential site.”

“That’s right,” Cleo said. “We’ve reviewed the remaining planets, and the data I’ve shown you suggest it’s a perfect fit.”

“And you have a skilled team of Apexian warriors working alongside you who can assist.”

She nodded. “Some of the best you have. We haven’t had a single fatality since you started working with us.”

“Of course you haven’t. And they’re just what you need when you’re up against the Siblet. They’re sly bastards and always happy to stab you in the back,” Jagger said.

Hunter narrowed his eyes, not liking where this conversation was going.

“We still don’t need to be too hasty, though,” Commissioner Viewick said. “I need to liaise with the rest of High Command.”

“We need haste. You’ve had your data geeks run this information through their systems and they agree with Cleo. We go now.”

“What if she’s wrong?” Commissioner Viewick said, his words trembling out of him.

Hunter growled softly. Commissioner Viewick talked about Cleo as if she wasn’t even in the room.

Cleo glanced his way and shook her head. She discreetly pressed the mute button on the comm line as Commissioner Viewick and Jagger continued to argue. “Don’t get angry with him. I’m used to it.”

“How can you stand the way he talks down to you?”

“Commissioner Viewick is old-fashioned. It sticks in his throat that there’s a woman in charge of the ship.”

“What’s wrong with him? Females can command any ship they like.”

“Our charming commissioner thinks women are too emotional to lead.”

Hunter’s nostrils flared. “He’s said that to you?”

One corner of Cleo’s mouth lifted. “He wouldn’t dare. But I’ve heard the rumors. He’s worried I’ll burst into tears if he doesn’t agree with my suggestions.”

“I’ll make him burst into tears if he keeps talking about you so disrespectfully,” Hunter said.

A small smile crossed her face, but she returned her eyes to the screen. “We have nothing to worry about. Jagger is running circles around him. They should have their meetings in person more often. And I’ll be surprised if Commissioner Viewick won’t need to change his underpants after this meeting. He flinches every time Jagger looks at him.”

“Jagger will make sure this happens. We’ll get our shot at the Siblet,” Hunter said. “We’ll send in our best team.”

Cleo nodded, then unmuted their end of the conversation.

Commissioner Viewick sighed heavily. “I’m in agreement with our Apexian colleagues. We have the fate of two nations in our hands. We need to act quickly.”