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Sloane shook her head. “Not me. I just saw a couple of tiny things in a sample we had. I didn’t know what the heck they were. Dallin took one look and had the answer.”

“I wasn’t even thinking about nanotechnology being in the poison,” he said. “And the poison is constantly evolving. It reacts to each subject it enters, and figures out the most efficient way to break down their defenses. Add in this odd particle, and I’m not making as much progress as I’d hoped.”

Cleo’s expression tightened. “How are we supposed to stop this poison if we can never create a stable solution?”

No one spoke for several seconds.

Dallin loathed not knowing the answer to Cleo’s question. It was why he was here. He could find a solution to every problem. But if he couldn’t figure out the Siblet poison antidote, what was the point of him being here? He was no good in the field, not with his screwed up brain and messed up senses. He was becoming a liability.

“Now we know about the nanotech, we can disable that, which is a step closer to a solution.” Sloane smiled encouragingly.

“But we still need to figure out what that other particle is,” Dallin said.

“If we can’t work it out, we could try appealing to the Siblets’ better side,” Sloane said. “Maybe offer them a deal if we can’t neutralize this threat.”

“We don’t do deals with space scum,” Cleo said. “And even if we figured something out with them, what’s to say they won’t come up with more demands in the future? They have us backed into a corner, and they know it.”

“The Siblet don’t do truces,” Dallin said. “They destroy and dominate. They see strength in ruling as many aliens as possible.”

“And what’s more impressive than being able to dominate the Apexians?” Cleo said.

“And humans,” Sloane said. “We’re important, too.”

Cleo tilted her head. “I’m not so sure about that. They only targeted us because we’re working with the Apexians and destroying their supply chains. We just got in the way, so they’re messing with us, too.”

“Don’t underestimate your role in this universe. Humans have value.” Dallin’s gaze shifted to Sloane. Her warm smile hit him straight in the heart as she caught his eye and winked.

“I know that’s not what you think about humans.” Sloane turned to Cleo. “Dallin secretly thinks we’re worthless.”

He straightened in his seat. “I’ve never said that to you.”

“You don’t have to. You always give me the easy jobs. I sometimes think you don’t believe there’s a brain inside this head of mine.”

“I know there is. And it’s a good brain. I’ve scanned it twice.”

Sloane batted her long, dark lashes at him. “You’re so quick to throw out the amazing compliments. How’s a girl supposed to avoid being dazzled by such charm?”

“I imagine it’s a daily struggle,” Cleo said. “Have you linked in with Angel and Atticus about the nanotech and this particle you’ve yet to identify?”

“I’ve sent them everything I’ve got. They’re working on it from their end, too.” Dallin tilted his chin at the computer.

“The more experts we have looking at this, the better. And the Apexians?” Cleo said.

“They’re in the loop. We’re not known for making scientific breakthroughs, but they’re doing what they can.”

“We’ll get a success soon,” Sloane said. “Then the Siblet will be sorry they ever messed with us.”

“Let’s hope so.” Cleo ran a hand down her face. “Chasing them is exhausting, and none of us signed up to kick alien butt full-time. It’s pulling us away from important conservation work.”

“We have to do this. If we’re all dead, we can’t save any animals,” Dallin said.

“He’s blunt, but always truthful.” Sloane’s smile was wicked. She glanced at the door. “Where’s Hunter? I can’t remember the last time I didn’t see your sexy shadow lurking close by.”

Worry crossed Cleo’s face. “He’s asleep. He didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. It’s not like him.”

Sloane giggled. “Let me guess, it’s all that hot sex you’ve been having. It’s wearing you both out by the looks of it.”

Cleo arched an eyebrow. “I wish it was that. But by the time we’ve finished for the day, we crash into bed and sleep the whole night. Sexy times aren’t even on my mind.”