Chapter 26

Walking into the control center,I find SoL and Tordan leaning over a tube. SCOUT is hovering above it, pointing out a few things as I approach.

"Nice of you to join us, Father. I take it you couldn't escape Kira."

"It was more like I didn't try very hard. What are we walking into, SoL?"

Tordanmoves over, allowing me my first glance at the specimen. "SCOUT, the floor is yours, as we have no idea what this creature is."

"Commander, this is a juvenile Waldrin. I will explain how they are made at a later point, but they are practically undestroyable in their natural form. It appears that they have been sneaking along some of the outer quadrants, slowly absorbing all the life forms on that planet before consuming the next one."

"How has this been happening without our knowledge?"

"TheElders knew of them and the issues they were causing. They simply didn't think it would escalate this quickly. When the Waldrin first appeared, it was on pirated planets where nothing but outcasts or criminals were hiding. From what I can find in the archives, they noted that if they got to a more populated area, they might become an issue, but that was the last record about them. It's almost like someone took them off the radar intentionally.

"Technically, we also knew they existed. TheWaldrin were the beings that tortured Ivy on the Pleasure planet, simply no one took the time to investigate it any further. SAGE even has detailed records of the procedure AvX had to perform to save Ivy after their attack. I can't prove it yet, but it was like they were having help from the inside. "

"DidZoD say anything to the Elders?"

"I believe he approached the Elders about the invaders, but because he didn't know exactly what he was dealing with, and at the time only a few of his people had been taken, they told him to deal with his own issues. I believe this was why he built that facility off planet. ZoD was trying to find a way to destroy them the only way he knew how … on rumors, unfortunately."

"So, what do these Waldrin want?"

"Anything flesh. From what I can piece together, they can breed with each other. OrI should say the Royals breed, then kill and absorb the soldier they use. They use the other Waldrin's body nutrients to sustain the young they're holding until they can be implanted into another. That's where the flesh comes in, they inject their prey with thousands of numbing needles that paralyze the victim long enough for the young to attach to their organs where they proceed to eat their host from the inside out."

"Frack, and you said they were hard to kill?"

"You can cut on them all rising and all you end up with is more. Even most projectiles pass right through them with no resistance. Their internal organs are unlike any other I've seen. They have multiples of everything, so you destroy one heart, another simply takes over."

"Ok, SCOUT now I am confused. Why do they need to breed if they can multiply so easily?"

"TheRoyals are the only ones that can implant another, and they are always trying to breed more Royals. From my understanding, they are rare. Only one is born for every thousand or so if my calculations are correct."

"How long will it take for us to land on Zodiqua?"

"If the solar storms remain calm, not quite half a rising."

"SoL, I take it the Explorer doesn't need us?"

"She does not. I have already set the course for Zodiqua, and we have been on our way since your arrival. I will say it's nice to be out and about, even if it's not the vacation I was looking forward to. It's been ages since Alana, and I have seen the inside of anything besides Falcor. I am shocked, Father, that you were able to talk the Elders into allowing all of us to leave together."

"I think it was more your grandfather, and I don't believe he asked."

"Tordan, you are being quiet; what is your take on these things?"

"I don't have enough information to discuss anything. TheExplorer is heavily weaponized, but I have a feeling we are going to need something more personal. I don't like flying in blind."

"I don't either, Tordan."

Thesound of laughter coming our way has us all turning. RaZ has Katherine thrown over a shoulder, spinning her around and around. Her long black hair twirls as she fights him trying to get down. MyKira, Luna, and Alana are behind them, all laughing at RaZ's antics.

Iopen my arms, a smile on my face as Kira slides into my side. Leaning down, I kiss her gently, wishing instantly that we were alone. She glances past me, her nose curling up in disgust. "Ewe, what's that, a giant slug?"

Tordanis the first to notice her words. "Have you seen one of these before, Kira?"

"Oh, nothing that large, no, but it looks like a slug. If you are trying to get rid of it, throw some salt on it. Works every time."

"Salt, you say?"

"HeyLuna, you worked on a farm back home, how did you guys get rid of slugs?"

Tordangrabs her hand, pulling her closer to the holo comm. "Ughh, I hated those damn slimy things, and the trail of yuck they left on the windows, just so damn gross. Dad always threw salt on them. Please, don't tell me they have invaded TargresFour, and the beaches are closed."

Tordanlaughs at the snarl on her face before answering her. "No, my love, that is not the case, but we are going to have to make a stop before we can head there."

"Figures."

"SCOUT, can you look into this further?"

"Without a live subject, Commander, this option can't be confirmed, and that particular mineral is rare in our sector. However, I will see what I can find."

Tordangathers Luna close and the soft smile that appears on his face as he looks down at her does my heart good. I take a second to look around, noticing how everyone is staring at the holographic model floating in the air in front of them. Katherin is presently sitting on RaZ's shoulders. Alana is cradled in one of SoL's massive arms. Luna is standing in front of Tordan, his massive form dwarfing her from behind as he has his arms wrapped around her stomach. WhenI look down at my own Kira, I find her smiling up at me as she has caught me watching the others.

"OK, we have a few hours before we get close to Zodiqua. Go spend them doing things I don't want to hear or talk about later with your other half. AndI dare any of you to interrupt me unless this ship is on fire." I grab Kira and throw her over my shoulder. Her little hands smack my ass as she laughs, hanging upside down.

"Get your own moves, Daddy dearest," RaZ yells out and I can't stop the smile stretching across my face.