Free Harry's Sacrifice by Bianca D'Arc

attention politely. “My uncle and I have discussed his recent visions at length. He described the Alvian female to me in depth and I now believe he was seeing Councilor Markus’s assistant. Seeing her face, I recognize the particular characteristics he described.”
    The entire Council turned to look at the young assistant. She didn’t squirm under their scrutiny. She couldn’t feel embarrassment or nervousness. Not the way people with emotions could. But her eyes met his with speculation and a hint of accusation. She suspected him of making the whole thing up—which wasn’t far from the truth. Perhaps she had more insight than the average Alvian.
    “I was going to suggest we send a clerk along on the mission to record the proceedings. It is my understanding that the location coincides with some kind of electromagnetic anomaly that will not allow the use of standard recording devices or other technologies. Someone should be along to take notes since this may be an historic occasion.” Councilor Markus was magnanimous in his offer.
    Harry suspected he wanted to somehow take credit for this discovery. It would probably be a good political move on his part if the mission turned out well and some evidence of their lost exploration party could be found and returned to the Alvian people. It would lend legitimacy to the Alvian colonization of Earth.
    Harry didn’t really care what the motivations were. He just wanted Roshin 72 with him. No matter what.
    “Then the matter is settled. The clerical assistant will accompany Hara on the military transport to the dig site. You will both depart as soon as suitable cold-weather gear has been supplied. Please make yourselves ready. The transport awaits you in the Council’s private hangar.” Councilor Orin signed the order as he spoke.
    Roshin 72 didn’t question. She merely stood and went to the door, waiting for Harry to join her. They’d clearly been dismissed with marching orders.
    The door slid open. They stepped through and it immediately closed behind them. The soldiers were gone. Apparently, they were on their own in getting themselves to the transport.
    “I must return to my quarters to pack a few things. I will meet you in the hangar.” Roshin 72 was all business. As cold and emotionless as the rest of her race.
    Harry wanted to reach out to her. He wanted to touch her cheek. To bring a smile to her face. The smile he’d seen in that pseudo vision.
    But the time wasn’t right. Not yet.
    He had to trust his vision that the time would come. He would keep her close and he would see that beautiful smile. See the sparkle of life in her pretty eyes. They just had to get through this expedition and all that it entailed.
    She’d turned away from him without waiting for a response, already gone in her silent way. She didn’t make much noise. In fact, she walked with a gracefulness he’d seldom seen and had a calmness about her that appealed to him.
    Harry realized he was staring after her and shook his head. He had to grab some stuff from his quarters and give Caleb the heads up—not to mention his family back on the ranch. He’d tell Uncle Mick what was going on telepathically and let him decide what to tell the rest of the family. He didn’t want to worry his adoptive mother, Jane, or his siblings.
    Harry sent the message, glad once more that Mick was such a powerful telepath. Between the two of them, they had enough reach to keep the family connected while Caleb was stuck here in the alien city. That conduit would be cut off when Harry went on this mission, of course, but there were other ways. Not as efficient or as fast, but there were ways to get messages back and forth.
    Harry made contact and filled Mick in on the basic information he’d been given. “I’ll try to keep in touch while I’m away, but I’m not sure I’ll have the reach. All they said was the site was in the far north. Other than that, I have no idea where on the globe I’m