Free Firestorm by Kathleen Morgan Page A

sends out emissions that seem as neurologically disrupting as that of the special crystal we seek. In fact," Teran added, a worried frown plucking at his brow, "there are some studies being conducted right now that suggest the increased planetary electromagnetic radiation might even arise from those firestorm-guarded caves."
    "And what might be the significance of that?"
    The king's ambassador shrugged and shook his head. "We don't know. It might be of the greatest significance or not. One way or another, we haven't the time to hold up the mission awaiting results." He gestured toward the glowing biosphere. "Have you further questions of Rand?"
    Teague shook his head. "No." He glanced at Raina. "Have you any questions, femina?"
    Raina eyed the biosphere for a long moment, then shook her head. "No. But I reserve the right to question the Volan at a later time."
    "You have that right and I'll gladly answer," Rand's voice rose, once more, out of the darkness. "The opportunity for all of us to get to know each other better will be ample during our journey."
    "You possess an obsessive need to learn more about the humanoid species," Raina remarked, eyeing the biosphere suspiciously. "Why is that, Volan?"
    A soft chuckle emanated from the communications device. "Not for any subversive reasons, to be sure. I simply wish ... to understand . . . your kind. You are a fascinatingly complex species. Yet in many ways, you are more like us than dissimilar." He paused, and when he spoke again, his voice seemed tinged with a wistful sadness. "It may sound unbelievable, but I hope to learn more of myself in learning more of you. And perhaps, in the learning, regain a part of me that has long been lost."
    Raina stood there in the dimly lit room, momentarily overcome with the most bittersweet realization that this mission might not just be for the successful acquisition of a stone. It might well also be a mission of self-discovery and the fulfillment of personal goals. It certainly was for her, even if, in the fulfillment, others must die. It seemed to be one of the Volan's personal goals as well.
    And the monk? He had secrets long buried, that much was certain. Whether he chose to examine them remained to be seen. Raina smiled. One way or another, the wisest course was to discover and remain cognizant of the personal agendas of all the players. It would give her the upper hand and assure the success of her own desires.
    In the end, that was all that could ever be permitted to matter. She had learned that cycles ago. She must not allow anything else to come before it. Not if she wished to survive.
    "A most admirable goal, Volan," Raina forced herself to reply. "If one can truly believe it."
    "Only time will prove the truth, one way or another."
    "Yes," she bitterly admitted. "Whatever that truth may really be."
    ***
    Seven days later, all preparations complete, Teague stood in the transport chamber, awaiting Raina's arrival and final preparations for transport to the Volan spy ship. Rand, in his shielding receptacle now complete with compact communications device and life support system, hung from a carrying pack on the monk's back.
    "This is quite an adventure we're embarking upon," the Volan commented, masking his excitement with difficulty. "I only wish I had a body so as to experience it in every way."
    "Enjoy a torrid sun beating down, sucking every last bit of moisture from your body, do you?" Teague wryly inquired. "Or the frigid nights, or the choking desert dust that gets into everything, including your clothes and food? Not to mention the arduous journey on foot, so as not to call undue attention to our presence?"
    "I am sorry." Rand's voice took on an apologetic tone. "I know you and the femina bear the brunt of the mission, especially the physical aspects. But after months confined to the narrow world of a room, even my limited participation in this mission is a welcome change."
    Teague chuckled. "I didn't mean to berate you for your