Free Alien Shores (A Fenris Novel, Book 2) by Vaughn Heppner Page A

the destruction of prized property. It makes me wonder if you caused the destruction.”
    “This is outrageous,” he said.
    “For a normal Kresh, yes, I agree. But let me boldly state the obvious. You are the offspring of the Seven Sisters. They were notorious for having non-Kresh attributes. I’m afraid that I detect such anomalies in you.”
    If he could, Chengal Ras would have killed the 73rd right then. For these insults, he yearned to see her blood gush from her hide.
    No, no, maintain decorum. She is recording me. She is analyzing my reactions. I am at a disadvantage in several categories. I must use my superior intellect to full effect or face a possible loss of rank .
    “It would appear that you are susceptible to heightened emotions,” Zama Dee said. “My indicators show you are angry.”
    “I have a tainted family line,” Chengal Ras said, as smoothly as he could. “It plagues me no matter how hard I try to expunge it from my chromosomes.”
    “Interesting,” Zama Dee said. “Is this a play for sympathy?”
    “No. It is simply a bald statement of fact.”
    “Hmm, the indictors show you are bringing your emotions under control.”
    “I note you feel free to imply insults,” he said. “Does this not indicate an emotive state upon you?”
    “I grow weary of this exchange,” she said. “I believe I have the evidence I need—”
    “My treatise is simple,” Chengal Ras said. “I believe human norms have advantages in certain situations, at least over the modified species.”
    “That is a dubious hypothesis,” she said. “Our genetic-molders have improved upon the humanoids, giving us better soldiers, psionic-capable inquisitors, and—”
    “In precise environments, the selected humanoid has greater utility,” Chengal Ras said. “In a Chirr tunnel, for instance, one would use a soldier. But I am testing a different theory. Given changing environments, which humanoid has the highest survival value? I have begun to suspect the unmodified norms have a greater chance to succeed at a multiplicity of tasks than the gene-warped specimens.”
    “What does any of this have to do . . . ?”
    “By your pause I see your intellect has already made the leap,” Chengal Ras said. “I have included one soldier in the prey-craft and one unmodified norm. I had wished to continue testing the two of them.”
    “You expect me to believe this is why you practiced deceit here and now with me?”
    This is the moment to lie to the best of my ability. I believe what I am about to say as the Creator’s own truth .
    “It is a simple treatise,” Chengal Ras said, “but I believe it will have a revolutionary impact on our breeding programs. In truth, I see it elevating me two or maybe even three new levels.”
    “You attempt to reach 106th in a grand leap?”
    “More than that,” he said.
    Zama Dee glanced at something unseen, likely the indictors of his eye rate and breathing. “Hmm, I see.”
    “As I have bared my secrets to you, I now formally request a landing permit and the results of your investigation team.”
    “Granted,” she said.
    “I would also like my property returned to me so I may continue further studies,” he said.
    Zama Dee stood motionless. At last, she said, “I grant that, too, on a provisional basis. First, my investigation team must apprehend your cattle.”
    “That should prove simplicity itself.”
    “Let me ask you, Chengal Ras. Would you care to wager any codex points on which humanoid my team captures first?”
    “How many codex points?” he asked.
    Zama Dee revealed her glistening teeth. The inner ones looked polished. “Let us make it one hundred points. I believe the team will capture the unmodified human first.”
    He blanched inwardly at the amount, and he seethed in secret at her. She could afford such a princely sum. For him—
    “Yes, of course,” he said. “One hundred codex points is acceptable. Your team will capture the soldier