Free Striker by Lexi Ander Page B

never actually met one of the broken ones, but all L'Eemas learn of them. Many believe even knowledge of them will tarnish by the association."
    Zeus, distracted by the odd idea, tightened the screws holding the new panel in place. He gathered his tools, scooting out from under the exhaust system. "I do not recall hearing of any mishaps caused by an over-aged L'Eema."
    Otho's face scrunched in thought. "I know of no specific case either, just the academy's teachings."
    Before Zeus could inquire further, the Orion, Rhee, appeared in the doorway of the engine room. Orions were feared throughout the galaxies: they were a lethal race, and the fact they were unable to communicate audibly and looked decidedly strange meant they were often treated with more caution than a deadlier, more humanoid-seeming race. Zeus and Rhee had become quick friends. That he appeared now meant that they were on approach to Qestaire and Zeus had just enough time to clean up and change.
    Zeus’s gut clenched in trepidation as he began to mentally prepare himself for the dangers of the trip ahead. He let out a ragged breath. "Thanks, Rhee."
    He rose stiffly from the floor and began to pack his tools away. He needed to convince the Qrxzl to contact the Feteine for them, then persuade the Feteine to become allies and accompany them to Valespian space. Otherwise, his meme would be walking into a trap, his father would be confined to the planet for an indeterminable amount of time, and the Fal'Amoric would be in danger of being captured again. Plus, in all the chaos, he somehow needed to ensure the safety of his brothers, of Dargon and Alpha, and of his future family. Zeus would have to utilize every negotiation technique his father had taught him. He hoped it would be enough. But just in case, he recited an ancient prayer to Poseidon.
    *~*~*
    There were too many people in the shuttle bay, giving the appearance of an invasion party, instead of a diplomatic team. Zeus mentally took a headcount. The Orions were there, but they would be staying behind. He could see Axis, the GyrFalconi navigator and Madux, the psi-healer, standing with Dargon. Axis would be needed to take the information on the coordinates for the Feteine's location. If Dargon insisted on coming, then Zeus wanted Madux along to ensure Dargon's and Alpha's continued health, in case they walked into a hostile situation.
    What Zeus had not counted on were the half dozen Monticore and Warlord Sohm'lan.
    "They insisted."
    Zeus turned to face Mestor. "What you mean they insisted?"
    "You have been away from home for far too long. You are a prince of House Vondorian. Any time you left the palace, you were escorted by six guards."
    With him or not, the Monticore were responsible for his wellbeing. "I snuck out to meet Rathmar." Before he left home, he had been less than truthful with his guards regarding his whereabouts when he slipped away to spend time with Rathmar. The noble had insisted on complete secrecy.
    "Azaes ran an investigation. We both concluded you had been sneaking out for some time to keep Rathmar's secret." Zeus could not deny the assessment. He had thought he was in love, sure that Rathmar would find the courage to claim him.
    "Your personal guards were very upset when they found out. Azaes convince them not to resign. They took your sneaking around as a lack of confidence in their ability to keep a secret."
    "I could not ask that of them."
    Mestor snorted in derision. "You are a prince. As long as your activities did not endanger Father, the Monticore would have kept your confidence. Now, they are determined to win back your esteem. They drew lots this morning to see who would have the privilege of going to the surface with you."
    "They never lost my esteem. I hold them in the highest regard."
    "Then allow them to do their job. Those waiting with Sohm'lan feel honored to be the escort of the Striker. Do not turn your nose up at them because you believe yourself unworthy."
    Zeus did