Free Seers of Verde: The Legend Fulfilled: Book One by ML Williams Page A

appreciate some, ah, assistance.” Masat looked up and folded his arms, waiting to hear what was requested of him.
    “The Galaxy Exploration and Minerals Syndicate is interested in CAIN bioforming activities. They are very knowledgeable concerning the locations of those worlds. Perhaps a guide from our Syndicate — let’s say allies — would be a valuable passenger.”
    Masat did not hide his look of shock. A non-Tanlian had never traveled with a native crew. Allies? he thought. Since when has Tantalum 2 considered the Syndicate as an ally?
    Masat had visited many GEMS colonies and gathered their tributes to take back to Tantalum 2. He had never considered them willing partners. He all but ignored the Syndicate officers when he loaded his cargo. They were lucky he wasn’t interested in their women.
    Drace was not surprised to see the captain’s reaction. Masat, a powerful man of more than six feet tall, was known for his ability to glean more out of the tribute payers than the agreed-to amount. He would glower over the records handed to him by a GEMS representative and then complain in his booming baritone voice that the cargo had been shortened by at least ten percent. Almost always he was successful in bullying the extra ten percent out of the colony paying the tribute.
    “Captain, I know we have never allowed non-Tanlians to fly with us, but I believe this GEMS representative could save you time,” the high councilman said. “I would prefer you find Yermak quickly instead of taking lunars guessing which world he might have landed on.”
    Masat knew he was in no position to argue. “Yes, High Councilman. Will this Earther have run of the ship?” he asked not masking his disgust.
    “You are the captain,” Drace assured him. “You can be as generous or as restrictive as you wish. Although I recommend you giving him access to a computer and star charts.”
    Masat bowed again, waiting for Drace to wave him away. “As you wish, High Councilman.”
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
    5
     
    The trip down the mountain was much easier for Lar Vonn and his companions. They seemed to breathe easier with each step. The trail they had marked on their ascent helped them on their return.
    Lar led the way. The security chief wanted to prove to the five hunters that he could manage just fine. His heart grew even heavier the farther he walked from the summit.
    This path was taking him away from his beloved Taryl, but the party had been forced to turn back. They were running out of supplies and the climb got more treacherous with every meter.
    After a week of the descent, the six men had run out of food. However, the hunters did not despair. On this sunny day, they had seen raptors and signs of four-footed predators. Where there were predators, game could be found. They didn’t care what form they’d be in — grazer, rodent, bird or reptile. Almost anything would be edible.
    “We will be more effective if we split into two groups,” Neb Klinfer said as the group hunched down for a midmorning rest. The six men had already been traveling for four hours.
    “That’s a good idea, I agree,” Lar said, forgetting he was not in command.
    “Well, then, I guess it’s unanimous,” Neb said, as he and the other four hunters broke into hearty laughs.
    The security chief shook his head. “Sorry, sometimes I forgot I don’t have to lead. As far as hunting goes, I will try not to get in your way.” The other five hunters chuckled while they unpacked their gear. Neb took out his bow, an anachronistic but effective weapon from Earth.
    Each of the others carried a favorite weapon. Drever favored a handheld energy burst tube with laser-guided site. Zek and Hart pulled out old Earth rifles, also favorite Earth weapons.
    “A real hunter uses his own eyes to bring down game,” Zek said, smirking at Hart ’s scope, and demonstrating how he peered down the sight of his rifle’s long barrel.
    “I want to bring down a meal, not a