King Renten sat up straight in his chair, and his two guards turned to him with wide astonished eyes.
::Our Prince has found his mate!:: The cry echoed along the mental pathways shared by the royal guards and the royal family.
Renten grinned. His son had done it! Only one test remained before the humans would recognize what Renten had already known would happen. A new pairing and hope for an even better future.
* * *
Master Chief Leftclaw was unhappy with the situation on the main ship. The crew was restless, and gossip was rampant on the topic of the Queen's confinement. Added to the chaos was an approaching fleet of Lupine dreadnoughts. Things were going to be dicey soon. The crew needed to see their monarch onboard and in charge.
He took the four warriors who remained with him and flew the scout ship back to the flagship. He would be more effective there.
"Si Genhi, report!"
"Master Chief, the Lupine fleet has slowed near Mars. They will be here near the end of the second phase of the human Choosing ceremony."
Leftclaw cursed the timing. "And our ships?"
"Not too far behind. At least a two-hour gap."
Leftclaw stroked his chin. "Stay in observation orbit around Earth. If we need to fight, we will. Our King and Prince will be returning soon." He stared down every male on the bridge. "Now is the time to show we are warriors!" He let out a roar and was joined by the others.
"Contact our King on the wrist comm. It is time the humans see what technology we can offer them," Leftclaw ordered. He turned his attention back to the screen. Let the enemy come; they were ready.
* * *
Colonel Manroe yawned and checked his watch. He felt the mental call from Psi-Ops giving him the green light. He smirked. Everything was coming to pass. Only one phase left of the Choosing. Four contenders remained. Manroe wanted to offer Jewels encouragement, but he couldn't do anything more for her. He needed to get back to his post. He stood, stretched, and shared a knowing glance with King Renten.
::We know your secret, Gatoan King.::
::I thought you might. You are the only human not perturbed by the events happening. ::
::True. Your enemies have come knocking at our door.:: Manroe nodded when Renten stiffened. ::In fact, your Master Chief has been trying to reach you. However, I couldn't allow that. But now,:: Manroe released his telekinetic hold on Renten's communication device. It gave a shrill ring, startling everyone else in the room.
Renten's eyes narrowed. ::You tread a dangerous road, human psionic.::
::I know. It's why they call me Shadow. I know all and see all. I even see how this will end. It's no fun if I tell you, so I shall take my leave. Just remember, hope can only blossom when love and truth are given freely.::
::I hate it when farseers give messages. You're too cryptic.:: Renten growled in annoyance.
::True, but if we aren't cryptic, no one pays attention. Good luck to you.:: Manroe saluted the Gatoan monarch and quit the room, ignoring the whispers and Maussey's demands to know where he was going.
* * *
Renten wasn't sure what to make of that psionic, Colonel Manroe. And he was mildly surprised to be paged by mechanical means rather than telepathic. "I need to speak to my ship. Is there some private place I can go?"
The Doctor pointed to a small office. "You can go in there and close the door. It's a shielded room," she added.
"Much thanks, Doctor Cosmit." Renten flanked by his Rieyad and Loprofir guards hurried to the room indicated. Renten closed the door, yanked up the faceplate on his wrist comm. "What?"
"My apologies, your Majesty. We have a situation brewing up here. The enemy is knocking at the door. When will the Choosing end?" Leftclaw appeared a little flustered.
"Soon. I am sorry, old friend, that you couldn't reach me. It seems the psionics here are full of surprises. We will be there as soon as we can."
"Yes, my King. Keep safe."
Renten ended the call and stared at the door, willing his son to claim the prize. He went back out to the main area to wait for the victor.