“I agree, but we must remember that we’ll need their help when the Quaww finally decides to break the CEG peace treaty and attack. What would you do then?” Kaede pushed a button on his wristband, enabling a displayed projection of the Euph Galaxy. He waved his hand over one section to expand it, revealing the Aldawi and Quaww territories. “See these dots? Those mark territorial disputes in the last three years. Slowly, the Quaww are getting closer to both the CEG Space Station and your star system. How will you protect your people if the enemy attacks while you’re away?”
“What are you saying?” Zirene demanded.
“I believe that the same person who leaked the information about your precious gems also told Selena’s invader of her true identity,” Kaede growled. “Oeta told me that the male’s presence felt close, but she wasn’t able to pinpoint his exact location. But what if this ‘Xenak’ is working with the Quaww to distract you so they can invade? We have to assume that the traitor will notify them when you leave to visit your pompous father—wait, I’m sorry—the Aldawi Reign Supreme Sovereign Zarcaw.”
“I’m not afraid to leave the Lunkai star system to fulfill my summons because Destima is heavily protected and prepared for anything.” Zirene rested his elbows on his desk and rolled his paws before him in deep thought. “You make valid points, but it’s too early for the Quaww to declare war on us, especially when we’ve won almost all of those scuffles. No, I believe they must be testing new weapons on us to note our reaction. However, we should welcome Oeta as an ally, and by extension, her father. You’re right; they could be strong allies. If Mwe hears whispers of a new war on the horizon, we can prepare ahead of time. I want you to search for proof that the same person who spread the rumor about my gems on the space station is working with Selena’s stalker.”
Zirene studied the five females kneeling in his office. He was still disappointed in them for the club incident that had caused Selena to bite Kaede. While they hadn’t acted with cruel intentions, they had failed once again to protect Selena. It would be a while before he fully trusted them to escort her—or their cubs—on another excursion.
Until then, they were more useful to him hunting, acting as ambassadors for the demi-humans, and helping with construction than idling around Destima. Now that the moon’s population was starting to settle, he could use them for what they excelled in: hunting prey.
“Agent Bryeca.”
“Yes, Sire.” She stood from her kneeling position and bowed her head.
“Have you been in contact with Q and his crew?”
Her eyes widened as she quickly shook her head. “No, Sire. The last time I heard from him was when he was on the space station, waiting for his next mission. His crew was pressuring him to run trade routes for rich merchants to pass the time until you called on them again.”
He pursed his lips. “That’s unfortunate. I was hoping they could aid you in searching for our traitor—or even better, Xenak's location. However, sending you five will have to suffice for now,” he sighed, flicking his tail in annoyance. “If you come across Q and his crew during your mission, send them my way, and I’ll give them the same assignment.”
“Is that wise?” Kaede asked, waving his display off as he flopped down onto one of the chairs in front of Zirene’s desk. “Q is a Quaww—”
“And you’re an ishing frax, but you don’t see us refusing to work with you,” B snapped.
Zirene could see Kaede roll his bright eyes behind his visor as he entwined his hands behind his head. “No, but when was the last time I worked with the five of you? I have a new mission.”
“Hasn’t Selena said something about your drones doing your job for you recently?” Zesha huffed, still kneeling on the floor.
Zirene waved the rest of the Fab Five to stand, eyeing them while they climbed to their feet.
“I know the six of you are engaged in some sort of sibling rivalry, and while that’s healthy, I don’t want it to interfere with your jobs. If it becomes a problem in the future, then I will split the six of you up. Your brother has been extremely helpful in guarding Selena, so I would appreciate the five of you considering his perspective. He will no longer be joining the missions the five of you consider 'fun.' His mission, until I release him, is to protect Selena from the universe.”
He sighed. “I need you to stop harassing your brother because we all know he has single-handedly killed more than the six of us combined, and would rather be working in the field than stuck as Selena’s bodyguard.”
“Then why do you hire him?”
“Because even though he and I may butt heads from time to time, he’s the only being in the universe who I can trust with the job,” Zirene deadpanned, letting his disappointment over their most recent failure lace his tone. “His reputation and skill strike fear in the hearts of anyone looking to hurt my Nova and our cubs.”
The five of them shared a glance before B spoke, “We understand what you’re saying, and only want the best for him.”
Zirene nodded. “Good. Now that we got that settled, you’re dismissed. Mission details will be provided for you in the morning.”
Chapter Thirteen Xylo
Xylo leaned back in his office chair, his lower back pressed against its backing. He fluttered his petal wings, allowing them free from his vines restraints as he tried to relax from the weight of the recent event’s press upon him. He sighed as he stared through the skylight, noticing the sunrise's colors upon the few clouds as Lunkai shone down
