“Good evening,” he began. “I want to thank you all for answering the call at such short notice. As the elected representative of the Human Federation, I have called this meeting of the Station Alpha Security Council to update you regarding the state of emergency in which we find ourselves.
“As you all know, the historic heart of Alpha Station has been contaminated by a power whose origin remains a mystery to us. What’s not a mystery is that this is a deliberate act of absolute evil. We have already conducted several military operations in an attempt to ascertain and understand the nature—and severity—of the threat. But these have ended in failure, and have resulted in significant losses among our troops.”
He let that sink in. There was a rippling of dozens of languages throughout the vast hall. Filitt continued. “The affected area of this epidemic measured approximately thirty feet eight months ago.” He paused for effect, then said, “It is now one point two miles long.”
More concerned murmuring. “In light of this alarming and growing threat to us all, the Human Federation seeks your permission and support to launch a comprehensive and decisive military attack to eradicate this phenomenon once and for all. I am sure you will appreciate that time is of the essence, and I’m here to answer any questions you may have about the details of the operation.”
“Which troops will lead the operation?” a Chrysokar asked. The tall insectoid beings had once been bellicose and masters of warfare. Over the centuries, they had turned their skills and nature to peacekeeping, but many of them, apparently including their ambassador, still had an interest in things martial. Valerian had a particular respect for the species. His first post out of the Academy had been with the infantry, where he had spent a year working for a Chrysokar military engineer named Prek’Tor, who shared with the eager young human his formidable knowledge about military strategy.
“Thirteenth Battalion, Special Assault division,” Filitt replied. “It is a unit of about two hundred.”
“Will any weapons be employed that could pose a potential threat to our troops?” an Azin Mö inquired. As the primary doctors on Alpha Station, naturally their first concern would be for the safety of the troops.
“No chemical or liquid weapons will be used during the assault,” Filitt assured it.
“What is the main goal of that mission?” That came from the representative of humanity’s oldest friends, the Kortân-Dahuks; the first aliens to shake hands in space with a human.
“We intend to destroy their defense system, which has shut down all our mediums of communication.”
“Why are you the one organizing the mission?” the Toinul ambassador inquired. They were highly respected on Alpha Station, as their scientists had contributed a great deal of knowledge and information as well as assisted with discoveries and inventions. They were always ready for intellectual discussion, and clearly the ambassador thought this mission warranted one.
“The Central Committee has entrusted me with this mission, and it will be an honor for me to complete the task successfully.”
Valerian was scanning the crowd when he heard Laureline’s voice in his ear.
“That’s all we need!”
“What?” he asked.
“Doghan Daguis.”
“Oh, great,” he replied, rolling his eyes.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Three squat aliens, all about four feet tall, stood in front of Laureline. Their stubby, four-fingered hands were in the air, and their small, beady eyes were wide as they stared down the lengths of their elongated, trunk-like muzzles at Laureline. They were brown and wrinkled and stooped, with sparse hair sticking up here and there.
Laureline had drawn her weapon, startled at having someone come up behind her, but now she lowered it, and they lowered their arms.
“Nice to see you again,” one of them said. He had a smudge of blue around his eyes.
“Agent Laureline,” the second chimed in. This one, too, had markings around his eyes, except his were burgundy-colored.
The third Doghan Daguis, whose markings were yellow, completed the sentence. “As resplendent as ever.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Laureline snapped.
“We go where work calls—”
“—We can speak over five thousand languages—”
“—which can come in handy—”
“—at a party like this,” the first finished. The second one added, “Need our services?”
Laureline patted the gun she’d just replaced on her hip. “No thanks. I have my own personal translator,” she said acidly. “Now, scram!”
Valerian’s voice came over the radio. “Ask them if they have any intel on Mül.”
He’s really obsessed with this dream, Laureline thought, but I suppose I can’t blame him. She grimaced, but obeyed. Sighing, she said to the three, “Okay. Major Valerian does want some intel after all. Planet Mül? Ring any bells, guys?”
“A highly sensitive matter!” exclaimed Blue.
“The best person to speak to—” continued Burgundy, and the yellow-marked Doghan Daguis finished up, “— would be Major Samk.”
“Alex?” said Valerian. “What have you got on a Major Samk?”
A picture of a dark-complexioned, handsome military man with a neatly trimmed beard came up on Laureline’s screen, along with his stats. Samk, Major Aton. 33. Deceased.
“Major Samk died a year ago,” Laureline said accusingly to the trio.
The Doghan Daguis appeared to be unruffled. The first one produced a small device and showed her his own picture of Samk—stone dead at his desk. Laureline’s eyes widened.
“Yes,” Blue began, “a most curious demise—”
“—that was never fully explained,” added Burgundy.
“Murder, some might call it,” Yellow said in a melodramatic tone. Laureline fought the urge to punch him right in his long nose, but refrained.
“I’m listening,” she said.
“Major Samk was an expert on planet Mül,” Blue continued.
“He took all that precious information—”
“—to the grave with him,” said Yellow.
“What a waste,” sighed the first Doghan Daguis.
“If you learn anything about the planet,” Laureline told them, “we’re interested.”
“It would be a pleasure to work for you, Laureline,” enthused Blue.
“Before we go,” the second began.
“—allow us to give you—”
“—some info—”
“—for free,” finished Burgundy.
Laureline eyed the three aliens skeptically. “For free?” she echoed. “Are you not feeling well?”
“The converter is precious—”
“—and highly sought after.” Burgundy nodded sagely.
“Mercenaries will come—” said Yellow.
“—to retrieve it—” Blue continued.
“—sooner than you think,” Burgundy finished solemnly.
“What kind of mercenaries?” Both Laureline and Valerian spoke at the same time.
They all eyed her with a smug expression. Blue actually wagged his finger at her. “The first tip was free.”
“You must pay for more,” Burgundy said.
Yellow added, “You get a discount, of course.”
Valerian’s voice came over the radio. “Alex? What’s that?” Laureline, too, could see a flashing red light on her own screen.
“A dozen individuals approaching,” Alex informed them. She added, “They are not on the guest list.”
“What kind of individuals?” Valerian pressed.
“Undetectable for now,” Alex responded.
Laureline looked at the Doghan Daguis wryly. “I get the feeling your info just lost its value. Go on, get out of here!”