Page 57 of Made For The Alien Warrior

The Healer swung tired eyes on Korben. “Then I will consider your plan of attack.”

“You wouldn’t go to them?”

“I must stay here and uncover the mysteries presented to us.”

“Healer,” Pin left Kia’s side, “you are aware that Plutonians have free will, as do the humans.”

“I do.”

“And you are aware that those who have turned their back on the Plutonian traditions and embraced self-indulgence and evil have no reason to listen to you. Rune and his brother had a disagreement over these females and there was only one way to solve it.”

Rune hung his head and sighed heavily. “Do not use me as an example. I think of mybrudaevery sun cycle. It is a heavy choice to make.”

“Which is why,” the Healer squeezed Pin’s shoulder, “I wish for you all to never encounter such a brutal choice.” His eyes slid to Tiegan and then Korben, Pin and Zar. “You asked why they would listen to me? It is because their war hinges on my very existence.”

Symphony tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“They insist they do not need humans polluting the bloodline.” The Healer stepped back and gestured with his blue hand. “Why?”

“Because they’re crazy?” Simone spoke up.

“Because they’re ignorant?” Sara suggested.

“Because they’ve been conditioned to think their race is superior and so they look down on anyone who’s different?” Adhi blinked.

“Neh.” The Healer gave them all strange looks. “It is because they believe in my ability to regenerate them. If I were to fall upon harm, they wouldneeda way to give birth to broods in order to keep our species alive. Their confidence comes from my ability to heal them.”

Tiegan stroked his chin. She was starting to notice that he didn’t talk much, but that did not mean he had no thoughts on the matter at hand. Symphony sensed his unease and determination. It was a flash of grayish-blue that smeared across her subconscious.

Moving over to him, she said, “Tiegan, what do you think?”

Every head swung their way.

“I am just listening.”

“So you have nothing to say?”

He stared into her eyes and seemed to draw courage. Finally, he dipped his head. “I do.”

She saw genuine surprise in Korben’s eyes.

“I have a question.” Tiegan frowned. “Where did you get the information about the war?”

“It was a warning from an ally,” Korben admitted. “The dissent is coming from rebels who function in the shadows. We know of no official organization because they have always lived on the brink of our tribas.”

Symphony smiled up at Tiegan. “Good observation.”

His proud smirk in return made her body light up.

The Healer licked his lips. “It seems there is still time to go the diplomatic route first.” He glanced over at Rune. “What say you?”

“Very well.” Rune nodded. “But I will ask that Ga Eun and Kenzie be moved to our private dwelling while we address the unrest. I am not at ease with them living in the camp alone.”

“There are more there who will protect her than there will be in the mountains,” Korben argued.

“I do not care. I want her in hiding so she will be safe.”

“Very well.” Korben released a breath. “As terros, I will investigate this matter and calm the fears of those who have misgivings about humans.”