Page 27 of The Alien Warrior's Vow

“If all goes well, this will be nothing more than a rescue mission.”

“The Heronas will not give him up easily.”

“Then it will become a war,” Lans growled.

“Still…”

“Without the Healer, we slowly go extinct,” Lans reminded him.

“Yes.”

His eyes drifted to Korben’s back. “Even now, your injuries persist. You need the Healer’s attention.”

“I do.” Korben’s frown deepened, revealing all his thoughts.

“We need the Healer, Korben.”

“But if we lose even one of these females… will it be worth the price?”

Is one human life worth that of our entire species?

Had Korben asked him that before he met Eema, Lans would not have hesitated. Indeed, he would have been appalled his comrade would dare to question the worth of their species.

They were all warriors. Each and every Plutonian. They had to become so after losing the females to the Red Plague.

In war, some sacrifices had to be made.

Every Plutonian entered battle knowing that if his life was lost, it would be for the greater good. They were stronger together and, alone, they would sacrifice everything to keep their fathers’ legacy alive on this planet.

But now?

The way he felt about Eema—

Lans shook his head. “Neh. It is too great a risk.”

Korben tightened his fist. “Should we lock them up? Trap them in their zaptens somehow until we return with the Healer?”

“And risk their undying wrath?” Chozo said.

Both Lans and Korben looked his way.

The Heronas pulled his lips in. “My apologies. I will stay out of it.”

“He is right.” Korben sighed. “They would never forgive us.”

“At least they will be alive to hold a grudge.”

Korben crossed his arms. “They are ready.”

“Yes.”

“We have trained them well.”

“Indeed.” Lans nodded, needing to hear the words as much as Korben did.

“They are intelligent, strong and capable of far more than we know.”

“And they can go even faster in the zaptens too!” Chozo bounced on his feet.