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“A plague!” Bregma declared.

“Don’t worry. Wen, the Miran Sona captain who aided us, said it’s all but extinct.” Aculus patted Bregma’s arm.

“Don’t be so dramatic. We’re immune to most things,” Axilla rebuked Bregma. “But I find it fascinating these humans were immune to something other races were not.”

“Humans are fascinating, brave and creative.” He thought of Nadzia as he spoke.

“They don’t seem like they’d make good slaves, not nearly strong or hearty enough. But you say the Jurou Biljana are very interested in them,” Tellar inquired.

“They are. I think it’s because the humans are rare in this quadrant,” Payim said.

“And if the slavers do find Earth, they’ll discover it’s rich in resources,” Aculus added.

“So, it sounds like we need to reach out to the Miran Sona and ease their fears, assure them we have the best intentions. We also need to warn them of the danger the Jurou Biljana pose to their people here and on Earth,” Tellar summarized.

“And I propose we send agents to infiltrate Jurou Biljana ranks. I have no doubt the vile reptiles are working to reproduce the stolen rift drive. Whether they use it to traverse the wormhole that drops out near Earth or another rift, we can’t let the flesh merchants wreak havoc on some poor unsuspecting race,” Aculus growled at the notion.

“No, we can’t allow that. I agree with your plan. The Yandal are known to travel freely among the Jurou Biljana. Let’s approach them and get ahead of this problem,” Tellar suggested.

“And I’d like to step up surveillance of the known rifts and the human colony,” Aculus added.

“This sounds good.” Axilla and several members of the Conclave nodded.

“I will share this information with Daimio Kagan,” Payim relayed.

“I imagine Abby and Providence will also want to hear how Brennan is faring with his treatment.” Aculus stood.

“Just a moment.” Axilla halted him. “Do you want to share this or should I?” She looked to Tellar.

He paused, suddenly worried they’d heard bad news from the clinic about Brennan’s progress.

“Shortly before you arrived, we received intel that the Jurou Biljana have put out a bounty on whoever destroyed Distraho,” Tellar relayed. “That auction house provided quite a lot of income for the Topus, and they are blaming the Jurou Biljana.”

“And of course the reptiles want to repair that relationship since that’s where they sell their illicit goods,” Axilla added.

“Oh, is that all?” Aculus’ shoulders eased.

He was relieved it wasn’t about Brennan. There were probably a dozen bounties on him throughout the quadrant from one disgruntled faction or another. Although he couldn’t take credit for that mission alone, since the human Riley had planted the incendiaries. But he was likely the one the reptiles would blame. A burden he’d willingly accept. It was good to be rid of the revolting auction house that profited on misery.

“They still don’t seem to know who is at fault, but we wanted you to be aware.” Axilla squeezed his arm.

“We also don’t want this to cause issues for the Cadi.” Tellar looked to Payim.

“I don’t think it will. Unfortunately, or fortunately, we saved the life of Distraho’s overseer as our people were fleeing the asteroid, so I doubt he’ll suspect our involvement. But I’ll make sure Daimio Kagan is aware.” Payim brushed it off.

“Before you leave, we should discuss preparations for the upcoming Trials,” Axilla added.

He groaned. Somehow, he had a feeling he wouldn’t make it out of this room without that topic coming up.

I should’ve toured the garden with Nadzia and the others.

“I’m telling you it’s not necessary,” he practically growled.

“Don’t go back on your promise. You agreed to participate,” Axilla reminded him.

“I agreed to participate, you are right. But I think it’s unfair to the females.”

“How are you ever going to find your weakness?” the matron huffed and the others nodded in agreement.