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“That’s probably wise,” he agreed.

Ashtoret had no doubt they were in capable hands with that Toufik. Fire was a jovial character. Evidenced by his broad, gregarious hand gestures and easy smiles. It probably came from being raised on a plantation where his former master was secretly married to a Toufik male from Fire’s clan. Despite his good nature, the furry male had proven a fierce warrior. He was a good male to have guarding your tail.

“We’ve gone over this, but let’s review it again,” Vintor addressed the gathered group. “Ashtoret and I will make contact with our human liaison. We’ll secure their cooperation, then the two teams will install the cloaking arrays at both poles.”

Ashtoret was pleased to have been selected for this mission. It wasn’t that he and Vintor were more skilled than the others sitting at the table. They were just closer to the humans and had subsequently learned more about the people they were now visiting. And it was their friendship with Providence that made them the best option to contact her sire.

“Don’t forget Providence’s briefing, there’s not just one governing authority on this planet,” Ashtoret reminded the teams. “Earth isn’t unified, like the Cadi, Toufik and Osivoire. And apparently, no one group owns the polar regions where you’ll be going. So even after we make our arrangements with the one faction, you will still need to avoid contact. But I’m assured habitation in these regions is minimal.”

“Blessed Kali, I hope so. Who could live in that cold?” one male declared.

“Their fractured state is yet another reason for being here.” Vintor nodded grimly. “Not only are the humans not as technologically advanced, but their constant squabbling will make it impossible for them to organize in time to fend off the Jurou Biljana.”

That was a problem the Cadi also suffered not that long ago. They were divided into two warring nations, and nearly fell to the greedy reptiles because of it. Now both Scelus and Vidya Cadi sat at the same table making jokes with foreigners and former slaves. They’d come a long way.

“Regardless of this fact,” Vintor continued. “The faction we are contacting is a larger one with influence. We must make sure they understand the severity of the Jurou Biljana threat. Once we head back home, it will be up to them to convince the others to not muck with the cloaking array.”

“The beacon we place on the far side of their moon will notify my people if that happens. But if the Jurou Biljana are trolling this galaxy, a planet suddenly appearing will catch their attention,” Aculus noted.

“Your people have taken on the burden of sheltering many races, but the Cadi will not let you shoulder this alone,” Ashtoret assured Aculus.

Aculus nodded in appreciation.

“To confirm I understand correctly, this array won’t interfere with the humans’ equipment in orbit, correct?” he asked.

“Correct. The array will form a cloak that will extend beyond anything orbiting the planet, including the moon,” Aculus reiterated.

“Good. From what our human friends say, the loss of communication with their orbiting technology would be noticed and cause widespread panic.”

“Once you venture out in the cruisers, Aculus will act as our main point of contact, here on his vessel,” Vintor continued reviewing the plan.

“I still say I’m happy to go planet-side. To the warmer climate that is,” Aculus interjected.

“You’re just eager to make the acquaintance of another spunky female like Riley,” one male snickered.

“Am I really that transparent?” the bony warrior chuckled.

“Don’t feel too bad. We don’t even get to mix with the natives.” Payim slapped Aculus on the back.

“Sorry, males, it’s going to be hard enough for Ashtoret and me to blend in,” Vintor apologized. “Besides, my armored friend, you’re more familiar with your ship, so we need you here. As discussed, each team will check in at the arranged times. I don’t need to reiterate that you’ll report major moves, problems or completions. This is just like we all remember during the war.”

Expressions serious, everyone nodded. Yet Ashtoret could tell his companions were looking forward to this mission, even though they were only visiting uninhabited regions. Since the war ended, many of the warriors hadn’t seen much action and were chomping at the bit.

“We’re approaching Earth’s orbit now.” Aculus pointed to the large display screen at the front of the control room.

The planet that loomed onscreen was largely blue, its bodies of water bisecting the green continents, reminding him of a smaller version of Cadi. Too soon the view was obscured when Aculus’ vessel headed straight for the dark side of a barren pock-marked moon. Unlike some moons, this body didn’t have a habitable atmosphere. The agile X-class cruiser swooped in for a graceful landing.

“All right, we need to make our preparations,” Vintor dismissed everyone.

Everything was a whirlwind as they made final inspections and checked off the necessary gear, examined the smaller planet-bound cruisers and everything else they could conceive of.

“It looks like that’s everything. Thank you.” Vintor nodded to Aculus.

“I’ve got my eyes on you.” Aculus cracked a reassuring smile.

Ashtoret was still amazed Osivoire could smile at all, given their bony exoskeleton.

“We’ll wait for confirmation before heading out. Go with Kali.” Payim nodded to them.