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Chapter Twenty-Three

LEX

I am one of the last to walk into the conference room. Father , Commander ZoD and Tordan are all present on the large holo screens at the front of the room, since they are all in different locations. It seems like everyone is in attendance and the last time this occurred, we were sent out to explore the Nebula . As soon as the soundproof doors close behind me, Father motions for all of us to sit down.

“ I know you all are ready for a well-deserved break, but SCOUT has just brought something to our attention that I believe needs to be addressed immediately. SCOUT , the floor is yours.”

SCOUT appears off to the side where everyone can see him. “ As you are all aware, the Jynrel pirates that took AvX and his mate before Commander DaR could intercept them were bragging that they were told the Korgons had dumped four cryo pods in an unknown area. Up until the Destroyer , excuse me Destiny , returned with the exact signal indicator of all the pods you recovered, I had no way of tracing or finding out if that claim was factual. However , while on your return trip Captain EvO , I believe you were informed of a set of beacons coming from an area where there are no visible planets or anything else in the outer sector of our solar system?”

“ Yes SCOUT , I had Destiny scan the entire area. Even though we could not pinpoint their whereabouts, the alerts were extremely close in nature to the human pods we found in the Nebula .”

“ I have a theory for the reason I believe you could not see or locate them. I think something is blocking our scanners. Some sort of barrier. I have asked the Commanders to reconsider another search in that area once Destiny is restocked. But before we do that Captain EvO , we would like your input.”

“ I have no objections, but I would like to leave my crew intact … if they want to remain on board that is.”

Father speaks up, “ I have already spoken to ViN and Ember . Even with the youngling, they have agreed to stay on board. So , the ship and its personnel will need to have some training when it comes to her safety and care. Rafe approached me earlier this rising asking if his mate could stay on the ship with him and I granted his request as well. That only leaves you, LeX . Son , are you willing to head back out, and what are your main concerns if you do?”

“ I have no personal objections, but I need to talk to Rylie before giving you my final answer. I have made enough decisions for her already. My one request is a complete restocking of my lab, and a med chamber is critically needed. Given their complexity and difficulty to build, could you ask MeK when the next one will be available so we can adjust our mission timeline?”

“ Son , I will take your request into consideration. There is one other thing I want you all to be aware of. This mission is to be keep a secret at all costs; there are things or individuals in our sector that are working against us. So , information on where you are heading will only be known by a select few. Which once again leaves this ship vulnerable if you get into trouble in an unknown sector. SCOUT is guaranteeing me that we will not lose contact with you this time. But I need you all to be prepared for anything as once again, you will be too far away for us to aid quickly.

Also , Destiny is being equipped with a more advanced cloaking and defense system before she leaves port. Any other concerns you might have, please bring them up at our next meeting. And I almost forgot, you all must be back before the warrior trials. Keida and Danny will be competing as well as HaL . I want the entire family present, if possible, just in case.”

“ I gather you anticipate problems at the games, Father ?”

“ EvO , I believe it would be the perfect opportunity to seriously hurt several members of our family, yes. Zura’s mother is still missing, and we have not been able to pin down which elder knew about the invasion of the Waldrin on Commander ZoD’s planet. SiN is working behind the scenes, and even though we have an idea of who is taking these steps against our people, we do not have enough proof to move forward. So , trust only the ones currently in this room, watch your wording on all holo messages, and be well. You are all dismissed. Enjoy your next risings. Strength and honor, Sons .”