The Callisto Catacombs by Phillip Nolte

Author:Phillip Nolte [Nolte, Phillip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-06T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38.

Disturbing News.

December 9, 2676.

Amalgamation Grand Councilman Helspar was enjoying his morning swim when his aide interrupted him.

"Sir? You have a visitor."

"Who is it?"

"It is Councilman Joroaster."

"Bring him to me at once!"

The Hylidian tucked his arms and legs in close to his body and with a side to side stroke of his powerful tail, glided up a short, smooth ramp to the somewhat drier area surrounding the pool, and came to his feet. Neither Hylidians nor Lycans wore any clothing, outside of a belt or harness to hold a few necessary items, so lack of clothing was not an issue. Also, being an amphibian, he had no problem with remaining wet. The old Hylidian aide showed Joroaster into the pool area.

"Greetings, my dear friend," said Helspar.

"And to you," said Joroaster. He paused and swept the pool area with his sharp Lycan eyes. "Is it safe for us to have a conversation here?"

"As safe as I can make it. The dome over this pool area is impervious."

"Excellent. I apologize for interrupting your morning swim, but I have disturbing news."

"Something has happened?"

"Indeed. There has been an all-out attack on the Hordean system."

"What? By whom?"

"We aren't completely certain, but a fleet of Human warships swept into the system a half cycle ago."

"Human ships? That makes no sense. Is something else going on?"

"We are still gathering evidence, but it appears these ships had been either taken over by Custodians or were under their guidance. Probably some of each. They easily neutralized the Hordean space fleet, destroying several of the big ships in the process. Now they threaten to subdue the entire planet."

"So, it has begun."

"It would appear so. There is more. There was also an assault and a kidnap attempt on Regional Guardian L'Proxa at the beginning of last cycle."

Helspar's eyes grew wide, and his crest sprang to full attention. "An attempt on the life of a Regional Guardian? That is unprecedented! Who is responsible for this outrage?"

"Outside of Custodians? It appears a sizeable number of Humans have been seduced by their lies. Neasterum had to have known about this."

"He must be brought to justice!"

"All in good time, old friend. I wouldn't know any of this if Symantia hadn't survived. As of now, the Humans are acting as if she was killed during the kidnap attempt. Since she is known to be our source of information for the fourth Quadrant, the enemy believes us to be unaware of their recent aggression. Unfortunately, their ignorance will not last for long. We must take advantage of this situation while we can."

"This also means we are both in danger," said Helspar, his crest rising.

"Yes it does, Councilor. Some of my other sources are warning me to expect a confrontation during the next Council meeting. I have troops at my disposal. I believe we need to move first."

"I can provide protection also. Do you think we should warn the Head of Council and sub-queen Sithia?"

"Naift must be warned, I believe him to be loyal and therefore vulnerable. The sub-queen should be safe in her enclosure.

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