Thalias flattened his ears. “Don’t.” Noting Hiron’s surprise, Thalias continued. “You have personal rapport with them, even if you refuse to admit it yourself. There will always be secrets, always be the mission, but keeping your distance like that will… cause you to fail in the same way you did with Brrtklklk. Hiron, you always take your assignments too far. Above and beyond is only helpful if you acceptably complete your initial goals. I admire that drive, but sometimes you have to let something unimportant slip. It is simply not possible to maintain perfect composure in everything you do. The level of stress that results will cause you to fail, eventually, no matter how good you are. It makes your true secrets that much more easy to see. Developing a personal relationship with a contact is the norm, not the exception.” Thallias sighed. “Most recruits have to be told the opposite.”
Thalias continued before Hiron could recover. “Brrtklklk and Chuck were likely the only two to notice your true nature. But, due to your insistence that they were not correct, Brrtklklk has already revealed the existence of our human reconnaissance program to others in the Domain.”
Hiron was mortified. His actions had jeopardized the entire program!
“Luckily for all of us, this project’s covert nature is optional. We would not have sent trainees, if that was not the case. This concludes the review portion of the debriefing.”
Hiron stood to leave. Thalias motioned for him to stay. “I know you are used to leaving at this point, but your actions on this assignment will have significant ramifications on the future of this program. For the remainder of this conversation, you will act as an operative, not a trainee. Understood?”
Hiron nodded.
“Excellent. Let’s start with the deal you brokered with Chuck. Whitecrest accepts your trade deal as agreed. In spite of your best efforts…” Thalias glared at Hiron. “The Hunter ship yielded enough useful information to be worth the loss incurred in the exchange.”
Hiron stammered. “I’m… I’m sorry Thalias, it won’t happen again. I was…distracted.”
Thalias nodded. “I know. On both counts.” Thalias grinned. “But self-pity and reflection were covered in the review. The ship exchange was a stroke of genius. Everytime Chuck looks about his surroundings, he will see a ship that Whitecrest provided for him. We are taking great effort to ensure that he has no desire to trade up for some time. There is hardly a better way to… encourage his support.”
Hiron decided that it was time to voice his concerns. “Speaking of the ship, I had intended the Silver Sailor’s refit to be an act of charity. I feel that your… subversion cost us a great opportunity.”
Thalias’ ears flattened, disappointed. “You mentioned the reason that approach would fail yourself in the reports. Chuck would see it as another act of bribery.” Noting Hiron’s confusion, he continued. “You’ve been with him for, what, a week? Yet you still underestimate him. Chuck is close with Brrtklklk, bribing the Rrrrtk directly will be seen for what it is.” Thalias paused for effect. “Even so, overpaying for a service is not likely to be overlooked. Brrtklklk performed marvelously there, indirectly telling Chuck exactly how much of a ‘favor’ we were doing for him.”
“That leaves one major concern. The Hunters. I’ve looked into this Zilroy character. I don’t like him. The timing is just… too convenient. We’ll have to study this topic further, once the fusion blade reveals its secrets.”
Hiron spoke timidly. “Nothing else?”
Thalias studied his pupil. “What else do you feel the need to discuss?”
“My engagement with the Hunters. Did I not do well enough to merit consideration?”
Thalias snorted. “Your martial prowess remained unmentioned, because there is no need to question it. You fought the Hunters and won… uninjured. Even the Deathworlder seemed impressed. Anything else?”
“Yes… I do have one more idea.”
Thalias indicated a willingness to let Hiron continue.
“Back on the Desolate Oasis, Chuck showed surprising empathy for the Hunter’s victims. Perhaps we should take him to one of the female communes. If he were to meet them and learn their stories… Perhaps he would respond positively to the females. He may be willing to give more, if we can show him who will benefit from his work.”
Thalias flattened his ears. “Don’t be ridiculous. What possible empathic response could there be between a human and a few ordinary females.”
Suddenly an explosion was heard in the adjacent room. A wooden panel fell off the wall and hit the ground with a crash. The two Gaoians stared at it briefly before Thalias stood up to assess the damage. He lifted the panel off the floor and rested it against the wall. “It’s always this Keeda damned fourth wall giving me problems. The other three have always been just fine.”
Hiron perked his ears in confusion, as Thalias sent a quick message to maintenance.
A shout came through the damaged wall. “I regret nothing!”
The two Gaoians stared blankly at the wall in confusion for a time, before, finally, Hiron broke the silence. “If that is what you think is best.”
Morning 1y11m6d BV
Indoor weapons range, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Wi Kao, Gao
Whitecrest Applied Researcher Sennar
Sennar surveyed the training range. It had been tight, but he and three assigned Associates had prepared everything they needed. Soon a human would arrive. Numerous plastic and steel targets of varied size and strength had been printed and installed in the central lanes.
The Gaoians gathered behind a table they had set up to hold the Axe. The Axe was the kind of technological marvel that just screamed power. A heavy, swept pair of blades sat at the end of a shaft longer than a Gaoian’s arm. It had been built as a stealthy alternative to demolition charges, with upgraded cooling systems to keep it swinging until the job was done. It was big, mean, and… completely impractical.
So far, the only Gaoian that had been able to swing it properly was one of the Stoneback couriers they had bribed to give it a try. While that had certainly been an exciting day, the axe was clearly not a practical tool for an infiltrator.
The sound of heavy footsteps signaled the approach of their guest. Sennar began to chitter in nervous excitement. The footsteps continued to echo louder even after he had expected to see the human, Chuck, walking down the stairs into view. Finally, the heavy sapient descended into view, barely concealing a toothy grin. A Rrrrtk followed him down.
“Welcome to our test range, I’m Sennar. I’ll be conducting this demonstration.”
Chuck stood confused before him. He began to talk in a harsh, aggressive tongue as he dropped a sack to the ground with a resounding thud, and the clattering of loose metal. The Rrrrtk tapped his shoulder, and the two of them talked to each other for a while, each in their own respective languages.
Sennar sighed and turned to his techs. “Do any of you have a translator?” The three others glanced at each other and shrugged. Sennar pointed to one of the techs. “Go and fetch us one.” The tech nodded and jogged past the visitors up the stairs.
Sennar turned back to the guests. He grumbled slightly, drawing their attention. He pointed to Chuck, then the axe, then the targets behind him. Chuck spoke a few more inquisitive words as he approached the table and wrapped his hand around the axe’s handle. Suddenly, the human lifted the two-handed weapon in one hand with a startling burst of speed. This sudden movement startled Milt, one of the two remaining techs. Milt jumped back tripping over himself and falling to the ground. Chuck quickly dropped the weapons and stepped back. The axe hit the table with a resonating clang, causing everybody present, except Chuck, to flinch at the noise.
Chuck turned to his partner and asked another question. The Rrrrtk replied and pointed back at the axe. Chuck sighed and stalked slowly up to the table, beady eyes of a hunter staring at Milt. Milt shrunk and dropped his ears. Chuck stopped again, then dropped to his knees and beckoned Milt over.
“Human, what are you doing?” Sennar asked. He knew that Chuck would not understand the words, but, perhaps the intent would translate. Chuck slowly turned to Sennar and shook a paw towards him with a subtle grin.
Milt looked to Sennar for guidance, but all Sennar could do was shrug. That had… not been the correct response. Milt hesitated and slowly began to back away. Sennar wasn’t sure what had happened in Milt’s past, but something hidden always seemed to keep the poor Gaoian on edge.
Something had to be done. Surely Sermil would not have sent this human here if it was dangerous. “Milt, he’s not going to hurt you. Go up and meet him.” Milt shook his head. Sennar sighed, and approached Chuck himself. Chuck turned to him, showing slight confusion only for a moment, before nodding.
“See Milt? He’s not going to hurt you.” As Sennar approached, Chuck extended a paw. Sennar cautiously returned the gesture. In a blink of an eye, Chuck reached out and grasped his paw, shaking it vigorously. Sennar himself nearly jumped back, but he held himself together, Milt needed him to.
Milt yelped in panic, retreating and running behind on of the targets. Chuck tilted his head and dropped Sennar’s paw. Milt was cautiously observing the interaction from behind his barrier. Chuck spoke a few words in a calm and reassuring voice, extending his paw towards Sennar. “Friend?” he asked Milt in halting Gaori.
Sennar glanced back and forth between the two of them, before eventually seeing what Chuck was trying. He gulped, and thrust his paw towards Chuck. “Friend.” Sennar spoke with as much confidence as he could muster. Chuck grinned at him and nodded. Nothing happened for a few seconds. Then Sennar realized that he was supposed to take the lead here. That paw grasp must be an apology… or some other sort of diplomatic gesture. He grasped the human’s paw and shook it. He released it and took a step back. “Nothing to be afraid of, Milt, he’s not going to hurt you.”
Milt hesitated briefly, but slowly approached and carefully extended his paw. Chuck sat patiently, holding his paw steady. Milt gulped nervously, then grasped Chuck’s paw. Chuck growled a deep and hearty laugh before speaking more calm words in his native tongue. That seemed to help Milt.
The other tech chittered in amusement. Sennar turned to glare at the culprit. “Millard! I think you’ll make a fine sparring partner for the human in our later demonstrations!” That shut him up.
“Milt, if you don’t feel comfortable being here, you have my permission to leave.” Sennar hesitated before continuing. “I’ll deal with the fallout.”
Milt stared at Chuck with wary eyes before steeling himself. “N… No, I’ll stay.” He took a deep breath, then shook Chuck’s paw with all the strength he could muster. Chuck flinched slightly, but quickly settled back into a smile. Milt couldn’t help but show a satisfied grin. “I… need to be here.” Milt dropped Chuck’s paw and swaggered towards Sennar.
Sennar perked his ears in disbelief. He chittered softly. “Well, alright then.”
Sennar turned back to the human. “Chuck.” The human’s ears just barely perked up at the sound of his name. Some gestures were universal, even if the human’s ears could barely move. He pointed, again, to the axe, and the targets, before rapidly taking several steps to the side, dragging Milt back with him.
Chuck nodded his head and again lifted the axe with a single hand, before transitioning smoothly to a two handed grip. He stepped towards the targets before stopping and turning to Milt. Sennar thought for a moment, then softly nuzzled Milt to get his attention. Milt glanced over to Sennar, the back at Chuck. He must have realized the intent, because he then returned Chuck’s nod. That seemed to satisfy the human. He engaged the axe and swing it, gracefully sweeping it through the air in front of him in spite of its massive weight. After a few practice swings, he stampeded to the first target and cleaved it in two with a downward swing.
Chuck let loose a manic, feral laugh and charged at the next target. The target grew shorter by a few paws each swing as Chuck sliced through it again and again. He even swung it in one handed a few times! At least the human seemed to struggle with those swings.
After a few more aggressive maneuvers, Chuck returned to the table and set the axe down. He grabbed his satchel and rummaged through it, retrieving several items. He set those on the table in front of him. Chuck then turned his gaze to Sennar, and held his paw, palm up, towards the items resting on the table. All of them were primitive weapons.
Sennar hesitated a moment, but subtle motions in the humans eyes and paws made the intend clear. He selected a blade as long as his forearm, and picked it up. It was extremely heavy for its size. He set it aside and selected a smaller folding blade. He struggled briefly to open it before Chuck pulled a matching device out of his pocket and demonstrated its operation.
He had just managed to open and play with it when the tech returned with a portable translator. “You have been summoned to Father Busani’s office after this demonstration.” He spoke before turning on the translator.
Sennar sniffled anxiously, then turned to the human. “Well, let’s try this again. Welcome to our test range, I’m Associate Sennar. I’ll be conducting this…“ He hesitated for a moment. “I have been conducting this demonstration.”
Chuck nodded and smiled. The emote seemed somewhat forced, as if he was inexperienced with it. Peculiar. “I’m Chuck Byse, entrepreneur, this here is Bart.” Chuck pointed to the Rrrrtk.
“… Bart?” What kind of name is that?
Bart corrected Chuck. “Brrtklklk Nk’tntnrkk, I study humans.”
Sennar cocked his head, Interesting. “So, what do you think of the axe?”
Chuck replied, shaking his head and smiled at it, teeth bared. “It’s a thing of beauty.”
“Uh, Chuck…” Brrtklklk tapped Chuck’s shoulder.
Chuck turned to him and the smile dropped from his face. “Oh, right.”
Sennar tilted his head again. “Is everything OK?”
“Yeah, I’m… still sorting some things out.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll get through it though.”
Sennar duck-nodded, then pointed at the table. “What do you have here?”
Chuck smiled again, teeth hidden this time. “These are a few of the survival tools I sold back on Earth. I hear you guys are weapons geeks, what do you think?”
“Very… sturdy.”
Chuck grunted. “Yeah, I know they are sized for a human. I’ll work on that if i have to. Right now I’m trying to figure out if there is a market for any of this stuff.” He lifted his bag onto the table. “Feel free to dig in.”
The other three techs looked at Sennar inquisitively. He shrugged. “Well go on, see what he has.”
“I know you guys have much better tech than us, but I’m hoping that quality craftsmanship still has a place.”
“Why is it all so heavy?” one of the other techs asked.
Chuck smiled and turned to him. “So it doesn’t break in the field. Even the compass can take a beating and continue working.”
Sennar asked the next question. “What are these tools for?”
“Survival. Keeping yourself alive and safe when stranded in the wilderness. That’s why it’s all so compact and light.”
“Light?” Milt asked, picking up a large metal tool. “You call this light?”
“For what it is, yeah. Hand that here.” Milt handed the tool over. “This is known as a folding entrenching tool, a versatile piece of kit.” He unfolded the object into a small, excessively sturdy shovel. “It’s useful for both digging, and self defense.”
Chuck stepped back, and walked over to one of the plastic targets, hacking at it with his improvised axe. In the hands of the human, it certainly was dangerous.
Chuck walked back over and handed the …weapon?… back to Milt. Milt gave it a few swings, before setting it down and shaking his head. “It’s too heavy to swing.” He looked at it for a while longer before setting it down.
Brrtklklk cleared his throat, dragging himself into the conversation. “May I see that?”
Milt nodded, and handed it over.
Brrtklklk grasped it in his two left arms, sizing it up. He then trotted over to the same target Chuck had used and delivered several alarmingly devastating, though unpracticed, blows. Brrtklklk returned to the group. “I see some utility here.” He paused for a moment. “It is also of human design. The novelty of its heritage should enhance its desirability.”
Sennar paused, tilting his head at Brrtklklk. “I’m not here for the novelty, I need equipment that works.”
Chuck narrowed his eyes and grinned. “So, you are interested in new equipment.”
“Always… But I have simply not seen anything here that we need.” Sennar pointed at the shovel. “Why would I need that, when I have these?” He extended his claws.
“Okay, you got me there.” Chuck dug through his pack. “Ah… do you have anything like these?” He pulled out a few small tools.
Sennal motioned for Chuck to continue.
Chuck pointed to each item in question. “Stun gun, pepper spray, strobe flashlight. Weapons designed to non-lethally dissuade aggressive predators.”
What kind of predator could those be for? The only predator he could think of was a hunter, or possibly a vulza… why would you want to let one of those live? “I don’t understand the purpose of this class of weapon.”
Chuck picked up the flashlight and pointed it downrange. Suddenly bursts of pulsating light danced across the room, causing Sennal to involuntarily cover his eyes.
“This is a two thousand lumen strobe light designed to disorient attackers. It can blind aggressors, giving you time to escape or engage while they are distrac… Are you okay?”
Sennar opened his eyes to see the human studying him, concerned. “Yes… though I do not appreciate you engaging me with your weapons, non-lethal or not.”
Chuck looked confused. “I didn’t point it at you, I was pointing it downrange.” He suddenly looked much more worried. “Are Gaoians more sensitive to light than humans?”
“I… have no reference point.” Sennar scratched his chin. “But if you were watching that… than yes… probably. Can I see that?”
Sennar took the light and pointed it downrange. He looked away and turned it on. He tried to look at it, but was unable to keep his eyes focused for more than a few seconds.
“Okay, take it easy there, I can see you are hurting. This is designed to cause confusion and disorientation. The pulse rate is chosen to have the strongest effect possible on Earthen threats. It seems you Gaoians are similar in that regard.”
Sennar shut down the device and blinked a few times. A wicked grin came upon Sennar’s face. “Oh Millard, I want to see how well this works. If you head downrange, I won’t make you fight the human.”
Chuck tilted his head in confusion. Sennar ignored the reaction.
Millard gulped, and glanced back and forth between Chuck and Sennar, before grunting in defeat. He walked downrange and turned to the group.
Chuck spoke nervously. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Sennar waved him down before turning to Millard. “Alright. Look at me until the light turns on, then just do whatever comes naturally.”
Sennar waited until Millard stopped squinting before engaging the weapon.
There was a yelp of pain as Millard turned tail and feld, crashing headfirst into one of the plastic targets. He fell over, ear twitching in pain.
Sennar turned off the light and jogged over to Millard. “Are you alright?”
Millard groaned, but sat up, shaking out his head and blinking rapidly. “Let’s not do that again.”
Sennar helped Millard to his feet before leading the disoriented Gaoian back to the table. Sennar spoke, cautiously. “Are the other two weapons as debilitating as this one?”
Chuck paused a moment, considering his words. “To humans, they are much more effective.”
Sennar nodded slowly before speaking again. “What do they do?”
Chuck pointed to each of them. “Involuntary muscle contractions, severe respiratory irritant.”
What kind of threats did the humans face where this type of weaponry was necessary?
The arrival of another Associate interrupted his thoughts. “Associate Sennar, this demonstration will have to be cut short.” He turned to the two aliens. “Brrtklklk, Chuck, your presence is requested elsewhere. Gather your belongings.”
Brrtklklk spoke nervously. “Where are we going?”
“You have nothing to worry about Brrtklklk. Our human research team is very interested in comparing notes.”
Brrtklklk spoke again. “What about Chuck?”
The Gaoian paused. “Thalias wants to speak alone with him.”
Chuck interrupted his packing. “Go ahead Bart, I’d imagine the eyes in the walls like what they see.”
As the three of them left, the messenger had one final instruction. “Sennar, clean this place up and get some fresh targets ready, you are all free to leave after that is complete.”
Sennar nodded and begun delegating tasks.
Later that day 1y11m6d BV
Indoor weapons range, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Wi Kao, Gao
Sennar
A few hours after the team had finished with the range, Sennar had been summoned, alone, to the range.
When he got there, Chuck stood with Thalias and three other rather nervous looking Gaoians.
On the table before then were the stun gun and pepper spray. Sennar gulped as he approached. “Is this… what I think it is?”
Thalias smirked. “I believe that it is.”
“Is it safe?”
Thalias chittered softly and pointed to one of the three Gaoians. “Our Openpaw liaison assures me that our two subjects will recover… eventually.”
Chuck shook his head. “I still don’t like this. What if they get hurt?”
Thalias stopped and stared Chuck down. “These two pups are training to be officers,” One of the two Associates flinched at the implied insult. “They knew what they were doing when they signed up. This particular exercise is perhaps a bit… unorthodox, but well within the scope of our training.” He turned to the two victims. “Do well here, and I just may give you credit towards your Rite.”
The two looked at each other before each nodding respectfully at Thalias.
Several minutes later
Indoor weapons range, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Wi Kao, Gao
Sennar
One Brother convulsing on the floor drooling from his mouth, another howling in agony with bloodshot eyes.
Chuck had flat-out refused to be the one to administer the test. He had stood behind the Brother on the receiving end of the stun gun, catching him as he fell and lowering him, carefully, to the floor.
But for the pepper spray… Chuck turned away and refused to watch. He flinched in pain at each pitiful yelp. Sennar was also suffering, his nose screaming. Still, it would not be right to let that show. Not with the way his Brother was suffering.
The Openpaw liaison rushed in to administer aid as soon as Thalias allowed him to do so. In a few short minutes, both Brothers were back on their feet, though the effects of the pepper spray clearly still lingered.
Chuck returned from the corner of the room in which he had taken refuge. “Gaoians seem to be much more susceptible to these than human are.” He shook his head. “Even so, if the choice is between this and…” His voice drifted off. Sennar nodded knowingly.
Thalias spoke. “Brothers, take the day off and rest.” He stopped and pondered. “Actually, take tomorrow morning off as well. I’ll move up the first part of pain tolerance training. You two get a pass for that session. I think you’ve earned that much, at least.”
The Brothers unenthusiastically, but respectfully, nodded in recognition, then left.
As the others turned to leave, Chuck turned to Thalias. “Hey, Thalias, while you are here. Could you give me a tour of my ship?”
Thalias stopped to consider it, his nose twitching. “I think that can be arranged.”
They left the range to Sennar. He took one look around the room, and sighed. It would probably be weeks before the smell of that pepper spray was finally out of the air.
1y11m5d BV
Thalias’ office, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Wi Kao, Gao
Thalias
Thalias sat in his office, reviewing some of the data collected from the captured hunter vessel. His door opened and someone entered unannounced. Without looking up, Thalias announced “It is generally considered appropriate to scratch before entering a superior’s office.”
The encroaching Gaoian replied curtly. “It is generally considered appropriate for an inferior to welcome a Father when he arrives.”
Thallias quickly stopped and glanced up at his visitor. “Father Busani. I apologize, I did not expect anyone of your importance to visit me today.”
“Than you are even less clever than I thought. You bring a Deathworlder to Gao and expect no one to take notice?” Busani exclaimed, annoyed.
“I was under the impression that I was the only one in Whitecrest that gave a damn about our new neighbors.” Thallias replied, with a bit more indignation than he had intended.
Busani shook his head and sighed, covering his face with his paw. “Your team may be the only one dedicated to this new threat, but rest assured there are plenty of ears carefully monitoring your progress.”
Thalias’ ears perked up. Regardless of Busani’s intended message, he was most interested in the Father’s recognition of the importance of his work. Something that no Father had mentioned before. “I… you have interest in my work?”
“Of course! For Keeda’s sake! The largest threat to our future shows up out of nowhere? I tend to take notice of that. You bring one of them to my house?…” The Father did not complete his statement, his eyes drifting off into the distance. “But that, alone, is not why I am here. I hear you intend to take the human to Ironclaw to see the ship you are providing it with.”
Thalias stammered “Do I need to cancel that trip? Doing so could jeopardize our relations with him!” He stopped, sighing, remembering who stood before him. “But if I must…”
Busani cut him off with a mischievous chitter. “No, I will not cancel your little trip. There is a reason I arranged for Milt to be at your demonstration yesterday. I have some confidence that your pet will behave itself. That does not, however, mean I will stand here and do nothing. For the safety of all of Gao, I will be assigning Special Operative Ronovin to your division for as long as the human is on Gao. The human will not leave clan grounds except under direct escort.”
“Ronovin… Isn’t he retired?”
Busani nodded. “He only trains Spec Ops these days.” He paused. “But, I assure you, Ronovin will be more than enough to keep your little human in line.”
Thalias stared inquisitively at Busani. “Don’t be so sure of that. I do have one request though.”
“Speak.” grunted Busani.
“Chuck is an incredible asset to our team. I want your assurance that no harm will come to him.”
Busani flattened his ears. “I can make no such guarantee.” He grunted in amusement. “Ronovin is a professional though. He will not harm your pet unless there is no other option. That is the best I will do.”
Thalias nodded. “Very well. When will he be ready to depart?”
“He’ll be ready before you are.” Busani stopped. “Have you told your human about the trip yet?”
“No”
“Call it. I want to be involved with that conversation.”
“Wouldn’t you rather talk in person? He is not far.”
Busani replied dryly. “I would rather avoid it knowing my face.”
Thalias nodded and opened the call.
Chuck answered “Hey Thalias, how can I help you?”
Busani tilted his head and stared at Thalias, perplexed at the apparent informality. “Hello, human. I am Father Busani. I have involved myself with your planned trip to our remote hangar. I’ve arranged for a shuttle to bring you there and back tomorrow morning. You’ll be escorted by one of my Associates, Ronovin.”
Chuck replied. “Ah, nice to meet you Father, Chuck Byse. I thank you for your help. It’s a shame we are not meeting in person.”
“Unfortunately that would be impossible at this time. Stay with Ronovin, he’ll keep you safe.”
Chuck paused. “Huh, is Gao that dangerous?… Sorry, Father I did not mean any disrespect. I thank you for your aid.”
Busani cut the conversation short. “Tomorrow morning, at the East landing. Have a good afternoon… Chuck.” He cut the line before anyone could reply.
After a moment Thalias spoke. “Associate?”
Busani grinned maliciously. “Why my dear Brother, I believe I have just done you a substantial favor!” The father spread his arms in mocking graciousness. “How do you think Chuck would have responded if he knew his escort was an assassin?”
Thalias shook his head overwhelmed. “I fear you may be underestimating Chuck.”
“Why? Do you not think Ronovin can handle him?”
“I… I don’t know. Only… Officer Hiron has seen him fight.”
Busani lifted one ear. “Officer? So soon?”
“Between the human and the hunters, I feel he’s proven himself ready. The reports he sent back detailing the human’s capabilities were… acceptable for one of that rank. His combat skills, exemplary.” He lowered his ears. “But back to the point, Chuck has an inquisitive mind. I am not certain that Ronovin will be able to ‘match wits’ with him.”
Busani paused, and deadpanned. “I’ll be sure to inform Ronovin. Have a good afternoon, Thalias.” With that, Father Busani departed.
Thalias returned to his work, hoping that Ronovin would not harm the rapport he had built with Chuck.