Page 67 of Dark Witch: Twin Destinies

"Naturally, you need my connections in China, my plane, and my compulsion ability," Kalugal said with a note of humor. "All three are at your service."

Kian felt relieved, even though he had expected Kalugal's response. His cousin was fascinated by the gods' technology, and the escape pod was a marvel he was eager to get his hands on. He wanted to know where it was and how to get it, and knowing him, he would find a way to extract the pod despite the Chinese military presence.

"Can your plane fit twenty stasis chambers? I think we'll need both our planes for this mission. We'll have to accommodate all the passengers and luggage and the medical equipment that Julian brought along. I assume that each stasis chamber is the size of a sarcophagus and probably just as heavy. Aru and Dagor are also trying to extract as much tech from the escape pod as possible, so there will also be a lot of equipment to transport."

"You are probably correct. Only some of the stasis chambers containing the Kra-ell can go in the cargo hold of each plane, but maybe they could all fit in one plane if both the cargo and the passenger cabin are utilized. The clan's plane will need to be the cargo carrier, as mine has more seating. Naturally, the twins will need to be fitted into my plane between the seats so Julian can keep an eye on them. I have enough room for all the passengers and their baggage."

"The other alternative is to charter a larger plane. That may be the better option."

"I don't know if you can get one as quickly as you'd like."

"True. How soon can you be ready to go?" Kian asked.

There was a long silence, and Kian imagined Kalugal checking with Jacki. "My pilot will probably need a few hours to get to the plane, get the flight details sorted out, get fuel, file the flight plan, and do the pre-flight check. I will be at the hangar, packed and ready to go by then. I assume that Yamanu is coming along?"

"You assume correctly. I didn't call him yet, but I'm about to."

"Have him meet me in the garage in two hours," Kalugal said. "I'll have one of my men drive us. I'm not taking any with me except for the pilot and copilot. Are you sending anyone in addition to Yamanu?"

"We need to sort the radar risk from the Chinese base. Even if Yamanu shrouds the helicopter from view, they will still see it on the radar, and twenty round trips are bound to raise suspicion. I will check with William if he needs to join you for that personally, or if he can give Yamanu a quick demonstration on how to use his signal scrambler or whatever other device he will choose. I will let you know. I'll call you if there is any change of plans. Call me if you are having trouble with anything."

Kalugal snorted. "I don't have trouble with anyone."

His cousin ended the call before Kian had a chance to thank him.

He dialed Yamanu next, and as Kian explained the situation, he could practically hear Yamanu's excitement building, the man's love of a challenge and a good adventure shining through.

"Mey, my love, do you want to come along?" Yamanu called out, his voice slightly muffled as he turned away from the phone.

There was a pause, followed by an indistinct conversation that Kian couldn't quite make out. Then Yamanu was back. "I'm afraid I'll have to travel by my lonesome this time," he said with a hint of disappointment in his tone. "Mey and Jin have an important meeting they can't miss with a major online retailer who insists on meeting them in person. Am I the only one who sees the irony in that?"

"You are onto something," Kian agreed. "An online retailer should be fine with online communications with the suppliers. Back to the mission, it will be a quick in-and-out job. You fly in, help them remove the stasis chambers without anyone seeing anything, and then cover them when they bury the pod. I don't think Jacki is joining Kalugal either so you can spend some quality time together."

"I'm looking forward to it," Yamanu said, and Kian wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or meant it.

"Kalugal asked that you meet him in the underground garage in two hours, and you will probably hear from William shortly about operating the scrambler. I doubt he needs to join you on the mission just for that."

"Got it, boss."

Once Kian ended the call with Yamanu, he called Charlie to alert him to get the plane ready.

Next was William.

"I don't need to be there in person. The device is easy to operate. I'll call Yamanu and get him all set up."

Kian made his final call to Jade, the leader of the Kra-ell.

He delivered the news with as much tact as he could muster, and Jade received it in her usual no-nonsense manner. "It's regrettable, but I suspected as much, so I'm not surprised. I'm only surprised that the twins survived. I hope you told your people to be careful around them."

"I did, and the plan is to revive them in our clinic at the keep. You are welcome to join us for that, and if you want to bring some of your people to witness it, that's fine."

"Thank you. You honor me, Kian. And thank you for bringing my people to the catacombs for a proper Kra-ell farewell ceremony. Their remains will be treated with the respect and reverence they deserve."

As he ended the call and leaned back in his chair, Kian felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, the events of the day catching up to him all at once. With a sigh, he pushed himself up and went to the kitchen, following the rich, inviting scent of brewing coffee.

Syssi was there, her back to him as she busied herself with the cappuccino machine. Kian paused for a moment in the doorway, simply drinking in the sight of her.

"How did my mother take the news?" he asked, moving to stand beside her.

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