Page 20 of Sol Survivor

“It is defective, Great Council.”Nenn’s hair tucked in, his shoulders stiff, but he held his chin high.“I offered a temp-device until his could be replaced.”

“Happenstance led you to abandon your ot?”Zuphayr aac Srim Udap tapped his chin, his white hair bobbing.His blue eyes were striking, as were all the Qaldreths from the sky tribe of Zuphayr.

Drafe waited, scanning the council to ensure none would speak.He didn’t need to add disrespect to his charges.“I rescued the only witness, Great Council, and yes, my implant did malfunction, causing Luharp Vadril Ot to suffer alongside me.Unable to bear the shared pain, he instructed me to seek medical attention.”Drafe sucked in a deep breath.“I ensured he was well-guarded, tasking Meorri aac Saha Karu to protect him.Under the circumstances, twenty-two arraks, twenty-three karu, and a dozen sava were sufficient protection against a corpse.”

The council nodded.

“You are wise to mention the protectors, the trainees, and the additional security, Drafe Arrak.Had I been in your situation, I would have acted the same.”Kish Udap’s words stiffened Drafe’s spine.Agreeing with him made his symbiotes ripple to the surface of his skin, threatening to form his armor to shield him.

“This was an attack none of us foresaw.”Srim Udap scanned the crowd.“An illogical strategy is required.You will share your symbiotes with the uz, Drafe Arrak.”

Gasps rippled across the room.Kish Udap slapped the stone desk, and silence prevailed.

Drafe reeled.To share his symbiotes with an Ivoy was the prerequisite to becoming a protector.The higher the Ivoy’s rank, the more honorable.An uz would bring no honor to his tribe.Drafe would have to guard the uz until the Ivoyan’s death, natural or otherwise.

“The acting Ivoyan leadership has demanded justice be served.You and your uz will travel the galaxy and hunt down the culprits.”

Exiled but not to Qaldreth.Under their vigilance, he could not react.Dishonor, enslavement, and banishment were his punishments.He fought for calm, running an imaginary hand over his symbiotes to soothe them.There was honor to be found on a revenge quest.

“All findings will be reported to me,” Kish Udap continued.

Drafe straightened.“As you command, Kish Udap.”

“You leave as soon as the symbiote transfer is complete, your implant replaced, and a ship fueled.”Eran Udap gestured to the hall.“Choose your crew.Additional security will be provided.”

“Do not take this mission as leniency on our part,” Kish Udap sliced glances at his council members.“Fail this, and dishonor and exile won’t be the worst of your punishment.”

Drafe frowned.This wasn’t exile?Dishonor?What could be worse than sharing his symbiotes with a servant?“I thank you for this opportunity, Great Council.”Offering his back to the Q.C.C., he scanned the room.“One from each tribe would suffice.”Picking faces he knew were ot-less, he listed them.“Riermus aac Vaen, Zuphayr aac Gusin, Jeerlud aac Juunn, Borven aac Igar, Giniiri aac Nenn, and Awayar aac Caah.”

Each male jogged to the dais, scowls marring their features.Drafe may have doomed them to a lonely death or exile, butwhenthis quest succeeded, they too would receive the honor.

“So noted,” Srim Udap announced, banging his fist on the desk.The Q.C.C.followed, stating the end of the council.

“You are a lucky male,” Vaen growled.“Not that I thank you for dragging me along.”

“Same.”Juunn scanned the dissipating crowds.His green eyes flashed, and his brown hair rose and fell, revealing his displeasure.

“Is this punishment for making you wait for the temp-device?”Nenn rocked on his heels, a smile teasing his lips.

Drafe chuckled.“You were there, Nenn.I assumed you’d want to see justice done.”

“As Osnir is my witness, Drafe, the killers will pay.To stand aside, let you go off on this mission alone, my children’s children will forever curse my name.”Nenn grasped Drafe’s forearm.

“You believe we can find them?”Vaen arched a golden brow, bright against his brown skin.

“I do.”Drafe raised his chin, showing his determination.

“Yet again, you escape justice.”Ulvus nudged the others aside to glare at Drafe.“You should not have been accepted as a karu then awarded an ot.Now, this.”He growled.“Kreta curse you, Drafe.”

“Ah, Meorri aac Ulvus Sava, it is good I see you wishing Osnir’s blessings upon this journey.”Kish Udap, striding through, parted the males gathered.“For you too shall be tasked to assist Drafe Arrak.”

Ulvus’s cheeks paled, but he offered a nod to Kish Udap as if pleased to be included.

Drafe gritted his teeth when Kish Udap sauntered across the hall and out the building.Lilac sunlight bathed the platform outside, bringing little warmth.

Vaen’s golden eyes faded to brown when he glared at Ulvus.“Foq, I’d prefer to bring all the untrained karu than that idiot.”His tone dipped, his words meant only for Drafe’s ears.

“Same.”Drafe chuckled.“A vasquva would be a more helpful addition.”

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