Page 101 of Tribute
“Yeah.” Kai entered the fray. “And who exactlygavePalk permission to get away with that stunt? Someone had to.”
“There is a large segment of the government that would prefer to live peacefully with theUngrich. I understand that Palk found his supporters among those people.”
“But theUngrichdon’t want to live in peace,” Rehz said. “They want to fucking annihilate all of us and take back the planet’s surface. We lived in their heads and in their world for weeks. We know the truth more than anyone. Don’t you get it?”
“And what do you suggest we do, Rehz Akran? Go into their world and annihilate them instead?” The president grimaced. “Maybe you are too young to remember the colony wars when cities were swallowed whole by theUngrich, and millions died. We still can’t beat them. We don’t have the weapons to destroy them without destroying ourselves.”
“So we just sit back and play nice?” Aled demanded.
“It’s not quite that desperate. Thanks to the bravery of the four of you, we know what they are attempting and can prevent it.”
“And just how do you intend to do that?” Kai asked.
“By screening all potential Tributes for human DNA. If we no longer supply them with what they need, they won’t be able to experiment any further.”
Aled shook his head. “You don’t understand them at all, do you, sir? They know what they want now, and they crave it like a drug. If you won’t supply it, don’t you think they’re going to find ways to obtain it for themselves?”
“I agree with Aled,” Rehz said. “But you don’t fucking care, do you, Landis Khan? Because you’ve got your precious treaty.”
The president sat back, looking less regretful than Aled thought he had a right to be. “I’m sorry you feel this way. We were hoping to retain you all as advisors on this matter.”
Kai’s laugh was short and bitter. “I’d advise you to get in there and blow them up. That’s it. How about you guys?”
Anna nodded. “Sounds like a great plan to me.”
“We do intend to use the information you brought us about the supposed experimentation to develop some more targeted organic weapons. Our scientists believe that interfering with them at a cellular level might be successful.”
“Well, thank the gods for that at least,” Rehz muttered. “I might even be willing to be consulted about that.”
“Youwould?” The president smiled. “Thank you.” His gaze moved over all four of them. “I realize you might not believe me, but the Mitan government really is in your debt, and we are deeply grateful for your efforts. I have been authorized to offer you all Exalted Citizen status, with all that entails, and an income for life.”
“Where can we live?” Rehz’s gaze was intent.
“Wherever you wish.” The president looked puzzled. “We have no intention of curtailing your freedom.”
Rehz glanced at Kai and then at Aled and Anna. “All of us?”
“Yes. We would also like to offer you a lifetime security detail.” He turned to Bron. “I’ve actually offered my chief of security the opportunity to form your detail if you want him onboard.”
“When can we leave?”
“When you are cleared by my medical staff.”
“It’s that simple?” Rehz asked.
“Why should it not be?”
“Because of those elements you mentioned within the government. The ones who helped Palk. Where is Palk, by the way?”
Bron cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, General Palk has disappeared. We have men out searching for him at this moment.”
Kai groaned. “That’s fucking great.”
“We’ll find him,” Bron said. “He’s wounded.”
“And all the more dangerous for it.” Rehz tapped his fingers on the tabletop. “I know the man. He loves causing pain and fear.”
“If you don’t wish to make permanent plans quite yet, I would be honored to offer you my family ranch in Zangreb Province. It is secure and quite isolated.”
