Shades of Gray Read Online Free PDF Page B

his hands, when they came into view, were equally laden with rings in the same metal. This was the species Kusac had mentioned. How had he known Kaid was with them?
    He realized that the Touiban had been speaking again and tore his attention back to what the small alien was saying.
    “I do apologize,” he began, feeling the blood rushing to his face in embarrassment before he could stop it.
    “No matter, General. I was merely saying that we can be dispatching a small team to your Ch’almuth world to work on both the Orbital and the ships,” said Toueesut with a large smile. “Hoping I am that my people are far more closely linked to yourself and the Prime world in the future.”
    “Thank you,” he said. “The ships, however, arrived here a few hours ago.”
    “Then we will be working on them here; it’s no matter to us. I will leave you now to continue your discussion with friend Kaid. When we arrive, we will be needing one or two of your people to come with us to Ch’almuth as we would not wish to earn their distrust by arriving without faces they are recognizing.”
    Taken aback by the continuous flow of words, Kezule blinked and managed a weak “Thank you,” before Toueesut disappeared.
    Kaid’s grin of amusement at his discomfort over the Touiban was almost feral in its enjoyment, but he ignored it.
    “I wouldn’t worry; they affect everyone that way the first time,” the Sholan said, with a purr of amusement the whole room could hear.
    “Their aid will be very welcome,” said Kezule stiffly. “If you can get their Orbital working, the Ch’almuthians are capable of defending themselves with that and the two cruisers. Their early-warning system is working so they do have at least one week’s notice of any ships arriving in their system.”
    “You got my message on what young Zsurtul has done, didn’t you?” Kaid asked abruptly, changing the topic.
    “Yes. This six-weeks grace will be extremely useful—though we can’t afford to wait that long before striking. Our new Emperor is more resourceful than I expected.” Kezule emphasized the word Emperor.
    “Agreed. Have you any intel on the City of Light defenses? Plans of the system would be extremely useful.”
    “I’ll have them transmitted immediately,” said Kezule. “The mission will be led by myself and Captain Aldatan jointly. I suggest that you hold your own briefing, then call me tomorrow at the same time and we can have a joint discussion.”
    “I don’t think ...”
    Kezule held up his hand. “I’ve already been through this with Commander Rhyaz. He’s agreed that his people will work under myself and Captain Aldatan.”
    Kaid hesitated briefly. “Talking of Kusac, I don’t see him there. I’d like to talk to him.”
    “The Captain stepped out of the room just before you called,” said Kezule blandly. “He’s not available right now, but I will pass on your message and ask him to contact you as soon as he can.” Seeing the other’s frown, he added, “Lieutenant Banner is here and can pass the message on to your ...” Here he hesitated, unsure of the complex relationships between Kusac, Kaid, and Carrie “. . . partner,” he said finally.
    “I’ll tell the Captain,” Banner confirmed. “You just missed him, sir, as the General said.”
    Kaid gave a brief nod of acceptance. “I’d also like the opportunity to speak to the Lieutenant privately when we’re finished here.”
    “Of course. M’kou will show him to our comms room when we’re done. Meanwhile, Commander Rhyaz informed me that our Prince has been staying on your estate. I need to talk to him.”
    “That’s not possible, I’m afraid,” said Kaid regretfully. “We’re unable to contact our home from the Couana .”
    “I need to talk to him,” insisted Kezule. “He is the Emperor-elect. He must be crowned on the Throne of Light or his ascension is meaningless to the Primes. For that, he’ll have to leave Shola and come here. Whatever you think