Star Alliance Read Online Free

galaxy, and that sometimes, despite all our best intentions, it may not be enough to impart our wisdom to other species.”
    “Well then, let’s hope both the Nershals and the Humans are smarter than that, or we may find ourselves in a war with them as well,” Kladomaor said.
    “Indeed, let’s hope so, for all our sakes. Now let’s try and think of a way we can help the crew of the Athena find their missing crew member,” Ma’jasalax said.

C HAPTER T HREE

    M AR A RDEN STOOD in a darkened room where only the minimal amber glow of holographic consoles provided any light. This amount of light was preferred by the Xiiginns, and there were no other species present in any official capacity. Most species in the Confederation functioned within a visual spectrum much higher than the Xiiginns. His species was at home in the darkness and could see stunning detail even with a minute amount of light. And darkness in this area of their base was a key necessity second only to the secrecy of its location. The nights upon this moon were long, which was something all Xiiginns relished. The star in their home system was old and nearing the end of its cycle in cosmic terms, much dimmer than the star here in the Nershal star system.
    A chime from the door sounded just before it opened and in walked Kandra Rene, one of his most promising students. Her long platinum-colored hair was tucked behind her ears, and her cool, calculating gaze only hinted at the shrewd intelligence she possessed in abundance. The curve of her lips lifted as she gave him a suggestive smile that was an open invitation should he wish to partake. Mar Arden regarded her for a moment, and Kandra Rene patiently waited for him to give the reason he had summoned her here. The most rewarding challenges happened to be the ones filled with danger, and taking one such as Kandra Rene into his employ came with its own set of risks. Mar Arden’s eyes slid down the black battle mesh that covered her perfectly proportioned body.
    Kandra Rene’s mouth opened slightly, revealing the sharp points of her teeth, but it was the fullness of her slightly swollen tongue that drew his gaze.
    “Sion Shif will be along shortly,” Kandra Rene said.
    “Good,” Mar Arden said. “I have a new project for you.”
    Kandra Rene’s eyes widened hungrily in anticipation. “I wait to serve.”
    Mar Arden activated the holoscreen, which showed an image of a life-form lying unconscious in the room beyond them. “Have you reviewed the report I sent you?”
    Kandra Rene nodded. “This is the new species?”
    “Yes. Sion Shif captured this one before escaping the cruiser,” Mar Arden said.
    Kandra Rene studied the holoscreen. “And they were working with the Nershals and the Boxans?”
    “Evidently. What I need from you is to find out all you can about this new species,” Mar Arden said.
    Kandra Rene glanced up at him in surprise.
    “You’re ready for this,” Mar Arden said. He knew she would seize this opportunity to prove her worth, but he didn’t want her efforts to be overzealous.
    “Sion Shif brought him here. Why wouldn’t you have him interrogate the prisoner?” Kandra Rene asked.
    “He will be occupied with me after we leave here. Sion Shif is more interested in the Boxans who sabotaged one of our cruisers,” Mar Arden said.
    Kandra Rene glanced at the being on the holoscreen. “Do you think the Nershals could have discovered a new species without our knowing about it?”
    “Doubtful. While the Nershals are brilliant navigators, their focus is more primitive. And the Boxans’ attempt to cultivate the Nershals as an ally against us has failed, so they wouldn’t be withholding information,” Mar Arden said.
    “Or so we thought,” Kandra Rene said. “Violent outbreaks from Nershals have been on the rise, and the cause is tied directly to the information leak from one of the research facility’s sub levels.”
    “You’re very well informed,” Mar Arden said.
    “You