The Messenger
Page 8
“Commander! I wish to go with the landing party,” Quafeira pleads.
“Quafeira, I will remind you,” Ularik protests, “of the danger of this situation! We have no idea as to whom we may encounter on this world. I doubt seriously that whoever possesses these devices will surrender these devices peacefully.”
“Commander,” Ra’el interrupts, “in light of what you just said, I wish to put forth a more viable solution. I suggest that we use scouting probes to determine the best circumstances to make first contact.”
Ularik becomes interested in her suggestion. “Continue Ra’el.”
“Our presence,” she continues, “will most likely cause fear and alarm among whomever we meet. That being the case, I suggest that we first locate and then isolate one or two individuals, and build a mutual, yet covert relationship.” Aarath and Thanor look at each other in surprise. Thanor is proud that Ra’el is contributing to the possible success of the mission. Aarath, however, feels no such pride.
“I see your point,” Ularik admits. “In essence, we should make allies that can help us retrieve the devices.”
“Yes commander,” Ra’el concludes. “After we find the most likely candidate for first contact, I propose that we use someone who would appear non-threatening to this individual.” She looks at Aarath. “Perhaps we could use one of Aarath’s young and naive females.”
Ularik and two of his senior officers break out in a mild laugh. With a terse smile, Ra’el tilts her head. She refuses to allow Aarath to forget the insulting remark he made to her back on Akrosia.
“Excellent suggestion Ra’el,” Ularik concludes. “Then it is agreed. The landing party will establish a hidden and secured perimeter. Once this is accomplished, per Ra’el’s suggestion, we locate and talk with whomever can aid us in finding and retrieving those devices. As the initial phase of this operation is critical, we must move slowly and cautiously.”
AUTHOR BIO
Eugene Allen Wilson is a graduate of Tidewater Technical Institute of Hampton. His fields of interest are computers, digital electronics, electronics repair, and computer graphics design. Along with astronomy and astrophysics, he enjoys researching Afrikan, European, and American history, and especially Bible history. He enjoys old school R&B/Soul, smooth jazz, and classical music by Russian composer Tchaikovsky.
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