Dex stood next to his father's seat and ogled the blue planet. It was mostly water yet its inhabitants bore no resemblance to aquatic creatures of any kind. The humans did have myths about sea people. He wondered what category they would place his people in.
"Just look at it, Dex. Not quite as beautiful as Felinia, but still pretty," Renten noted as his claws drummed against the arm rests.
"Yes, but different can be good." Dex grinned when his father chuckled. "Besides, we have more land, yet look at the advantages of having so much water."
"True, my son. Master Chief Leftclaw, every guard knows to keep all telepathic contact to a minimum, correct?"
Master Chief Leftclaw hauled his bulky Posaima body up from his seat. "Yes, Sire. Any who disobey earn an immediate visit to Master Bravemore."
"Good. Things must go right. We need these humans. Make sure the guards keep an eye out for Lupines. I want to believe we made it here first, but one can never be too careful."
"Yes, Sire." Leftclaw bowed and returned to his seat.
Dex went back to staring at the view-screen. The information they had received from the human probe had contained a wealth of information, including what the Earth's inhabitants looked like. The human form was intriguing.
Only ten minutes until touchdown. Dex felt it. Destiny beckoned and he would gladly embrace it. Grinning, he took his seat and readied for the landing.
* * *
Jewels marched quickly to her spot in the courtyard. About one hundred of the base's personnel, officers and soldiers had lined up to greet the arriving visitors. She slid in to place next to a Private who appeared to be close to her own age.
"Hi, name's Davis Blackthrone," he whispered and kept his gaze fixed firmly ahead.
"Jewels Enbran, and here comes the General," she hissed. She snapped to attention as Brigadier General Maussey paused before her.
"Special Lieutenant Enbran, I hope we can make it through this event without incident. Am I clear?"
She stopped herself from sneezing in his face. Whatever cologne Maussey wore was strong. "Yes, Sir. Crystal clear, Sir."
Jewels heard his annoyed grunt. Not that he could do anything about her response. It was textbook perfect.
::Jewels, stop taunting him. Do you want to give him a reason to send you to the MDC?::
::Chill out, Jeremy. I was behaving and, besides, the good General knows it. Now, please hush, the aliens are landing.::
"Company, attention!"
Jewels snapped to attention along with everyone present. She hated this too. All this ceremony. Her curiosity made standing still a chore. Maussey was sadistic enough to make them stay this way indefinitely if it pleased him.
::Jewels, focus, please.::
::Stop fussing at me, Jeremy. Sheesh, what is your deal?:: Her anchor was being unusually uptight today.
::Nothing, Kid. Sorry. I really need you calm and focused. Otherwise you're going to give the med computers fits.::
::I doubt that. Besides...They've landed!:: Jewels stopped speaking, too busy marveling at the ship's unique design. It might be space-worthy, but it reminded her of a cat. ::I wonder if it's as harmless as a kitten or lethal like a lion?:: She immediately banished that thought.
::Good girl, Jewels. No profiling. Looks like they're emerging. Get ready.::
::Always,:: she quipped assailed by the feeling of wrongness.
"Company, at ease!"
She was relieved. Perhaps Maussey would play nice for the arrivals. Jewels watched the diplomatic liaison, a short nervous man named Larry Mellen, hurrying to the ramp. He was sweating profusely and she wondered if the man's body odor would offend the aliens.
::Jewels, I swear you think the strangest things.::
She laughed mentally at Jeremy's exasperation. ::I can't help it. This is new for all of us. The door is opening! Here they come!:: Like those gathered, she was eager for a first glimpse of the visitors.
When a giant lion emerged, standing upright on two legs, no one held back gasps of awe at the sight.
::Jeremy, are you seeing this!::
::Yes, and it appears that everyone here in the command center is mesmerized as well. Now that you've ogled, back on task, Kid. You need to do the scan when they start down the ramp.::
::Jeremy, we really should have told the brass to shove it where the sun don't shine. I can't do it, Jeremy. I won't!:: Jewels felt her anchor's astonishment at her words.
::Jewels,:: Jeremy growled. ::We took this mission, we WILL finish it. No matter our personal misgivings.::
::Jeremy, I...::
::You will obey. Lieutenant, that is an order!:: He roared at her.
His outburst rocked her to her core. Shocked and hurt, Jewels went silent. Jeremy had never talked to her like that before. She didn't know how to respond.
An uncomfortable moment passed between them. Jeremy spoke first in a calmer tone. ::Jewels, I'm here. You are not alone. If they are psionic, I will protect you. Now, get ready. They're moving down the ramp.::
Jewels' anxiety warred with obedience, and she chose to do her job and sort out her anchor's behavior later.