After healing the female, Dex teleported back to the scout ship. He was shaken by what had almost happened. He hadn't known how frail human minds were and the female warrior had nearly died as a result.
He wouldn't have known there was a problem if he hadn't felt the female's fear. Finding out that the mental touch of his people was harmful to her kind dismayed him. He made sure to heal her, but the encounter left him feeling guilty.
"My Prince, is there trouble planetside?"
Dex spun around and stared sheepishly at Master Chief Leftclaw.
"None that I couldn't handle." He regretted his flippant comment when Leftclaw crossed his arms and gave Dex an intimidating glower.
"Your Highness, I am head of the Royal Guard. If there is a threat, then I must be informed immediately. We can ill-afford to lose the monarch and heir on this mission. Besides, would you be willing to risk leaving the Queen in charge of the Empire?"
Dex hung his head. Leftclaw knew how to put a male in his place. He offered the Master Chief a sincere apology. "You are right and I am truly sorry for behaving like a cub. I think I should return to Father's side before I am missed."
"That would be wise, my Prince. I will be here if the need arises."
Dex gave a curt nod and teleported to a spot outside the conference room where his father, their liaison Larry, and the secretive Brigadier General Maussey sat discussing topics of interest.
::Father, I have returned.::
::Good, my son. How fares the human female?::
::I almost lost her, Father.::
Shame hit him. It was not something his kind did. Females were to be protected, cherished—not violated or killed. Only the lowest, most disgusting beast did such things. Even accidentally causing a female's death resulted in severe punishment.
::My son, do not berate yourself. We did not know our mental strength could harm them.::
::Your words are wise, Father. But I sense the human female is more than what she seems.::
::Perhaps. We shall make inquires. Come, join me. These humans can sometimes be tedious.::
::Yes, Father.:: Dex stared at the door. Yes, the female was special to him. She just didn't know it yet. He felt more in control of his emotions and entered the room.
Brigadier General Maussey's cloy scent hit his nose and he restrained his impulse to sneeze. The arrogant human was hiding something and he really wanted to know what it was.
"My King, Liaison Larry, Brigadier General Maussey. My apologies for taking so long. I was fascinated by your architecture."
He had disliked the way Maussey had treated the female warrior and saw no need to be truthful in the male's presence. Maussey frowned and Dex smiled, baring his fangs. He saw the man stiffen.
Larry grinned. "Our base design is geared toward efficiency and defense. Our civilian homes are different. How is it for you?"
At his Father's nod, Dex answered. "We live in the forests of our world. Each grove is comprised of the different bloodlines."
"Fascinating," Larry murmured while he made notes.
"Liaison Larry, if I may be so bold. Are we allowed to meet more of your psionics?" Dex watched Maussey's fists clench and noted Larry's surprise.
"Uh, um, hmm. I don't know. I'll have to get authorization."
"You do that. After all, this venture is all about discovery. And we wish to avoid any more 'misunderstanding' like today." Dex's barb struck home and Maussey ground his teeth.
::Father, I can't read his mind. I guess he has natural mental shields, but I will watch him. People like Maussey will cause us problems later.::
::Very observant, my son. I will inform the guards as well.::
::Thank you, Father.::
Dex yawned. "I'm feeling tired. Perhaps we can speak later?"
"An excellent idea, my son." Renten stood and Larry scrambled to his feet. Maussey scowled and slowly rose.
Dex was eager to explore the base. And perhaps find that female. He followed his father and Larry from the conference room to their temporary quarters.
Larry left and the royal guards silently took their positions outside the door.
Dex and his father went inside. Dissatisfied with the day's events, he stalked over to the small couch and sat.
"I think that went rather well," Renten murmured from his spot at the kitchen table.
Dex grimaced. Trust his father to understate his dislike of a situation. "Father, I'm beginning to believe we made a mistake coming here. Do we really want to be allied with such a secretive species?"
"You forget, my son, that we have secrets too. We need the humans. I think we should try a different approach."
"Oh?"
"We should seek answers from the human female warrior. We got some information from the Touch. I sense we could gain more."
A growl escaped Dex's mouth, earning him a sharp glance from his Father. Abashed at his strange reaction to his parent's words, he surged to his feet. "I think I shall retire. Tomorrow will be an interesting day. Good night, Father." He walked to his sleeping room and closed the door.
He flopped down on the bed and scowled at its softness. He was accustomed to harder surfaces, but that didn't bother him. No, what worried him was how protective a certain olive-skinned, violet-eyed human made him feel. Troubled by his thoughts, Dex finally fell asleep.