Read Key to the Stars Page 14


  *******

  Seated in the throne above, Truce scratched his beard. "Olock, I don't understand. I didn't program the implant to show mercy. I wanted to create the most dominant and lethal soldier possible. Anton has been neither so far. It's almost as though he's toying with Arus."

  "Perhaps there is a programming conflict somewhere that is hindering his functions," Olock suggested. "Or maybe we didn't evenly distribute the power systems, thus slowing the entire process down."

  "It's possible. Without any previous tests to go by, all I had to work with were hypothetical calculations. We'll have to tinker with the formulas once we see the test data." On his other side, F'Ledro cast nervous eyes on Kitreena's motionless figure. Truce spoke without even looking at him. "If you're so worried that she'll awaken and come after you, get Haralus to haul her to the cells. Unless you'd rather do it yourself."

  It took a moment for F'Ledro to shake his head. "I'm not . . . worried, Boss. Besides, I can handle her if she comes after me." His voice didn't sound as convinced as he would have them believe.

  "Suit yourself," Truce suppressed a laugh and turned his attention to the duel.