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The heels of Kindel's boots left a dull echo in their wake, their rapping the only sound disturbing the otherwise silent hall. Scimitar and Kalibur followed close behind. Soldiers stood at attention as they passed, uneasiness blatant in their expressions. Dozens of them walked throughout the corridors, varying in both rank and species, but each froze when they saw the admiral approaching. Kindel liked it that way. As long as they feared him, it was unlikely they'd attempt to usurp his command of the Vezulian Armada. He would not allow himself or his people to be conquered. Not again.
The door to the Research Deck slid open, greeting Kindel with a momentary burst of cool air. A catwalk ran around the upper perimeter where assorted computer terminals lined the walls, mostly used for quick sensor scans or retrieval of planetary information. The elevated walkway gave a clear view to the white-robed scientists and researchers bustling around the floor below. Kindel's snow-white hair swayed as he descended the stairway to the lower level with his two assistants in tow.
The deck was home to the bulk of the science team along with most of their equipment. Computer terminals and science stations were set in cubicles, each with two or more scientists hard at work. Many stations had long black tables set beside the computers, complete with advanced testing equipment for experiments and analysis. A large holographic imaging system stood in the center of the lab. The unit projected an enormous holographic model of the charted universe. Using the controls at its base, one could locate planets, plot destination courses, or even track how planets and galaxies shifted over time. A wealth of information was at the fingertips of any scientist in need.
Kindel's eyes thinned as he approached the Planetary Ecosystems terminal. Lieutenant Petreit, wrapped in a white coat, sat at the computer with his head in his hands and Lieutenant Merlianis beside him. Like Kindel, she was a zo'rhan, though decades younger. She wore her long purple hair in a twisted bun, and her pale blue skin glittered in the light with her movements. Kindel didn't give them a chance to notice his presence.
"Have you found what I asked of you, Lieutenant Petreit?"
Ever so slightly, Petreit shuddered. He was on his feet in an instant, saluting Kindel and no doubt hoping the reaction had gone unnoticed. Merlianis matched the pose beside him, her dull blue eyes quivering under the Kindel's expectant stare. "We have, Sir," Petreit reported. "However, there is—"
"You are dismissed, Lieutenant," Kindel's words were directed toward Merlianis, speaking as though Petreit hadn't replied. "Proceed to the Bridge. Captain Tiras requires assistance in cartography."
"Right away, Sir!" the female zo'rhan replied, bowing. Relief was evident in her face as she sped toward the stairwell. Kindel returned his gaze to Petreit.
"I thought I made it clear that the information I shared with you was classified, Lieutenant." His eyes thinned. "What did you tell her?"
Petreit's face turned white, and his terrified stare shifted from Kindel to Scimitar and Kalibur. "Sir, I didn't tell her anything about the stone! On my honor as a Vezulian soldier, I said nothing! She was assisting me in locating the gem you requested, that is all. I didn't even mention that it was for you. I simply said—"
"And what have you found?" the admiral cut him off.
"Belvidia, Sir," the lieutenant's response was quick. "It's a planet in the Zeros galaxy. It's populated by a race of winged creatures. They resemble pixies, Sir. They are born with a precious green gem embedded within their forehead. As they grow, so does the gem. Since it is born of flesh, I don't see why we couldn't extract the proper genetic sequences from one of them to produce another. Seeds, like you said."
The harsh expression on Kindel's face faded and was replaced by a satisfied smile. "You've done well, Lieutenant. I want all the information on this planet, its indigenous life, and that stone that you can gather. Have it sent to the terminal in my quarters."
"Of course, Sir," Petreit nodded. "There's just one . . . problem."
Kindel eyed him for a moment. "Go on."
"Um, well, you see, the planet has been quarantined by the Aeden Alliance. Apparently, Belvids have been hunted to near-extinction by poachers in search of that very same gem. They sell for quite a bit of money, so I read."
Kindel closed his eyes and shook his head. The Aeden Alliance was an intergalactic army formed to support and defend any and all planets who accepted their help. They considered themselves to be the peacekeepers of the universe, though they foolishly believed that Kindel and his Armada were a threat to that peace. They didn't understand Kindel's ideals, and they certainly didn't understand the brutish minds of conquerors. Peaceful negotiations were not always an option, though the Alliance insisted the contrary. Countless civilizations throughout history had fallen to the sword because of such naive thinking. Conquerors know nothing of civilized negotiations, nor would such tactics work to calm their rage. The only answer, every single time, was to eliminate them before they eliminated others.
"I doubt the Alliance will take kindly to our presence there," Petreit muttered to himself, studying the text on his terminal. "And they've got a blockade in place."
Kindel glanced at the screen, then drew a round silver communicator from his belt. "Bridge, this is Admiral Thorus."
"Yes, Sir," Captain Tiras' voice responded. "Your orders?"
"Take us to the Zeros system. Inform the rest of the fleet to follow. We have business at Belvidia."
"Acknowledged, Sir," Tiras replied.
Kindel returned the communicator to his belt with a heavy sigh and returned to the stairwell. "Well, Aldoric, it seems as though our paths may cross once more. Perhaps I'll finally be able to rid the universe of your wretched blood."