While the team was left with their meager meal of insect slush, Talokta and his senior warriors feasted in a luxurious dining chamber. All savoring a rare vintage as Talokta
waited to hear word from the rest of his fleet. While his men relaxed, chatted and feasted, he sat back, his mind on other matters. By now, Manutaai should have the stones and the woman in his possession. Interrogations had finished amongst the rest of his prisoners and upon perusing his men’s reports only one held interest for him.
The human called Pete Reynolds had a vast incredible knowledge of Earth’s history and a very high level of intelligence. He could see Reynolds had a particular fascination for Kate Willard. Reynold’s thoughts held Kate in the forefront. He had an obsessed belief that she was a reincarnation of an ancient Graffa ruler called Queen Leah, which was the one piece that interested Talokta. He also noted during his own personal observation, that Pete Reynolds had strong emotional and physical desires for Kate. All this and more was gained without Pete even opening his mouth.
Now that she had passed the necessary tests, confirming her identity, Talokta could either eliminate the other prisoners or, as the Trimadians were always looking for volunteers in the mines, take them back to Heliostronus. As Reynolds’ Earth knowledge was extensive, he may still prove useful. At this stage, he decided it would be prudent to treat the prisoners well. This may help to ensure completing another part of his mission parameters—engaging the female’s trust.
“Use any means at your disposal, but you must protect the Graffa female and gain her trust in you,” were his direct orders.
Talokta himself, being a man of extreme cunning and high intellect, knew careful and subtle intervention would be necessary. She was no fool.
He decided to implant Pete with a Cathexistome, which, in theory, should mask any personal feelings he had for Kate Willard, and make him more compliant.
This carried an element of risk, as humans, especially the less perfect specimens, were basically unexplored in this area of science. But Talokta was given absolute discretion in anything he wanted to do as long as he achieved his ultimate goal. Of course humans were experimented on thousands of years ago, but were incomparable to the far more superior Cantal race.
As a precaution, he would make sure Pete Reynolds would retain no memory of the operation so as not to arouse any suspicion.