At the UPO's North American headquarters, all hell had broken loose. Reports were pouring in from the other HQ branches. Several "somethings" were approaching the planet, and the military and scientific units were scrambling to uncover what they were.
Dimitri sat in his office with a grim look. He glanced at his advisors and friends. Each had a stake in this. "Well, Chris, I guess I lost the betting pool on whether you were right or not."
Manroe snorted. "I keep telling you not to bet against my record. It's the only good thing about me."
"Got that right," Brion muttered.
"Don't start, Xavier, or I swear I'll teleport you into an active volcano," Chris growled.
"Children! Can we please focus? The Lupines are here. I have to go give a quick speech to the UPO and the World. We will continue this conversation when I get back. Until then, play nice," Dimitri warned and left the four men behind.
He strode with purpose into the general session room. His presence quieted the noise. All eyes turned to him as he took the podium.
"My friends, today is a day that we, at the Executive Office, thought would never occur. We have discovered not only new allies, but enemies as well. Our enemies have been walking among us for a few decades, never directly harming us. They have infiltrated every part of our society. We have prepared for such a contingency. We urge you to follow the emergency plans that are being handed to you. We promise that our victory will be swift and decisive. That is all."
The room erupted in loud shouts for more answers, but Dimitri ignored them as he exited through a side door. Hinson, Zenath, Brion, and Manroe waited for him in the small conference room. They all wore stern expressions, and he grimaced.
"Well, that went as well as could be expected," he joked.
"True. Earth's people will forgive us in time for not informing them sooner, but we had too much riding on this. The new fleet is ready and waiting. We just need to get the girl on the lead ship. All military psionics are being flown to their respective ships even as we speak," Hinson informed him. He handed Dimitri a status pad.
He quickly read it. "And the Choosing? Are they on the third phase now?" He looked at Zenath.
"Yes, Sir. Your security double noted that the Gatoan Prince will most likely be the victor."
"And the readings between the pair?"
"Off the charts, just as I predicted. She's bound to him. She will fight to keep him alive, and that in turn will save humankind," Manroe added smugly.
Brion cleared his throat. "Sir, one of the Lupine agents is posing as a candidate. He has plans to grab the girl and give her to the enemy."
"Keep a guard on her. We can't afford to lose our biggest asset. I think it would be better if they took the Prince. Nothing like a little motivation to work a woman's emotions up." Dimitri handed Hinson the status pad. "Come, my friends, we have a planet to save."
"I will catch up to you later. There is one more small matter I must take care of," Manroe informed them before teleporting away.
"I swear that one day Chris' secrets are going to kill him," Zenath muttered.
Dimitri shook his head. "Let's go!"
"Yes, Mr. President."
Hinson led them outside, where a shuttle waited to take them to the starship they would use. The small group climbed in and took off for the launch pad, knowing that time was quickly running out.
* * *
Fearnone looked up at the sky. Night had come, and the humans had yet to emerge. He was beginning to get that feeling that told him the job had gone bad. Perhaps he should abandon this endeavor. He shifted his stance and prepared to leave.
"You know, that wouldn't be a wise move, Furball."
Fearnone tensed and felt a weapon poked into his back. "How did you see me?"
"The invis-shield was invented here on Earth. We track where our merchandise goes. Now, up. Nice and easy. One wrong step and you'll be a pretty rug on my floor."
Fearnone stood. He hated not being able to see his captor's face. "Do I get the honor of knowing who you are?"
"The name's Manroe. Unfortunately, I can't let you stay here. I will take what you know and use it to help her."
"What do you mean?" Fearnone demanded.
"Oh, nothing much. Just this."
Those were the last words Fearnone heard before Manroe's hand plunged into the back of his skull, and he began yowling in pain.