“We updated a month ago. Can’t you put that in your report?”

The angry demand annoyed Lissi. It wasn’t her first time meeting with representatives after completing her inspections and having them want her to change one thing or another. Unfortunately for Mian, the person in charge of this holo-center, he’d ignored several prior warnings from her peers and other inspections. The update he performed on the visual stimuli machines didn’t come close to the system’s requirements.

If a visitor came to The World of Amusement and signed for any of the five garden simulator packages, they risked severe eye injuries with the outdated optic units available for the holo program. The purpose of the WOA was to give one a real life feel of being in a variety of garden settings. Those who came from barren wastelands or water worlds loved it here. They didn’t expect to go blind.

“Mian, you did the bare minimum even though my predecessor told you what was needed.” Lissi checked her data pad and keyed all the failure codes in. “As it stands you have failed your inspection and will be closed for business effective immediately or until you provide proof you have completed the necessary changes.”

She tensed as he rose from his chair to huff and glare but eventually he waved her away. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do and be in touch with the Tourism division.”

As Lissi took her leave from his office, his grumbles followed behind her. Holding back a small smile at another successful assignment, Lissi rode the temporary hover-car assigned for her use and headed for the flight center. She had one more trip before returning home to Enotia. To Rydak.

A smile broke across her face. Now that he knew he could withstand her touch they took every opportunity possible to be together. Her parents indulged them with knowing looks whenever Rydak came by to see her. Her maman prepared food as if he was a lost son.

Rydak surprised her the most. His adjustment in being with her seemed too easy. Then again, they’d danced around one another for far longer than most relationships lasted. Kissing her seemed to be an irresistible draw for him. Every chance Rydak got, he stroked bare fingers over her cheeks, pressed his lips to hers and slid his tongue into her mouth to tease.

For Lissi, it was a dream come true. It didn’t hurt that the nights she snuck to base were filled with passionate cries and pleas for pleasure. For his part, Rydak indulged her need to be around him. Sometimes she’d awaken to him playing with her hair. Other times, she’d catch him staring at her and there was such wonder and disbelief in his gaze it made Lissi want to cry. They were learning one another and soon he’d realize the ability to touch her without pain wasn’t going away. 

Lafette, the resort getaway for the wealthy, was up next. Lissi admitted to a very strong sense of interest in visiting the place. She’d never gone to a place where decadence was the norm and anything could be had for a price. It would be her most exciting inspection yet. Contacting Matron Toule, Lissi gave her update on WOA in a concise report.

“Are you on your way to Lafette now?”

Lissi checked around to see she was close to the flight center. “I’m leaving and going there directly from here on the next transport shuttle.”

It would take mere hours of travel and the Director of Lafett expected her.

“How did Mian take the closure?”

Better than Lissi thought considering all things. “He wasn’t pleased but I think this time he’ll at least comply with the measures to pass the next inspection.”

On screen, her supervisor’s face creased with one of the rare smiles Lissi treasured. “We are most pleased with your work, Lissi. Take a few extra days while at Lafette once you complete the inspection. Enjoy yourself.”

A full laugh burst forth from Lissi. The idea appealed so much she agreed immediately. “I will do so.”

Matron Toule winked. “Make sure to tell me if it is worth a trip. I have time due soon for a relief break.”

Still chuckling, Lissi ended the transmission then stepped from the hover-car, her stride sure and confident as she headed for the transport which would take her to Lafette. She had time for one more brief call.

“Jaard.”

His voice gave her shivers. “Rydak.”

“You are well?” The tone was abrupt and matter of fact. She didn’t take offense. Usually this meant he was busy working.

“I am well. I wanted to hear your voice.” The admission cost her nothing but the return was priceless.

“You are on my mind as well.” His voice lowered. “I cannot speak further. Are you returning soon?”

Lissi bit her cheek. Presentation requests were open. Would he ask her to be his Chosen? “I will let you know as soon as I arrive.”

She was about to end the transmission when he added, “Keep yourself safe for me. Please.”

A tremulous grin lifted her lips in a smile. “I will do my best.”

Landing on Lafett was far smoother than any other trip. Top of the line launch pads cushioned the ship upon touch down. If Lissi thought she knew what to expect upon her arrival, she was vastly mistaken. Four scantily clad women of various races hovered in a corner of the space port. An equal number of shirtless men stood beside them. Despite her intentions, Lissi’s face heated at the provocative dress.

The group converged in a circle and one of the women with golden skin tones and an ankle length tail seemed to be giving them direction. None gave Lissi a second glance.

Aside from them, the area was devoid of others. Machinery hummed in the background as her lone transport took off on a muted blast blowing strands of loose hair in her face.

It was with relief Lissi spotted the lithe form of Director Rozo as he headed her way with an odd hitch to his step. Two men in dark clothing trailed close behind him, their gazes locked on her. Hair of midnight lay in waves brushed back from their broad foreheads. Gill slits along each side of thick necks hinted at a dual aquatic nature. She hadn’t been informed the Director needed security for the premises yet.

Aside from a small select listing of VIP members granted an early preview of the facility, she’d assumed Lafett would be empty.

“Inspector.” The mellow greeting snared her attention.

Bovine features alight, Rozo nevertheless shifted on his feet and brushed his hands at nonexistent dirt on the metallic silver pants he wore. Nerves tended to be the norm for those getting inspections, yet something about his behavior seemed off.

“Director Rozo, I’m Lissi Alonson and here for the final inspection before the grand opening.” She kept her voice calm in hopes of putting him at ease.

The large bulge in his throat wobbled and his lavender skin lightened to milky white but his smile held. “Yes. We are aware and prepared.” He waved a hand at the large dome structure behind him with its connecting buildings. “I will lead you.”

His companions remained silent as they made their way inside. More than the crisp air cooling the interior had a shiver rolling down Lissi’s spine. She tried to place the males but other than humanoid, she couldn’t determine the nature of their origins or race.

Living with a Jutak warrior and a papan with a background in the military government tended to leave Lissi with a hyper awareness in certain situations and this one warranted her notice. Everything about these two screamed dangerous.

One caught her stare and the corners of his lips curled up in a smirk. When she flinched involuntarily, he let out a low laugh, drawing his partner’s attention toward Lissi.

While Rozo kept walking, the two males stopped and blocked Lissi’s path. Twin pairs of murky green eyes full of evil pinned her in place.

“You are Enotian,” the one on the left said.

“She is...ripe,” the one on the right added.

Lissi couldn’t decipher the look that passed between them. When next they spoke, it was in perfect harmony. And more frightening then anything they’d done or said so far. “You will take advantage of what Lafett offers.”

It wasn’t poised as a question. Hiding the tremble of fear their words caused, Lissi braced her hands on her hips. “I’m only here long enough to complete the necessary inspection.”

Any plans to extend her stay or see the wonders of this facility evaporated. It didn’t take much thought to know she wanted far away from these two.

“Inspector Alonson,” Rozo called as he turned and noticed they weren’t following.

Lissi hurried to catch up, her shoes clicking loudly over the pavers as she walked. Instead of going behind Rozo, the men now took up pace behind Lissi. She didn’t like the new positioning at all, feeling hemmed in. Ignoring growing tendrils of foreboding, she tried to concentrate on the beauty of the elaborate building. It truly was a fine example of delicate engineering combined with curving lines in place of static walls.

Up above, walkways with only thin cables for railings led to more familiar rectangle segments, which splintered off from the central dome portion in various pathways in every direction. Rozo pattered on about the benefits of spa treatments, massages, the extras offered and the specialized equipment he’d ordered for the more adventurous individuals.

Inside the opulent lobby, it became apparent Lafett strived for the height of luxury. Deep lounges covered in thick white material clustered the center area. Rich startling flashes of red speckled the walls and jewels glistened from the fixtures above, creating a sparkling light display on the bright tiled white floors.

Rozo walked toward an arched doorway trimmed in gold. “In here. I thought we’d go straight to my office.”

Lissi was already shaking her head. That wasn’t how this worked. “I need to do a walk through in order to sign off on everything.”

If she hadn’t been paying attention, Lissi would have missed the look Rozo shot toward the two others. He dragged a hand over his hairless skull and once more his natural purple hue paled in distress.

“Right...um...we can do that, of course. Later. There are about twenty members here for a trial preview though.”

The VIP. “I will not disturb them and be as unobtrusive as possible while you walk me around.”

She understood discretion and only needed to see the key areas, make notations, then be on her way. Anything to be gone from Lafett and this sudden disquiet.

Rozo paused, his brown gaze darkening with remorse Lissi couldn’t place. He straightened his shoulders and inclined his head with a somber cast. “I am sure you will find everything in order. But know now I wished for another ending.”

Startled she didn’t have time to puzzle his meaning because Rozo strode away from the office door, leaving Lissi no choice but to follow.

They traversed wide halls and twisting passageways with walls covered in artwork depicting things which left Lissi blushing fiercely. Rozo stopped at a closed door and nodded at Lissi. “This is the last room on the tour.”

Her prelims showed different. “How is that possi—”

Rozo swung the door open and Lissi barely noted the frightened faces of the people crowded in what would have been a beautiful island setting if not for the four armed males holding weapons pointed in her direction.

A hard shove from behind and Lissi stumbled forward. She spun on a gasping protest, breath accelerating. “Ww-hat is this?”

“This is payback to those who thought to punish me for making a living.”

The new voice came from behind her. A man in black leather pants, a green shirt and a tan jacket swaying about his hips approached. The look on his face shook Lissi to her core. This man had no mercy. Death stared back at her.

“Who are you?” Her voice quivered on the end and Lissi hated her sudden lack of courage.

“I am Di-Tel.” He gestured around those assembled as if unconcerned with the laser blaster held with utmost ease in his hand. “My friends and I are now in charge of Lafett.”

***

The weekly meetings Jahul held tended to go rather quickly. Today he stressed the care they needed to take in any endeavor and reviewed basic mission protocol.

“No heroics. No one letting arrogance lead.” He looked each of them in the eyes as he went over his standard speech.

“Sorry to interrupt, Jahul.”

Everyone spun around as Torkel entered the conference room followed by the rest of those on Team One and Team Two. Dressed in combat gear as well, his fellow Jutaks filed in single order, some sweating and a few with wet hair as if the Unit Leader had caught them right after cleansing.

“I just finished an emergency holo-vid.” Torkel stood at the front of the room and waited until everyone took a seat. “The Commander and governing council just received notification that Di-Tel escaped from the prison transport a week ago. He never arrived on Dorlo.”

Di-Tel had been sentenced to serve his time on the harsh prison colony for twenty years. Rydak folded his arms over his chest and shrugged. “How does this affect us?”

Torkel looked more annoyed then bothered by the news. “I didn’t think it would. But it seems during their time together Lartik may have shared his knowledge of explosives and that’s how Di-Tel escaped.”

“He blew up a prison colony?” Rydak asked in some disbelief. Something of that magnitude had never been done before.

Torkel shook his head. “He blew up the prison transport, killing the guards and several other prisoners. No one is sure how he got away but he had to have help.”

Kyele spun a knife between his fingers and smirked. “Doesn’t seem to be our problem. Yet.”

Of course, Kyele didn’t care. The Jutak’s blasé attitude intimidated and unnerved most. Green eyes flickered in Rydak’s direction and they stared at one another. Like souls recognizing one another in some way. He nodded at Rydak in acknowledgment then snarled and shoved at Jaron who had attempted to use his shoulder to lean on.

Rydak shook his head and focused on the rest of what Torkel shared. Torkel’s comm beeped. A brief conversation later and his expression grew grim. He ended the call and faced them. Tension flowed in the air as everyone prepared for what he would say.

“Right now, we have another problem.” Torkel’s lips pursed, frustration gleaming from his brown eyes. “The commander just received word the emergency beacon was activated at Lafett.”

Ice slid through Rydak’s veins but his Unit leader continued.

“An unidentified group of males have taken possession of the facility. From the information available, there was a small number of guests given VIP privileges to take advantage of the offerings before the official grand opening.”

Each man in the room released a round of curses. It wasn’t just the idea of hostages being held. What added to an already tough situation was the fact the guest list would surely include prominent individuals from various worlds.

“Do we know who?” Jaron asked, already in resolve mode as he pulled out his data pad.

“Not yet. May take longer to get further details.” Torkel shared a glance with everyone. “I do not need to stress the importance of this mission requiring care.”

For the first time, Jahul spoke up. “Which team will you send?”

“Team Two. Faruk’s the one I want leading this.”

It didn’t hurt having the Enotian who was an expert shot take charge.

Torkel parted his lips to give further details when his comm went off again. While he answered, those on Team Two began to talk in hushed whispers. Rydak suspected they were going over possible parameters.

As he waited for more information, his gut twisted. Jaron came to stand beside him, brow arched. “You look like somethings on your mind.”

How could he explain the sudden need to check on Lissi? She’d mentioned a list of places she’d conducted inspections on but he couldn’t recall if the resort facility was one of them or assigned to another. He hoped the fates decided to be on his side and kept Lissi far from whatever was occurring on Lafett.