“Why do we need any of this? Why does everyone in the galaxy value Tec so highly? Why can’t we live our lives in peace, like before?”

Alzigo looked at her steadily and raised a finger. “The most advanced technology in our galaxy is also the smallest. Tec supports and powers all enlightened race’s technologies. It allows achievements and technological leaps that would be otherwise impossible. Individuals become stronger and healthier as they gain more Tec and raise in levels. The dependency on mundane sustenance is lessened. Life expectancy extends by a hundredfold.

“With enough Tec, you can survive exposure to space, move planets, and even come back to life. Some extremely high-level beings are rumored to have existed since the dawn of time. The possibilities are endless. But gaining Tec can be difficult, which makes it such a high demand commodity.

“Few are brave enough to travel to worlds where the Warped are abundant to hunt and harvest them. Trade is a much more commonly accepted method. Rich merchants can afford to Infuse the piTec they’ve earned to gain levels. It is also customary to gift piTec. Parents often purchase the first few levels for their offspring when they reach maturity.”

“I see …” Nori tugged at one of her dreadlocks, mulling over the new information. “Is this why you came here? Because our world is filled with Warped?”

“Yes. Hunting Warped is a lucrative business. Newly Infused worlds have a higher Warped population than normal, though I didn’t expect it to be as severe as you described. It was my intention to capitalize on your planet’s newest resource, though things ... haven’t turned out as I had expected.”

Nori furrowed her brow. “Doesn’t that answer the question why would go through the trouble of infusing our planet? They basically turned us into a Warped farming ground.”

Alzigo shook his head. “Impossible. That would be economically illogical. The funds required to infuse an entire planet would far outweigh any possible Warped farming potential. Besides, there are forces out there set to monitor and enforce galactic law. They would never agree to such blatant interference with un-Infused planets.”

“What forces are you talking about?”