“Why?” Nat glared back at him with her best thunderous expression. “It’s obvious why he did it. He didn’t want us to contact you. I’m not surprised, and honestly, I don’t blame him. It’s certainly not going to affect our friendship.”

Nond straightened in his chair. “Friendship?”

“Yeah,” I interjected, “friendship. Sheldon is our friend. He’s a little abrasive at times, but he’s also been there for us when we needed him, and he risked his life, or existence if you prefer, to help save the Earth. We’re not giving him up without a fight.”

Nat took up the attack. “And I bet we could get the whole planet behind us on this. I know how to use social media, believe—”

Nond waved a hand to cut her off. “I am aware of the power of social media. We are infested with it as well. At the moment, the human populace is not aware of the extraterrestrial aspects of this adventure, and we would prefer to keep it that way.” He exchanged looks with his compatriots, then turned back to face us. “We will have to discuss this internally. You will doubtless be more comfortable in the Foundation ship, er, Halo, where I assume you have human-compatible supplies. We will contact you presently for individual interviews.” He stood, followed a moment later by the other members of the Gennan delegation.

After a brief hesitation, I nodded and stood. “Fair enough. You know where to find us.”

The guard squad formed a corridor for us, and the delegation marched back to the docking bay. We were halfway back to the ship when I noticed another honor guard coming our way. My guides scrunched over to the left side of the hallway, and the other group adjusted accordingly.

As we came even, I was amazed to see Karen and Arley, in their natural forms, with their hands behind their backs. Karen spotted me at the same moment, snarled, and yelled something. Then she dove straight at me, mouth agape and fangs showing to maximum effect. I only had time to think predator before half the guard troop dogpiled her while the other half piled on Arley, just on principle. Meanwhile, two of my escorts literally picked me up by the arms and hustled me down the hall, my legs dangling and my feet not even touching the ground. Judging from the curses, Nat was getting the same treatment.

They didn’t put us down until we were in front of the ship. I glanced at my guards, who were looking somewhat less cool and detached. This might have been more action than they normally got on board ship. “What did she say?” I subvocalized.

Sheldon made a noise that might have been a laugh. “Something about not bothering to remove your limbs at all before eating you. I think perhaps the romance is off.”

Chapter Forty-Two: Negotiations

Chapter Forty-Two: Negotiations

Day 32. Monday