“They’re hiding something,” Eric said with certainty. “What, I’m not certain either. It may not even be something we consider important, but there’s something.”

“Agreed,” the ambassador said, “though I’m inclined to think that it may well be important. Just how important remains a mystery.”

“They’re not an easy people to read,” Eric confessed. “I’ve dealt with cultures all over Earth, many of whom I had far less respect for than the Priminae, but none that I had as much trouble understanding.”

“I’ve had a very similar experience,” LaFontaine said. “Since we know they’re hiding something, I’m hoping that you’ll use your reputation and contacts here to sound them out on just what their secrets might be.”

Eric nodded firmly. “I will. Whatever they’re hiding, there’s a good chance it will impact my mission and Earth’s security, so I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you. Most aspects of the embassy run very smoothly here,” LaFontaine said. “However, our intelligence gathering and analysis departments are almost literally pulling out their hair.”

Grinning, Eric said, “Frankly, Madam Ambassador, that amuses me more than anything else.”

“Amusing perhaps, but it isn’t a joke,” the ambassador said sternly. “Lives will depend on their work.”

Eric held up his hands in surrender. “Message received and understood, ma’am. I’ll see what I can dig up.”

She pinned him with a slight glare for a moment before relaxing. “Good. Most of the bureaucracy has already been dealt with concerning your visit, so we don’t have much to do here.”

Eric knew a dismissal when he heard one and rose to his feet.

“I’ll take my leave then, ma’am, and see what I can find.”

“Good luck, Captain.”

►►►

► There was only one source on Ranquil that Eric figured would know for certain what the Priminae were hiding, but the odds of that source talking to him were fifty-fifty at best. Nonetheless, Eric decided to make the attempt.

Now, if only Central had a phone number.

The annoyingly mysterious entity, sometimes “computer,” that seemed to run the day-to-day business of the Priminae on Ranquil was Eric’s best bet for answers. Likely obscure, murky, and annoying answers, but answers nonetheless.

Unfortunately, just asking the Priminae for access to the chamber that they designated as Central was a nonstarter. For one, it would tip them off that he was up to something, which he really would prefer to avoid since he was . . . well, actually up to something. More to the point, however, Central himself didn’t seem to have any interest in letting most people in on how he had come to exist.

Eric made his way to the shuttle pad, walking past the two Marine guards and up into the craft. He checked and found that the pilot wasn’t inside at the moment, then sealed the doors and locked everyone under his rank out.