The tube had dropped them across the street from the compound. They had found a spot in a nearby alley with a good view and now stood there watching.

“Remind me why we are doing this?” asked Mrill.

Val clicked her tongue. “Look, I didn’t ask you to come with me. You’re welcome to return to the ship if you are bored.”

The blue-skinned woman shrugged. “I’m only curious.”

“I want to know what they’re up to, is that so difficult to understand?” She looked back toward the base. “They went to a lot of trouble to get this world, so there has to be something going on. And since this was the largest Imperial presence on Rimzana, I figure there has to be some Qevahri troops stationed here at least.”

“How much do you think you can learn from just observing them at a distance like this?”

Val had no answer to that, so she said nothing. Truth was, she hadn’t thought that far. This had been a spur-of-the-moment reaction, one thought leading to the next. A way to spend the time, she reflected bitterly. I mean, it’s not like I could do anything with this information, assuming I get any. Not to mention, none of this is any of my business. But I do hate waiting. And I’m curious, of course. Who wouldn’t be? This is all so messed up. I wish I could just...

Her eyes went wide as she spun around and stared at her Vron companion.

“What?” asked Mrill.

Val grinned. “I just had a crazy idea.”

“Should I be worried?”

“No, it’ll be fun!”

“Now I am worried.”

“You don’t look like it.”

“I never look like it.”

“Fair point. Anyway, I figured out a way we could easily learn what they’re up to.”

Mrill’s fingers twitched, though her face remained as impassive as always.

“I see.”

“I bet you do.”

“Val, I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Are you afraid of getting caught?”

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“Don’t be silly.”

“Do you have something better to do?”

“No.”

“So what is it, then?”

Mrill remained quiet for a moment as she looked toward the base.

“We might learn things we are not intended to know.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Some secrets can be damaging. Or they could affect your behavior, make you do things you wouldn’t have done otherwise.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like that stupid AI. Look, it’s simple. I’m going to find out what’s going on in there, with or without your help. It’d just be easier, and probably safer, with your help. Without it, I’d have to do something foolish... like break into that place tonight. And I’m not Kaine, so I’d likely get caught.”

Mrill stared at the young woman.

“Very well,” she said. “But there is a problem.”

“What?”

“We are too far.”

“Easily remedied. We’ll get closer.”

“That might not be enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“Those who know what you want to know are probably much further inside the base. To get close enough, we need to go through the gate, and I doubt the guards would let us in.”

She suddenly stopped speaking, and her fingers twitched more vividly.

Val grinned. “I’m sure you can convince them to let us through. It’s not like you haven’t done that before, right?”

Mrill’s arms went limp.

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Come on! It’ll be fun. Let’s go.”

They started toward the gate.

“You realize I will have to do this to everyone we meet? There could be a lot of people in there.”

“Once we’re in, I’m sure most people will overlook us.”

“I’m blue, Val.”

The scavenger bit down on her lip.

“Oh. Right. Sometimes I forget about that. Bah, I’m sure you can handle it.”

Mrill let out an uncharacteristic sigh.

The guards at the gate watched them as they approached. One frowned and opened his mouth to speak, then stopped. He straightened and saluted.

“Apologies, General. I did not recognize you right away.”

He waved at another man, and the gate started to slide open.

Val smiled at them as they stepped through. She grabbed Mrill’s arm and pulled her toward a building.

“Alright, let’s go this way. Fewer people. Should be easier on you. Don’t forget to scan inside, just in case.”

Mrill said nothing and Val wondered if her friend was upset. It always was difficult to tell what she thought or felt. Well, hopefully, she’d forgive her once they’d uncovered whatever secret these people kept. And if they found nothing... She’d figure out some way to make it up to her.

They went from building to building, avoiding the more crowded spots, delving deeper and deeper into the compound.

The Vron said not a word for a long time, and Val hoped Mrill was just too focused to speak.

She suddenly lifted a hand as she stopped walking.

“Here,” she muttered.

Val glanced around before looking at the small triangular structure next to them—it seemed so inconsequential compared to the other buildings. The perfect cover-up.

“What are you—”

Mrill grabbed her arm and started marching quickly away, pulling her behind her.

“We need to hurry. I’ll explain when we’re somewhere safe.”

Val was too startled to protest.

They made their way back to the gate, and the guards saluted again as they went through.

Mrill only relaxed once they were back on the tube.

“What the hell happened back there?” asked Val.

“There was someone there... or something that sensed my presence.”

“What? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you at least get something?”

“They are looking for evidence. Relics, artifacts... They’ve dug up a few in the northern jungles and are studying them now.”

“Evidence of what?”

“That their god once lived here, long before the first humans were born.”