Nodding to the other men, they began discussing their strategy for capturing the man or men behind the assassination attempt on Ajaska and Torak.
“The dinner is planned. Kev will be in charge of security for the South House. He is working with Manota and Jazin’s Captain of the Guards. Each will have men acting as servers during the dinner. In addition, he has set up additional screens in the force field that will allow us to track each person entering the House. A link will be sent to all of us showing where a person is at any given moment.” Torak began.
“How can he do this?” Ajaska surprised. The force field was good at keeping out anyone who had not been given permission to enter but once they did they had never been able to track specific individuals before.
“Thanks to Manota, it can now be done. He has been working on it for the past year and has created a digital mapping of each person’s genetic marker. Even if they were to use a disguise it will tell who they really are.”
“Does anyone else know of this?” Ajaska asked curiously.
“No.” Manota said. “I have not wanted to share it as yet until we caught the man or men behind the attempts on you. It will come in useful once the Council assembles again though.”
Nodding his head, Ajaska turned back to Torak. “Continue.”
“Jazin will cover the gardens. He will monitor anyone who comes and goes through the garden areas as the force fields will be focusing on protecting the other three Houses. The gardens will be accessible to the guests as is customary during formal dinners. Manota will be covering the South House. He will monitor anyone who is in any of the levels including the lower levels and roof where the assassin tried before.” Torak’s eyes grew dark as he remembered the day he almost lost River.
“Father and Torak will be at the front entrance greeting everyone. Torak will attach a small vidcom to Tai Tek as he enters as well as attaching one to any of his guests or known allies.” Jazin added picking up a vidcom so small it was almost impossible to see on the tip of his finger. “Another of Manota’s inventions.”
Ajaska looked amused as he studied it. “Remind me never to make you mad.” He teased his middle son.
“Once everyone has arrived we don’t think Tai Tek will try anything too soon. He has to give the impression of being the loyal councilman he was elected to be. After dinner when people are mingling is when we think he will try to strike. He will of course try to maintain a high profile so he has plenty of witnesses to vouch for him. Father and Torak will be the main targets and will be acting as the bait. If he or any of his guests try to draw either of you away, go with them. We will be watching both of you at all times. We will also be looking at anyone who is not who they appear to be. If you have a doubt, just touch your left eye and an image of the person will appear. Manota will show you how to use the eye lens before the dinner. They are good for about four hours before they dissolve. Once Tai Tek makes his move we will surround him and take him out.” Torak finished. “Are there any questions?”
The men talked for almost another hour going over different possible scenarios and fine tuning their plans. They were just finishing when the computer chimed to let Jazin know the deciphering of the disks were completed. He glanced down at the data and was surprised to see it was a type of video.
“We might be more comfortable in the common room watching it.” Jazin said. “I don’t know about you but I didn’t eat this morning and could use some refreshments.”
As the men were walking out of the planning room they heard the sound of soft feminine laughter coming from the common living area they used when they had company. Torak walked into the room and stared at the three females sitting around drinking a hot liquid they called ‘coffee’. River had made Torak figure out how to replicate the beverage shortly after she had moved into the North House. Torak smiled softly as he watched River lean over and brush a stray curl away from Star’s cheek. The love the three females had for each other was obvious. He felt fortunate River had not fought his claim as long as her sisters were doing. He didn’t know if he would have had the self-control not to take her, by force if necessary.
“Something smells good.” Torak said as he went over to give River a kiss.
River blushed. He had said that say thing to her during the night while he was licking her.
“Behave.” She whispered softly kissing him back.
“Never.” Torak replied as he nibbled on her neck.
Manota and Jazin cleared their throats loudly. “We’re hungry.” They both said at the same time looking at Jo and Star with a deep hunger in their eyes.