Warriors' Providence (Cadi Warriors Book 2)(92)

Hiroki looked to Providence and seemed to study her with his large bulging eyes.

"You host another species besides the Toufik?" Hiroki asked.

"Providence." Dagaa gestured for Providence to step forward with a smile.

"Hello it is nice to meet you." Providence said hesitantly as she bowed. "I'm human but unfortunately I don't know where my galaxy is, but my people call it the Milky Way. A people called the Miran Sona brought me to this quadrant of the universe." Providence doubted the Agurtzane knew of the Miran Sona since they came from even further away than Earth, but who knows

"They traveled through a worm hole to get here. When they emerged, the Miran Sona ship was attacked by the Jurou Biljana, and I was captured. Thankfully the Cadi rescued me from the slavers." Providence explained.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Providence. These Jurou Biljana sound most unpleasant. Thank you for bringing them to our attention. As much as I would like to learn more about all of you, it is probably best if we return to the business that brings us here." Hiroki suggested.

"Agreed." Dagaa replied.

"We have quarters on our ships equipped to house the Toufik. Unfortunately we find the conditions on the planet too hostile to assist with more than transport to your home world." Hiroki stated.

Providence was instantly grateful even though the Agurtzane couldn't go down to the planet.

"We can land where you indicate, but are unable to depart our ship." Hiroki added.

"Thank you, your assistance is greatly appreciated. When we land and determine which colonies are the largest, we'll communicate those locations to you. We will reach the planet in an hour. In the interim I will send you our plans for retrieving the Toufik from the planet. Until then."

Hiroki nodded and Dagaa closed communications. He sighed as he sat back down.

"Here we go." Madhava stated solemnly.

Providence nodded. She took the little time they had to review the protocol the committee had agreed upon. Each team was broken down into three parts much like, Fire, Police and EMS acted back home. They would need to land in a viable location near their designated colony, overcome whatever obstacles to reach and retrieve the Toufik, then quickly assess, separate and load up the hairy people.

Providence was glad that Stone and other trusted Toufik had joined them. He had been included the planning and had wisely argued, though silently, that a certain number of males, needed to be rescued. Stone pointed out that many of the rescued would be unwilling and afraid to leave without their clan alphas. It also reasoned that if they didn't rescue a certain number of males, they might create an imbalance in the Toufik population that could have genetic repercussions.

Providence was almost giddy the Agurtzane were willing to assist with transporting Toufik. That meant that they didn't have to leave as many behind as she feared. Everyone always thought it was the physical exertion of a rescue that was the hardest part, but it wasn't. The most agonizing part was picking who would go first. It was a sad reality that meant the elderly and hopelessly injured were abandoned to fate, in favor of those who had a higher chance of surviving. Providence grimaced as she recalled discussing the tagging system they would use to separate the Toufik. The hairy alpha males going with them had nodded in grim understanding since they would be doing the lion's share of this tasteless task.

"Approaching orbit." Dagaa announced.

The hour passed unbelievably fast.

Providence glanced up from the tablet she was reviewing and nearly choked as she looked at the planet. The atmosphere was hazy at best, occluding the view of the continents and oceans. There were areas where the sky swirled with massive turbulent storms, much like views Providence had seen of the surface of Saturn.

The door to the control room opened and Providence turned to see Stone enter. His eyes widened in surprise. This was likely his first view of his home world from space. He moved to Dagaa's side and Dagaa clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Stone made a gesture and Providence wished she knew more of their hand signals.

"Yeah it's bad." Dagaa said grimly as they descended closer.

"Dagaa one of the storms near the north pole is moving towards one of the colonies. Projections give it four hours before it hits." Madhava stated soberly.

Dagaa looked from Madhava to Providence. His expression was dark, jaw clenched, as he battled with what would need to be done. They occupied the lead ship. Where in some cultures the leaders sent subordinates into difficult situations, among the Cadi their leaders took on risk just as equally.

Providence gave Dagaa a single curt nod, indicating her willingness to do this. Madhava followed suit.