Read Online Decay by J. F. Jenkins - Free Book Online Page A

ending the war, then Sir Oriol might consider him for tasks otherwise not appropriate for officers of Alan's level. “Has there been any progress on the analysis of The Doctor's drug?”
    â€œThat isn't one of our priorities. You know this.”
    â€œYes, I do. I was just curious.” And it was a stance he didn't quite agree with. So much could be understood about the green and blue tribe’s motivations by uncovering the secret of the drug. It was why he kept pressing Cadence to figure out how it functioned. She didn't seem as interested in it as him, but she was at least still working on it. He wished he could provide her with the resources she needed to be successful.
    Sir Oriol peered across his desk at Alan. “And that is why it is another of your side projects.”
    â€œI'm curious about the progress as well,” Sir Tuliy added. “Maybe I should sit in on the research Alanmendiquixanimackle's charges are doing and aide in the process? Two heads are better than one, after all.”
    â€œSo I'm told,” Sir Oriol said. His gaze darted back and forth between the two comrades. “I will allow it on your own time Sir Tuliyogljaes. You are not to ignore your other duties for this.”
    â€œOf course not. I wouldn't dream of it.”
    Alan glanced over at Sir Tuliy with skepticism; a trait he was trying to get past, but it was difficult at times. Trust was not something that came easily for Alan. Most of his life back home was spent with peers who constantly wanted to use him because of all the natural abilities he contained. Sir Tuliy's one natural ability was the power to copy the special powers of others and keep them for himself in exchange for providing a boost in the original user's power. It put Alan even more on edge than usual. However, Sir Tuliy was also unable to lie, an ability he gained from a comrade. So when the young man claimed to have no interest in everything Alan could do, he was believed. But Sir Tuliy had also confessed to an attraction to Cadence. Alan would have to ask up front if this was simply a ploy to get closer to her.
    Sir Oriol relaxed in his chair. “So, I take it you have no interest in the field work I was going to assign to your charges? Do you have enough side projects to keep occupied?”
    Perhaps too eagerly, Alan shook his head. “I would much like to know.”
    â€œWe are going to be doing another collaborative mission with the Yumsaltanz. They seem to be more interested in doing more aggressive work. A nice change since they are usually so passive in nature. I think they have finally come to understand the unforgivable actions of the Gelandrosimbol especially. Their charges are well trained and motivated, as we witnessed that night at the warehouse.”
    â€œYes, but they were a bit over dramatic in execution. I nearly lost one of the charges trusted in my care,” Sir Tuliy said casually. If anyone else had given the criticism, they probably would have been reprimanded for it. He was not however, and continued on. “So what will you be having us do with them?” Sir Tuliy asked with a raised eyebrow.
    Sir Oriol gave them both a smile. “We're going to do some traveling.”
    â€œAnd you want us to bring our charges with us on this journey?” Alan asked. He sat up a little, trying to hide that he knew anything. Sir Oriol would be doing his work for him. Alan might not need to push for the opportunity to go on the mission to retrieve the Ilotus after all.
    â€œIdeally, yes. There is an artifact we need to retrieve. It is in a holding facility somewhere in the area we are stationed at. The Yumsaltanz think they have the location figured out. It is technically an artifact left behind by their people, but the power it contains is one they are willing to share with us. The area is further north in the state than where we have been doing most of our work. It would most likely be a weekend trip for your