THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

again out the window at the crisp sky, one that was pollution free, thanks to ANASKO. How could intelligent humans believe in the ‘abilities’ of these MystiK wackos?
    Easily. Most of mankind were lemmings, willing to follow anyone even if they were being led off a cliff. “Have people forgotten that technology rebuilt civilization from the K’ryan devastation and has handed them a world they enjoy today where the climate no longer destroys the earth? Where hunger is a choice?” 
    Before Rustaad could respond, SEOH corrected himself.
    “No, not technology. TecKnatis. ”  He thumped his chest with his thumb. “ We created this ideal environment that the MystiKs benefit from as well. We have placed the protection of the laser curtains around the Ten Cities. We prevent the rabid humans from entering our cities. The MystiKs should be on their knees thanking us for dealing with the feral C’raydonians.”
    But SEOH would never admit some things that had happened to the C’raydonians, not even to Rustaad. No shared secret was safe and this could not be found out. 
    “Quite true,” Rustaad agreed, his nod from across the room reflected in the window facing SEOH. “And all of this progress has come about due to your recruiting the most brilliant TecKnatis to work here at ANASKO, because...you set the bar for thinking beyond the box.”
    SEOH looked over his shoulder, eyeing Rustaad who didn’t have the genetic makeup to suck up. Still, a wary man was a wise one. SEOH understood the point Rustaad made, that ANASKO had attained this pinnacle of success because SEOH not only pushed the greatest minds to reach new heights, but also because he considered the impossible to be possible. 
    That, in fact, had been a direct quote from the media about his HERMES space program after ANASKO transported plants and animal life from Jupiter’s second Galilean moon back to earth. SEOH missed the days of unrestricted development. But the weak stomachs of today’s world had outlawed so much, even importing or building sentient predator guardians that could morph from shape to shape as needed. Manufacturing one now would land him in prison, a cage the most hardened criminals feared. Gone were the glory days where he could take whatever action needed to protect what remained of the world.
    Guard and preserve the TecKnatis.
    He turned all the way around, ready to solve the problem digging under Rustaad’s skin and move forward. “If the G’ortians are the issue then we simply capture the rest of them. That will clear the way for the return to unfettered domination of technology in this world.” My domination.
    “I agree, but we’re running short on time with the MystiK’s BIRG Con coming up. If plan B has a hitch–”
    “It won’t .”  SEOH let Rustaad see the truth in his eyes. “Neither of us can afford to allow Plan B to fail under any circumstances. Even if I would consider signing the Amity Treaty again at this BIRG Con, the minute the reclusive MystiK leaders walk into the same room with each other they’ll realize they’re all missing children of their ruling families. That would be enough for them to join forces and turn their powers on us... if they really can do what your reports claim.”
    Holding his thoughts silent for a long moment, though a deep furrow formed between his eyebrows, Rustaad calmly said, “You’ve never allowed arrogance to influence strategic planning. Why now?”
    “A warning, Rustaad–take care how you choose your words.”
    “I’m the last person who wants to be on the receiving end of your wrath, but you brought me on twenty-four years ago with the specific orders to watch your back. I intend to fulfill my duty even at the risk to my person.” Not missing a beat, he continued. “Our analysts have not come up with a viable scientific explanation for the interference with our last two HERMES shuttle launches. Have they?”
    SEOH ground his back teeth, sure that there was a scientific answer, but since none had been discovered he had to admit, “No, they haven’t.”
    “Then you must consider my intel that the leader of the Governing House did in fact combine powers within his house to interfere with those two launches to show us he was serious about stopping our space program and he isn’t even G’ortian. Can you only imagine what might be possible if the G’ortians succeed in uniting the Houses?”
    If not for losing his son, SEOH would be glad he’d had the next