Witness [A First Contact Romance]-COMPLETE

70. Hello & Goodbye

Ashby Virtual Hotel District, 

The Ephemor Federation

2027

Rory and Jace followed Trin down the long hall of the Ashby Virtual Hotel, ready to meet the witnesses who were gathering. Her vision of the hall seemed to flicker for an instant and then Trin froze mid-step in front of her.

At the same time, Jace and Rory both stopped, eyes on Trin. There wasn't even signs of her breathing. It was like someone hit pause on the world around them.

"I hate to interrupt your meeting." The voice came from behind them. Rory turned to see JyNell standing with a man she didn't recognize behind them. "Our friend doesn't often have time to visit, though. You'll have to meet with your new witness friends later."

"Who are you?" Rory asked, eyes on the newcomer.

"I knew not to trust you," Jace said. "Clearly, you haven't been forthcoming with us."

"Calm down," JyNell said. "It's not my secret to share. I've been around long enough to get to know people is all."

The stranger studied Rory and Jace as he walked closer. Beneath the light Rory caught the slight sheen of a synthetic body. "It's nice to meet you two after hearing so much about you. I'm High Commander Rolan. I asked Vehru to help arrange a meeting before you speak to the other High Commanders about your new bodies."

Jace glanced at Rory but she was still scrutinizing Rolan. "I see Vehru's secret alliances reach beyond the planets she's conquered."

"She's resourceful and she needed help to make it as far as she has. Just like you do. I'd like to take you to a more secure location to meet with everyone."

"This something we have a choice in?" Jace asked.

"Yes." Rolan held Jace's gaze. "You can reverse course at any time. We're not looking to coerce anyone. We also have watched you for long enough to know you're not going to tell anyone about us. It wouldn't benefit you and you're not so careless. You can always walk away."

Jace spoke in monotone. "So you're just an upstanding Federation Commander."

The other man smirked and didn't respond for several seconds. "It's a waste to tell a person what to believe about you. See for yourself and make your own judgments."

"We'll go," Rory said. "I want to meet the others."

"Wait," Jace whispered. "Who knows where he's taking us."

"It's not like we chose to end up here. If he wanted to force us to move, I'm confident he could. We should just go."

He eyed her nervously and then cast his gaze away. "Fine," he muttered.