Beyond All Part 1 ( The Searches)

Chapter 18

Novacula and Insectum

Massive trees with beautiful canopies covered most of Insectum. These canopies had the colors of every season. Hanging from them were hives and nests. These were the homes of Insectum's citizens. It's citizens varied greatly in appearance. There were humanoid bees with pointed fingers that ended in stingers. There were ants with four arms and two legs. Also moth and butterfly humans, like Labora and Torium.

Laying in one of these nests, was a praying mantis named Novacula Acuta. His hands looked like Venatora's. The difference was his fingers much thinner. Each of his fingers were like knives that could cut metal like butter. He was laying on a bed, popping pill bugs into his mouth.

" Hm, these are a little bitter," He thought before his phone began ringing.

" Yo."

" It's Uvam. How have things been going? I imagine it must be nice to have spent a week on your home planet."

"Oh, it's been going great! I have a nearly unlimited supply of my favorite snacks. Not to mention, the info I've collected."

" What have you found out?"

" Mostly standard stuff. Things like when weapons are being shipped and the like."

" You said "mostly". Is there something I should know about?"

" As a matter of fact, there is. Apparently, Insectum's military has been funding its scientists."

" That's not unusual, Novacula. All of Unitatis's planets fund their science division."

" I know that. But, here's the peculiar thing. One of its science divisions has recited much higher funding. Then what's normally given."

" And have you found out the reason for this?"

" I have. It turns out, that some scientists have been doing experiments. To create artificial Ultricat."

" Artificial?! You're serious?"

" I am."

" That would be very useful to us. Did you happen to find out he name of the scientists, doing these experiments?"

" I wish. But, records are hard to get. Security is even tighter than when I was here last. So, sneaking around has gotten tougher. Don't know what I was expecting though. It's been ten years since I've spent time here."

" Well just do what you can. In the meantime, I have a mission for you."

" Something go wrong with the Citreal mission?"

" How did you know?"

" You wouldn't be contacting me this early unless it was urgent right?"

" You got me there."

Usually, the spies stationed on planets would report their findings at the end of each month. However, in this case, Uvam needed help sooner.

" I'm assuming he escaped?"

" Exactly. Now, when don't know where he has ended up, or if he's even alive. If he's dead, we might not have any way of tracking his energy. But, if he is alive, we still have a chance. That's where you come in. I need you, to access any communication reports. See if any of them has mentioned anyone matching Citreal's description. Tell the other spies we have on Insectum to help you. I'll contact the spies we have on other planet's to do the same thing."

" I'll do my best, Captain. I don't want to think about what Perussi might do to us."

" I trust you, Novacula. Good luck, " Uvam said. Then hung up.