Beyond All Part 1 ( The Searches)

Chapter 19

Arriving At Insectum

" Mr. Spicer, are you sure you don't want more rest?" Labora asked, seeing the dark circles under Citreal's eyes.

" No, I assure you all that I'm quite alright. I don't need much sleep. Besides, I have a lot of work to do."

Citreal had woken up a few hours after Cracker got through flying around the ship. Torium and the other scientists had asked him if he needed more sleep. But he insisted a few hours of sleep was all that was needed.

" Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm quite famished."

" Of course, we're about to eat breakfast anyway."

Later, Citreal and the others were at the table eating. Torium and the other researchers were eating fruit salads. Cracker was eating a bowl of mixed nuts. Lastly, Citreal decided to indulge himself in some lemon cake squares.

" Do you think we should ask Citreal now?" Torium asked Labora.

" Ask me what?" Citreal asked.

" Well, we were wondering if you could do us a favor. Now, you aren't obligated to or anything. But, it would really help us out," Labora told Citreal.

"Nonsense! It's the least I can do. Now, what's the favor?"

Labora explained their Ultricat experiments to him.

" But, we only have so many diamonds to work with. Plus, they aren't durable enough to hold the Ultricat's energy for very long. Are there any planets your company mines on that might have ones that are?"

" The jewels just need to be more durable?"

" Well, no. They also need to be clear like diamonds."

" Clear and durable huh? I'll see what I can do. You have my word. If it turns out my company has mined a jewel that meets these qualifications, I will give you all access to them."

" Thank you. This will help us a lot. And if we're successful, it will help many others as well."

" It's the least I can do to make up for the things I've done.." Citreal thought.

" So Citreal, you said that you had work to do?" Torium asked.

" Oh yes. Just a little preparation before we reach Insectum. When will we be arriving?"

" It should only be an hour."

" An hour?! Then I really must be getting ready!" Citreal said. Then he popped the last lemon square in his mouth and got up from the table.

" What was that about?" Torium asked after Citreal quickly left the room.

" He's the head of a major company. He's probably just worried he doesn't look presentable or something," Cracker said. Then sipped some water.

" Or something may be a better guess. Maybe we should check on him?" Labora asked.

" I'll send someone up to check on him. We better get ready to land soon," Torium said, standing up.

Later, they were pulling into Insectum's station.

"Okay, is everyone ready to leave? Wait, where's Citreal?" Torium asked.

" He said it would just be a few more minutes," A researcher said.

" We've had plenty of time to prepare. What's taking him?" Torium was about to check on Citreal. Then they heard someone coming down.

Who they saw come down, looked to be a goldfish.

" Who are you?!" Torium asked.

" Another dead guy?" Cracker guessed.