The laughter of the Insect Race was frightening enough, but to Moderan and Sural, it sounded even more terrifying.
Both men already doubted Sophia and Kaina's intentions, and Sural had unconsciously placed his hand on his laser gun.
Sophia smiled. "There's no need to be so nervous, gentlemen. We have what we came for, so we'll leave now. But we're taking this man with us."
Moderan immediately objected. "No! He's only an antiquities researcher. Surely he's of no use to you."
Sural wanted to stop him, but he didn't know how to say it. After all, that was Moderan's son.
After thinking for a moment, Kaina said, "We can leave him here, but you'll have to give us a private room. We need to ask this researcher about a few secrets."
Moderan agreed at once. Being taken away by these two aliens was as good as a death sentence. Even if his son survived, he probably would never return.
Sophia objected. "We have to take this man back. He must know the secrets of the Twelve-Sided Metal Sphere."
Kaina gestured for her to calm down, then turned to Moderan. "If a third party learns anything about our conversation, don't blame us for showing no mercy."
Just as Kaina was about to lead the researcher away, she seemed to remember something and turned back to Moderan. "After our conversation, we'll erase part of his memory, so he may seem a little dazed. He'll recover in two or three days."
Moderan could only nod helplessly. What choice did he have besides accepting Kaina's proposal? This was already the best outcome he could hope for.
Sophia and Kaina took the researcher into the secluded room Moderan had arranged.
As soon as they entered, Sophia demanded, "What are you planning, not taking him back