***
Kalvich had been experiencing emotions himself. He was unusually nervous, and exhilarated at the same time. All things considered; it felt good. Everything was falling into place.
In just over three hours, Talokta’s domain ship would be out of hyperspace and docking, delivering its precious cargo.
His Commander was sitting opposite in a comfortable Blylen Hide chair, sipping his favorite wine from Kalvich’s extensive stock, studying the incredible transformation of his boss. He was due for his own operation. Kalvich was very pleased with the latest reports he had received from his Commander. He was ecstatic that Leah was more than eager to meet Cemel. His teaching was simple, pure deception, as the power she had inherited just needed to be released into her consciousness.
“So what are you going to do with the old fool?”
“As soon as Leah is settled, he will be dealt with, permanently. He seems to have lost his articulacy at increasing lengths. Just yesterday, I ordered my guards to confiscate his papers and books. He didn’t even seem aware of what was going on. Yet, this morning he spat at them! He is extreme and pathetic.”
“And what about the humans and the rebels?”
“The humans will be guests at the dinner to keep Leah appeased. But the Cantals will be classed as slaves. They will be treated reasonably, for now. Believe me Talokta, she will forget all about them after the ceremony.”
Lord Talokta smirked, rubbing his chin in thought. “Once the ceremony is over, why don’t you give Earth to Leah, as her own to do with what she pleases?”
Kalvich stared at his commander, smiled knowingly at him, and winked. He glanced at his timepiece, “Well, my friend, it is time to create history.”
Talokta was very proud his master had entrusted him with this unexpected but momentous mission. All Kalvich’s powers and memories would be bestowed on Talokta. Just like when Kalvich transformed into Cemel. Above all, there had to be no chance that Leah would suspect anything, especially at such a crucial stage. Talokta had never seen Kalvich in such a happy, generous mood. It was a good sign. Talokta himself had ordered and witnessed countless transformation operations used primarily for covert missions in the past. This was his first transformation operation and to his knowledge the Supreme Ruler’s.
“Cemel,” stroking his new white beard, poured himself another drink, he felt like getting drunk tonight. He was going to present Leah with some fabulous gifts and of course, her three stones during the ceremony in two nights, along with a little magic of his own. He would need all his wits about him.
Talokta rose, saluted with an arm across his chest, and his master nodded.
The commander walked alone to the BX25 laboratory ready for the transformation that would be the biggest deception ever pulled off in Trimadian history.
It was a pity no one would ever know.
Chapter 30—Journey’s End