Read Laura Jo Phillips for Free Online

was in her home, which was surrounded by Council guards at the time.  We have no wish to frighten you, but at the same time, we do not want to lie to you either.”
    Aisling froze, her mouth suddenly dry with fear.
    “If it’s that easy to transport someone off-planet, what difference does it make if you’re guarding us?” Karma asked.  “If they took a woman from her own home, they could just as easily take us, or anyone else.”
    “Not precisely,” Olaf replied.  “We are covering you with a shield of Air magic which would disrupt any attempt at transportation.  Our home is protected from such an invasion, as is the Bearens’, and the Council Complex, by an electronic barrier.  One of the reasons that the Bearens are relocating to the ranch is that the entire ranch is surrounded by a magically enhanced barrier that none can enter without express permission.  Arima Hope and the children will be able to move freely without worry while they are there.”
    “All of that, plus the Bearens have cracked the Blind Sight camouflage system,” Rand added as they walked toward the entrance to the Council Complex.  “We have since warned off one Xanti ship that tried to enter our space, and discovered two hidden compounds on Jasan because of it.”
    Aisling took a deep, relieved breath, then blew it out slowly and silently. 
    “That’s good news,” Karma said.  “Were they able to rescue any women?” 
    “Yes,” Rand replied.  “Eleven of them.”
    “Did they have Controllers?” Aisling asked, shuddering inside at the thought.  She had no memories of the time during which she had a Controller in her own head, but she had been told about it once it was removed. 
    “Yes, they all had Controllers,” Rand replied.  “Saige and Summer were able to safely destroy them, and the women are all fine now.”
    “What about the people in charge of the compound?” Karma asked.  “What happened to them?”
    “It was discovered that they, too, had Controllers, though of a different type altogether,” Rudy said.  “Their Controllers were removed and it was determined that while they were aware on some level of what they were doing, they couldn’t stop themselves from doing it.  They were following specific directives that they could not ignore.  They were kidnapped women too.”
    They approached the entrance to the Council Complex, the five of them bunched together, the Gryphons’ senses on alert until the doors opened and they stepped inside. 
    “Greetings, Elder Vulpiran,” Olaf said politely to a tall, narrow man with a thin face, long nose, and bushy reddish brown hair.  Though he had no lines in his face or gray in his hair, there was something about him that spoke of age.
    “I am most pleased that you agreed to stop so that I can meet this special, and generous young woman,” Elder Vulpiran said, politely not looking at the women as he spoke to Olaf. 
    Olaf turned and gestured toward Aisling.  “This is Aisling,” he said.  “She has a gift for languages.  Aisling, this is Elder Vulpiran.  He heads the branch of our intelligence services concerned with out-world technology.”
     “It is an honor to meet you, Elder Vulpiran,” Aisling said, reaching out to shake his hand.  Olaf was surprised by her suddenly calm, confident manner.  She had seemed so shy and withdrawn that he’d expected her to have a difficult time with formal introductions, but she seemed a completely different woman at the moment. 
    “I am honored to meet you as well, Miss Aisling,” Elder Vulpiran replied, not hesitating a moment over the lack of a last name.  “May I add that we are most grateful that you have agreed to help us with translations.  We have run every linguistic decryption protocol we have on the Xanti language, but nothing has worked.”
    “I’m happy to help in any way that I can in the battle against the Xanti, Elder Vulpiran.” Aisling replied. 
    “Elder Vulpiran, this is