Human Soldier Carried The Wounded Enemy Queen—Now She's Starting An Intergalactic War For Him
GalactiQuest
[{'start': '0.080', 'end': '5.240', 'text': 'In a distant future, where two waring'}, {'start': '2.560', 'end': '8.000', 'text': 'species stand at the brink of mutual'}, {'start': '5.240', 'end': '10.400', 'text': 'annihilation, an unexpected bond between'}, {'start': '8.000', 'end': '13.599', 'text': 'a broken queen and a stubborn human'}, {'start': '10.400', 'end': '15.880', 'text': 'soldier will either ignite a revolution'}, {'start': '13.599', 'end': '20.240', 'text': 'or doom them both'}, {'start': '15.880', 'end': '23.600', 'text': 'threes. Loyalty will be tested threes.'}, {'start': '20.240', 'end': '25.680', 'text': 'Alliances will be shattered threes. And'}, {'start': '23.600', 'end': '28.640', 'text': 'the fate of two worlds will rest on a'}, {'start': '25.680', 'end': '30.039', 'text': 'choice that defies every instinct for'}, {'start': '28.640', 'end': '32.640', 'text': 'survival.'}, {'start': '30.039', 'end': '33.960', 'text': 'threes. Would you risk everything to'}, {'start': '32.640', 'end': '36.800', 'text': 'save the'}, {'start': '33.960', 'end': '39.559', 'text': 'enemy? Human soldier carried the wounded'}, {'start': '36.800', 'end': '42.960', 'text': 'enemy queen for 30 m of'}, {'start': '39.559', 'end': '45.520', 'text': 'arise. Now she wants him as her mate.'}, {'start': '42.960', 'end': '48.239', 'text': 'The acrid smell of plasma fire and'}, {'start': '45.520', 'end': '50.879', 'text': "scorched earth filled Ryland Cross's"}, {'start': '48.239', 'end': '53.680', 'text': 'lungs as he ducked behind the twisted'}, {'start': '50.879', 'end': '56.680', 'text': 'remains of what had once been aari'}, {'start': '53.680', 'end': '56.680', 'text': 'transport.'}, {'start': '56.879', 'end': '60.960', 'text': 'Sweat poured down his face, stinging his'}, {'start': '59.039', 'end': '62.039', 'text': 'eyes as he checked the charge on his'}, {'start': '60.960', 'end': '66.360', 'text': 'rifle.'}, {'start': '62.039', 'end': '70.200', 'text': 'Threes 40%. Not great.'}, {'start': '66.360', 'end': '72.640', 'text': 'Threes. Alpha squad report positions'}, {'start': '70.200', 'end': '73.799', 'text': 'threes. Commander Grayson barked through'}, {'start': '72.640', 'end': '76.799', 'text': 'the calm'}, {'start': '73.799', 'end': '78.799', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross pressed his back'}, {'start': '76.799', 'end': '81.759', 'text': 'against the wreckage, feeling the heat'}, {'start': '78.799', 'end': '84.479', 'text': 'still radiating from the metal. They'}, {'start': '81.759', 'end': '87.759', 'text': "Mason's southeast quadrant. Heavy"}, {'start': '84.479', 'end': '90.960', 'text': 'resistance. I count at least 20 hostiles'}, {'start': '87.759', 'end': '93.360', 'text': 'advancing from the ridge. Threes. The'}, {'start': '90.960', 'end': '95.759', 'text': 'battlefield stretched out before him. A'}, {'start': '93.360', 'end': '99.920', 'text': 'hellscape of burning vehicles and'}, {'start': '95.759', 'end': '101.600', 'text': 'bodies. Threes. The 307th Vanguard cores'}, {'start': '99.920', 'end': '103.520', 'text': 'had been ambushed during what should'}, {'start': '101.600', 'end': '106.960', 'text': 'have been a routine patrol along the'}, {'start': '103.520', 'end': '109.240', 'text': 'contested border of Allesium Rift 3s.'}, {'start': '106.960', 'end': '113.439', 'text': "What they'd stumbled into instead was a"}, {'start': '109.240', 'end': '116.799', 'text': 'full-scale velari offensive threes.'}, {'start': '113.439', 'end': '119.119', 'text': 'All units be advised. Grayson voice'}, {'start': '116.799', 'end': '122.840', 'text': 'crackled through the calm. Orbital'}, {'start': '119.119', 'end': '125.920', 'text': 'strike. Incoming threes. Seek cover'}, {'start': '122.840', 'end': '127.319', 'text': 'immediately. Repeat. Quantum barrage.'}, {'start': '125.920', 'end': '130.720', 'text': 'Incoming'}, {'start': '127.319', 'end': '133.360', 'text': "threes. Ryland Cross's blood ran cold."}, {'start': '130.720', 'end': '137.000', 'text': "Threes. Sir, we're right in the blast"}, {'start': '133.360', 'end': '140.800', 'text': "zone. Threes. It's not our strike. Mason"}, {'start': '137.000', 'end': '142.879', 'text': 'threes. The bugs called it in threes.'}, {'start': '140.800', 'end': '144.520', 'text': "They're willing to sacrifice their own"}, {'start': '142.879', 'end': '147.440', 'text': 'to take us out.'}, {'start': '144.520', 'end': '149.680', 'text': 'Threes. A distant screech tore through'}, {'start': '147.440', 'end': '151.920', 'text': 'the air. The unmistakable sound of a'}, {'start': '149.680', 'end': '153.239', 'text': 'quantum implosion. Lance entering the'}, {'start': '151.920', 'end': '156.160', 'text': 'atmosphere.'}, {'start': '153.239', 'end': '158.640', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland. Cross sprinted toward a'}, {'start': '156.160', 'end': '160.280', 'text': 'deep ravine. Boots pounding against the'}, {'start': '158.640', 'end': '163.840', 'text': 'rocky terrain.'}, {'start': '160.280', 'end': '167.040', 'text': 'Throws. The ground beneath him trembled,'}, {'start': '163.840', 'end': '170.080', 'text': 'warning of what was to come. The sky'}, {'start': '167.040', 'end': '172.400', 'text': 'turned white. The concussive force'}, {'start': '170.080', 'end': '174.560', 'text': 'lifted Ryland Cross off his feet,'}, {'start': '172.400', 'end': '178.200', 'text': 'hurling him into the ravine like a ragd'}, {'start': '174.560', 'end': '181.519', 'text': 'doll threes. His helmet slammed against'}, {'start': '178.200', 'end': '183.959', 'text': 'stone, and the world went silent, save'}, {'start': '181.519', 'end': '187.280', 'text': 'for a high-pitched ringing in his'}, {'start': '183.959', 'end': '190.000', 'text': 'ears. He tumbled down the steep slope,'}, {'start': '187.280', 'end': '193.519', 'text': 'body bouncing against rocks until he'}, {'start': '190.000', 'end': '196.519', 'text': 'finally came to rest at the bottom, says'}, {'start': '193.519', 'end': '199.200', 'text': 'the breath knocked from his'}, {'start': '196.519', 'end': '201.519', 'text': 'lungs. For several minutes, he lay there'}, {'start': '199.200', 'end': '202.920', 'text': 'dazed, struggling to breathe through the'}, {'start': '201.519', 'end': '206.360', 'text': 'dust and'}, {'start': '202.920', 'end': '209.159', 'text': 'smoke. His HUD flickered, then'}, {'start': '206.360', 'end': '212.519', 'text': 'stabilized, displaying multiple system'}, {'start': '209.159', 'end': '215.720', 'text': 'warnings, hollow nodes, offline'}, {'start': '212.519', 'end': '217.480', 'text': 'navigation, compromised medical systems,'}, {'start': '215.720', 'end': '221.599', 'text': 'functioning'}, {'start': '217.480', 'end': '223.879', 'text': 'threes. Grayson Ryland, crosscroaked,'}, {'start': '221.599', 'end': '227.440', 'text': 'tasting blood in his'}, {'start': '223.879', 'end': '228.599', 'text': 'mouth. Anyone copy? Nothing but static'}, {'start': '227.440', 'end': '231.040', 'text': 'answered'}, {'start': '228.599', 'end': '233.080', 'text': 'hymns. Groaning, he pushed himself to'}, {'start': '231.040', 'end': '236.959', 'text': 'his knees, then his'}, {'start': '233.080', 'end': '237.720', 'text': 'feet. His rifle was gone, lost during'}, {'start': '236.959', 'end': '240.799', 'text': 'the'}, {'start': '237.720', 'end': '243.000', 'text': 'fall. He drew his sidearm instead,'}, {'start': '240.799', 'end': '245.840', 'text': 'checking that it was still'}, {'start': '243.000', 'end': '248.159', 'text': 'operational. A quick physical assessment'}, {'start': '245.840', 'end': '251.760', 'text': 'confirmed bruised ribs, a gash on his'}, {'start': '248.159', 'end': '254.480', 'text': 'forearm, but nothing broke in threes.'}, {'start': '251.760', 'end': '256.560', 'text': 'The ravine stretched in both directions,'}, {'start': '254.480', 'end': '258.919', 'text': 'offering some protection from whatever'}, {'start': '256.560', 'end': '262.079', 'text': 'was happening above'}, {'start': '258.919', 'end': '263.080', 'text': "threes. Ryland Cross's training kicked"}, {'start': '262.079', 'end': '266.320', 'text': 'in'}, {'start': '263.080', 'end': '269.880', 'text': 'threes. Establish position assess.'}, {'start': '266.320', 'end': '272.880', 'text': 'Situation determine extraction route'}, {'start': '269.880', 'end': '276.400', 'text': 'threes. He began moving along the ravine'}, {'start': '272.880', 'end': '279.600', 'text': 'floor, staying low and alert. Threes.'}, {'start': '276.400', 'end': '284.560', 'text': 'The ground shook again, but differently.'}, {'start': '279.600', 'end': '284.560', 'text': 'This time, rhythmic tremors that grew'}, {'start': '284.759', 'end': '290.479', 'text': 'stronger. Something large was moving'}, {'start': '287.639', 'end': '293.320', 'text': 'nearby. Ryland Cross pressed himself'}, {'start': '290.479', 'end': '295.880', 'text': 'against the ravine wall.'}, {'start': '293.320', 'end': '298.960', 'text': 'Weapon ready'}, {'start': '295.880', 'end': '302.160', 'text': 'threes. A massive section of earth'}, {'start': '298.960', 'end': '304.320', 'text': 'collapsed not 20 m ahead, bringing with'}, {'start': '302.160', 'end': '306.639', 'text': 'it a shower of rocks and something'}, {'start': '304.320', 'end': '309.720', 'text': 'massive that hit the ground with a'}, {'start': '306.639', 'end': '312.240', 'text': 'sickening crunch.'}, {'start': '309.720', 'end': '314.840', 'text': 'Ryland cross aimed his weapon at the'}, {'start': '312.240', 'end': '318.320', 'text': 'dust cloud, waiting'}, {'start': '314.840', 'end': '322.240', 'text': 'threes. As the air cleared, he saw it'}, {'start': '318.320', 'end': '325.120', 'text': "wasn't a what, but a who. And velari,"}, {'start': '322.240', 'end': '327.440', 'text': 'but not just any velari, even covered in'}, {'start': '325.120', 'end': '329.440', 'text': 'dust and blue eye core. There was no'}, {'start': '327.440', 'end': '333.000', 'text': 'mistaking the ornate carrapase, the'}, {'start': '329.440', 'end': '335.440', 'text': 'distinctive crown-like protrusions.'}, {'start': '333.000', 'end': '338.520', 'text': "three. He'd seen enough intelligence"}, {'start': '335.440', 'end': '341.800', 'text': 'briefings to recognize'}, {'start': '338.520', 'end': '345.120', 'text': 'royalty. "Holy shit," he'}, {'start': '341.800', 'end': '348.080', 'text': 'whispered. The velzari queen lay on her'}, {'start': '345.120', 'end': '350.039', 'text': 'side, one of her six limbs bent at an'}, {'start': '348.080', 'end': '352.960', 'text': 'unnatural angle.'}, {'start': '350.039', 'end': '355.440', 'text': '"Oh, her exoskeleton was cracked in'}, {'start': '352.960', 'end': '357.840', 'text': 'multiple places, leaking that strange'}, {'start': '355.440', 'end': '361.960', 'text': 'blue fluid that served as their blood.'}, {'start': '357.840', 'end': '365.039', 'text': 'Her breathing came in labored chittering'}, {'start': '361.960', 'end': '368.319', 'text': 'sounds. She sensed him before she saw'}, {'start': '365.039', 'end': '371.039', 'text': 'him. Threes. Her head snapped in his'}, {'start': '368.319', 'end': '373.000', 'text': 'direction. Compound eyes gleaming with'}, {'start': '371.039', 'end': '376.080', 'text': 'intelligence and pain.'}, {'start': '373.000', 'end': '378.840', 'text': 'Threes. She hissed a sound that needed'}, {'start': '376.080', 'end': '382.000', 'text': 'no translation. Across species'}, {'start': '378.840', 'end': '386.160', 'text': 'threes. Ryland cross kept his weapon'}, {'start': '382.000', 'end': '388.240', 'text': "trained on her. Don't move threes. The"}, {'start': '386.160', 'end': '391.479', 'text': 'queen tried to rise, mandibles clicking'}, {'start': '388.240', 'end': '394.240', 'text': 'in what he assumed was anger or pain'}, {'start': '391.479', 'end': '398.280', 'text': 'threes. She collapsed back to the ground'}, {'start': '394.240', 'end': '403.120', 'text': 'with a screech threes. I said, "Don\'t'}, {'start': '398.280', 'end': '406.880', 'text': 'move." Ryland Cross took a step closer,'}, {'start': '403.120', 'end': '410.240', 'text': 'mind racing threes. The queen, the'}, {'start': '406.880', 'end': '412.919', 'text': 'queen, possibly threes. Command would'}, {'start': '410.240', 'end': '415.680', 'text': 'kill for this intelligence opportunity.'}, {'start': '412.919', 'end': '418.000', 'text': 'threes. Her voice when it came surprised'}, {'start': '415.680', 'end': '419.840', 'text': 'him, halting English through what must'}, {'start': '418.000', 'end': '422.199', 'text': 'be a translator device partially'}, {'start': '419.840', 'end': '426.160', 'text': 'embedded in her thorax.'}, {'start': '422.199', 'end': '429.360', 'text': 'This kill me quickly, human. I will not'}, {'start': '426.160', 'end': '432.240', 'text': 'beg. Threes. Ryland cross blinked'}, {'start': '429.360', 'end': '435.680', 'text': "weapons still steady. I'm not going to"}, {'start': '432.240', 'end': '438.160', 'text': "kill you. Threes. The queen's eyes"}, {'start': '435.680', 'end': '440.960', 'text': 'narrowed multifaceted surfaces,'}, {'start': '438.160', 'end': '444.160', 'text': 'reflecting his own image back at him.'}, {'start': '440.960', 'end': '445.880', 'text': 'Capture then torture your methods known'}, {'start': '444.160', 'end': '448.639', 'text': 'to us'}, {'start': '445.880', 'end': '451.919', 'text': 'threes. Above them the sounds of battle'}, {'start': '448.639', 'end': '453.639', 'text': 'continued distant explosions. The wine'}, {'start': '451.919', 'end': '456.319', 'text': 'of drop ships'}, {'start': '453.639', 'end': '460.039', 'text': "threes. It wouldn't be long before both"}, {'start': '456.319', 'end': '462.319', 'text': 'sides realized what had happened here.'}, {'start': '460.039', 'end': '465.199', 'text': 'Threes. Your people tried to kill you'}, {'start': '462.319', 'end': '468.960', 'text': 'with that strike. Ryland Cross said, an'}, {'start': '465.199', 'end': '471.039', 'text': 'unexpected anger rising in him. Threes.'}, {'start': '468.960', 'end': '474.360', 'text': 'Why would they target their own queen?'}, {'start': '471.039', 'end': '477.599', 'text': "She made a sound he couldn't interpret."}, {'start': '474.360', 'end': '480.560', 'text': 'Threes. Politics complicated. Not your'}, {'start': '477.599', 'end': '483.919', 'text': 'concern. Threes. A fresh explosion'}, {'start': '480.560', 'end': '487.840', 'text': 'rocked the ravine closer this time. Dirt'}, {'start': '483.919', 'end': '491.680', 'text': 'and rock showered down on them. Decision'}, {'start': '487.840', 'end': '494.639', 'text': "time. Threes. If he left her, she'd die"}, {'start': '491.680', 'end': '497.280', 'text': 'from her injuries or be found by whoever'}, {'start': '494.639', 'end': '499.520', 'text': 'was hunting her. Threes.'}, {'start': '497.280', 'end': '502.240', 'text': "If he took her prisoner, he'd need to"}, {'start': '499.520', 'end': '504.639', 'text': 'get her back to human territory. 30 mi'}, {'start': '502.240', 'end': '506.120', 'text': 'of contested ground, cut off from his'}, {'start': '504.639', 'end': '509.199', 'text': 'unit.'}, {'start': '506.120', 'end': '512.440', 'text': 'Threes. The queen watched him, mandibles'}, {'start': '509.199', 'end': '513.959', 'text': 'clicking softly, resignation in her'}, {'start': '512.440', 'end': '516.479', 'text': 'posture.'}, {'start': '513.959', 'end': '519.080', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland Cross holstered his'}, {'start': '516.479', 'end': '521.519', 'text': 'weapon and moved toward her.'}, {'start': '519.080', 'end': '524.159', 'text': 'Threes. What are you doing? She'}, {'start': '521.519', 'end': '527.200', 'text': 'demanded, body tensing despite her'}, {'start': '524.159', 'end': '530.080', 'text': 'injuries. Something incredibly stupid,'}, {'start': '527.200', 'end': '532.839', 'text': "he answered, kneeling beside her. I'm"}, {'start': '530.080', 'end': '535.920', 'text': 'getting you out of here.'}, {'start': '532.839', 'end': '538.399', 'text': 'Three. Why would you help, enemy? The'}, {'start': '535.920', 'end': '540.519', 'text': 'translator made her voice flat, but he'}, {'start': '538.399', 'end': '544.720', 'text': 'could hear the confusion beneath'}, {'start': '540.519', 'end': '546.640', 'text': 'it. Ryland Cross assessed her injuries,'}, {'start': '544.720', 'end': '548.399', 'text': 'trying to determine the best way to lift'}, {'start': '546.640', 'end': '550.640', 'text': 'her because someone just tried to kill'}, {'start': '548.399', 'end': '552.680', 'text': 'you with an quantum barrage, and I want'}, {'start': '550.640', 'end': '555.279', 'text': 'to know why.'}, {'start': '552.680', 'end': '557.839', 'text': 'Threes. He slid his arms carefully'}, {'start': '555.279', 'end': '561.240', 'text': 'beneath her, surprised at how light she'}, {'start': '557.839', 'end': '564.000', 'text': 'was, despite her imposing size. Her'}, {'start': '561.240', 'end': '566.279', 'text': 'exoskeleton was warmed to the touch,'}, {'start': '564.000', 'end': '570.120', 'text': 'almost'}, {'start': '566.279', 'end': '572.959', 'text': 'feverish. "This will hurt," he warned.'}, {'start': '570.120', 'end': '575.200', 'text': '"Threeze! Everything hurts," she'}, {'start': '572.959', 'end': '577.680', 'text': 'replied. "Threeze!"'}, {'start': '575.200', 'end': '580.000', 'text': 'Ryland Cross lifted her as gently as'}, {'start': '577.680', 'end': '584.040', 'text': 'possible, but she still made a high'}, {'start': '580.000', 'end': '587.200', 'text': 'keening sound that sent shivers down his'}, {'start': '584.040', 'end': '589.760', 'text': 'spine. Her uninjured limbs instinctively'}, {'start': '587.200', 'end': '591.640', 'text': 'clutched at him, sharp appendages'}, {'start': '589.760', 'end': '594.000', 'text': 'digging into his'}, {'start': '591.640', 'end': '596.240', 'text': 'armor. "I need to carry you for a'}, {'start': '594.000', 'end': '599.480', 'text': 'while," he explained, adjusting her'}, {'start': '596.240', 'end': '602.640', 'text': 'weight. "Try not to stab'}, {'start': '599.480', 'end': '604.560', 'text': 'me." The queen\'s massive eyes studied'}, {'start': '602.640', 'end': '608.320', 'text': 'him unblinking.'}, {'start': '604.560', 'end': '611.120', 'text': 'You will regret this human threes.'}, {'start': '608.320', 'end': '614.120', 'text': 'Ryland Cross began walking each step'}, {'start': '611.120', 'end': '617.839', 'text': 'careful on the uneven ground.'}, {'start': '614.120', 'end': '619.519', 'text': 'Threes. My name is Ryland Cross, he'}, {'start': '617.839', 'end': '622.480', 'text': 'said, not entirely sure why he was'}, {'start': '619.519', 'end': '625.399', 'text': 'bothering with introductions. Threes.'}, {'start': '622.480', 'end': '628.800', 'text': "And yeah, I'm already regretting it."}, {'start': '625.399', 'end': '633.279', 'text': 'Threes above them. Attack ships screamed'}, {'start': '628.800', 'end': '635.839', 'text': 'past searching threes for her, for him,'}, {'start': '633.279', 'end': '637.399', 'text': "for survivors. It didn't matter. They"}, {'start': '635.839', 'end': '640.399', 'text': 'needed to move'}, {'start': '637.399', 'end': '643.200', 'text': 'threes. You have name, the queen, said'}, {'start': '640.399', 'end': '645.360', 'text': 'her translator, cutting in and out. I am'}, {'start': '643.200', 'end': '647.320', 'text': 'Queen Xyra, sovereign of the seventh'}, {'start': '645.360', 'end': '649.160', 'text': 'brood matriarch of the western'}, {'start': '647.320', 'end': '653.720', 'text': 'territories.'}, {'start': '649.160', 'end': '657.519', 'text': 'Freeze. Nice to meet you, Queen Zyra.'}, {'start': '653.720', 'end': '660.680', 'text': 'Ryland Cross replied, his voice strained'}, {'start': '657.519', 'end': '663.959', 'text': 'with effort as he began the long journey'}, {'start': '660.680', 'end': '666.720', 'text': "ahead. Let's try to keep each other"}, {'start': '663.959', 'end': '669.760', 'text': 'alive. The forest canopy offered some'}, {'start': '666.720', 'end': '672.640', 'text': 'protection from aerial scouts as Ryland'}, {'start': '669.760', 'end': '673.800', 'text': 'Cross trudged forward with Queen Zyra in'}, {'start': '672.640', 'end': '676.720', 'text': 'his'}, {'start': '673.800', 'end': '679.040', 'text': 'arms. Her weight, though surprisingly'}, {'start': '676.720', 'end': '681.600', 'text': 'light for her size, was beginning to'}, {'start': '679.040', 'end': '684.079', 'text': 'tell on his muscles after 3 hours of'}, {'start': '681.600', 'end': '686.320', 'text': 'carrying her.'}, {'start': '684.079', 'end': '689.200', 'text': 'The blue eye core from her wounds had'}, {'start': '686.320', 'end': '691.440', 'text': 'dried to a tacky residue on his armor'}, {'start': '689.200', 'end': '694.240', 'text': 'bees.'}, {'start': '691.440', 'end': '696.959', 'text': 'Your body temperature is rising. Queen'}, {'start': '694.240', 'end': '699.240', 'text': 'Zyra observed her translator, creating'}, {'start': '696.959', 'end': '702.959', 'text': 'an eerily flat tone.'}, {'start': '699.240', 'end': '704.880', 'text': 'Threes, are you malfunctioning? Ryland'}, {'start': '702.959', 'end': '708.240', 'text': 'crossjusted his grip, trying not to'}, {'start': '704.880', 'end': '710.160', 'text': "jostle her injured limb. Threes. I'm"}, {'start': '708.240', 'end': '713.839', 'text': "sweating because you're heavy and I've"}, {'start': '710.160', 'end': '716.519', 'text': 'been carrying you for miles. Threes.'}, {'start': '713.839', 'end': '718.560', 'text': 'Inefficient cooling system. She clicked'}, {'start': '716.519', 'end': '722.079', 'text': 'mandibles working in what might have'}, {'start': '718.560', 'end': '724.320', 'text': 'been amusement. Exoskeleton superior.'}, {'start': '722.079', 'end': '727.519', 'text': 'Yeah, well, your superior exoskeleton is'}, {'start': '724.320', 'end': '730.079', 'text': 'currently broken in three places. Ryland'}, {'start': '727.519', 'end': '732.959', 'text': 'Cross retorted, stepping carefully over'}, {'start': '730.079', 'end': '735.120', 'text': 'a fallen log, so maybe save the biology'}, {'start': '732.959', 'end': '737.040', 'text': 'lesson threes.'}, {'start': '735.120', 'end': '739.240', 'text': 'Night was approaching, bringing with it'}, {'start': '737.040', 'end': '742.639', 'text': 'dropping temperatures.'}, {'start': '739.240', 'end': '745.040', 'text': "Threes. Ryland Cross's HUD still showed"}, {'start': '742.639', 'end': '747.399', 'text': 'no connection to command, but the basic'}, {'start': '745.040', 'end': '750.480', 'text': 'environmental sensors were working'}, {'start': '747.399', 'end': '754.920', 'text': 'threes. He needed to find shelter before'}, {'start': '750.480', 'end': '757.920', 'text': 'dark threes. We need to stop soon, he'}, {'start': '754.920', 'end': '760.880', 'text': "said. Queen Zyra's compound eyes"}, {'start': '757.920', 'end': '764.839', 'text': 'shifted, scanning the terrain ahead.'}, {'start': '760.880', 'end': '767.600', 'text': 'Their rock formation defensible position'}, {'start': '764.839', 'end': '769.760', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross peered through the'}, {'start': '767.600', 'end': '774.320', 'text': "trees, spotting the outcropping she'd"}, {'start': '769.760', 'end': '777.680', 'text': 'indicated. Threes. Good eyes. Threes.'}, {'start': '774.320', 'end': '779.519', 'text': 'All six of them, she replied. And Ryland'}, {'start': '777.680', 'end': '781.240', 'text': "Cross couldn't tell if that was an"}, {'start': '779.519', 'end': '785.040', 'text': 'attempt at humor.'}, {'start': '781.240', 'end': '787.200', 'text': 'Threes. The cave was shallow but dry'}, {'start': '785.040', 'end': '791.200', 'text': 'with a narrow entrance that would be'}, {'start': '787.200', 'end': '793.519', 'text': 'easy to defend. threes. Ryland Cross let'}, {'start': '791.200', 'end': '796.079', 'text': 'Queen Zyra down as gently as possible'}, {'start': '793.519', 'end': '800.279', 'text': 'against the rear wall, then secured the'}, {'start': '796.079', 'end': '802.680', 'text': 'perimeter before returning to assess her'}, {'start': '800.279', 'end': '806.040', 'text': 'injuries. "I need to look at your'}, {'start': '802.680', 'end': '809.120', 'text': 'wounds," he said, kneeling beside'}, {'start': '806.040', 'end': '811.160', 'text': 'her. Queen Zer drew back her uninjured'}, {'start': '809.120', 'end': '814.240', 'text': 'limbs, shifting'}, {'start': '811.160', 'end': '817.279', 'text': 'protectively. "Why?" "Because you\'re'}, {'start': '814.240', 'end': '818.320', 'text': 'still bleeding, and infection will kill'}, {'start': '817.279', 'end': '821.560', 'text': 'you.'}, {'start': '818.320', 'end': '825.680', 'text': 'Faster than I would have'}, {'start': '821.560', 'end': '828.240', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross removed his helmet,'}, {'start': '825.680', 'end': '829.560', 'text': 'running a hand through his sweat, matted'}, {'start': '828.240', 'end': '833.000', 'text': 'dark'}, {'start': '829.560', 'end': '836.279', 'text': "hair. I've had field medical"}, {'start': '833.000', 'end': '838.800', 'text': "training. It's better than"}, {'start': '836.279', 'end': '840.920', 'text': 'nothing. She studied his face with'}, {'start': '838.800', 'end': '843.760', 'text': 'unnerving'}, {'start': '840.920', 'end': '847.839', 'text': 'intensity. You look different without'}, {'start': '843.760', 'end': '849.720', 'text': "shell. It's called a helmet. Ryland"}, {'start': '847.839', 'end': '852.480', 'text': 'Cross corrected, reaching for his'}, {'start': '849.720', 'end': '855.800', 'text': "medkit. And yes, humans don't have"}, {'start': '852.480', 'end': '859.600', 'text': 'natural armor like your people.'}, {'start': '855.800', 'end': '861.839', 'text': 'Threes soft, she observed. One appendage'}, {'start': '859.600', 'end': '864.199', 'text': 'extending slightly toward him before'}, {'start': '861.839', 'end': '867.480', 'text': 'withdrawing vulnerable'}, {'start': '864.199', 'end': '870.480', 'text': 'threes. Ryland cross raised an eyebrow'}, {'start': '867.480', 'end': '872.880', 'text': 'says, "I\'m not the one bleeding out'}, {'start': '870.480', 'end': '875.440', 'text': 'right now, threes."'}, {'start': '872.880', 'end': '877.920', 'text': 'that silenced her temporarily, allowing'}, {'start': '875.440', 'end': '880.959', 'text': 'him to examine the worst injury, a deep'}, {'start': '877.920', 'end': '883.600', 'text': 'fracture in her thoracic plating. The'}, {'start': '880.959', 'end': '886.560', 'text': "med scanner in his kit wasn't designed"}, {'start': '883.600', 'end': '888.680', 'text': 'for velari physiology, but it gave him'}, {'start': '886.560', 'end': '891.199', 'text': 'basic'}, {'start': '888.680', 'end': '895.199', 'text': 'readings. Your equivalent of a lung has'}, {'start': '891.199', 'end': '897.240', 'text': 'been punctured, he explained. Threes, I'}, {'start': '895.199', 'end': '900.480', 'text': "can seal the breach, but it'll hurt"}, {'start': '897.240', 'end': '903.959', 'text': "threes. Queen Zyra's mandibles clicked"}, {'start': '900.480', 'end': '907.120', 'text': 'rapidly. threes. Do what must be done.'}, {'start': '903.959', 'end': '909.920', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland Cross nodded, preparing'}, {'start': '907.120', 'end': '912.320', 'text': 'the medical sealant. Threes, why were'}, {'start': '909.920', 'end': '914.480', 'text': 'your own people trying to kill you? He'}, {'start': '912.320', 'end': '916.199', 'text': 'asked partly to distract her from the'}, {'start': '914.480', 'end': '919.519', 'text': 'pain to come.'}, {'start': '916.199', 'end': '921.760', 'text': 'Threes, she was silent for so long. He'}, {'start': '919.519', 'end': '924.480', 'text': "thought she wouldn't answer. Warchief"}, {'start': '921.760', 'end': '926.160', 'text': 'Krosock believes peace talks waste time.'}, {'start': '924.480', 'end': '929.600', 'text': "Believes I'm weak for considering"}, {'start': '926.160', 'end': '933.920', 'text': 'diplomatic options. Threes.'}, {'start': '929.600', 'end': '936.000', 'text': 'So this was a coup, Ryland Cross said,'}, {'start': '933.920', 'end': '938.760', 'text': 'positioning the sealant injector against'}, {'start': '936.000', 'end': '941.800', 'text': 'her exoskeleton.'}, {'start': '938.760', 'end': '944.240', 'text': 'Threes. Hold still.'}, {'start': '941.800', 'end': '947.240', 'text': 'Threes. The sealant hissed as it'}, {'start': '944.240', 'end': '950.720', 'text': 'deployed, expanding into the fracture.'}, {'start': '947.240', 'end': '953.199', 'text': 'Threes. Queen Zyra made no sound, but'}, {'start': '950.720', 'end': '957.600', 'text': 'her limbs contracted tightly, digging'}, {'start': '953.199', 'end': '960.880', 'text': 'grooves into the stone floor. Threes.'}, {'start': '957.600', 'end': '963.240', 'text': 'War has lasted too long, she said after'}, {'start': '960.880', 'end': '966.480', 'text': 'the pain had'}, {'start': '963.240', 'end': '969.320', 'text': 'subsided. Your kind is stubborn mind,'}, {'start': '966.480', 'end': '972.600', 'text': 'too proud, billions dead for what'}, {'start': '969.320', 'end': '976.399', 'text': 'territory resources we could'}, {'start': '972.600', 'end': '978.199', 'text': 'share. Ryland Cross sat back, surprised'}, {'start': '976.399', 'end': '982.160', 'text': 'by her'}, {'start': '978.199', 'end': '984.000', 'text': 'cander. You sound like our diplomats,'}, {'start': '982.160', 'end': '987.440', 'text': 'threes.'}, {'start': '984.000', 'end': '990.759', 'text': 'Insult not necessary. She clicked and'}, {'start': '987.440', 'end': '993.920', 'text': 'this time he was certain it was humor'}, {'start': '990.759', 'end': '995.240', 'text': 'threes. Outside darkness had fallen'}, {'start': '993.920', 'end': '998.160', 'text': 'completely'}, {'start': '995.240', 'end': '1000.639', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross set up a small'}, {'start': '998.160', 'end': '1003.079', 'text': 'heater from his survival kit creating a'}, {'start': '1000.639', 'end': '1005.920', 'text': 'pocket of warmth in the cave.'}, {'start': '1003.079', 'end': '1009.519', 'text': 'Threes. Why help enemy? She asks'}, {'start': '1005.920', 'end': '1011.279', 'text': 'suddenly. Logic escapes me. Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '1009.519', 'end': '1013.800', 'text': 'considered the question as he checked'}, {'start': '1011.279', 'end': '1017.680', 'text': 'his dwindling supplies.'}, {'start': '1013.800', 'end': '1019.680', 'text': "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. Maybe"}, {'start': '1017.680', 'end': '1021.959', 'text': 'because executing wounded prisoners'}, {'start': '1019.680', 'end': '1024.640', 'text': "isn't how I was"}, {'start': '1021.959', 'end': '1027.760', 'text': 'trained. Maybe because of Elzari Queen'}, {'start': '1024.640', 'end': '1029.600', 'text': 'could be valuable intel. Threes. Or'}, {'start': '1027.760', 'end': '1032.039', 'text': "maybe I'm just a sucker for anyone"}, {'start': '1029.600', 'end': '1035.679', 'text': 'having a worse day than me.'}, {'start': '1032.039', 'end': '1039.199', 'text': 'Threes. Queen Zyra watched him prepare a'}, {'start': '1035.679', 'end': '1041.760', 'text': 'protein ration. Threes. You require'}, {'start': '1039.199', 'end': '1045.760', 'text': 'sustenance. Threes.'}, {'start': '1041.760', 'end': '1048.720', 'text': 'We both do, Ryland Cross said threes.'}, {'start': '1045.760', 'end': '1052.120', 'text': 'What do you eat? My kind processes'}, {'start': '1048.720', 'end': '1055.360', 'text': 'organic matter differently, she'}, {'start': '1052.120', 'end': '1057.640', 'text': 'explained. I can extract nutrients from'}, {'start': '1055.360', 'end': '1060.960', 'text': 'most plant life.'}, {'start': '1057.640', 'end': '1062.679', 'text': 'Threes Ryland Cross nodded toward the'}, {'start': '1060.960', 'end': '1065.039', 'text': 'cave entrance.'}, {'start': '1062.679', 'end': '1065.880', 'text': "Threes, I'll find you something in the"}, {'start': '1065.039', 'end': '1069.280', 'text': 'morning.'}, {'start': '1065.880', 'end': '1070.880', 'text': 'Threes. They fell into silence as he ate'}, {'start': '1069.280', 'end': '1074.240', 'text': 'thrice.'}, {'start': '1070.880', 'end': '1076.480', 'text': 'The situation was surreal. Threes, an'}, {'start': '1074.240', 'end': '1079.720', 'text': 'enemy queen and a human soldier sharing'}, {'start': '1076.480', 'end': '1083.960', 'text': 'a cave, neither trying to kill the other'}, {'start': '1079.720', 'end': '1087.520', 'text': 'threes. Sleep queen Zyra. Final watch'}, {'start': '1083.960', 'end': '1088.960', 'text': 'threes. Ryland cross snorted right. And'}, {'start': '1087.520', 'end': '1091.080', 'text': 'wake up with one of those limbs through'}, {'start': '1088.960', 'end': '1095.520', 'text': "my chest. I don't think"}, {'start': '1091.080', 'end': '1097.919', 'text': 'so. If I wanted you dead, she replied.'}, {'start': '1095.520', 'end': '1102.600', 'text': 'Would have killed you already. Rest'}, {'start': '1097.919', 'end': '1105.520', 'text': 'while you can. Tomorrow long journey'}, {'start': '1102.600', 'end': '1108.120', 'text': 'continues. Against his better judgment,'}, {'start': '1105.520', 'end': '1111.280', 'text': 'Ryland Cross found his eyelids growing'}, {'start': '1108.120', 'end': '1113.160', 'text': "heavies. Wake me in 4 hours. We'll take"}, {'start': '1111.280', 'end': '1116.320', 'text': 'shifts.'}, {'start': '1113.160', 'end': '1119.480', 'text': 'Threes. As he drifted toward sleep, he'}, {'start': '1116.320', 'end': '1123.120', 'text': 'heard her voice softer than before.'}, {'start': '1119.480', 'end': '1126.480', 'text': 'Threes. Thank you, Ryland. Cross of the'}, {'start': '1123.120', 'end': '1128.520', 'text': "humans. Threes. He wasn't sure if he"}, {'start': '1126.480', 'end': '1131.200', 'text': 'dreamed it or not.'}, {'start': '1128.520', 'end': '1133.080', 'text': 'threes. Dawn broke with the distant'}, {'start': '1131.200', 'end': '1136.160', 'text': 'rumble of artillery'}, {'start': '1133.080', 'end': '1139.120', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross emerged from the'}, {'start': '1136.160', 'end': '1141.720', 'text': 'cave to find several large leaves coated'}, {'start': '1139.120', 'end': '1145.039', 'text': 'with dew beside the'}, {'start': '1141.720', 'end': '1147.039', 'text': 'entrance. He glanced back at Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '1145.039', 'end': '1148.679', 'text': 'who was meticulously cleaning her'}, {'start': '1147.039', 'end': '1152.679', 'text': 'injured limb.'}, {'start': '1148.679', 'end': '1155.720', 'text': 'Threes. You went outside? He asked'}, {'start': '1152.679', 'end': '1158.480', 'text': 'surprise evident in his voice.'}, {'start': '1155.720', 'end': '1161.039', 'text': 'Threes limited mobility returned while'}, {'start': '1158.480', 'end': '1164.640', 'text': 'you slept, she explained. Gathered'}, {'start': '1161.039', 'end': '1166.640', 'text': 'sustenance. Threes Ryland cross picked'}, {'start': '1164.640', 'end': '1170.080', 'text': 'up the leaves. Threes, you could have'}, {'start': '1166.640', 'end': '1172.600', 'text': 'left. Threes and go where. Her compound'}, {'start': '1170.080', 'end': '1176.080', 'text': 'eyes reflected the early morning light.'}, {'start': '1172.600', 'end': '1179.440', 'text': 'Threes. Vorath controls military now'}, {'start': '1176.080', 'end': '1181.200', 'text': 'know where safe threes. They set out as'}, {'start': '1179.440', 'end': '1184.559', 'text': 'soon as Ryland cross had eaten and'}, {'start': '1181.200', 'end': '1187.600', 'text': "checked Queen Zyra's wounds."}, {'start': '1184.559', 'end': '1191.000', 'text': 'The sealant had held and her natural'}, {'start': '1187.600', 'end': '1193.480', 'text': 'healing seemed remarkably'}, {'start': '1191.000', 'end': '1196.400', 'text': 'efficient. Still, her leg remained'}, {'start': '1193.480', 'end': '1197.240', 'text': 'unusable, forcing Ryland Cross to carry'}, {'start': '1196.400', 'end': '1200.160', 'text': 'her'}, {'start': '1197.240', 'end': '1202.720', 'text': 'again. "Your territory begins beyond'}, {'start': '1200.160', 'end': '1204.360', 'text': 'those hills," Queen Zyra said as they'}, {'start': '1202.720', 'end': '1207.440', 'text': 'paused at a'}, {'start': '1204.360', 'end': '1211.280', 'text': 'stream. "Will your people not shoot'}, {'start': '1207.440', 'end': '1213.919', 'text': 'Queen on sight?" Ryland Cross helped her'}, {'start': '1211.280', 'end': '1216.520', 'text': 'drink from his cupped hands. An oddly'}, {'start': '1213.919', 'end': '1218.880', 'text': 'intimate gesture.'}, {'start': '1216.520', 'end': '1222.160', 'text': "Threes probably, which is why we're"}, {'start': '1218.880', 'end': '1225.679', 'text': 'taking the long way around threes.'}, {'start': '1222.160', 'end': '1226.919', 'text': "There's a Nexus outpost about 20 m"}, {'start': '1225.679', 'end': '1230.120', 'text': 'south.'}, {'start': '1226.919', 'end': '1233.679', 'text': 'Threes. We can get help'}, {'start': '1230.120', 'end': '1236.720', 'text': 'there. Logical plan, she conceded.'}, {'start': '1233.679', 'end': '1240.480', 'text': 'Unnecessary risk for youth threes'}, {'start': '1236.720', 'end': '1243.360', 'text': 'already committed. Ryland Cross replied,'}, {'start': '1240.480', 'end': '1245.919', 'text': 'lifting her again threes. Her limbs'}, {'start': '1243.360', 'end': '1248.240', 'text': 'curled around him with practiced ease,'}, {'start': '1245.919', 'end': '1250.520', 'text': 'now distributing her weight to make'}, {'start': '1248.240', 'end': '1253.039', 'text': 'carrying her'}, {'start': '1250.520', 'end': '1255.760', 'text': 'easier. Besides, I want to hear more'}, {'start': '1253.039', 'end': '1258.799', 'text': 'about this peace plan that got you blown'}, {'start': '1255.760', 'end': '1261.120', 'text': 'up. As they traveled, Queen Zera'}, {'start': '1258.799', 'end': '1264.480', 'text': 'described her vision, shared mining'}, {'start': '1261.120', 'end': '1267.320', 'text': 'operations on contested moons, cultural'}, {'start': '1264.480', 'end': '1270.480', 'text': 'exchange programs, even potential'}, {'start': '1267.320', 'end': '1274.039', 'text': 'interecies colonies. Ideas that had'}, {'start': '1270.480', 'end': '1278.720', 'text': 'infuriated traditionalists like Vorath'}, {'start': '1274.039', 'end': '1280.640', 'text': '3es. "Your kind fears difference," she'}, {'start': '1278.720', 'end': '1283.679', 'text': 'observed as they rested in the shade of'}, {'start': '1280.640', 'end': '1287.320', 'text': 'a massive fern. Yet you carry enemy'}, {'start': '1283.679', 'end': '1290.880', 'text': 'queen through dangerous territory.'}, {'start': '1287.320', 'end': '1294.360', 'text': "Threes. I'm an exception, Ryland Cross"}, {'start': '1290.880', 'end': '1296.799', 'text': 'said, though her words made him'}, {'start': '1294.360', 'end': '1299.440', 'text': "reflect. Most humans aren't so friendly"}, {'start': '1296.799', 'end': '1301.880', 'text': "to 8ft tall insecttoids who've been"}, {'start': '1299.440', 'end': '1307.720', 'text': 'bombing our colonies.'}, {'start': '1301.880', 'end': '1310.320', 'text': "Threes 6'9 in. She corrected and not"}, {'start': '1307.720', 'end': '1311.559', 'text': 'insects. Different evolutionary path'}, {'start': '1310.320', 'end': '1314.960', 'text': 'entirely.'}, {'start': '1311.559', 'end': '1318.559', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland cross laughed despite'}, {'start': '1314.960', 'end': '1321.280', 'text': 'himself. My mistake. Threes. Her head'}, {'start': '1318.559', 'end': '1323.840', 'text': 'tilted curiously at the sound. Explain'}, {'start': '1321.280', 'end': '1326.960', 'text': "laughter. Threes. It's an expression of"}, {'start': '1323.840', 'end': '1329.480', 'text': 'amusement or happiness. He said,'}, {'start': '1326.960', 'end': '1332.159', 'text': 'surprised by such a basic question,'}, {'start': '1329.480', 'end': '1334.159', 'text': 'threes. We have no equivalent, she'}, {'start': '1332.159', 'end': '1336.400', 'text': 'admitted. Fascinating biological'}, {'start': '1334.159', 'end': '1338.480', 'text': 'response.'}, {'start': '1336.400', 'end': '1342.440', 'text': 'The moment of connection ended abruptly'}, {'start': '1338.480', 'end': '1345.120', 'text': "as Ryland Cross's motion sensor pinged"}, {'start': '1342.440', 'end': '1348.000', 'text': 'threes. He pulled Queen Zora behind a'}, {'start': '1345.120', 'end': '1350.480', 'text': 'rock formation just as a Velzari patrol'}, {'start': '1348.000', 'end': '1352.400', 'text': 'skittered into view. Four soldiers led'}, {'start': '1350.480', 'end': '1355.080', 'text': 'by an officer moving in the distinctive'}, {'start': '1352.400', 'end': '1357.320', 'text': 'three-legged gate of their'}, {'start': '1355.080', 'end': '1361.120', 'text': 'species. They seek'}, {'start': '1357.320', 'end': '1363.919', 'text': 'me. Queen Zyra whispered her translator'}, {'start': '1361.120', 'end': '1366.240', 'text': 'barely audible thighs.'}, {'start': '1363.919', 'end': '1369.280', 'text': 'Ryland Cross drew his sidearm,'}, {'start': '1366.240', 'end': '1372.559', 'text': 'calculating their odds. Poor at best.'}, {'start': '1369.280', 'end': '1375.320', 'text': "Maybe they'll pass by threes. The patrol"}, {'start': '1372.559', 'end': '1377.600', 'text': 'halted antenna twitching as they sensed'}, {'start': '1375.320', 'end': '1381.320', 'text': 'something. The officer chittered'}, {'start': '1377.600', 'end': '1384.640', 'text': 'commands and they began spreading out to'}, {'start': '1381.320', 'end': '1388.640', 'text': "search. Queen Zyra's limb touched Ryland"}, {'start': '1384.640', 'end': '1391.120', 'text': 'Cross\'s arm. "Trust me," she whispered'}, {'start': '1388.640', 'end': '1393.440', 'text': 'before emitting a high-pitched series of'}, {'start': '1391.120', 'end': '1396.159', 'text': 'clicks.'}, {'start': '1393.440', 'end': '1398.320', 'text': 'The patrol froze, then immediately'}, {'start': '1396.159', 'end': '1401.559', 'text': 'prostrated themselves on the ground,'}, {'start': '1398.320', 'end': '1406.600', 'text': 'clicking rapidly in response.'}, {'start': '1401.559', 'end': '1410.480', 'text': 'Threes. What did you do, Ryland? Cross'}, {'start': '1406.600', 'end': '1412.720', 'text': 'hissed. Royal command, she explained.'}, {'start': '1410.480', 'end': '1414.440', 'text': 'They believe I order them away to secret'}, {'start': '1412.720', 'end': '1416.960', 'text': 'mission will not'}, {'start': '1414.440', 'end': '1418.880', 'text': 'question. Sure enough, the patrol rose'}, {'start': '1416.960', 'end': '1422.240', 'text': 'and quickly departed in the opposite'}, {'start': '1418.880', 'end': '1424.600', 'text': 'direction. threes. That was Ryland.'}, {'start': '1422.240', 'end': '1427.840', 'text': 'Cross searched for the word impressive'}, {'start': '1424.600', 'end': '1430.159', 'text': 'threes. Useful, she corrected, but he'}, {'start': '1427.840', 'end': '1432.760', 'text': 'could see a subtle shift in her posture'}, {'start': '1430.159', 'end': '1436.640', 'text': 'that suggested pride'}, {'start': '1432.760', 'end': '1440.120', 'text': 'threes. Now carry me, human. We must'}, {'start': '1436.640', 'end': '1443.039', 'text': 'move quickly before they report position'}, {'start': '1440.120', 'end': '1445.600', 'text': 'threes. As Ryland Cross lifted her'}, {'start': '1443.039', 'end': '1448.720', 'text': 'again, he noticed her limbs encircled'}, {'start': '1445.600', 'end': '1451.600', 'text': 'him more securely than before threes.'}, {'start': '1448.720', 'end': '1454.400', 'text': 'Her touch almost gentle where it had'}, {'start': '1451.600', 'end': '1456.919', 'text': 'once been merely pragmatic. "You are'}, {'start': '1454.400', 'end': '1459.840', 'text': 'strong," she observed'}, {'start': '1456.919', 'end': '1463.600', 'text': 'quietly. "Few of my kind could carry'}, {'start': '1459.840', 'end': '1467.039', 'text': 'another so far," says, "I aim to please'}, {'start': '1463.600', 'end': '1469.520', 'text': 'your majesty." Ryland Cross replied with'}, {'start': '1467.039', 'end': '1473.200', 'text': 'a hint of sarcasm, but found himself'}, {'start': '1469.520', 'end': '1475.679', 'text': 'oddly affected by her praise threes.'}, {'start': '1473.200', 'end': '1479.559', 'text': 'They continued south, enemies becoming'}, {'start': '1475.679', 'end': '1482.640', 'text': 'reluctant allies with each passing mile'}, {'start': '1479.559', 'end': '1485.120', 'text': 'threes. By the fourth day, Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '1482.640', 'end': '1487.200', 'text': 'could manage short distances on her own,'}, {'start': '1485.120', 'end': '1489.840', 'text': 'though Ryland Cross still carried her'}, {'start': '1487.200', 'end': '1491.919', 'text': 'over difficult terrain. They had settled'}, {'start': '1489.840', 'end': '1493.840', 'text': 'into an unexpected rhythm. Their initial'}, {'start': '1491.919', 'end': '1497.440', 'text': 'hostility giving way to something'}, {'start': '1493.840', 'end': '1501.360', 'text': 'approaching companionship.'}, {'start': '1497.440', 'end': '1503.679', 'text': 'Your translators improved, Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '1501.360', 'end': '1505.559', 'text': 'observed as they shared a meal of local'}, {'start': '1503.679', 'end': '1508.320', 'text': "fruit he'd"}, {'start': '1505.559', 'end': '1510.919', 'text': 'gathered. Queen Zyra touched the device'}, {'start': '1508.320', 'end': '1513.760', 'text': 'embedded in her thorax'}, {'start': '1510.919', 'end': '1516.600', 'text': 'threes. Self-repairing, learning your'}, {'start': '1513.760', 'end': '1520.440', 'text': 'speech patterns improves function.'}, {'start': '1516.600', 'end': '1522.880', 'text': 'Threes, lucky for us, Ryland Cross said'}, {'start': '1520.440', 'end': '1526.159', 'text': 'threes. First few days were like talking'}, {'start': '1522.880', 'end': '1528.720', 'text': 'to a broken nav system. Your language is'}, {'start': '1526.159', 'end': '1531.120', 'text': 'inefficient, she replied. But her'}, {'start': '1528.720', 'end': '1533.880', 'text': 'mandibles clicked in what he now'}, {'start': '1531.120', 'end': '1537.120', 'text': 'recognized as amusement'}, {'start': '1533.880', 'end': '1540.400', 'text': 'threes. Night was falling when Queen'}, {'start': '1537.120', 'end': '1543.320', 'text': 'Zyra suddenly stiffened and tenny'}, {'start': '1540.400', 'end': '1546.120', 'text': 'vibrating communication signal. She'}, {'start': '1543.320', 'end': '1547.640', 'text': 'whispered, "Military'}, {'start': '1546.120', 'end': '1550.760', 'text': 'frequency'}, {'start': '1547.640', 'end': '1553.679', 'text': 'threes. Ryland'}, {'start': '1550.760', 'end': '1556.640', 'text': 'cross-tensed. Can you intercept it?" Her'}, {'start': '1553.679', 'end': '1559.919', 'text': 'eyes unfocused as she concentrated.'}, {'start': '1556.640', 'end': '1562.039', 'text': 'Translator working to process the velari'}, {'start': '1559.919', 'end': '1565.440', 'text': 'transmission'}, {'start': '1562.039', 'end': '1568.000', 'text': 'threes. When she spoke again, her voice'}, {'start': '1565.440', 'end': '1571.840', 'text': 'had changed, carrying an emotion he'}, {'start': '1568.000', 'end': '1574.760', 'text': "hadn't heard before. Rage Chrys"}, {'start': '1571.840', 'end': '1578.400', 'text': 'addresses the council'}, {'start': '1574.760', 'end': '1581.080', 'text': 'threes. He tells them, "I am dead that'}, {'start': '1578.400', 'end': '1584.320', 'text': 'humans assassinated me during peace'}, {'start': '1581.080', 'end': '1587.480', 'text': 'negotiations. threes. Her limbs'}, {'start': '1584.320', 'end': '1591.320', 'text': 'trembled. Threes. He has declared'}, {'start': '1587.480', 'end': '1593.640', 'text': 'himself war region until succession'}, {'start': '1591.320', 'end': '1597.120', 'text': 'ceremony.'}, {'start': '1593.640', 'end': '1599.080', 'text': 'Threes. The attack was planned. Ryland'}, {'start': '1597.120', 'end': '1603.240', 'text': 'Cross realized.'}, {'start': '1599.080', 'end': '1607.360', 'text': 'Threes. You were the target all along.'}, {'start': '1603.240', 'end': '1610.480', 'text': "Threes. Yes. Queen Zyra's compound eyes"}, {'start': '1607.360', 'end': '1612.559', 'text': 'fixed on his face. Threes. And worse,'}, {'start': '1610.480', 'end': '1614.520', 'text': 'your Colonel Hayes captured during'}, {'start': '1612.559', 'end': '1618.559', 'text': 'battle.'}, {'start': '1614.520', 'end': '1621.360', 'text': 'Threes Kryach plans public execution to'}, {'start': '1618.559', 'end': '1623.880', 'text': 'prevent any peace talks. Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '1621.360', 'end': '1626.720', 'text': 'felt a cold weight settle in his'}, {'start': '1623.880', 'end': '1630.159', 'text': 'stomach. Hayes was a hard ass, but he'}, {'start': '1626.720', 'end': '1633.120', 'text': 'was a good commander. Threes when 3 days'}, {'start': '1630.159', 'end': '1636.480', 'text': 'northern command center. Threes Ryland'}, {'start': '1633.120', 'end': '1638.799', 'text': 'cross paced mind racing. Threes we need'}, {'start': '1636.480', 'end': '1641.440', 'text': 'to move faster. threes. The Nexus'}, {'start': '1638.799', 'end': '1644.159', 'text': 'Outpost is still at least 2 days away at'}, {'start': '1641.440', 'end': '1646.559', 'text': 'our current pace. Threes, I will manage'}, {'start': '1644.159', 'end': '1650.279', 'text': 'without being carried, Queen Zyra said'}, {'start': '1646.559', 'end': '1654.120', 'text': 'firmly. Threes, your leg will heal.'}, {'start': '1650.279', 'end': '1656.400', 'text': 'Threes. She rose, wobbling'}, {'start': '1654.120', 'end': '1659.400', 'text': 'slightly. Your commander saved my'}, {'start': '1656.400', 'end': '1663.279', 'text': 'diplomatic envoy once on her debt'}, {'start': '1659.400', 'end': '1666.080', 'text': 'unpaid. Ryland Cross stared at her.'}, {'start': '1663.279', 'end': '1669.159', 'text': 'Hayes protected your people. He never'}, {'start': '1666.080', 'end': '1672.080', 'text': 'mentioned any contact with velari'}, {'start': '1669.159', 'end': '1674.120', 'text': 'royalty. Treaty discussion secret only'}, {'start': '1672.080', 'end': '1677.279', 'text': 'highest levels'}, {'start': '1674.120', 'end': '1679.799', 'text': 'knew. Queen Zyra moved closer to him.'}, {'start': '1677.279', 'end': '1683.720', 'text': 'Her face inches from his'}, {'start': '1679.799', 'end': '1687.520', 'text': 'threes. Kryach sent assassins. Hayes'}, {'start': '1683.720', 'end': '1690.880', 'text': 'intercepted. 12 human soldiers died'}, {'start': '1687.520', 'end': '1694.559', 'text': 'protecting my convoy. Threes. The'}, {'start': '1690.880', 'end': '1697.279', 'text': 'revelation stunned Ryland cross threes.'}, {'start': '1694.559', 'end': '1699.520', 'text': 'All this time, peace negotiations had'}, {'start': '1697.279', 'end': '1702.960', 'text': 'been occurring behind the scenes unknown'}, {'start': '1699.520', 'end': '1706.799', 'text': 'to frontline soldiers like him. Why tell'}, {'start': '1702.960', 'end': '1709.880', 'text': 'me this now? He asked. Because you must'}, {'start': '1706.799', 'end': '1713.760', 'text': 'trust me completely for what comes next'}, {'start': '1709.880', 'end': '1717.440', 'text': 'is. Her voice softened as I have come to'}, {'start': '1713.760', 'end': '1721.679', 'text': 'trust you threes. Something in her tone'}, {'start': '1717.440', 'end': '1723.840', 'text': "made Ryland Cross's pulse quicken."}, {'start': '1721.679', 'end': '1726.320', 'text': "He'd spent days in close physical"}, {'start': '1723.840', 'end': '1728.559', 'text': 'contact with her, learning to read her'}, {'start': '1726.320', 'end': '1730.120', 'text': 'alien expressions, finding unexpected'}, {'start': '1728.559', 'end': '1732.640', 'text': 'grace in her'}, {'start': '1730.120', 'end': '1735.240', 'text': 'movements. Now standing so close, he'}, {'start': '1732.640', 'end': '1738.679', 'text': "noticed details he'd"}, {'start': '1735.240', 'end': '1741.559', 'text': 'overlooked, the iridescent sheen of her'}, {'start': '1738.679', 'end': '1746.080', 'text': 'exoskeleton, the subtle patterns on her'}, {'start': '1741.559', 'end': '1748.360', 'text': 'crest. "I trust you," he said, surprised'}, {'start': '1746.080', 'end': '1751.039', 'text': 'to find it true.'}, {'start': '1748.360', 'end': '1753.360', 'text': 'Threes. Queen Zyra reached out one'}, {'start': '1751.039', 'end': '1756.919', 'text': 'delicate appendage, tracing the line of'}, {'start': '1753.360', 'end': '1760.399', 'text': 'his jaw with unexpected gentleness.'}, {'start': '1756.919', 'end': '1763.880', 'text': 'Threes good, because chemical response'}, {'start': '1760.399', 'end': '1767.600', 'text': 'occurring between us is not imagination.'}, {'start': '1763.880', 'end': '1769.760', 'text': 'Threes Ryland cross froze. What chemical'}, {'start': '1767.600', 'end': '1772.480', 'text': 'response? My species releases'}, {'start': '1769.760', 'end': '1774.799', 'text': 'pherommones when compatible. Mate'}, {'start': '1772.480', 'end': '1776.440', 'text': 'identified evolutionary holdover from'}, {'start': '1774.799', 'end': '1780.320', 'text': 'ancient times.'}, {'start': '1776.440', 'end': '1782.480', 'text': 'threes. Her touch lingered. Threes'}, {'start': '1780.320', 'end': '1783.720', 'text': 'unexpected that human would trigger'}, {'start': '1782.480', 'end': '1788.080', 'text': 'response.'}, {'start': '1783.720', 'end': '1790.720', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland cross swallowed hard. Are'}, {'start': '1788.080', 'end': '1794.559', 'text': "you saying you're attracted to me?"}, {'start': '1790.720', 'end': '1797.120', 'text': 'Simplistic term, but accurate. Threes.'}, {'start': '1794.559', 'end': '1798.039', 'text': 'She withdrew her touch. Inappropriate in'}, {'start': '1797.120', 'end': '1801.600', 'text': 'current'}, {'start': '1798.039', 'end': '1804.320', 'text': 'circumstances. Apologies. Threes. Before'}, {'start': '1801.600', 'end': '1807.080', 'text': 'Ryland Cross could respond, a distant'}, {'start': '1804.320', 'end': '1810.320', 'text': 'explosion lit up the northern sky.'}, {'start': '1807.080', 'end': '1813.799', 'text': 'Threes. Queen Zyra immediately moved to'}, {'start': '1810.320', 'end': '1817.360', 'text': 'a defensive position. Injury forgotten.'}, {'start': '1813.799', 'end': '1819.880', 'text': 'Threes. We must move, she said. All'}, {'start': '1817.360', 'end': '1823.240', 'text': 'vulnerability gone from her voice.'}, {'start': '1819.880', 'end': '1825.279', 'text': 'Threes. That was command center conflict'}, {'start': '1823.240', 'end': '1828.159', 'text': 'escalating. As they gathered their'}, {'start': '1825.279', 'end': '1831.039', 'text': 'meager supplies, Ryland Cross found'}, {'start': '1828.159', 'end': '1833.039', 'text': 'himself watching Queen Zyra with new'}, {'start': '1831.039', 'end': '1836.200', 'text': 'awareness, wondering if the strange'}, {'start': '1833.039', 'end': '1840.000', 'text': "tension he'd been feeling was entirely"}, {'start': '1836.200', 'end': '1842.080', 'text': 'one-sided after all. Its rain fell in'}, {'start': '1840.000', 'end': '1844.399', 'text': 'torrance, turning the forest floor into'}, {'start': '1842.080', 'end': '1847.919', 'text': 'treacherous mud that clung to Ryland'}, {'start': '1844.399', 'end': '1850.000', 'text': "Cross's bootst. Lightning split the sky"}, {'start': '1847.919', 'end': '1852.559', 'text': 'as he spotted the abandoned research'}, {'start': '1850.000', 'end': '1856.440', 'text': 'station, a small pre-fabricated'}, {'start': '1852.559', 'end': '1859.440', 'text': 'structure half reclaimed by vegetation.'}, {'start': '1856.440', 'end': '1861.279', 'text': 'Shelter, he called to Queen Zyra, who'}, {'start': '1859.440', 'end': '1863.720', 'text': 'was struggling to maintain her footing'}, {'start': '1861.279', 'end': '1868.640', 'text': 'on three functional'}, {'start': '1863.720', 'end': '1870.480', 'text': 'limbs. Inside the station was musty but'}, {'start': '1868.640', 'end': '1873.760', 'text': 'intact.'}, {'start': '1870.480', 'end': '1876.559', 'text': 'Ryland Cross secured the door while'}, {'start': '1873.760', 'end': '1880.480', 'text': 'Queen Zyra investigated the single room'}, {'start': '1876.559', 'end': '1882.960', 'text': 'with its basic amenities. A cot, a desk,'}, {'start': '1880.480', 'end': '1884.600', 'text': 'and a nonfunctional communications'}, {'start': '1882.960', 'end': '1888.640', 'text': 'array.'}, {'start': '1884.600', 'end': '1891.000', 'text': 'Threes storm will delay us, she said.'}, {'start': '1888.640', 'end': '1894.120', 'text': 'Antenna twitching with agitation.'}, {'start': '1891.000', 'end': '1897.440', 'text': 'Threes, we needed to rest anyway.'}, {'start': '1894.120', 'end': '1900.240', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross removed his soaked'}, {'start': '1897.440', 'end': '1904.519', 'text': 'outer armor, hanging it to dry. The'}, {'start': '1900.240', 'end': '1906.799', 'text': 'Nexus outpost is still 10 mi south.'}, {'start': '1904.519', 'end': '1909.679', 'text': "Threes. We'll make better time when"}, {'start': '1906.799', 'end': '1912.679', 'text': "we're not fighting through mud. Threes."}, {'start': '1909.679', 'end': '1915.440', 'text': 'Queen Zyra watched him. Head tilted.'}, {'start': '1912.679', 'end': '1917.440', 'text': 'Threes. Your body structure. She'}, {'start': '1915.440', 'end': '1920.159', 'text': 'observed different without shell.'}, {'start': '1917.440', 'end': '1922.399', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland Cross became suddenly'}, {'start': '1920.159', 'end': '1924.760', 'text': 'aware of his form-fitting undersuit'}, {'start': '1922.399', 'end': '1929.240', 'text': 'which left little to the imagination.'}, {'start': '1924.760', 'end': '1931.679', 'text': "Threes. It's just armor, not a shell."}, {'start': '1929.240', 'end': '1935.519', 'text': 'Threes. This is what humans actually'}, {'start': '1931.679', 'end': '1938.440', 'text': 'look like. Threes, may I? She asked, one'}, {'start': '1935.519', 'end': '1942.159', 'text': 'limb extended hesitantly toward him.'}, {'start': '1938.440', 'end': '1944.720', 'text': 'Threes. Ryland. Cross nodded, unsure why'}, {'start': '1942.159', 'end': '1947.200', 'text': 'his heart was racing. Her touch was'}, {'start': '1944.720', 'end': '1949.919', 'text': 'feather light as she traced the contours'}, {'start': '1947.200', 'end': '1953.000', 'text': 'of his shoulder down his arm to where'}, {'start': '1949.919', 'end': '1957.760', 'text': 'his pulse throbbed at his'}, {'start': '1953.000', 'end': '1961.840', 'text': 'wrist. "Warm," she murmured, "Soft yet'}, {'start': '1957.760', 'end': '1964.159', 'text': 'strong. Three." "Your turn," Ryland'}, {'start': '1961.840', 'end': '1965.880', 'text': 'Cross said, surprising himself with his'}, {'start': '1964.159', 'end': '1969.519', 'text': 'boldness.'}, {'start': '1965.880', 'end': '1972.159', 'text': '"Ray, may I?" Queen Zebra\'s compound'}, {'start': '1969.519', 'end': '1973.399', 'text': 'eyes widened, but she inclined her head'}, {'start': '1972.159', 'end': '1975.760', 'text': 'in'}, {'start': '1973.399', 'end': '1977.960', 'text': 'permissionaries. Ryland Cross ran his'}, {'start': '1975.760', 'end': '1980.559', 'text': 'fingers along the smooth surface of her'}, {'start': '1977.960', 'end': '1983.440', 'text': 'exoskeleton, finding it warm and subtly'}, {'start': '1980.559', 'end': '1988.360', 'text': 'textured like polished stone with an'}, {'start': '1983.440', 'end': '1991.519', 'text': 'underlying heat. Beautiful, he said'}, {'start': '1988.360', 'end': '1994.960', 'text': 'quietly. Functional, she corrected, but'}, {'start': '1991.519', 'end': '1996.880', 'text': 'he noticed her breathing had quickened.'}, {'start': '1994.960', 'end': '1999.760', 'text': 'The cramped space forced them into'}, {'start': '1996.880', 'end': '2001.080', 'text': 'proximity as the storm intensified'}, {'start': '1999.760', 'end': '2004.000', 'text': 'outside'}, {'start': '2001.080', 'end': '2006.039', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross found himself'}, {'start': '2004.000', 'end': '2008.480', 'text': 'helping Queen Zyra clean her healing'}, {'start': '2006.039', 'end': '2010.200', 'text': 'injuries, his fingers working carefully'}, {'start': '2008.480', 'end': '2012.039', 'text': 'around the sealed fractures in her'}, {'start': '2010.200', 'end': '2015.519', 'text': 'exoskeleton'}, {'start': '2012.039', 'end': '2017.960', 'text': 'threes. Pain lessened, she said as he'}, {'start': '2015.519', 'end': '2021.840', 'text': 'examined her injured limb'}, {'start': '2017.960', 'end': '2024.000', 'text': 'threes. Your care appreciated.'}, {'start': '2021.840', 'end': '2027.559', 'text': "We've come too far for you to die on me"}, {'start': '2024.000', 'end': '2031.440', 'text': 'now, Ryland Cross replied with a small'}, {'start': '2027.559', 'end': '2034.159', 'text': 'smile. Her mandibles clicked softly.'}, {'start': '2031.440', 'end': '2037.399', 'text': 'Chemical response stronger in enclosed'}, {'start': '2034.159', 'end': '2040.559', 'text': 'space affecting judgment.'}, {'start': '2037.399', 'end': '2043.240', 'text': 'Freeze. These pherommones, Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '2040.559', 'end': '2045.919', 'text': 'said carefully. Can they affect humans?'}, {'start': '2043.240', 'end': '2047.800', 'text': 'Unknown. She admitted no precedent'}, {'start': '2045.919', 'end': '2051.159', 'text': 'exists but your pupils'}, {'start': '2047.800', 'end': '2054.520', 'text': 'dilated. Pulse elevated skin flushed.'}, {'start': '2051.159', 'end': '2057.040', 'text': 'threes. Her head tilted signs universal'}, {'start': '2054.520', 'end': '2059.919', 'text': 'perhaps. Lightning crashed directly'}, {'start': '2057.040', 'end': '2063.639', 'text': 'overhead, plunging them into darkness as'}, {'start': '2059.919', 'end': '2066.440', 'text': "the station's emergency lights failed."}, {'start': '2063.639', 'end': '2071.240', 'text': 'Freeze. In the sudden intimacy of the'}, {'start': '2066.440', 'end': '2074.919', 'text': 'blackness, Ryland Cross felt her move'}, {'start': '2071.240', 'end': '2077.440', 'text': 'closer. Among my kind, she whispered her'}, {'start': '2074.919', 'end': '2079.599', 'text': 'translator, creating an intimate hum in'}, {'start': '2077.440', 'end': '2081.760', 'text': 'the darkness.'}, {'start': '2079.599', 'end': '2084.760', 'text': 'Queens choose mates for strength,'}, {'start': '2081.760', 'end': '2087.359', 'text': 'courage, genetic diversity, survival'}, {'start': '2084.760', 'end': '2089.720', 'text': 'traits. Ryland Cross felt her limbs'}, {'start': '2087.359', 'end': '2093.280', 'text': 'encircle him, not restraining but'}, {'start': '2089.720', 'end': '2096.720', 'text': 'embracing. And what traits do I have?'}, {'start': '2093.280', 'end': '2098.440', 'text': 'All of them, she replied. Her face'}, {'start': '2096.720', 'end': '2102.480', 'text': 'inches from'}, {'start': '2098.440', 'end': '2105.680', 'text': 'his. You carried enemy queen 30 m'}, {'start': '2102.480', 'end': '2108.520', 'text': 'through hostile territory. Showed mercy'}, {'start': '2105.680', 'end': '2110.119', 'text': 'when others would show cruelty,'}, {'start': '2108.520', 'end': '2113.280', 'text': 'intelligence,'}, {'start': '2110.119', 'end': '2116.839', 'text': 'adaptability. Her voice lowered further.'}, {'start': '2113.280', 'end': '2119.160', 'text': 'Physical compatibility, unexpected yet'}, {'start': '2116.839', 'end': '2121.440', 'text': 'undeniable'}, {'start': '2119.160', 'end': '2124.800', 'text': 'threes. In the darkness, the line'}, {'start': '2121.440', 'end': '2127.119', 'text': 'between species seemed to blur. Ryland'}, {'start': '2124.800', 'end': '2130.240', 'text': 'Cross found himself drawn to her alien'}, {'start': '2127.119', 'end': '2131.400', 'text': 'grace, her unexpected vulnerability, her'}, {'start': '2130.240', 'end': '2133.000', 'text': 'fierce'}, {'start': '2131.400', 'end': '2136.000', 'text': 'intelligence.'}, {'start': '2133.000', 'end': '2140.720', 'text': 'Threes, "This changes everything," he'}, {'start': '2136.000', 'end': '2144.320', 'text': 'whispered is. "Yes," she agreed, her'}, {'start': '2140.720', 'end': '2146.800', 'text': 'touch becoming more exploratory.'}, {'start': '2144.320', 'end': '2149.520', 'text': 'If we survive, the storm raged through'}, {'start': '2146.800', 'end': '2151.839', 'text': 'the night. But within the small station,'}, {'start': '2149.520', 'end': '2154.000', 'text': 'human andari discovered a connection'}, {'start': '2151.839', 'end': '2156.920', 'text': 'that defied the war that had divided'}, {'start': '2154.000', 'end': '2160.079', 'text': 'their species for'}, {'start': '2156.920', 'end': '2162.720', 'text': 'generations. The Nexus outpost appeared'}, {'start': '2160.079', 'end': '2166.079', 'text': 'as a collection of mismatched structures'}, {'start': '2162.720', 'end': '2167.920', 'text': 'on the horizon, lights glimmering in the'}, {'start': '2166.079', 'end': '2170.800', 'text': 'duskies.'}, {'start': '2167.920', 'end': '2173.359', 'text': 'Ryland Cross and Queen Zyra observed'}, {'start': '2170.800', 'end': '2175.119', 'text': 'from the cover of a ridge, wary after'}, {'start': '2173.359', 'end': '2178.800', 'text': 'nearly being discovered by a human'}, {'start': '2175.119', 'end': '2182.079', 'text': 'patrol hours earlier. Threes too many'}, {'start': '2178.800', 'end': '2184.720', 'text': 'ships in dock. Queen Zyra noted her'}, {'start': '2182.079', 'end': '2188.560', 'text': 'restored vision, identifying crafts from'}, {'start': '2184.720', 'end': '2190.760', 'text': 'both species. Military presence unusual'}, {'start': '2188.560', 'end': '2194.240', 'text': 'for neutral zone'}, {'start': '2190.760', 'end': '2196.800', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross nodded grimly.'}, {'start': '2194.240', 'end': '2199.480', 'text': "They're looking for us for me. She"}, {'start': '2196.800', 'end': '2203.200', 'text': 'corrected. You could still walk away.'}, {'start': '2199.480', 'end': '2205.280', 'text': 'Ready. Return to your people. Threes. He'}, {'start': '2203.200', 'end': '2208.800', 'text': 'gave her a sigh long glance after'}, {'start': '2205.280', 'end': '2211.119', 'text': 'everything. Not a chance. Threes. After'}, {'start': '2208.800', 'end': '2213.359', 'text': 'the night in the research station,'}, {'start': '2211.119', 'end': '2216.040', 'text': 'something fundamental had changed'}, {'start': '2213.359', 'end': '2218.760', 'text': 'between them.'}, {'start': '2216.040', 'end': '2221.119', 'text': 'Threes. Physical boundaries had'}, {'start': '2218.760', 'end': '2225.200', 'text': 'dissolved, replaced by a connection'}, {'start': '2221.119', 'end': '2227.520', 'text': 'neither had anticipated. Threes. Ryland'}, {'start': '2225.200', 'end': '2231.040', 'text': 'Cross found himself protective of her in'}, {'start': '2227.520', 'end': '2233.040', 'text': 'a way that went beyond duty or strategy.'}, {'start': '2231.040', 'end': '2234.640', 'text': '"We need a diversion," he said, scanning'}, {'start': '2233.040', 'end': '2236.400', 'text': 'the settlement. Something to draw'}, {'start': '2234.640', 'end': '2238.200', 'text': 'attention while we find Ambassador'}, {'start': '2236.400', 'end': '2242.000', 'text': 'Leona. Hail'}, {'start': '2238.200', 'end': '2244.960', 'text': "threes. Queen Zyra's antenna quivered. I"}, {'start': '2242.000', 'end': '2247.359', 'text': 'can create diversion. Royal pheromone'}, {'start': '2244.960', 'end': '2248.760', 'text': 'release will attract allaris within'}, {'start': '2247.359', 'end': '2252.200', 'text': 'range'}, {'start': '2248.760', 'end': '2255.920', 'text': 'threes and lead them right to'}, {'start': '2252.200', 'end': '2259.440', 'text': 'you. Ryland Cross objected. Not if'}, {'start': '2255.920', 'end': '2261.520', 'text': 'deployed elsewhere threes. She produced'}, {'start': '2259.440', 'end': '2264.640', 'text': 'a small vial from a compartment in her'}, {'start': '2261.520', 'end': '2267.440', 'text': 'thoracic plating. Royal essence carried'}, {'start': '2264.640', 'end': '2270.800', 'text': 'for emergencies. Ryland Cross took the'}, {'start': '2267.440', 'end': '2272.400', 'text': 'vial carefully. Will it affect me?'}, {'start': '2270.800', 'end': '2275.520', 'text': 'Different compound than mating'}, {'start': '2272.400', 'end': '2278.240', 'text': 'pherommones. she assured him, mandibles'}, {'start': '2275.520', 'end': '2279.640', 'text': 'clicking with what he now recognized as'}, {'start': '2278.240', 'end': '2282.000', 'text': 'amusement'}, {'start': '2279.640', 'end': '2283.720', 'text': 'threes. Though your reaction to those'}, {'start': '2282.000', 'end': '2286.839', 'text': 'proved'}, {'start': '2283.720', 'end': '2289.880', 'text': "satisfactory heat rose in Ryland Cross's"}, {'start': '2286.839', 'end': '2292.800', 'text': "face, let's stick to the plan"}, {'start': '2289.880', 'end': '2294.400', 'text': 'threes. They waited until full darkness'}, {'start': '2292.800', 'end': '2297.920', 'text': 'before approaching the settlement'}, {'start': '2294.400', 'end': '2299.760', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross moved ahead to'}, {'start': '2297.920', 'end': '2302.400', 'text': "plant the vial near the settlement's"}, {'start': '2299.760', 'end': '2306.079', 'text': 'eastern edge, far from their planned'}, {'start': '2302.400', 'end': '2309.280', 'text': 'route. When he returned, Queen Zyra was'}, {'start': '2306.079', 'end': '2310.920', 'text': 'standing fully upright, her injured limb'}, {'start': '2309.280', 'end': '2313.520', 'text': 'now bearing'}, {'start': '2310.920', 'end': '2316.440', 'text': 'weight. "You\'ve been healing faster than'}, {'start': '2313.520', 'end': '2319.760', 'text': 'you let on," he'}, {'start': '2316.440', 'end': '2322.320', 'text': 'accused. "Prioritized recovery of'}, {'start': '2319.760', 'end': '2324.160', 'text': 'essential functions," she replied'}, {'start': '2322.320', 'end': '2327.640', 'text': 'unapologetically.'}, {'start': '2324.160', 'end': '2330.160', 'text': 'movement necessary for survival. Mama'}, {'start': '2327.640', 'end': '2333.359', 'text': 'says, "What other secrets are you'}, {'start': '2330.160', 'end': '2335.680', 'text': 'keeping?" he asked. Her compound eyes'}, {'start': '2333.359', 'end': '2337.480', 'text': 'glinted in the darkness. Many as are'}, {'start': '2335.680', 'end': '2340.800', 'text': 'you.'}, {'start': '2337.480', 'end': '2342.839', 'text': 'Threes. Before he could respond, Ryland'}, {'start': '2340.800', 'end': '2345.920', 'text': "Cross's motion sensor"}, {'start': '2342.839', 'end': '2348.400', 'text': 'triggered. "Someone\'s coming." They'}, {'start': '2345.920', 'end': '2353.000', 'text': 'pressed into the shadows as a Velzari'}, {'start': '2348.400', 'end': '2355.920', 'text': 'scout skittered past barely 5 m away.'}, {'start': '2353.000', 'end': '2357.800', 'text': 'Ryland Cross held his breath, but Queen'}, {'start': '2355.920', 'end': '2360.200', 'text': 'Zyra suddenly'}, {'start': '2357.800', 'end': '2363.680', 'text': 'stiffened. Sentinel Darok, she'}, {'start': '2360.200', 'end': '2366.640', 'text': 'whispered. Royal guard loyal to throne,'}, {'start': '2363.680', 'end': '2369.320', 'text': 'not Critsock threes. Without warning,'}, {'start': '2366.640', 'end': '2372.560', 'text': 'she emitted a short, precise'}, {'start': '2369.320', 'end': '2374.960', 'text': 'clickthre. The scout froze, then slowly'}, {'start': '2372.560', 'end': '2378.160', 'text': 'turned toward their hiding place, limbs'}, {'start': '2374.960', 'end': '2380.640', 'text': 'raised defensively. Ryland Cross readied'}, {'start': '2378.160', 'end': '2383.280', 'text': 'his weapon, but Queen Zyra stepped'}, {'start': '2380.640', 'end': '2387.280', 'text': 'forward into the moonlight. Her royal'}, {'start': '2383.280', 'end': '2388.520', 'text': 'crest fully extended in unmistakable'}, {'start': '2387.280', 'end': '2393.000', 'text': 'display'}, {'start': '2388.520', 'end': '2396.160', 'text': 'threes. The scout immediately prostrated'}, {'start': '2393.000', 'end': '2398.560', 'text': 'himself. My queen, he chittered in his'}, {'start': '2396.160', 'end': '2401.640', 'text': "native language, which Ryland Cross's"}, {'start': '2398.560', 'end': '2405.880', 'text': 'translator rendered in stilted English.'}, {'start': '2401.640', 'end': '2409.119', 'text': 'Threes alive the succession ceremonies.'}, {'start': '2405.880', 'end': '2413.359', 'text': 'Threes our premature Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '2409.119', 'end': '2416.520', 'text': 'finished. threes. Rise, Drock. You'}, {'start': '2413.359', 'end': '2420.160', 'text': 'travel with trusted companion'}, {'start': '2416.520', 'end': '2423.320', 'text': "threes. Darok's eyes shifted to Ryland"}, {'start': '2420.160', 'end': '2427.040', 'text': 'Cross, narrowing human'}, {'start': '2423.320', 'end': '2429.599', 'text': 'soldier. My chosen protector, she stated'}, {'start': '2427.040', 'end': '2432.480', 'text': 'firmly, moving to stand beside Ryland'}, {'start': '2429.599', 'end': '2435.760', 'text': 'Cross and more threes.'}, {'start': '2432.480', 'end': '2438.359', 'text': 'The implications in her tone were clear,'}, {'start': '2435.760', 'end': '2440.960', 'text': 'even across species'}, {'start': '2438.359', 'end': '2443.359', 'text': "threes. Darok's antenna flattened"}, {'start': '2440.960', 'end': '2445.320', 'text': 'against his head in what Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '2443.359', 'end': '2448.560', 'text': 'recognized as shock'}, {'start': '2445.320', 'end': '2451.079', 'text': 'threes. The royal guard remains loyal,'}, {'start': '2448.560', 'end': '2453.720', 'text': 'Darok reported after recovering his'}, {'start': '2451.079', 'end': '2457.280', 'text': 'composure.'}, {'start': '2453.720', 'end': '2459.000', 'text': 'Threes controls military, but not the'}, {'start': '2457.280', 'end': '2461.520', 'text': 'entire council.'}, {'start': '2459.000', 'end': '2463.000', 'text': 'threes. Many question his account of'}, {'start': '2461.520', 'end': '2465.920', 'text': 'your'}, {'start': '2463.000', 'end': '2467.720', 'text': 'death. We must reach human diplomat'}, {'start': '2465.920', 'end': '2470.200', 'text': 'Leona Hail.'}, {'start': '2467.720', 'end': '2472.839', 'text': 'Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '2470.200', 'end': '2475.599', 'text': 'said, "Is she still at the Nexus'}, {'start': '2472.839', 'end': '2478.079', 'text': 'outpost?" "Yes, negotiating for release'}, {'start': '2475.599', 'end': '2479.079', 'text': 'of human commander execution delayed but'}, {'start': '2478.079', 'end': '2482.920', 'text': 'imminent'}, {'start': '2479.079', 'end': '2487.359', 'text': 'threes." Ryland Cross felt a surge of'}, {'start': '2482.920', 'end': '2491.920', 'text': 'hope. Grayson was still alive.'}, {'start': '2487.359', 'end': '2493.400', 'text': 'We move now. Queen Zyra decided activate'}, {'start': '2491.920', 'end': '2496.319', 'text': 'the diversion'}, {'start': '2493.400', 'end': '2498.480', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross pressed the release'}, {'start': '2496.319', 'end': '2500.319', 'text': 'on the vial and within moments they'}, {'start': '2498.480', 'end': '2502.319', 'text': 'heard the commotion as Velzares'}, {'start': '2500.319', 'end': '2504.040', 'text': 'throughout the settlement responded to'}, {'start': '2502.319', 'end': '2507.440', 'text': 'the royal'}, {'start': '2504.040', 'end': '2509.599', 'text': 'pheromone. With Dar guiding them, they'}, {'start': '2507.440', 'end': '2512.720', 'text': 'slipped through the chaos toward the'}, {'start': '2509.599', 'end': '2515.960', 'text': 'diplomatic quarter. Enemies united'}, {'start': '2512.720', 'end': '2520.079', 'text': 'against a common threat.'}, {'start': '2515.960', 'end': '2522.560', 'text': 'threes. Ambassador Elaine Leona Hail'}, {'start': '2520.079', 'end': '2526.280', 'text': 'stared at the unlikely trio that had'}, {'start': '2522.560', 'end': '2530.079', 'text': 'appeared in her secured quarters. Azari'}, {'start': '2526.280', 'end': '2532.440', 'text': 'queen, a royal guard, and a disheveled'}, {'start': '2530.079', 'end': '2535.200', 'text': 'human'}, {'start': '2532.440', 'end': '2536.599', 'text': 'soldier. Her diplomatic training barely'}, {'start': '2535.200', 'end': '2538.200', 'text': 'maintained her'}, {'start': '2536.599', 'end': '2541.200', 'text': 'composure.'}, {'start': '2538.200', 'end': '2545.000', 'text': "Threes, you're supposed to be dead, she"}, {'start': '2541.200', 'end': '2547.800', 'text': 'said to Queen Zyra. Both of you'}, {'start': '2545.000', 'end': '2550.599', 'text': 'actually. Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '2547.800', 'end': '2553.440', 'text': 'shrugged. Sorry to'}, {'start': '2550.599', 'end': '2555.640', 'text': "disappoint. Leona Hail's quarters had"}, {'start': '2553.440', 'end': '2558.680', 'text': 'been converted into an improvisational'}, {'start': '2555.640', 'end': '2562.160', 'text': 'negotiation center with communication'}, {'start': '2558.680', 'end': '2564.920', 'text': 'equipment and diplomatic documents'}, {'start': '2562.160', 'end': '2568.400', 'text': 'scattered across every surface.'}, {'start': '2564.920', 'end': '2570.319', 'text': 'threes. The merchant Talon Vesh, a'}, {'start': '2568.400', 'end': '2572.960', 'text': 'reptilian native to the settlement,'}, {'start': '2570.319', 'end': '2575.800', 'text': 'stood guard at the door, his scales'}, {'start': '2572.960', 'end': '2578.400', 'text': 'shifting color with anxiety'}, {'start': '2575.800', 'end': '2580.960', 'text': "threes. Cresock's representatives arrive"}, {'start': '2578.400', 'end': '2583.280', 'text': 'in hours, Leona Hail explained after'}, {'start': '2580.960', 'end': '2584.800', 'text': "they had shared their story. They're"}, {'start': '2583.280', 'end': '2587.200', 'text': 'bringing Grayson for the formal'}, {'start': '2584.800', 'end': '2589.160', 'text': 'execution that will supposedly end all'}, {'start': '2587.200', 'end': '2592.480', 'text': 'possibility of peace.'}, {'start': '2589.160', 'end': '2596.319', 'text': 'threes. We must address both councils.'}, {'start': '2592.480', 'end': '2599.280', 'text': 'Queen Zyra stated threes. My survival'}, {'start': '2596.319', 'end': '2602.160', 'text': 'changes everything threes. And your'}, {'start': '2599.280', 'end': '2603.480', 'text': 'relationship with Private Mason changes'}, {'start': '2602.160', 'end': '2606.960', 'text': 'even more'}, {'start': '2603.480', 'end': '2608.800', 'text': 'threes. Leona Hail observed shrewdly,'}, {'start': '2606.960', 'end': '2611.160', 'text': 'noting how the two positioned themselves'}, {'start': '2608.800', 'end': '2613.680', 'text': 'protectively near each other.'}, {'start': '2611.160', 'end': '2615.480', 'text': "Threes Queen Zyra's posture"}, {'start': '2613.680', 'end': '2618.160', 'text': 'straightened.'}, {'start': '2615.480', 'end': '2620.079', 'text': 'threes among my kind. Queens'}, {'start': '2618.160', 'end': '2623.920', 'text': 'traditionally select mates from other'}, {'start': '2620.079', 'end': '2626.079', 'text': 'nests to ensure genetic diversity. The'}, {'start': '2623.920', 'end': '2627.960', 'text': 'ultimate evolutionary goal is strength'}, {'start': '2626.079', 'end': '2631.839', 'text': 'through adaptation.'}, {'start': '2627.960', 'end': '2635.160', 'text': 'Threes and a human fits that criteria.'}, {'start': '2631.839', 'end': '2639.119', 'text': 'Leona Hail asked skeptically.'}, {'start': '2635.160', 'end': '2641.440', 'text': 'Threes perfectly. Queen Zera replied'}, {'start': '2639.119', 'end': '2644.400', 'text': 'without hesitations.'}, {'start': '2641.440', 'end': '2645.880', 'text': 'Ryland Cross carried me 30 m through'}, {'start': '2644.400', 'end': '2648.760', 'text': 'hostile'}, {'start': '2645.880', 'end': '2652.760', 'text': 'territories. He demonstrated courage,'}, {'start': '2648.760', 'end': '2656.440', 'text': 'intelligence, compassion, and strength'}, {'start': '2652.760', 'end': '2658.720', 'text': 'threes. What better traits for royal'}, {'start': '2656.440', 'end': '2661.880', 'text': 'offspring? Ryland Cross shifted'}, {'start': '2658.720', 'end': '2664.560', 'text': "uncomfortably under Leona Hail's"}, {'start': '2661.880', 'end': '2666.800', 'text': "scrutinies. We haven't exactly discussed"}, {'start': '2664.560', 'end': '2670.040', 'text': 'offspring threes.'}, {'start': '2666.800', 'end': '2673.680', 'text': "Queen Xyra's mandibles clicked"}, {'start': '2670.040', 'end': '2676.680', 'text': 'softly. Biological compatibility exists'}, {'start': '2673.680', 'end': '2679.760', 'text': 'through genetic engineering if desired.'}, {'start': '2676.680', 'end': '2681.960', 'text': 'Bless our scientists confirmed this'}, {'start': '2679.760', 'end': '2686.760', 'text': 'possibility years ago.'}, {'start': '2681.960', 'end': '2689.280', 'text': "Said you've been studying Humelari"}, {'start': '2686.760', 'end': '2690.599', 'text': 'reproduction. Ryland Cross asked'}, {'start': '2689.280', 'end': '2693.280', 'text': 'surprised'}, {'start': '2690.599', 'end': '2696.000', 'text': 'threes. My species always explores all'}, {'start': '2693.280', 'end': '2697.960', 'text': 'evolutionary options. she replied'}, {'start': '2696.000', 'end': '2701.319', 'text': 'matterof factly.'}, {'start': '2697.960', 'end': '2704.160', 'text': 'Threes. Leona Hail leaned forward.'}, {'start': '2701.319', 'end': '2706.079', 'text': 'Threes. This could be it. The symbol'}, {'start': '2704.160', 'end': '2708.880', 'text': "we've needed a whom of Elsari union at"}, {'start': '2706.079', 'end': '2711.839', 'text': "the highest level or I'm not a political"}, {'start': '2708.880', 'end': '2713.760', 'text': 'statement. Ryland Cross objected. No.'}, {'start': '2711.839', 'end': '2715.000', 'text': 'Queen Zyra agreed her limb gently'}, {'start': '2713.760', 'end': '2717.599', 'text': 'touching his'}, {'start': '2715.000', 'end': '2719.359', 'text': 'forbes. You are my choice, but our'}, {'start': '2717.599', 'end': '2722.000', 'text': 'personal connection could serve greater'}, {'start': '2719.359', 'end': '2724.400', 'text': 'purpose. Threes.'}, {'start': '2722.000', 'end': '2727.839', 'text': 'Darok who had remained silent clicked'}, {'start': '2724.400', 'end': '2730.680', 'text': 'his mandibles for attention threes. The'}, {'start': '2727.839', 'end': '2733.440', 'text': "queen's mating choice is sacred law"}, {'start': '2730.680', 'end': '2736.040', 'text': 'threes. Not even Vorath can challenge it'}, {'start': '2733.440', 'end': '2739.920', 'text': 'once formally declared'}, {'start': '2736.040', 'end': '2741.319', 'text': 'threes. Formally declared Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '2739.920', 'end': '2744.560', 'text': 'asked'}, {'start': '2741.319', 'end': '2747.480', 'text': 'Ree. Queen Zyra turned to him her'}, {'start': '2744.560', 'end': '2750.319', 'text': 'compound eyes reflecting his image'}, {'start': '2747.480', 'end': '2753.240', 'text': 'threes. Then royal mating declaration'}, {'start': '2750.319', 'end': '2756.160', 'text': 'requires ritual and witnesses from both'}, {'start': '2753.240', 'end': '2759.079', 'text': 'species. Once complete, my mate receives'}, {'start': '2756.160', 'end': '2760.599', 'text': 'royal protection and diplomatic status.'}, {'start': '2759.079', 'end': '2763.760', 'text': 'Threes'}, {'start': '2760.599', 'end': '2766.880', 'text': 'Ryland Cross felt the weight of what she'}, {'start': '2763.760', 'end': '2769.760', 'text': 'was suggesting. Threes, you want to'}, {'start': '2766.880', 'end': '2773.280', 'text': 'announce me as your husband officially'}, {'start': '2769.760', 'end': '2775.160', 'text': 'mate consort is the term she corrected'}, {'start': '2773.280', 'end': '2778.640', 'text': 'gently.'}, {'start': '2775.160', 'end': '2782.079', 'text': 'freeze and yes both for protection and'}, {'start': '2778.640', 'end': '2784.880', 'text': 'because it is my wish threes.'}, {'start': '2782.079', 'end': '2789.119', 'text': 'The room fell silent as Rean Cross'}, {'start': '2784.880', 'end': '2791.720', 'text': "processed this is weeks ago he'd been a"}, {'start': '2789.119', 'end': '2794.319', 'text': 'soldier fighting'}, {'start': '2791.720', 'end': '2796.520', 'text': 'threes. Now he was contemplating'}, {'start': '2794.319', 'end': '2800.119', 'text': 'becoming the mate of their'}, {'start': '2796.520', 'end': '2803.720', 'text': 'queen in my culture he said slowly'}, {'start': '2800.119', 'end': '2807.040', 'text': 'relationships mean partnership equality'}, {'start': '2803.720', 'end': '2808.960', 'text': 'threes. Is that possible between us? Why'}, {'start': '2807.040', 'end': '2812.640', 'text': 'else would queen carry royal genetic'}, {'start': '2808.960', 'end': '2815.640', 'text': 'material at all times? Queen Xyra asked,'}, {'start': '2812.640', 'end': '2818.400', 'text': 'touching the compartment in her thorax'}, {'start': '2815.640', 'end': '2820.920', 'text': 'threes. Among my kind, consort'}, {'start': '2818.400', 'end': '2823.319', 'text': 'contributes equally to succession'}, {'start': '2820.920', 'end': '2825.520', 'text': 'threes. Their eyes met in silent'}, {'start': '2823.319', 'end': '2828.960', 'text': 'communication, an understanding that'}, {'start': '2825.520', 'end': '2832.160', 'text': 'transcended species threes. If we do'}, {'start': '2828.960', 'end': '2835.599', 'text': 'this, Ryland Cross said finally, we do'}, {'start': '2832.160', 'end': '2838.560', 'text': 'it for us, not for politics. Agreed.'}, {'start': '2835.599', 'end': '2841.680', 'text': 'Queen Zyra replied, "Though consequences'}, {'start': '2838.560', 'end': '2844.040', 'text': 'will extend beyond us.'}, {'start': '2841.680', 'end': '2847.280', 'text': 'Leona Hail cleared her'}, {'start': '2844.040', 'end': '2849.839', 'text': 'throat. I hate to interrupt this moment,'}, {'start': '2847.280', 'end': '2853.359', 'text': 'but we have about 12 hours before Cresoc'}, {'start': '2849.839', 'end': '2855.839', 'text': "arrives with Grayson threes. If we're"}, {'start': '2853.359', 'end': '2857.480', 'text': 'staging a diplomatic revolution, we'}, {'start': '2855.839', 'end': '2860.800', 'text': 'should prepare'}, {'start': '2857.480', 'end': '2863.680', 'text': 'threes. As they began planning, Ryland'}, {'start': '2860.800', 'end': '2866.000', 'text': 'Cross found himself watching Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '2863.680', 'end': '2868.560', 'text': 'direct royal guard communications with'}, {'start': '2866.000', 'end': '2870.200', 'text': "the same authority she'd shown on the"}, {'start': '2868.560', 'end': '2873.520', 'text': 'battlefield.'}, {'start': '2870.200', 'end': '2875.480', 'text': 'phrase. She caught his gaze and tilted'}, {'start': '2873.520', 'end': '2878.880', 'text': 'her head in'}, {'start': '2875.480', 'end': '2880.920', 'text': 'question. "No regrets," he said quietly,'}, {'start': '2878.880', 'end': '2883.839', 'text': 'answering her unspoken'}, {'start': '2880.920', 'end': '2886.000', 'text': 'concern. Her mandibles clicked in what'}, {'start': '2883.839', 'end': '2887.319', 'text': 'he now knew was her version of a smile.'}, {'start': '2886.000', 'end': '2890.400', 'text': '"None'}, {'start': '2887.319', 'end': '2892.520', 'text': 'threes." Movement at the north entrance.'}, {'start': '2890.400', 'end': '2894.760', 'text': 'Darok reported returning from his'}, {'start': '2892.520', 'end': '2897.839', 'text': 'reconnaissance.'}, {'start': '2894.760', 'end': '2901.200', 'text': 'Threes arrived early with full military'}, {'start': '2897.839', 'end': '2903.000', 'text': 'escort. 12 guards, four assassins, and'}, {'start': '2901.200', 'end': '2906.440', 'text': 'the human prisoner'}, {'start': '2903.000', 'end': '2909.119', 'text': 'threes. Dorne, Talis, hist, and alarm.'}, {'start': '2906.440', 'end': '2912.079', 'text': 'Threes. My establishment cannot'}, {'start': '2909.119', 'end': '2915.440', 'text': 'withstand military conflict. Neutral'}, {'start': '2912.079', 'end': '2918.160', 'text': 'zone protocols are about to be violated'}, {'start': '2915.440', 'end': '2921.760', 'text': 'anyway, Leona Hail interrupted, checking'}, {'start': '2918.160', 'end': '2924.319', 'text': 'her sidearm. Threes. We need to move'}, {'start': '2921.760', 'end': '2926.640', 'text': 'before they secure the complex. Threes.'}, {'start': '2924.319', 'end': '2928.079', 'text': 'Their hastily assembled plan relied on'}, {'start': '2926.640', 'end': '2930.640', 'text': "reaching the settlement's central"}, {'start': '2928.079', 'end': '2934.079', 'text': 'communication hub where Queen Zyra could'}, {'start': '2930.640', 'end': '2934.079', 'text': 'address both species'}, {'start': '2934.599', 'end': '2939.359', 'text': "simultaneously. But with Cresok's forces"}, {'start': '2937.119', 'end': '2943.119', 'text': 'already inside the perimeter, their'}, {'start': '2939.359', 'end': '2944.800', 'text': 'window was closing rapidly. Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '2943.119', 'end': '2948.319', 'text': 'secured the last piece of borrowed'}, {'start': '2944.800', 'end': '2951.680', 'text': 'armor. A mismatch set provided by Talis'}, {'start': '2948.319', 'end': '2954.480', 'text': 'from his private collection. Ready.'}, {'start': '2951.680', 'end': '2956.720', 'text': 'Queen Zera stood beside him. Her royal'}, {'start': '2954.480', 'end': '2958.040', 'text': 'markings partially concealed beneath the'}, {'start': '2956.720', 'end': '2960.720', 'text': 'traveling cloak'}, {'start': '2958.040', 'end': '2963.920', 'text': 'threes. The past hours had transformed'}, {'start': '2960.720', 'end': '2965.160', 'text': 'her from injured refugee to commanding'}, {'start': '2963.920', 'end': '2968.079', 'text': 'sovereign'}, {'start': '2965.160', 'end': '2971.880', 'text': 'threes. Yes, though probability of'}, {'start': '2968.079', 'end': '2975.760', 'text': 'success diminished with early arrival'}, {'start': '2971.880', 'end': '2978.480', 'text': 'threes. Then we improvised, Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '2975.760', 'end': '2980.319', 'text': 'said, taking her limb in his hand. The'}, {'start': '2978.480', 'end': '2983.040', 'text': 'gesture, intimate and now familiar'}, {'start': '2980.319', 'end': '2986.319', 'text': 'between them, drew a curious glance from'}, {'start': '2983.040', 'end': '2988.720', 'text': 'Leona Hail Threes. The ambassador had'}, {'start': '2986.319', 'end': '2990.880', 'text': 'spent hours drafting the announcement'}, {'start': '2988.720', 'end': '2994.760', 'text': 'that would introduce their unprecedented'}, {'start': '2990.880', 'end': '2998.800', 'text': 'union to both species'}, {'start': '2994.760', 'end': '3000.880', 'text': 'stays. Now watching them, her skepticism'}, {'start': '2998.800', 'end': '3003.920', 'text': 'had transformed into something'}, {'start': '3000.880', 'end': '3005.680', 'text': 'approaching hope threes.'}, {'start': '3003.920', 'end': '3009.040', 'text': 'The maintenance tunnels will get us'}, {'start': '3005.680', 'end': '3012.000', 'text': 'within 50 m of the communication hub,'}, {'start': '3009.040', 'end': '3014.800', 'text': 'Talis said, activating a hidden panel in'}, {'start': '3012.000', 'end': '3017.800', 'text': "the floor. But Cresoc's forces will have"}, {'start': '3014.800', 'end': '3020.880', 'text': 'the main entrance'}, {'start': '3017.800', 'end': '3024.160', 'text': "secured. I'll create a distraction."}, {'start': '3020.880', 'end': '3026.000', 'text': 'Leona Hail volunteered threes. As'}, {'start': '3024.160', 'end': '3029.000', 'text': 'ambassador, I can demand a formal'}, {'start': '3026.000', 'end': '3032.440', 'text': 'meeting regarding the prisoner transfer.'}, {'start': '3029.000', 'end': '3035.520', 'text': "Threes Dar's antenna twitched."}, {'start': '3032.440', 'end': '3037.359', 'text': 'threes. I will gather loyal guards.'}, {'start': '3035.520', 'end': '3039.440', 'text': "Queen's pheromone's signature already"}, {'start': '3037.359', 'end': '3042.920', 'text': 'spreading through settlement. Those'}, {'start': '3039.440', 'end': '3045.680', 'text': 'loyal to throne will respond.'}, {'start': '3042.920', 'end': '3049.160', 'text': 'Threes as they prepared to separate'}, {'start': '3045.680', 'end': '3052.079', 'text': 'Queen Zyra turned to Ryland cross'}, {'start': '3049.160', 'end': '3055.119', 'text': 'threes. Once public declaration made'}, {'start': '3052.079', 'end': '3058.240', 'text': 'danger increases, Cesok will not'}, {'start': '3055.119', 'end': '3060.720', 'text': 'surrender power willingly.'}, {'start': '3058.240', 'end': '3063.040', 'text': "I didn't carry you 30 mi to give up at"}, {'start': '3060.720', 'end': '3066.680', 'text': 'the finish line, Ryland Cross replied'}, {'start': '3063.040', 'end': '3070.680', 'text': "with a confidence he didn't entirely"}, {'start': '3066.680', 'end': '3074.079', 'text': 'feels. Her compound eyes studied him'}, {'start': '3070.680', 'end': '3076.480', 'text': 'intently. In my culture, mate pairs join'}, {'start': '3074.079', 'end': '3080.079', 'text': 'minds through neural connection before'}, {'start': '3076.480', 'end': '3082.720', 'text': 'joining bodies threes. We have no time'}, {'start': '3080.079', 'end': '3085.079', 'text': 'for proper ritual, but she extended her'}, {'start': '3082.720', 'end': '3088.760', 'text': 'upper limbs, revealing delicate sensory'}, {'start': '3085.079', 'end': '3093.160', 'text': 'appendages normally kept protected'}, {'start': '3088.760', 'end': '3096.319', 'text': 'threes. Touch allows limited connection'}, {'start': '3093.160', 'end': '3099.559', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross reached out,'}, {'start': '3096.319', 'end': '3102.880', 'text': 'letting her sensory limbs encircle his'}, {'start': '3099.559', 'end': '3104.880', 'text': 'wrists. The contact sent an electric'}, {'start': '3102.880', 'end': '3107.040', 'text': 'sensation up his arms, followed by a'}, {'start': '3104.880', 'end': '3109.599', 'text': 'wave of foreign emotion. her'}, {'start': '3107.040', 'end': '3111.839', 'text': 'determination, her fear for him and'}, {'start': '3109.599', 'end': '3113.319', 'text': 'something deeper that transcended human'}, {'start': '3111.839', 'end': '3117.160', 'text': 'language.'}, {'start': '3113.319', 'end': '3118.839', 'text': 'Threes. I feel you, he whispered,'}, {'start': '3117.160', 'end': '3123.040', 'text': 'astonished.'}, {'start': '3118.839', 'end': '3125.119', 'text': 'Threes. As I feel you, she replied. Now'}, {'start': '3123.040', 'end': '3126.440', 'text': 'we carry part of each other. Whatever'}, {'start': '3125.119', 'end': '3128.960', 'text': 'comes.'}, {'start': '3126.440', 'end': '3130.480', 'text': 'Threes. The moment ended as Talis'}, {'start': '3128.960', 'end': '3133.520', 'text': 'urgently motioned them toward the'}, {'start': '3130.480', 'end': '3136.000', 'text': 'tunnel. Threes. They moved swiftly'}, {'start': '3133.520', 'end': '3138.119', 'text': 'through the narrow passages, guided by'}, {'start': '3136.000', 'end': '3140.079', 'text': "the merchants's knowledge of his own"}, {'start': '3138.119', 'end': '3143.040', 'text': 'settlement. Above they heard the'}, {'start': '3140.079', 'end': '3147.040', 'text': "commotion as Leona Hail engaged Cresoc's"}, {'start': '3143.040', 'end': '3149.280', 'text': 'forces in bureaucratic delays. Su they'}, {'start': '3147.040', 'end': '3152.359', 'text': 'emerged into a service corridor just as'}, {'start': '3149.280', 'end': '3155.119', 'text': 'an alarm sounded throughout the the'}, {'start': '3152.359', 'end': '3158.559', 'text': 'complex. Perimeter breach. Talis'}, {'start': '3155.119', 'end': '3159.720', 'text': 'translated his scales. Pailing F. They'}, {'start': '3158.559', 'end': '3163.200', 'text': "know you're"}, {'start': '3159.720', 'end': '3167.040', 'text': 'here. Ryland Cross checked his weapon.'}, {'start': '3163.200', 'end': '3169.520', 'text': 'New plan. We fight our way in the Queen'}, {'start': '3167.040', 'end': '3171.800', 'text': 'Zyra extended to her full height,'}, {'start': '3169.520', 'end': '3176.520', 'text': 'discarding her concealing'}, {'start': '3171.800', 'end': '3179.119', 'text': 'cloak. No, I will not hide any'}, {'start': '3176.520', 'end': '3181.680', 'text': 'longer. Before Ryland Cross could'}, {'start': '3179.119', 'end': '3184.079', 'text': 'object, she stroed purposefully toward'}, {'start': '3181.680', 'end': '3186.760', 'text': 'the main corridor mandibles, clicking in'}, {'start': '3184.079', 'end': '3189.920', 'text': "a pattern he hadn't heard before."}, {'start': '3186.760', 'end': '3192.800', 'text': 'es. The sound resonated through the'}, {'start': '3189.920', 'end': '3193.280', 'text': 'hallway, a royal command that could not'}, {'start': '3192.800', 'end': '3194.760', 'text': 'be'}, {'start': '3193.280', 'end': '3198.960', 'text': '[Music]'}, {'start': '3194.760', 'end': '3200.880', 'text': 'ignored. Twoari guards appeared, weapons'}, {'start': '3198.960', 'end': '3203.040', 'text': 'raised, then immediately lowered'}, {'start': '3200.880', 'end': '3206.040', 'text': 'themselves in submission as they'}, {'start': '3203.040', 'end': '3209.359', 'text': 'recognized their queen'}, {'start': '3206.040', 'end': '3212.800', 'text': 'threes. Behind them, the corridor filled'}, {'start': '3209.359', 'end': '3216.559', 'text': 'with surprised faces, velari and human'}, {'start': '3212.800', 'end': '3219.760', 'text': 'alike. Queen Zyra continued forward,'}, {'start': '3216.559', 'end': '3222.079', 'text': 'Ryland Cross at her side as whispers of'}, {'start': '3219.760', 'end': '3223.160', 'text': 'the Queen Liv spread through the growing'}, {'start': '3222.079', 'end': '3226.559', 'text': 'crowd.'}, {'start': '3223.160', 'end': '3228.400', 'text': 'Threes behind them, Vexon and a growing'}, {'start': '3226.559', 'end': '3230.760', 'text': 'number of royal guards created a'}, {'start': '3228.400', 'end': '3233.280', 'text': 'protective formation'}, {'start': '3230.760', 'end': '3235.839', 'text': 'threes. As they approached the central'}, {'start': '3233.280', 'end': '3238.240', 'text': 'hub, Ryland Cross spotted Commander'}, {'start': '3235.839', 'end': '3240.319', 'text': 'Grayson, battered but alive, being held'}, {'start': '3238.240', 'end': '3241.920', 'text': 'at the front of a formal delegation'}, {'start': '3240.319', 'end': '3245.200', 'text': 'threes.'}, {'start': '3241.920', 'end': '3247.680', 'text': 'Beside him stood Wararchchief Cresoc,'}, {'start': '3245.200', 'end': '3250.880', 'text': 'his massive form instantly recognizable'}, {'start': '3247.680', 'end': '3253.040', 'text': 'from intelligence briefings. Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '3250.880', 'end': '3255.880', 'text': "paused her limb, finding Rean Cross's"}, {'start': '3253.040', 'end': '3258.880', 'text': 'hand in a deliberately visible gesture.'}, {'start': '3255.880', 'end': '3261.079', 'text': 'Threes, the crowd fell silent at this'}, {'start': '3258.880', 'end': '3264.640', 'text': 'unprecedented display.'}, {'start': '3261.079', 'end': '3266.559', 'text': 'Thres warchief Cresoc, she announced her'}, {'start': '3264.640', 'end': '3268.079', 'text': 'translator, projecting her voice'}, {'start': '3266.559', 'end': '3270.480', 'text': 'clearly.'}, {'start': '3268.079', 'end': '3272.280', 'text': 'Your queen has returned with her chosen'}, {'start': '3270.480', 'end': '3274.800', 'text': 'mate,'}, {'start': '3272.280', 'end': '3277.440', 'text': 'Consortis. The revelation sent shock'}, {'start': '3274.800', 'end': '3279.680', 'text': 'waves through the assembled crowd as all'}, {'start': '3277.440', 'end': '3284.559', 'text': 'eyes turned to the humans standing'}, {'start': '3279.680', 'end': '3287.119', 'text': "proudly at the Velzari queen's side."}, {'start': '3284.559', 'end': '3289.760', 'text': 'The gathering quickly dissolved into'}, {'start': '3287.119', 'end': '3293.440', 'text': 'controlled chaos as the assembled'}, {'start': '3289.760', 'end': '3294.760', 'text': 'velaris and humans exchanged wary'}, {'start': '3293.440', 'end': '3297.599', 'text': 'glances'}, {'start': '3294.760', 'end': '3299.559', 'text': "due with Cresoc's forces already"}, {'start': '3297.599', 'end': '3302.800', 'text': 'breaching the outer perimeter of the'}, {'start': '3299.559', 'end': '3304.440', 'text': 'settlement. It was clear that time was'}, {'start': '3302.800', 'end': '3307.839', 'text': 'running out.'}, {'start': '3304.440', 'end': '3309.880', 'text': 'trees. The ashen wastes lay ahead a'}, {'start': '3307.839', 'end': '3313.720', 'text': 'desolate stretch where peace'}, {'start': '3309.880', 'end': '3316.520', 'text': 'negotiations had once failed and bitter'}, {'start': '3313.720', 'end': '3320.000', 'text': 'memories still'}, {'start': '3316.520', 'end': '3322.240', 'text': "lingered. Queen Zera's gaze hardened as"}, {'start': '3320.000', 'end': '3323.960', 'text': 'she addressed the crowd, her voice'}, {'start': '3322.240', 'end': '3326.079', 'text': 'ringing clear and'}, {'start': '3323.960', 'end': '3329.040', 'text': 'authoritative. We now journey to the'}, {'start': '3326.079', 'end': '3331.520', 'text': 'ashen wastess there, where old wounds'}, {'start': '3329.040', 'end': '3335.079', 'text': 'never healed. We will confront our'}, {'start': '3331.520', 'end': '3338.240', 'text': 'pursuers and make our stand'}, {'start': '3335.079', 'end': '3341.040', 'text': 'threes. Ryland Cross gripped Queen'}, {'start': '3338.240', 'end': '3343.440', 'text': "Zyra's hand tightly as they moved away"}, {'start': '3341.040', 'end': '3346.119', 'text': 'from the negotiation center, leading a'}, {'start': '3343.440', 'end': '3349.119', 'text': 'small mixed group of'}, {'start': '3346.119', 'end': '3351.040', 'text': 'supporters. Loyal Velari guards flanked'}, {'start': '3349.119', 'end': '3353.839', 'text': 'them alongside a few brave human'}, {'start': '3351.040', 'end': '3357.440', 'text': 'volunteers who had gathered behind Leona'}, {'start': '3353.839', 'end': '3360.240', 'text': "Hail's earlier rallying cry threes."}, {'start': '3357.440', 'end': '3362.720', 'text': 'The journey was fraught with tension.'}, {'start': '3360.240', 'end': '3365.520', 'text': 'The weight of past failures and the'}, {'start': '3362.720', 'end': '3367.559', 'text': "imminent threat of Cresoc's coup hung"}, {'start': '3365.520', 'end': '3371.599', 'text': 'heavy in the'}, {'start': '3367.559', 'end': '3374.559', 'text': 'air. Every step toward the border was a'}, {'start': '3371.599', 'end': '3377.359', 'text': 'step into a legacy of distrust and'}, {'start': '3374.559', 'end': '3379.760', 'text': 'bloodshed.'}, {'start': '3377.359', 'end': '3381.920', 'text': 'As they neared the ashen wastess, the'}, {'start': '3379.760', 'end': '3384.640', 'text': 'landscape transformed into a barren,'}, {'start': '3381.920', 'end': '3387.119', 'text': 'scarred field where broken structures'}, {'start': '3384.640', 'end': '3389.920', 'text': 'and charred remains of once promising'}, {'start': '3387.119', 'end': '3393.400', 'text': 'diplomatic outposts reminded all of'}, {'start': '3389.920', 'end': '3397.359', 'text': 'previous negotiations gone wrong'}, {'start': '3393.400', 'end': '3401.200', 'text': 'threes. Here the air carried a chill of'}, {'start': '3397.359', 'end': '3403.839', 'text': 'unresolved conflict. It was in this grim'}, {'start': '3401.200', 'end': '3406.640', 'text': "place that Cresoc's forces, now"}, {'start': '3403.839', 'end': '3409.760', 'text': 'emboldened by their early arrival,'}, {'start': '3406.640', 'end': '3412.240', 'text': 'closed in from multiple directions.'}, {'start': '3409.760', 'end': '3415.000', 'text': 'Their intentions cleared to end the'}, {'start': '3412.240', 'end': '3418.960', 'text': 'fragile alliance before it could be'}, {'start': '3415.000', 'end': '3421.400', 'text': 'realized threes. From behind a ridge,'}, {'start': '3418.960', 'end': '3425.119', 'text': 'enemy patrols were seen assembling'}, {'start': '3421.400', 'end': '3426.720', 'text': 'threes. The tension escalated instantly.'}, {'start': '3425.119', 'end': '3429.520', 'text': 'Threes.'}, {'start': '3426.720', 'end': '3431.839', 'text': "Queen Zyra's royal guard, led by Dar,"}, {'start': '3429.520', 'end': '3435.119', 'text': 'quickly formed a defensive line while'}, {'start': '3431.839', 'end': '3437.960', 'text': 'Ryland Cross and Queen Zyra prepared for'}, {'start': '3435.119', 'end': '3441.359', 'text': 'the confrontation. "This is our final'}, {'start': '3437.960', 'end': '3443.760', 'text': 'stand," Ryland Cross murmured his voice'}, {'start': '3441.359', 'end': '3448.079', 'text': 'steady despite the adrenaline surging'}, {'start': '3443.760', 'end': '3450.280', 'text': 'through his veins. "We fight together or'}, {'start': '3448.079', 'end': '3453.440', 'text': 'we fall divided'}, {'start': '3450.280', 'end': '3455.839', 'text': 'threes." At the precise moment when the'}, {'start': '3453.440', 'end': '3458.400', 'text': 'first hostile unit emerged from behind a'}, {'start': '3455.839', 'end': '3460.680', 'text': 'cluster of shattered barricades, Queen'}, {'start': '3458.400', 'end': '3463.599', 'text': 'Zyra stepped forward'}, {'start': '3460.680', 'end': '3466.000', 'text': 'threes. With a fluid motion that belied'}, {'start': '3463.599', 'end': '3468.640', 'text': 'her earlier injuries, she dropped the'}, {'start': '3466.000', 'end': '3471.920', 'text': 'diplomatic veneer and revealed the full'}, {'start': '3468.640', 'end': '3474.559', 'text': 'measure of her combat prowess. Her'}, {'start': '3471.920', 'end': '3477.440', 'text': 'mandibles clicked sharply as she'}, {'start': '3474.559', 'end': '3479.760', 'text': 'directed a precise series of commands'}, {'start': '3477.440', 'end': '3481.319', 'text': 'that sent her royal guards into'}, {'start': '3479.760', 'end': '3484.799', 'text': 'formation'}, {'start': '3481.319', 'end': '3487.680', 'text': 'threes. In one swift, awe inspiring'}, {'start': '3484.799', 'end': '3489.839', 'text': 'motion, she unshathed, concealed'}, {'start': '3487.680', 'end': '3492.559', 'text': 'appendages that glowed with an inner'}, {'start': '3489.839', 'end': '3494.559', 'text': 'energy biological weapons that only the'}, {'start': '3492.559', 'end': '3499.520', 'text': 'fiercest warriors of her brood'}, {'start': '3494.559', 'end': '3501.920', 'text': 'possessed. threes. Ryland Cross not far'}, {'start': '3499.520', 'end': '3505.119', 'text': 'behind her took cover behind a ruined'}, {'start': '3501.920', 'end': '3507.440', 'text': 'wall as laser fire and concentrated'}, {'start': '3505.119', 'end': '3509.760', 'text': 'bursts of energy cut through the still'}, {'start': '3507.440', 'end': '3511.920', 'text': 'air. With every shot that thutdded'}, {'start': '3509.760', 'end': '3514.720', 'text': 'against the scarred terrain, the human'}, {'start': '3511.920', 'end': '3517.200', 'text': 'and the Velzari fought in synchrony.'}, {'start': '3514.720', 'end': '3520.799', 'text': 'Their movements were coordinated as if'}, {'start': '3517.200', 'end': '3523.359', 'text': 'they shared one mind threes, a testament'}, {'start': '3520.799', 'end': '3525.359', 'text': 'to the unexpected bond that had grown'}, {'start': '3523.359', 'end': '3526.520', 'text': 'between them during their arduous'}, {'start': '3525.359', 'end': '3530.839', 'text': 'journey.'}, {'start': '3526.520', 'end': '3534.640', 'text': 'Threes as a stray projectile whistled'}, {'start': '3530.839', 'end': '3536.799', 'text': 'past. Queen Ziera vaulted into the fry,'}, {'start': '3534.640', 'end': '3539.760', 'text': 'her agility and strength on full'}, {'start': '3536.799', 'end': '3542.200', 'text': 'display. She deflected incoming fire'}, {'start': '3539.760', 'end': '3544.559', 'text': 'with her armored carrapase while'}, {'start': '3542.200', 'end': '3548.119', 'text': 'simultaneously countering with rapid'}, {'start': '3544.559', 'end': '3552.400', 'text': 'strikes that left enemy soldiers reeling'}, {'start': '3548.119', 'end': '3555.400', 'text': 'threes. The ashen wastess erupted into a'}, {'start': '3552.400', 'end': '3558.799', 'text': 'fierce melee'}, {'start': '3555.400', 'end': '3561.040', 'text': 'threes. Amid the chaos, Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '3558.799', 'end': '3564.040', 'text': 'found himself side by side with Queen'}, {'start': '3561.040', 'end': '3566.799', 'text': 'Zyra, covering her as she pushed forward'}, {'start': '3564.040', 'end': '3569.400', 'text': 'threes. Their united front was more than'}, {'start': '3566.799', 'end': '3571.920', 'text': 'a symbol of survival'}, {'start': '3569.400', 'end': '3574.520', 'text': 'threes. It was a declaration that the'}, {'start': '3571.920', 'end': '3577.599', 'text': 'old division would no longer dictate the'}, {'start': '3574.520', 'end': '3580.480', 'text': 'future. Every maneuver, every exchange'}, {'start': '3577.599', 'end': '3583.799', 'text': 'of fire underscored the potential of'}, {'start': '3580.480', 'end': '3586.480', 'text': 'whom of cooperation'}, {'start': '3583.799', 'end': '3589.200', 'text': 'threes. It was as if the barriers built'}, {'start': '3586.480', 'end': '3593.359', 'text': 'by centuries of conflict were crumbling'}, {'start': '3589.200', 'end': '3595.599', 'text': 'with each coordinated attack threes. In'}, {'start': '3593.359', 'end': '3597.920', 'text': 'a particularly desperate moment when an'}, {'start': '3595.599', 'end': '3600.240', 'text': 'enemy squadron managed to attack and'}, {'start': '3597.920', 'end': '3603.200', 'text': 'managed to flank their position, Queen'}, {'start': '3600.240', 'end': '3606.640', 'text': 'Zyra roared a challenge that sent shock'}, {'start': '3603.200', 'end': '3609.119', 'text': 'waves through the enemy ranks freeze.'}, {'start': '3606.640', 'end': '3611.520', 'text': 'With a flash of iridescent brilliance,'}, {'start': '3609.119', 'end': '3613.599', 'text': 'she deployed a hidden reserve of royal'}, {'start': '3611.520', 'end': '3616.240', 'text': 'energy.'}, {'start': '3613.599', 'end': '3619.200', 'text': 'The display was breathtaking, a'}, {'start': '3616.240', 'end': '3621.680', 'text': 'whirlwind of force and speed that'}, {'start': '3619.200', 'end': '3624.240', 'text': 'obliterated the flank and secured the'}, {'start': '3621.680', 'end': '3624.240', 'text': 'area'}, {'start': '3624.599', 'end': '3629.319', 'text': "ease. Reincross couldn't help but marvel"}, {'start': '3627.520', 'end': '3631.520', 'text': 'at the'}, {'start': '3629.319', 'end': '3634.160', 'text': 'transformations. The wounded queen he'}, {'start': '3631.520', 'end': '3636.400', 'text': 'had once carried across hostile terrain'}, {'start': '3634.160', 'end': '3639.880', 'text': 'now stood as a fierce warrior and'}, {'start': '3636.400', 'end': '3643.200', 'text': 'yielding and magnificent in her power'}, {'start': '3639.880', 'end': '3646.119', 'text': 'threes. As the battle waged, the crowd'}, {'start': '3643.200', 'end': '3649.599', 'text': 'of supporters began to rally behind the'}, {'start': '3646.119', 'end': '3652.720', 'text': 'couple. Velzari soldiers emboldened by'}, {'start': '3649.599', 'end': '3656.119', 'text': "their queen's valor and human fighters"}, {'start': '3652.720', 'end': '3660.040', 'text': "inspired by Ryland Cross's unbreakable"}, {'start': '3656.119', 'end': '3662.720', 'text': 'spirit surged forward in'}, {'start': '3660.040', 'end': '3667.119', 'text': 'unison. The combined might of these'}, {'start': '3662.720', 'end': '3669.920', 'text': 'diverse warriors turned the tide threes.'}, {'start': '3667.119', 'end': '3672.880', 'text': "Cresocach's forces taken aback by the"}, {'start': '3669.920', 'end': '3677.000', 'text': 'unexpected unity and formidable strength'}, {'start': '3672.880', 'end': '3679.920', 'text': 'displayed before them began to falter.'}, {'start': '3677.000', 'end': '3682.400', 'text': 'Threes the sound of clashing energy and'}, {'start': '3679.920', 'end': '3685.200', 'text': 'the cries of combat filled the desolate'}, {'start': '3682.400', 'end': '3687.079', 'text': 'ashen wastess creating a cacophony that'}, {'start': '3685.200', 'end': '3690.160', 'text': 'drowned out all'}, {'start': '3687.079', 'end': '3693.119', 'text': 'else. During a lull in the fighting,'}, {'start': '3690.160', 'end': '3695.359', 'text': 'Queen Zyra and Ryland Cross retreated'}, {'start': '3693.119', 'end': '3699.000', 'text': 'briefly to a small outcropping behind'}, {'start': '3695.359', 'end': '3701.440', 'text': 'shattered concrete walls.'}, {'start': '3699.000', 'end': '3704.599', 'text': 'Threes there, amidst the den of battle,'}, {'start': '3701.440', 'end': '3707.680', 'text': 'they exchanged a moment of profound'}, {'start': '3704.599', 'end': '3711.520', 'text': 'connection. Our strength lies not only'}, {'start': '3707.680', 'end': '3713.599', 'text': 'in our arms, but in our bond. Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '3711.520', 'end': '3715.280', 'text': 'stated her voice low and resolute'}, {'start': '3713.599', 'end': '3718.480', 'text': 'threes.'}, {'start': '3715.280', 'end': '3721.680', 'text': 'Today we fight not as enemies but as'}, {'start': '3718.480', 'end': '3724.160', 'text': 'partners in hope. Ryland Cross nodded'}, {'start': '3721.680', 'end': '3726.319', 'text': 'his eyes steady as he replied, "I'}, {'start': '3724.160', 'end': '3727.839', 'text': 'carried you here when you needed saving,'}, {'start': '3726.319', 'end': '3729.799', 'text': 'and now we carry the future of our'}, {'start': '3727.839', 'end': '3732.680', 'text': 'people on our'}, {'start': '3729.799', 'end': '3735.359', 'text': 'shoulders. We will stand'}, {'start': '3732.680', 'end': '3737.520', 'text': 'together." In that moment, with the'}, {'start': '3735.359', 'end': '3740.160', 'text': 'weight of the past and the promise of a'}, {'start': '3737.520', 'end': '3743.359', 'text': 'new dawn in their hearts, they prepared'}, {'start': '3740.160', 'end': '3745.599', 'text': 'to make their stand. With resolve and'}, {'start': '3743.359', 'end': '3747.920', 'text': 'unity, they announced their intention'}, {'start': '3745.599', 'end': '3750.559', 'text': 'not only to resist the enemy, but to'}, {'start': '3747.920', 'end': '3753.040', 'text': 'solidify their bond in the most personal'}, {'start': '3750.559', 'end': '3755.559', 'text': 'of ways. A declaration of mutual'}, {'start': '3753.040', 'end': '3758.720', 'text': 'commitment as mates,'}, {'start': '3755.559', 'end': '3760.680', 'text': 'threes. The enemy forces, sensing the'}, {'start': '3758.720', 'end': '3763.359', 'text': 'unyielding determination of their'}, {'start': '3760.680', 'end': '3764.760', 'text': 'adversaries, launched a final, desperate'}, {'start': '3763.359', 'end': '3768.640', 'text': 'assault.'}, {'start': '3764.760', 'end': '3770.880', 'text': 'threes. But Ryland Cross and Queen Zyra,'}, {'start': '3768.640', 'end': '3773.680', 'text': 'standing side by side in the desolation'}, {'start': '3770.880', 'end': '3776.240', 'text': 'of a place marked by failed peace,'}, {'start': '3773.680', 'end': '3778.079', 'text': 'proved to be an impenetrable force.'}, {'start': '3776.240', 'end': '3780.480', 'text': 'Their united strength shone like a'}, {'start': '3778.079', 'end': '3782.960', 'text': 'beacon amid the turmoil, a vivid'}, {'start': '3780.480', 'end': '3786.839', 'text': 'reminder of what could be achieved when'}, {'start': '3782.960', 'end': '3790.079', 'text': 'old hostilities were cast aside.'}, {'start': '3786.839', 'end': '3794.079', 'text': 'Threes, the battlefield trembled as the'}, {'start': '3790.079', 'end': '3796.880', 'text': 'confrontation reached its zeniths.'}, {'start': '3794.079', 'end': '3800.079', 'text': 'From both sides, reinforcements poured'}, {'start': '3796.880', 'end': '3803.200', 'text': 'into the zone. And amidst the chaos,'}, {'start': '3800.079', 'end': '3805.680', 'text': 'Ryland Cross and Queen Zyra emerged as'}, {'start': '3803.200', 'end': '3807.480', 'text': 'the undeniable leaders of a burgeoning'}, {'start': '3805.680', 'end': '3811.119', 'text': 'alliance'}, {'start': '3807.480', 'end': '3814.000', 'text': 'threes. With a resolute tone, Queen Zyra'}, {'start': '3811.119', 'end': '3816.720', 'text': 'raised her voice above the clamor.'}, {'start': '3814.000', 'end': '3819.440', 'text': 'Listen to me all of you. Today we stand'}, {'start': '3816.720', 'end': '3821.720', 'text': 'not as separate species, but as one'}, {'start': '3819.440', 'end': '3824.319', 'text': 'united force for peace.'}, {'start': '3821.720', 'end': '3826.480', 'text': 'threes. Her words resonated through the'}, {'start': '3824.319', 'end': '3829.880', 'text': 'charged air, and even the enemy forces'}, {'start': '3826.480', 'end': '3832.319', 'text': 'paused momentarily, captivated by her'}, {'start': '3829.880', 'end': '3835.039', 'text': 'authorities. Ryland Cross stepped'}, {'start': '3832.319', 'end': '3837.319', 'text': 'forward beside her, his presence a solid'}, {'start': '3835.039', 'end': '3840.799', 'text': 'counterbalance to her fierce'}, {'start': '3837.319', 'end': '3843.839', 'text': 'auras. I stand with the queen, not'}, {'start': '3840.799', 'end': '3846.079', 'text': 'because of duty or coercion, but because'}, {'start': '3843.839', 'end': '3849.760', 'text': 'I believe in a future where our'}, {'start': '3846.079', 'end': '3853.119', 'text': 'differences make us stronger. His voice'}, {'start': '3849.760', 'end': '3855.680', 'text': 'was calm yet powerful, carrying the'}, {'start': '3853.119', 'end': '3857.720', 'text': 'weight of every sacrifice and every hope'}, {'start': '3855.680', 'end': '3860.720', 'text': 'for a shared'}, {'start': '3857.720', 'end': '3864.559', 'text': 'tomorrow. As he spoke, he could see'}, {'start': '3860.720', 'end': '3867.760', 'text': 'supporters from both human andari ranks,'}, {'start': '3864.559', 'end': '3872.240', 'text': 'rallying behind their words, their faces'}, {'start': '3867.760', 'end': '3874.960', 'text': 'lighting up with cautious optimism.'}, {'start': '3872.240', 'end': '3877.559', 'text': 'The dual forces once primed for combat'}, {'start': '3874.960', 'end': '3880.720', 'text': 'against each other now'}, {'start': '3877.559', 'end': '3883.520', 'text': 'hesitated. Slowly, individuals from both'}, {'start': '3880.720', 'end': '3886.240', 'text': 'sides began to step forward. Loyal'}, {'start': '3883.520', 'end': '3888.799', 'text': 'soldiers, diplomats, and even skeptics'}, {'start': '3886.240', 'end': '3891.440', 'text': 'who had long harbored distrust, all'}, {'start': '3888.799', 'end': '3892.839', 'text': 'coming together to defend the unlikely'}, {'start': '3891.440', 'end': '3895.920', 'text': 'couple'}, {'start': '3892.839', 'end': '3899.760', 'text': 'threes. In that charged moment, an'}, {'start': '3895.920', 'end': '3901.760', 'text': 'unexpected solidarity formed threes.'}, {'start': '3899.760', 'end': '3904.480', 'text': 'It was clear that the union of the human'}, {'start': '3901.760', 'end': '3907.119', 'text': 'soldier and the velari queen was not'}, {'start': '3904.480', 'end': '3909.640', 'text': 'merely a symbol of personal affection,'}, {'start': '3907.119', 'end': '3912.480', 'text': 'but the foundation of a new political'}, {'start': '3909.640', 'end': '3915.359', 'text': 'landscape. The confrontation took on a'}, {'start': '3912.480', 'end': '3919.240', 'text': 'new dimension when a high-ranking human'}, {'start': '3915.359', 'end': '3922.400', 'text': 'officer and a prominent velari diplomat'}, {'start': '3919.240', 'end': '3925.200', 'text': 'approached threes.'}, {'start': '3922.400', 'end': '3928.400', 'text': 'With measured voices, they began to'}, {'start': '3925.200', 'end': '3931.960', 'text': 'expose the coup attempt that had driven'}, {'start': '3928.400', 'end': '3936.160', 'text': "Cryac's radical agenda"}, {'start': '3931.960', 'end': '3938.640', 'text': 'threes. The details of his betrayal, the'}, {'start': '3936.160', 'end': '3941.359', 'text': 'illegal seizure of power, and the secret'}, {'start': '3938.640', 'end': '3944.240', 'text': 'execution plans for Commander Grayson'}, {'start': '3941.359', 'end': '3947.599', 'text': 'were laid bare before the assembled'}, {'start': '3944.240', 'end': '3950.400', 'text': 'crowd. The revelations sent ripples of'}, {'start': '3947.599', 'end': '3953.039', 'text': 'disbelief through the ranks, dismantling'}, {'start': '3950.400', 'end': '3954.440', 'text': 'the remnants of loyalty to a failed'}, {'start': '3953.039', 'end': '3957.039', 'text': 'regime'}, {'start': '3954.440', 'end': '3959.680', 'text': 'threes. This betrayal is not just a'}, {'start': '3957.039', 'end': '3962.960', 'text': 'violation of command. It is an affront'}, {'start': '3959.680', 'end': '3965.760', 'text': 'to the principles of peace. We have long'}, {'start': '3962.960', 'end': '3968.319', 'text': 'sought, declared the human officer, his'}, {'start': '3965.760', 'end': '3972.000', 'text': 'tone echoing the resolve of a man who'}, {'start': '3968.319', 'end': '3975.039', 'text': 'had seen too much loss.'}, {'start': '3972.000', 'end': '3976.960', 'text': 'Theari diplomat, his voice resonant with'}, {'start': '3975.039', 'end': '3979.200', 'text': "the weight of his people's traditions,"}, {'start': '3976.960', 'end': '3982.400', 'text': 'added, "Our history is marred by endless'}, {'start': '3979.200', 'end': '3986.400', 'text': 'cycles of violence. Today, we have the'}, {'start': '3982.400', 'end': '3989.039', 'text': 'opportunity to break that cycle. Threes'}, {'start': '3986.400', 'end': '3991.359', 'text': 'amid the mounting support, Ryland Cross'}, {'start': '3989.039', 'end': '3993.760', 'text': 'and Queen Zyra moved to the center of'}, {'start': '3991.359', 'end': '3995.440', 'text': 'the gathering as threes.'}, {'start': '3993.760', 'end': '3997.680', 'text': 'With a quiet confidence, they took each'}, {'start': '3995.440', 'end': '4000.160', 'text': "other's hands and in a gesture that was"}, {'start': '3997.680', 'end': '4002.880', 'text': 'both defiant and tender, declared their'}, {'start': '4000.160', 'end': '4005.319', 'text': 'intent to mate a sacred and binding act'}, {'start': '4002.880', 'end': '4008.559', 'text': "in Queen Zyra's culture"}, {'start': '4005.319', 'end': '4012.079', 'text': 'threes. Let this union be the start of a'}, {'start': '4008.559', 'end': '4014.640', 'text': 'lasting peace. Queen Zyra proclaimed her'}, {'start': '4012.079', 'end': '4016.880', 'text': 'voice imbued with both authority and'}, {'start': '4014.640', 'end': '4019.920', 'text': 'vulnerability.'}, {'start': '4016.880', 'end': '4022.160', 'text': 'The crowd fell into a hushed reverence'}, {'start': '4019.920', 'end': '4025.799', 'text': 'as the couple stepped forward into an'}, {'start': '4022.160', 'end': '4028.799', 'text': 'improvised ceremonial space'}, {'start': '4025.799', 'end': '4031.039', 'text': 'threes. Amid the echoing declarations of'}, {'start': '4028.799', 'end': '4033.680', 'text': 'unity, and the symbolic lowering of'}, {'start': '4031.039', 'end': '4035.079', 'text': 'weapons, the formal mating ceremony'}, {'start': '4033.680', 'end': '4038.319', 'text': 'began'}, {'start': '4035.079', 'end': '4041.039', 'text': 'threes with precise ritualistic gestures'}, {'start': '4038.319', 'end': '4044.160', 'text': "drawn from ancient traditions. Queen's"}, {'start': '4041.039', 'end': '4045.720', 'text': 'era and Ryland cross linked minds and'}, {'start': '4044.160', 'end': '4048.559', 'text': 'bodies.'}, {'start': '4045.720', 'end': '4051.039', 'text': 'threes. In that moment, the ancient'}, {'start': '4048.559', 'end': '4053.920', 'text': 'customs of her people and the modern'}, {'start': '4051.039', 'end': '4057.280', 'text': 'sensibilities of his converged, forming'}, {'start': '4053.920', 'end': '4060.160', 'text': 'a bond that transcended the physical.'}, {'start': '4057.280', 'end': '4061.760', 'text': 'Around them, supporters of both species'}, {'start': '4060.160', 'end': '4065.200', 'text': 'pledged their allegiance to the new'}, {'start': '4061.760', 'end': '4067.440', 'text': 'union threes. Loyal Velari soldiers'}, {'start': '4065.200', 'end': '4070.319', 'text': 'knelt alongside human fighters and'}, {'start': '4067.440', 'end': '4073.359', 'text': 'influential diplomats exchanged nods of'}, {'start': '4070.319', 'end': '4076.079', 'text': 'acceptance. Threes, the ceremony was not'}, {'start': '4073.359', 'end': '4078.559', 'text': 'just a personal commitment, threes. It'}, {'start': '4076.079', 'end': '4081.680', 'text': 'was a powerful statement that the future'}, {'start': '4078.559', 'end': '4083.480', 'text': 'would be built on cooperation rather'}, {'start': '4081.680', 'end': '4085.920', 'text': 'than conquest.'}, {'start': '4083.480', 'end': '4089.039', 'text': 'Threes, as the final rights were'}, {'start': '4085.920', 'end': '4092.960', 'text': 'performed, a gentle calm settled over'}, {'start': '4089.039', 'end': '4096.239', 'text': 'the ashen wastess. The echoes of battle'}, {'start': '4092.960', 'end': '4098.560', 'text': 'gave way to murmurss of hope, and every'}, {'start': '4096.239', 'end': '4101.239', 'text': 'participant could feel the shift in the'}, {'start': '4098.560', 'end': '4104.719', 'text': 'air. A subtle but undeniable'}, {'start': '4101.239', 'end': '4107.679', 'text': 'transformation of purpose three. The'}, {'start': '4104.719', 'end': '4110.679', 'text': 'union of human and velari had become a'}, {'start': '4107.679', 'end': '4113.400', 'text': 'living testament to the possibility of'}, {'start': '4110.679', 'end': '4116.600', 'text': 'peace. A symbol that even the deepest'}, {'start': '4113.400', 'end': '4120.000', 'text': 'divides could be healed by trust,'}, {'start': '4116.600', 'end': '4121.400', 'text': 'courage, and the willingness to stand'}, {'start': '4120.000', 'end': '4123.960', 'text': 'together'}, {'start': '4121.400', 'end': '4126.560', 'text': 'disease. In the aftermath of the'}, {'start': '4123.960', 'end': '4129.759', 'text': 'confrontation, the political landscape'}, {'start': '4126.560', 'end': '4132.880', 'text': 'began to change. The exposed coup'}, {'start': '4129.759', 'end': '4135.759', 'text': 'attempt now laid bare for all to see'}, {'start': '4132.880', 'end': '4139.520', 'text': 'forced both human and velari leaders to'}, {'start': '4135.759', 'end': '4141.440', 'text': 'reconsider their old enmities s with the'}, {'start': '4139.520', 'end': '4144.000', 'text': 'successful union of their champions'}, {'start': '4141.440', 'end': '4146.480', 'text': 'plans were swiftly set in motion to'}, {'start': '4144.000', 'end': '4149.040', 'text': 'draft a new treaty. A treaty that'}, {'start': '4146.480', 'end': '4152.759', 'text': 'recognized the strength of collaboration'}, {'start': '4149.040', 'end': '4155.520', 'text': 'over the inevitability of conflict.'}, {'start': '4152.759', 'end': '4159.199', 'text': 'Freeze standing together on the scarred'}, {'start': '4155.520', 'end': '4162.400', 'text': 'but hopeful field. Ryland Cross and'}, {'start': '4159.199', 'end': '4165.600', 'text': 'Queen Zyra embraced their roles as'}, {'start': '4162.400', 'end': '4168.319', 'text': 'pioneers of a new era. Their formal'}, {'start': '4165.600', 'end': '4171.440', 'text': 'mating ceremony, conducted with solemn'}, {'start': '4168.319', 'end': '4174.319', 'text': 'dignity and heartfelt passion, was'}, {'start': '4171.440', 'end': '4177.920', 'text': 'celebrated by both species as the'}, {'start': '4174.319', 'end': '4179.440', 'text': 'foundation for a lasting peace threes.'}, {'start': '4177.920', 'end': '4182.640', 'text': '[Music]'}, {'start': '4179.440', 'end': '4186.319', 'text': 'In that shared moment of unity, the old'}, {'start': '4182.640', 'end': '4188.319', 'text': 'scars of war began to fade, replaced by'}, {'start': '4186.319', 'end': '4190.960', 'text': 'the promise of a future where'}, {'start': '4188.319', 'end': '4193.159', 'text': 'differences were celebrated and where'}, {'start': '4190.960', 'end': '4196.920', 'text': 'every life, human'}, {'start': '4193.159', 'end': '4200.719', 'text': 'orari, was valued.'}, {'start': '4196.920', 'end': '4204.159', 'text': 'Threes. And so, as the sun dipped below'}, {'start': '4200.719', 'end': '4207.679', 'text': 'the horizon of a longsuffering land, a'}, {'start': '4204.159', 'end': '4210.560', 'text': 'new beginning dawned. The unity of two'}, {'start': '4207.679', 'end': '4213.199', 'text': 'unlikely souls had not only defied the'}, {'start': '4210.560', 'end': '4215.360', 'text': 'chaos of their time, but had sewn the'}, {'start': '4213.199', 'end': '4219.760', 'text': 'seeds for a legacy of peace that would'}, {'start': '4215.360', 'end': '4219.760', 'text': 'flourish for generations to come.'}]