"And if you find something?"
"Then we'll deal with it." Ako's expression hardened. "The Alliance has survived worse. We'll survive this too."
The confidence in his voice was reassuring.
But I felt Ahrick's doubt through the bond. His warrior's instinct that said the real danger was still out there, waiting.
Ako seemed to sense the shift in mood. He straightened, and his expression lightened slightly.
"But that's a problem for another day. Right now, I have a different matter to discuss." He looked at Ahrick. "What are your plans, Ahrick? Now that you're free of Palaydium?"
Ahrick was quiet for a moment. I felt his uncertainty through the bond—the strange feeling of having options after ten years of having none.
"I don't have plans," he said finally. "Thought Merrilee and I might visit Vaktaire. My sister is still there. I'd like to see her. Introduce her to my mate."
The wordmatesent a warm flutter through my chest.
"That's a good start," Ako said. "But what about after that? You're still young by Vaktaire standards. You have decades ahead of you. What do you want to do with them?"
"I don't know." Ahrick's hand tightened on mine. "I've spent so long just trying to survive, I haven't thought about what comes next."
"Then let me offer you a suggestion." Ako leaned forward, his blue eyes intent. "The Alliance needs warriors. Not just soldiers—we have plenty of those. We need warriors who understand strategy, discipline, honor. Warriors who can train the next generation."
I felt Ahrick's surprise.
"You want me to train recruits?"
"I want you to be Master of Arms for the Alliance." Ako's voice was serious. Formal. "It's a position of great prestige and responsibility. You would oversee training across all Alliance military academies. Develop curriculum. Mentor the most promising warriors. Shape the future of Alliance defense."
The silence that followed was heavy.
Master of Arms.
I didn't know much about Alliance military structure, but even I understood what that meant. It was a position of immense respect. Power. Influence.
And they were offering it to Ahrick.
"I'm an ex-prisoner," Ahrick said quietly.
"You were convicted of crimes you were not responsible for," Ako countered. "And you've more than paid for the mistakes you did make. The Prime recognizes that. More importantly, we recognize what you are—one of the greatest warriors of your generation. Your combat record before the incident was exemplary. Your skills are legendary."
"That was a long time ago."
"You just survived ten years on Palaydium. You killed six Trogvyk mercenaries while wounded. You led a successful mission to eliminate a high-value target, and I'm not even going to mention what you did in the fighting pits to protect Merrilee." Ako's smile was slight. "I'd say your skills are still sharp."
Ahrick didn't respond. I felt his conflict—the part of him that wanted to say yes warring with the part that still believed he didn't deserve it.
Ako seemed to sense it too.
"Think about it," he said. "You don't have to decide now. Visit your sister. Take some time. But know that the offer is genuine. The Alliance wants you, Ahrick. We need you."
Ahrick looked at me. "What do you think?"
I didn't hesitate.
"I think," I said, speaking to both of them, "that Ahrick would be an incredible Master of Arms. He's disciplined, strategic, and he understands what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself. He's also one of the most honorable people I've ever met."
"You'd be okay with it?" he asked. "It would mean staying in Alliance space. Probably living on Calpa, near the main military academy. It's not... it's not a quiet life."
