“Nissa—”
She’d heard that disapproving tone so many times before. Sometimes it felt like nothing she did was ever good enough. “I’ll contact you once I’m back on theFreedom.”
“And when will that be?” Icy-cold words.
“I don’t know.” And I’m sorry that makes you unhappy. “I have to go.” She ended the transmission.
She slowly lifted her gaze and saw Justyn watching her. She was so stupid to think diving into an adventure was the answer to anything. She did have responsibilities that were so much more important than her own whims and desires could ever be. She pushed away from the table.
“Nissa—”
She held him off with a hand. “I’ll be in my cabin. I’ll keep going through the documents. Let me know when it’s time to get underway.”
She tried not to think of anything as she walked to the cabin she’d been assigned. She entered the small, but well-equipped space and heaved out a long breath.
Her Sync chimed yet again.
Her stomach dropped. Surely her father didn’t have anything left to lecture her about.
But this time it wasn’t her father’s face that appeared on the screen. It was Admiral DeRuyter’s.
“Admiral,” Nissa said, surprised.
“Captain Sander. I was informed that you’ve taken a leave of absence.” The admiral’s shrewd eyes glittered. “And that you’re heading off on a treasure hunt after the Constitution.”
Nissa stayed silent. Right at that moment she wasn’t GSS. “Ma’am, I’m on leave?—”
The admiral waved a hand. “I want that document, Sander. And I expect you to get it for me. Whatever it takes.”
Get it for her?“Admiral, if I find the Constitution, I’ll do everything I can to ensure it is given back to the Institute of Galactic?—”
“Those idiots couldn’t look after it in the first place! I want the document delivered directly to me. I will ensure its safety.”
“With all due respect, Admiral, what do you plan to do with it?”
The admiral’s face took on a hard and unforgiving look Nissa had never seen on her before. “That’s classified, Captain. I need you to trust me. All you need to know is that we need that document to secure law and order in the galaxy.”
“I’m on leave?—”
Admiral DeRuyter leaned forward. “Nissa, I will ensure you get that transfer you’ve been wanting for a long time.”
“That’s generous, but I don’t feel comfortable?—”
“I also believe that very soon your father’s due to receive a commendation for his years of excellent service in Patrol, correct?”
Dread turned Nissa’s heart to ice.
“Get the Constitution for me and I will ensure your transfer.” The admiral smiled. It was hard as steel. “I will also ensure your father receives what most consider the pinnacle of achievement in a career like his. You’re aware that the commendation also secures his pension for the rest of his life. Without it…” she trailed off.
Nissa swallowed around the knot in her throat. Without it, he wouldn’t exactly be penniless, but his savings certainly wouldn’t last forever.
“Are we clear?”
Blackmailed and trapped. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. I’ll expect regular updates. I want to know every step you’re taking, and where you’re going. And I’ll also expect that Phoenix will not know anything about our…agreement. Understood?”
Nissa ground her teeth together. “Yes.”
