“Incorrect. I keep you breathing.”
“Killing meemotionally.”
“Ah.” Moss considered that, then said, “I will restrain from future distressing commentary.”
“Thank you.”
“In other concerns, my records show that forced proximity often leads to romantic partnership. However, despite our proximity, I am not interested in romance. Please confirm.”
Torian buried her head in her hands.
It was going to be a long day.
CHAPTER 17
Colony 13 was a rough station, filled with people looking for quick money by any means necessary. But it was also dominated—albeit quietly—by the Fleet, one of the biggest smuggling cartels in the system. Most folks obeyed the Fleet’s rules, or at least respected that some lines couldn’t be crossed without serious consequences.
Colony 4 was not Fleet territory.
Colony 4 was a holiday-infested free-for-all.
They pulled into a private, extra-large hangar near the base of the station, on one of Colony 4’s lowest spinning rings—and Amelia said over the radio:“Ah, a welcoming committee. Surprised they could take the time from whatever holiday they’re celebrating today. Don’t leave your ship yet, Torian.”
That was her serious tone.
Torian frowned. “I can handle myself. You originally hired me as security, you know.”
Amelia sounded a touch exasperated.“After last time? No chance. Stay put, Scrap.”
She cut off the radio.
The hangar Amelia had paid for was big enough to dock both ships side by side, but with theDestituteunable to maneuver, bots were towing her the rest of the way. They flitted around the alien vessel, attaching hoverpads and gently pushing it beside Amelia’s.
Through one of the side windows in the flight deck, Torian got a clean view of this “welcoming committee.” It was only four people, but their expressions definitely looked hostile, and two hadweapon holsters. The group’s leader appeared to be a stiff woman with muscles like solid steel.
Sweat prickled Torian’s neck, but even though every instinct was telling her to get out there andbe security, she wasn’t in that career path anymore. Amelia had demoted her—because Torian had gottenshotthe last time she’d tried that.
“You are registering signs of stress,” Moss said.
“Look at them. Of course I’m stressed,” Torian replied tightly. “I should be out there.”
“Amelia told you not to leave. After running various scenarios gauging your personality and combat ability, I can confirm that your not-romantic partner has sound advice.”
Torian grimaced. “Gee, thanks.” She watched as Amelia’s starship opened, as Amelia disembarked down the ramp of her own ship, followed by Opula and two others on her security team. Amelia typically had four or five security officers at any given time, and based on Fleet protocol, the odds were slim that the rest of them weren’t poised just inside the ship, ready to attack if Amelia was threatened.
Amelia had this under control.
(Knowing that didn’t make Torian feel better.)
“Can you turn on the exterior microphone?” Torian whispered, as if these hostile newcomers could hear her through theDestitute’s hull. Although maybe it wasn’t so stupid, because the second she uttered it, one looked her way. Torian ducked out of sight, crouching beside the flight deck’s single chair, her heart pounding.
“Yes,” Moss replied. Then it added, almost slyly, “If you are concerned with your privacy again, rest assured that I dimmed our plenaria windows when we arrived.”
“Plenaria?” Torian breathed, pushing cautiously to her feet.
Moss sounded exasperated now. “Yes. Glass and other composites are poor visual aids in space. Plenaria has the same transparent qualities, but with the durability of steel. It is code for building requirements in both nylarian culture and the Confederation ofSpacefaring Species. Plenaria can also act as your human two-way glass, but with far more efficiency.”
Torian waved, but none of the people outside looked at her. “So, they can’t see me?”
