“Do you get the impression someone wanted us to be here, right at this particular point, when the Ulep weren’t expectingus?” Maggie says quietly as she watches Kes who is most definitely keeping out of reach of any Sarkarnii, as he continues to muster the last of the bots. “But who?”
“I don’t know. But it seems we have a friend after all. And it’s certainly not the baron.”
Maggie laughs softly. “I think the baron met his match in you.”
“Hardly. He was simply a greedy trader who thought he could best anyone providing he threw enough credits at it.”
“But then he hadn’t met the master pirate of this galaxy, had he?” Maggie averts her face from my gaze, but I’m sure I saw a smile.
“Are you saying I’m a pirate?”
“I’m saying you got a ship, a new wardrobe, and weapons, and you didn’t have to cough up a single credit.”
“A Sarkarnii never gives up his jewels.” I pull her to me. “No matter what form they may take.” I taste her lips, all to briefly, because we have work to do. “But now it is time to deal with the Ulep once and for all in this galaxy. And provided my starnet works, potentially in every galaxy they attempt to plunder. But the only thing is…I still don’t have what I need to complete the activator…”
I look around me again. This place initially looked like it was filled with all the accumulated gak any Paralnyi might have. But on closer inspection, I can see this is not garbage. It is all the items needed to create the army of bots he set loose.
“Paralnyi.” I growl. The little creature’s head pops up. “Do you have a xoh-anntenna?”
“I don’t, but I have some sxixt ore. I can make one if you wish.”
“You have sxixt ore?” I gaze at the creature.
“This planetoid has it naturally occurring on the surface,” Kes says, looking at me as if it’s something I would know.
“How long will it take you?”
“About half a nova-day,” the Paralnyi says. “Provided the Ulep don’t destroy me first.”
“If you can make one, I’ll guarantee your safety.” I growl.
“Is this the thing you wanted on Szorn?” Maggie asks.
“The sxixt ore was what I was expecting to take delivery of. I have a warrior skilled in making tech,” I explain. “But without the ore, the antenna is useless.”
“A xoh-antenna is all you need to defeat the Ulep?” Kes queries.
“Not all, only the final part,” I advise him, knowing I can’t allow too much information out there.
“Then consider it done.” The little Paralnyi scuttles off, and I hear the sound of heaters being lit.
“It’s time to deal with the Ulep.” I turn back to my mate.
“I guess I’m coming with you?” Maggie says.
“Only if you wish it.”
“And the alternative?”
“Dalox has left some warriors on his ship. You can return there and join the battle remotely.” I slide my finger under her chin, tilting her head up to me. “Far be it from me to entrust you to another male, but I expect you can look after yourself, given the right equipment.”
“I think I can probably guarantee it.” Maggie grins up at me. “And nothing would please me more than to help you win the battle against the Ulep.”
MAGGIE
The portal thing is weird. If we had time, I’d probably go back and forth a few times. One second I’m on the planetoid of dust, the next on a Sarkarnii ship.
Driok growls very, very loudly at the remaining warriors who pretend they have many, many better things to do as he takes me through to a similar setup to the one he created for me.
