Page 162 of Alien Burn

He sent the matches to the investigators, with the unverified entries marked for examination. Adryel had not needed to understand stabilizers to endanger the people selling them. She had kept a copy of their books.

He called Sereya and told her what Vessik had confirmed.

“She wanted to know where people would be,” she said. “Which entrance. What time.”

“Yes.”

“And she didn't get it from that packet.”

“No.”

Sereya was quiet for a moment.

“Good.”

He went to Hawn before returning to the refinery. The Head of War received him beneath Fiviel's weapon that had been cleaned and oiled recently.

It shone, ready for Fiviel to return and take it up.

“No further contact?” Hawn asked.

“Not yet. The search is continuing.”

Hawn looked toward the weapon.

“He'd tell me to stop staring at his things and get some sleep.”

“He would.”

“And he'd be right.” Hawn turned back. “Keep going.”

“I will.”

Sereya was wearing his shirt when he returned. Adryel sat beside her in the window seat, with enough covered dishes on the table to provision an expedition.

“Am I interrupting?” he asked.

Sereya shook her head, but kept looking at Adryel.

“I meant the apology I gave you on the ship,” Sereya said. “I let her hurt people, and I helped her do it. Being frightened doesn't make that disappear.”

“No,” Adryel said. “It doesn't.”

Sereya nodded, looking down at their untouched cups.

“There was a moment when I wanted to agree. Just to stop her saying my name.”

Adryel set down the cup in her hands.

“But you didn't bring me.”

“No. I called for help. I wanted you to hear it from me.”

Adryel reached for her hand. “I'm glad you did. Both things.”

Sereya held on until Adryel rose to leave. Then she walked her to the door and promised to return the dishes.

When she came back, she settled into the window seat with his book on her knees. The shirt sleeves were rolled neatly, and the hem almost reached the middle of her thighs.