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As Tov indicated, it did not take long to reach their destination. However, the designated tavern was in a particularly dangerous part of Hanoto. The academy had moved to a new location about three years ago and the neighborhood suffered greatly because of the loss of revenue.
Merrik wasn’t sure how to mitigate the danger. “I am not sure we should set down, but I hate to send you in there alone.”
Tov shot him an impatient glare. “I can take care of myself.”
“I never doubted that you could. I was just concerned that—”
A sleek Torretian fighter nosedived right in front of the shuttle. The displaced air rocked the smaller ship violently.
“What the fuck are they doing?” Tov’s hands flew through the holo-grid as he brought the shuttle back under control.
Merrik activated aft targeting sensors, determined not to be caught unaware again.
The fighter’s second pass was slower but it deployed some sort of cable. The leash shot toward the shuttle then connected with the hull, creating a sickeningthunk.
Merrik fired twice, demonstrating their intention to defend themselves. The fighter didn’t bother avoiding the pulses. Their shields simply absorbed the energy.
“Why aren’t they firing?” Tov mused. “Why start a fight and not go on the offensive?” He activated the shuttle’s battle shields. The system quickly drained the power stores, so it was only used as a last resort.
The fighter casually towed the shuttle away from the city, drawing it higher into the air.
Tov tried reverse thrusters and sharp course changes, but the fighter didn’t react to any of it.
A portal opened directly in front of the fighter and Merrik looked at Tov. This felt deliberate, intentional. But why would Laidon go to all this trouble? Tov shook his head in disbelief. Before Merrik could ask Tov why the rebel leader would arrange this abduction, the fighter glided into the portal, dragging the shuttle behind like a pet.
“This cannot be random, but who would… Laidon.” Tov answered his own question, coming to the same conclusion as Merrik.
The disorienting surge of hyperspace lasted only a moment and then they emerged in a planet-less void. The fighter released the tether and moved off.
“Where the hell are we?” Tov grumbled under his breath as he urgently worked to determine their position.
Before Merrik could decide on the best course of action, a midsized warship deactivated its refraction shields and hung in space directly in front of them. Merrik quickly adjusted the magnification on the main viewers so they could see the entire vessel. Not surprisingly, it appeared to be of Torretian origins.
The shuttle’s main viewers flickered to life and Laidon’s image appeared on the display. The bastard had the audacity to grin. “Sorry about the dramatics, but Jevara has every bounty hunter in the galaxy looking for me.”
“That was more than just dramatic and you know it,” Merrik snapped. “It was dangerous.” The shuttle was not capable of creating a hyperspace portal, so they were trapped here until Laidon took them back.
“If you will hear me out, I will make it worth the aggravation.” Laidon accented the promise with an engaging smile. The rebel leader could be ruthless when the need arose, but he had built his following through compelling arguments and charm.
“This is a piss-poor start for a potential alliance,” Tov stressed. “You have ten minutes. Use them wisely.”
“Why don’t you come aboard,” Laidon suggested. “Let’s have a drink and catch up, then I will explain.”
“Nine minutes,” Tov corrected.
“Fine.” Laidon’s chin lifted and he took a deep breath before he started his explanation. “I have a spy in Jevara’s household. She has learned several facts that could benefit Zevon. I am willing to barter for the information, but I will not simply give it to him. I need someone who can put us in the same room to begin the process.”
“Which is where I come in?” Tov asked, his gaze narrowing.
“Yes.” Laidon stood a bit straighter, his shoulders squaring. “I have been trying for over two weeks to get a meeting with Zevon. He won’t even agree to a holo-comm. The only way he will take me seriously is if someone he knows and trusts is there to vouch for me.”
“I was more inclined to do so before this little stunt,” Tov grumbled then went on, “What is your price for this mysterious information?”
“That depends on Zevon. Only he can determine the value of what I have learned. But I am hoping this will be the first of many exchanges. I need allies and so does Zevon. We both know he is surrounded by fools.”
That much was certainly true. Zevon was a battle-tested warrior who was practical to the marrow of his bones. His recent election had shocked everyone. Zevon included. The board of governors, on the other hand, were ideological fools. Politics shaped every decision they made. All they cared about was amassing wealth and maintaining power.
Tov studied Laidon for a long, silent moment. “I have known Zevon for many years, but that does not guarantee that he will agree to meet with you.”
