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He brushed a hand over her skin and I growled. Before I could take a step forward, the Changelings raised their pistols.
“Oh yes,” Stryder said. “I think I’m going to enjoy breaking her. I suspect the entire crew will.”
The crew chuckled and the Changelings mimicked them.
I glanced at the open emergency escape pod door. It was the only way out of this situation… but it was too far to reach.
“Your plan has already failed,” I said. “Unless I yield, there’s no way you or anyone else can command this ship.”
“Unless you yield or you die,” Stryder corrected. “Either way, the end result will be the same.”
He nodded to Rattigan, who stepped toward me.
“You’re making a mistake,” I said, backing toward the escape pod. “He’s going to betray you the moment he has enough credits.”
“Only if he can live with a blade in his back,” Rattigan hissed, running a finger along his sword. “And you’ll get to watch from heaven.”
He pulled his blade back.
I shoved Alice into the escape pod and leaped out of range of Rattigan’s attack as he struck at me with a shrieking, “Hah!”
“After them!” Stryder yelled.
I slammed my fist on the control panel. The doors slid shut, blocking the crew and the Changelings from entering. The crew hacked at the door with their ancient weapons and the Changelings blasted at it with their pistols.
I slammed my fist on the flashing Launch button and the ship expelled us into space.
In the tiny window, Stryder’s expression curled into total rage.
“Computer,” I said. “Deny access to the control files until my return.”
Computer bleeped. “Command accepted.”
It wouldn’t prevent the crew from taking control but it would slow them down. And right now, that was what we needed. Time.
“What’s happening?” Alice said.
I kissed her on the forehead and strapped her into a seat. “Nothing, my love. But you might want to prepare for a bumpy ride.”
The escape pod tumbled end over end as we descended down…
Down…
Down…
Embraced by Tordal’s gravity and hurtled toward its surface.
5
ALICE
The escape pod lurched as the planet’s gravity seized us in its mighty grip. Within seconds, we entered the planet’s atmosphere and fire washed over the windows. A loud roaring ripping sound tore a scream from my throat.
I gripped the armrests in clenched fists and peered over at Nighteko. His eyes were shut and his hands were completely relaxed.
Was he sleeping?
I guessed I should take comfort in the fact that if he wasn’t worried, then I shouldn’t be either.
