Chapter Ten

The next morning Datron paced in front of the hangar with his hands clasped behind his back. The fact that he’d been the first person Charlie had encountered during sex—coupled with her sudden cold response afterward—left him thinking he’d done something seriously wrong.

For the life of him, he couldn’t think what it was. But he planned on getting the matter straight. Charlie was too important. She wasn’t, in any way, like any other woman he’d ever met, and his feelings simply wouldn’t allow him to let the matter go.

Clitus and Gilla hadn’t arrived yet, nor had Electra. He’d be hard pressed to explain a supposed pageant diva’s presence, but he had a plausible excuse worked out. There was nothing else for it. Electra had to be present. Lucent’s ambassador wanted her as well as Clitus, Gilla, and himself.

For their briefings, the protective walls of the hangar would be the most secure place on the airfield. The shuttle’s repair—their fabricated story about taking it on a test flight while waiting for their patrol duties to begin—was his idea. That’s why he’d involved Charlie.

He’d assured himself she was the right choice. They couldn’t use an enforcer mechanic, or anyone who’d go talking to other like-minded individuals on the airfield. She wouldn’t blab about her sudden contract offer, not if she wanted another one.

He assumed she knew his mission compatriots from the judging stint. Yet, despite what she might or might not know on Oceanus, their cover was devised in such a way she’d have nothing to talk about to anyone. Besides, she didn’t have access to the airfield without obtaining an officer’s permission.

He continued to pace while he awaited her arrival. When he finally spotted her tiny form sauntering across the tarmac, pulling a heavy chest mounted on anti-gravity grids, he strode toward her with determination. As he closed the distance, he noted how she’d pulled her hair up and bundled it neatly on her head. The coiffed style was obviously meant to keep the long strands out of her way while working. It had the effect of making her look prepared to do her job while utterly charming him.

Even in the gray jumpsuit she wore, complete with old-fashioned black jump boots, she was endearing. Her diminutive form made her look more like a child playing at being a mechanic than the real thing.

****

The moment she spotted Datron, Charlie cast her gaze downward. Guilt made her want to throw up her breakfast of granola and coffee.

Last night, she felt like she’d kicked a puppy.

Okay, there was nothing puppy-ish about him. His weight was probably close to three-hundred pounds, and he towered over her like an Earth skyscraper. In every respect, the man resembled a fusion tank.

But the big angelic-like mountain-of-a-man had feelings that ran deep, and she’d hurt him horribly. She’d seen a look on his face that if anyone else had put it there, she’d be up-in-arms, defending him against such callous, bitchy behavior.

Sure she’d burn in hell for using him the way she had and for considering her own lustful needs ahead of his, she’d firmly put him in his place hoping he might quit caring about her.

She had no future. He did. She’d had no right playing with him as she had. But at the same time, she’d wanted him so badly nothing else mattered. And he wouldn’t have had sex with her if he’d known she was dying. No one who wasn’t just out for a piece of ass would. Or it’d likely be for pity’s sake and not for the love that might be included in the act.

Well, she’d had her hero. She’d given him her virginity. Now she’d have to deal with the consequences.

She stopped when the megalithic, winged giant approached, all decked out in his black uniform pants, high polished boots and belt. As always, he wore no shirt in deference to his wings.

Her conscience bothered her most of the night. The result? She hadn’t gotten much sleep. But she had an excuse for her chilly behavior on the beach. Datron would find it perfectly plausible.

“Hi,” she sheepishly muttered while staring up at him, offering a smile.

“Hello, Charlie. Are you all right? I apologize if I went too fast last night—”

“You didn’t do anything I didn’t want,” she interrupted. “Though, I thought I was being cute and trying to make a point, I came on to you in the ballroom. I took my clothes off and joined you in the water. What were you supposed to do? Stand around and ignore me?”

“I don’t see it precisely that same way.”

She saw the ghost of a smile tugging at his luscious lips and had to grin more broadly in return. “I-I’m sorry Datron. It’s just…I suddenly got to thinking that you’d no sooner offered me a contract than I rushed to get my clothes off and had sex with you. You must think I’m the least professional person you’ve ever known.”

He adamantly shook his head. “Believe me, little meteor, that wasn’t at all what I was thinking.”

“Well, you didn’t do anything wrong,” she assured him. “It was me. Though I tried hard to convince myself otherwise, you’re my boss now. And I have a very hard rule about mixing business with pleasure. At least, the kind of pleasure we shared.”

“I’m not specifically your superior. The Oceanus enforcement corps has that pleasure. I’m just here to make sure the test flight goes well. You’re the one who’ll make our ship fly, and you’ve probably forgotten more about mechanics than I ever knew.” He stepped closer, keeping his hands behind his back. “As far as the repairs are concerned, you’re actually in charge,” Datron told her. “Except for seeing the schedule goes as planned, I’ll take full command when we’re airborne.”

“I realize that, but I still don’t think my behavior last night was very professional. Then I compounded the problem by getting kind of bitchy. It’s not like me and I’m sorry.”

“All I need to know is, are you okay with what I did, Charlie? It was your first time. As I said last night, you offered me a gift beyond measure. I don’t want bad memories where only soft, pleasurable ones are appropriate.”

Why does he have to be so sweet? And why do I have to have this frickin’ disease?

“I’m good, Datron. And thank you for being so gentle with me.”

“I wouldn’t describe my actions using that adjective. But I would like to try again,” he softly confirmed. “If it makes you uncomfortable having any kind of relationship with me while you’re under contract, then I’ll wait until the work is done. Will you give me another chance, Charlie?”

If he kept looking down at her so considerately and kept murmuring his promises about another sexual interlude so softly, she’d make an idiot of herself. “W-we’ll have to see. I’m not sure how long I’ll be hanging around Oceanus. Since my pageant judging responsibilities are over, I’d planned to do some sightseeing. After that I might have some new contracts back on Earth. I was only able to take this one because I always bring my tool chest with me, wherever I go.” She nodded at the huge steel crate behind her. “It’s got everything in it I need to do the job.”

“A true professional.”

“Yeah…well…last night, I-I didn’t mean to sound so superior about using my own equipment. It’s just I really do have the best gear. It took me years to collect this stuff,” she gestured toward the crate. “Some of it I even invented and adapted for special purposes. If I sign on to do a job, I do it right or not at all.”

“Use whatever you like. If you need anything else, just let me know. Gilla and Clitus… I believe you’re acquainted with them…should be here soon. They’ll be serving as my flight crew. They’ll be at your disposal.”

She nodded. “Thank you. And yes… I’m aware they were part of your crew and had been since the Mr. Interstellar Feller pageant.”

“Uh…after last night, I hoped you stick around until we get back.” Repeating his request yet again. “We’re only talking about a few days out in deep space. And I want to get to know you a lot better, Charlie. It’d mean a great deal if you’d promise to stay. Please?”

The intense expression in his dark eyes made her feel wanted by someone for the first time in her life. The same type of feeling she’d enjoyed last night in his arms.

Oh, how wonderful it would be to have him permanently in her life. There was nothing back on Earth that would matter if she could have a future with this big, gorgeous, winged man. She’d jump at the chance of a relationship that could be a dream. But she had no future. And she couldn’t hurt him. She took a deep breath and did what she must.

“I-I can’t,” she softly told him. “I know I said I’d like to stick around but…things have changed.”

“A few days with me, Charlie. That’s all I’m asking. I have no claim on you, obviously. But last night was special. We connected in ways that can’t be ignored. And I’m not just talking about sex.” He moved slightly closer. “Please…be here when I get back. Let me have the chance to show you Oceanus. I want the opportunity to make you laugh and to think well of me. I’d like us to share more memories. After all, life is short.”

“Yes… Yes…I know.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to give him a firm, incontestable refusal though her heart would cry all the way back to Earth. The man wanted to start something she couldn’t finish. As she saw it, the situation was her fault for yielding the night before. Her desire to have him caused the situation, and she had to stop it. She opened her mouth, but never had the opportunity to speak her mind. Two beings approached from the west, and she immediately recognized them as Gilla Eck’nor and Clitus Gart. At least, these were the Earth pronunciations of their names, that as co-judges in the Miss Milky Way pageant, they’d deigned to keep. Once again, it struck her odd that four of the runners up in the Mr. Interstellar Feller contest two years previous were all law enforcement officers and no pageant aficionado had ever made mention of that fact, nor had any of the media personnel…at least, not until the pageant was finished. But all that was in the past. She had other problems right now. One of them was a huge obstacle since she didn’t have a future.

Datron quickly stepped even closer and lowered his voice. “Give me your airfield pass,” he softly instructed.

Charlie did as he asked, quickly pulling the device from her left, coverall pocket. “Why? I’ll need it to get on and off the premises every day.”

“I’m entering my personal access codes to my quarters on the Valiant. If I’m not there, any message you send will be forwarded to my wrist communicator. Obviously, I’m not wearing it right now as everyone who’ll need me today will be within earshot. But I want you to contact me once we’re done here. Day or night, if you want to talk.” He quickly entered the data then handed the pass back to her.

That wasn’t going to happen. She’d already done enough damage. She ached because of her actions. There was no sense causing him more anxiety over their affair, one that by necessity had to be brief.

She turned to welcome Gilla and Clitus and re-introduced herself. As far as she knew they wouldn’t recall a thing about her pageant win two years ago, or their brief meeting several weeks after their part in the Mr. Interstellar Feller gig. She hadn’t been a standout in a ballroom full of beauties. Furthermore, and most recently, there were dozens of women judging the Miss Milky Way contest. She was only one among them. She’d worn wigs during that event and would likely appear as a total stranger now.

The other two men were quite congenial in their behavior. They led her into the hangar once Datron punched in a security cipher to unlock the immense, gray hangar doors.

As the massive gate-like doors swung open, she noted her lover of the night before was now all business. With his men present, Datron Mann owned his captain’s persona. His face held no emotion. His dark eyes were focused, and there were no signs of their previous conversation.

Charlie lifted her chin and pasted on her best, professional facade. This was business. And as long as she breathed, she’d at least maintain some semblance of pride when it involved her job.

When the metal doors opened to their widest point, she got a chance to look over the vessel that would become her responsibility. It was an older interplanetary shuttle whose lines were clean and traditional in a bullet, rocket-ship design. The vessel’s blueprint was sadly no longer popular with construction companies, but had a great following among collectors. The design was easily distinguishable from any other kind of shuttle now in existence.

In its day, this type of craft had been the most luxurious way to travel. She recalled reading that the living spaces on board were larger than those designed on comparable vessels now. The seating would likely boast some kind of actual animal hide or resilient fabric. The lounge area would contain a bar trimmed in real wood and brass. The hull of this particular vessel carried a sleeker, aerodynamic design than its broader, Earth counterparts. But it still had style, as far as she was concerned. Built to carry a passenger and crew of one hundred, it wasn’t practical to have such living space within the cabins when newer designs could cram twice that many individuals within the same interior.

She nodded in appreciation and smiled when she looked up at the pointed top of the ship. For takeoff, it would be magnetically rolled out of the hangar and onto a launch gantry. From there, it’d lift straight up and into the stars.

Charlie lied when she told Datron there were other contracts waiting for her back on Earth. This would be the last craft she’d ever repair, and she doubted her job would be all that difficult. As the Oceanus enforcement corps now owned and maintained this one, it appeared to be in in mint condition.

“What do you think of the Hyperion?” Gilla asked.

“That’s her name?” Charlie asked as she pulled on the handle of her large tool chest and walked forward to get a better look.

“It’s the closest Earth pronunciation of her registered title,” Clitus responded, gallantly taking control over Charlie’s huge tool container for her.

****

Datron stood in the hangar doorway and watched Charlie and his two crewmen converse. They were immediately at ease. He was grateful for the transition. It meant working together wouldn’t be an issue over the course of the next three days. In fact, his crewmen seemed inordinately interested in what the little mechanic thought of this part of the hull or that part of the propulsion unit.

He turned at the sound of footsteps behind him. Electra Galaxy walked toward him, dressed similar to Charlie. But unlike his newly hired mechanic, whose attire was very workable and appropriate, Electra made even a gray jumpsuit and black boots look elegant. Nearly twenty years his senior, the woman still made a smashing entrance with her platinum-colored hair neatly piled on top of her head.

After Electra was inside the hangar, he closed the doors again for the sake of security. It was no one’s business what went on inside the building.

Immediately afterward, he strode forward and motioned Electra to one side of the hangar, intending to fill her in on Charlie’s ignorance concerning their real mission.

Electra lifted one brow and dropped her rucksack. He saw the older woman glance toward Charlie, who was still conversing with Gilla and Clitus.

“Ah yes! I remember Charlotte Grayson now. She’s quite a pretty little thing, isn’t she?”

Datron took a quick look over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “We’ll have to lie about the reason you’re here. I know Gilla and Clitus haven’t said anything. They’ll wait for me to concoct a story.”

“Indeed. Charlotte will be quite curious as to why a male beauty pageant producer…me…would be anywhere near this vessel or know anything about it being repaired.” She grinned. “So, what’s my story? It’s obvious you went ahead and hired the girl or she wouldn’t be here. But then, if anything had been grossly wrong with her background you’d have heard from us right away,” she quietly relayed with a nonchalant shrug. “Obviously…Gilla, Clitus and I came to the agreement that Charlotte was a perfect candidate for the position. You, on the other hand, came to that conclusion on your own.”

He momentarily averted his gaze from the shrewd, older woman’s direct stare. “Instinct told me Charlie wasn’t a security risk. She’s too easy to read. And she has too much experience to have work-related issues.”

“Is that what we’re to call her…Charlie?” Electra pointedly asked, as she studied Datron.

“Since that’s how she introduced herself, I don’t see why not.” He took Electra by the elbow and led her farther away from the others. “To get to the point…your story is that you, as a visiting dignitary, are being asked to take a test-flight on the Hyperion. You’re giving your opinion concerning its usefulness as an ambassadorial shuttle. I’m telling Charlie this particular vessel will be of particular value in impressing Earth’s touring dignitaries. Other planets maintain these vintage craft for the same purpose. They’re viewed as flying museums where receptions and parties are held.”

“And your crew aboard the Valiant…what will they think of your absence?”

“As of late last night, the king let it be known that Gilla, Clitus, and I have been ordered to work on a special civilian project. My crew was led to believe we were still involved with pageant matters.” He nodded toward Charlie. “As far as she’s concerned, my story will seem plausible. At least I think it does.” He gazed down at Electra hopefully. “What do you think?”

“Well…the king left you in charge concerning certain specifics. Getting the ship ready for touring ambassadors and dignitaries, with me being used as a sort of advance critic, will certainly hold water. In fact I have to hand it to you, Datron. I don’t think anyone will suspect we’re taking off for one of Lucent’s moons. Our flight path will suggest we’re headed into deep space to test our systems. But there’s just one thing you haven’t covered.”

“And that is?”

“As the mechanic, Charlie would naturally want to come on the test flight as well. She’d have more right to be on the ship than I do.”

He sighed heavily. “I know. I’ll just have to make up some other lie that disallows her presence. I just haven’t thought of one yet.”

“You might want to hurry since the king wants us en route sooner.”

“Excuse me?” Datron blurted.

“You mean you don’t know?”

“Know what, Electra?”

“Good God! Kryllian contacted me personally this morning. We’re to take off in what amounts to twenty-two hours, Earth time.”

“And he didn’t consider this news worth mentioning to the mission captain?” Datron asked as he put his hands on his hips.

“I’m not sure what’s going on, my dear. It might be he found it easier to contact me at my hotel room, where I was obviously alone, than to transmit a message to you, in your quarters on the Valiant. Or through the airfield communication system where it might be overheard.”

He sighed and shook his head in wonder. “There are other ways he could have notified me. He didn’t have any trouble sending a special messenger to the ship when doing so would surely cause comment.”

“I don’t pretend to know what’s on his mind.” She patted her hair and shook her head. “He’s not a covert operative. He’s a politician. His clandestine operation experience extends to what happened on Earth two years ago and what’s happening now. The man relies on his own instincts when he can’t, for obvious reasons, consult his advisors. He’s making himself solely responsible if the mission goes wrong. So cut him some slack. He is your ruler after all.” She pulled at the sleeves of her jumpsuit. “You’re certainly at liberty to contact him and find out what happened. You needn’t take my word for anything.”

“I believe you, Electra.” He briefly tilted his head back and silently prayed for this mission to be over. “I get that the king doesn’t want his personal staff to know the details. But this is threatening the security of the mission. Taking off, so fast, in an old ship that’s supposed to be used for entertainment only, hardly dispels curiosity. I have to file another flight plan.”

“Datron, Lucent’s ambassador may have sent a message wanting the schedule moved up,” Electra offered as she lifted her hands in a supplicating gesture. “If that’s the case, the king had no choice. And contacting me seems practical. I’m a celebrity. No one would question the monarch contacting a pageant judge right after its conclusion.”

“I suppose sending another messenger to me aboard the Valiant might have been far too conspicuous. Especially since it’s so rarely done,” Datron reluctantly admitted.

“The king knows I’d be one of the first people to see you this morning. I’d naturally relay the information as soon as I possibly could. It wouldn’t have been safe or prudent for me to attempt to contact you last night as my celebrity status would have also fueled airfield gossip.”

“Creator’s blood! I don’t like this. I don’t like it at all,” he muttered, then let out a string of Valkyrian-phrased curses that, had they been uttered in Earth English, would have shocked even the experienced undercover Earth Protectorate operative at his side. Thankfully, Electra didn’t speak fluent Valkyrian. At least she’d never admitted she did.

He passed a weary hand over his face, shook his head, and gazed at his mechanic again. “I’ll have to tell Charlie. But the woman is amazingly perceptive. She won’t see why the simple test flight of an ambassadorial shuttle would be so urgent.”

Electra patted him on the shoulder. “That’s why you’re a captain. The king trusts you to cover these details while he hides what we’re doing from the rest of the enforcement corps and members of his own governing body.”

Datron gazed at the pavement beneath his booted feet and briefly closed his eyes in frustration. For the hundredth time, he wished he’d never heard of the Lucent Stones or their mind controlling properties.

“Oh…just for the sake of reiterating how you ignored procedure…thank you for spontaneously hiring that girl. Charlie, as you call her, did pass all her background checks. I can officially go on the record now as having told you so.”

“I know…I know,” he apologized. “I should’ve contacted the rest of you and discussed it. But you should hear her when she talks about engines, Electra. The woman really knows her stuff! And I’d stake my reputation on her discretion. It’s not as though she knows anyone on the airfield to gossip with.” He briefly paused. “Besides, what would she talk about? For her, this is just a lucrative contract to top off her Miss Milky Way gig. It’s as though she fell into our laps at exactly the right time.”

“It’s just as well you took the initiative,” Electra smilingly placated. “As it happens, your actions saved us a lot of time.” She picked up her gear. “As to the rest…you’d better be right about what this girl knows. She’ll have to be exceedingly good to get the ship’s engine space-worthy, depending on its original condition. The outside looks fantastic but mothballing these relics can do them a lot of harm.”

“I know the specs on other such vessels. This one was the best available. Especially since we can’t use any ship outside the security of this base. We don’t want any hearsay from any outside source.” He crossed his arms over his chest and tried to stem the sudden surge of pounding behind his left eye. “Charlie will just have to do her best.”

He squared his shoulders and noted his little mechanic-engineer was staring sharply at the newcomer—the only other female in their midst. There wasn’t any time to lose.

Before her sharp brain could put odd facts together, he had to relay his lies and hope they held up to scrutiny.

He strode toward her before the quizzical look on Charlie’s pretty face resulted in questions he couldn’t answer. Though she had a right to ask them, those queries could compromise their mission.

When he stood before her, he did the best he could at affecting an unconcerned countenance and tone.

“I guess you know Electra?” he casually asked.

“Who doesn’t? We’ve spoken briefly in a beauty pageant environment, but what in hell is she doing in an Oceanus Protectorate hangar, wearing a flight suit? I know enough to recognize this is in an extremely secure part of the airfield. Even she doesn’t rank admittance here. Not unless there are extenuating circumstances.”

And there it was.

Charlie’s brain didn’t miss a thing. And where another mechanic might have let the issue drop in lieu of the enormous amount of pay, she didn’t operate like that. She did what she did for the love of her work. He’d seen the glow of interest in her eyes when she’d spoken about the engine problems aboard the Valiant. Money wasn’t what motivated her, and she was too honest to do anything she believed unscrupulous.

He hated lying to her. She’d see through the ruse, and he’d have to act as though everything was all right. It left a bad taste in his mouth, and she’d be angry with him. But it had to be done.

“Look, the powers that be want to turn this vessel out for dignitaries and their entourage. Oceanus’ High Council will be using the Hyperion for certain trade negotiations, especially with on-going talks involving Earth ministers. To make sure the craft will be appropriate, Electra was asked to go on the test flight and vet the amenities,” he quickly explained. “She’s the only Earth dignitary Oceanus could get a hold of on such short notice, and she’s known for her blunt opinions and her extravagant tastes.”

Charlie’s left brow rose in suspicion. “And I suppose she was subjected to a background check also?”

“Yes,” he further lied. “Regardless of her wealth and political influence as the owner of the Mr. Interstellar Feller franchise, we follow strict rules where security is concerned. You were both screened and found acceptable or you wouldn’t be here. Your job, however, involves this vessel’s safe operation, not matters of security. Leave that to me.” He used a soft but no-nonsense tone, meaning to silence her without sounding harsh.

She simply stood there staring up at him with a look of utter disbelief on her pretty face.

He took a deep breath and fed her the rest. “There’s something else, Charlie.”

“I figured there would be.”

He cleared his throat and continued as quickly as he could and still sound dignified. “Electra has just informed me that officials want the vessel ready in twenty-two Earth hours, not three days.”

“Ohhhh…really?” she drawled as she put her hands on her waist. “My contract gave me three days.”

“I apologize,” he honestly offered. “I’ll work round the clock with you if necessary. I might even be able to negotiate a much higher—”

“This isn’t about the money! I’ll get the job done no matter what stipulations you put on the deal. I signed the contract, and I’ll hold up my end. I’m just wondering why your superiors didn’t inform the captain of the schedule change.”

He kept silent, hoping her anger and her keen suspicion would fade in light of the new schedule.

“So why in hell does a beauty pageant promoter get more deference than the ship’s captain?”

“Electra has friends in high places. On Oceanus she’s idolized. If she says my superiors informed her of a time change, I believe her.” He shrugged. “Perhaps those enforcers we’re to relieve in deep space have had a turn of good luck and are on their way home. It’s only a test flight, and I’m just a captain. I do what I’m told.”

“Right. And the moon is made of cheese.”

“There’s no place here for sarcasm, Charlie. I thought you more professional than that.”

She moved much closer to him and spoke softly. “People lying to me has that effect. I guess professionalism is a matter of perspective.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. The situation cannot be changed.”

She sighed and shook her head. “Can I use Clitus and Gilla at my discretion?”

“Of course. They’ll happily help in any way they can.”

She rolled up her sleeves and finally quit glaring at him.

He shouldn’t have reprimanded her about her professionalism. She knew something was wrong and had every right to question the strange changes in what should have been a very normal test schedule.

“Well I guess those contact codes to your private quarters are useless. You’ll be taking off before tomorrow morning.”

He lifted one brow. “You’re sure? You haven’t even inspected the vessel’s systems?”

“Just stay out of my way. All right?”

Datron watched her walk to her tool chest. Instinct told him she wasn’t as angry about the schedule change as she was about the excuses he’d made. Apparently, his ability to lie convincingly needed work.

He’d have to repair the damage done to their burgeoning relationship. Perhaps this was one of those arguments where making up afterward would prove delightful. But somehow, he just didn’t see any scenario where Charlie would let this go.

She was as tenacious and as in touch with her instincts as she was beautiful. And because she wasn’t gullible, he desired her even more.

He was used to women who complied with his wishes. Despite her diminutive size, Charlie stood up and talked back when she thought there was good reason. She’d never be anyone’s dupe.

As he stood there contemplating the perplexing makeup of his mechanic, Charlie tugged on a tool belt loaded with micro infusion gauges, turbo insulation wrenches, and phase inhibitor forceps trimmed with mass spectrum digital couplers. The more professional she acted, the more he felt the need to pick her up and hug her. The fricking belt she wore probably weighed almost as much as she did.

It took massive control to haul his focus back on the job at hand. Recovering and destroying those Lucent Stones was dangerous business, even if Lucent’s constabulary had the thieving Ussarian raiders cornered. When one dealt with a conniving race, anything could be expected, nothing assumed.

When he put all the mission information together, he still concluded something wasn’t right. Although, he greatly respected the king as both a highly equitable ruler and a friend, royal personages could be fooled just as easily as anyone else. Especially when they had no one to advise them on a matter that had to remain secret.

No matter how stringently he took all the case elements into consideration, Datron knew he’d regret it if he didn’t listen to his gut. But as a starship captain his orders were clear. Despite misgivings he couldn’t articulate, he would put the mission first.

Charlie would be there when the Hyperion returned. They could settle matters between them then. He’d do well to keep his mind on his job.

The change in schedule meant someone on Lucent’s moon was desperate. He conjectured the Ussarian fleet was moving faster than first assumed. If they got there before the Hyperion, then the stolen crates of Lucent Stones might disappear into the Ussarian Empire. If that happened, no one would be safe. No bureaucrat could be trusted, and no law enforcement agency could contain the damage.

Anyone in the universe could be controlled by breathing in the dust of those crushed stones. Entire sectors of space might go to war simply on some Ussarian pirate’s whim. All it would take is guiding the minds of key politicians on various planets.

He hated even thinking about the results. Ussarians were raiders, cutthroats, liars, and brigands of the worst sort. They warred with each other and attacked every planet or mining colony unable to defend itself. That was why Lucent was no longer secure.

He gazed up at the Hyperion and wished he could have taken the Valiant into what was sure to be a very hostile situation. Yet, the secrecy of their mission didn’t mean they had to land on Lucent’s moon to confront dangerous criminals with an unarmed ship. There were ways to go about arming oneself, without creating a diplomatic nightmare. The only problem was how did one go about such a thing in the presence of a very astute mechanic who just wouldn’t look the other way?