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    Obsidian Tears
    Obsidian Tears
    Obsidian Tears
    Ebook466 pages6 hours

    Obsidian Tears

    By Jaleta Clegg

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    When Tayvis goes missing, Dace can't turn her back on Lowell's request for her to investigate. Especially not when he hands her the shattered remains of the Eggstone. But her decision might cost her heart and her freedom. Book 7 in the Fall of the Altarian Empire series.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJaleta Clegg
    Release dateDec 18, 2013
    ISBN9781310089671
    Obsidian Tears
    Author

    Jaleta Clegg

    I love telling stories ranging from epic space opera to silly horror to anything in between. I've had numerous stories published in anthologies and magazines. Find all the details of my space opera series at http://www.altairanempire.comFor the latest updates on my stories, check out my webpage at http://www.jaletac.comMy current day job involves teaching kids to play the piano. I also love piecing quilts together, crocheting tiny animals, and watching lots of bad 80s movies.

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      Book preview

      Obsidian Tears - Jaleta Clegg

      Chapter 1

      I slouched at the table, the same one I'd been at for most of the last three weeks. The Golden Pig, an upscale bar on Proxima, was quiet with few customers. The bartender didn't seem to mind me spending hours sitting at a table near the back as long as I bought drinks and paid my tab.

      Tayvis was twenty three days overdue. We'd agreed to meet here, when his enlistment was finally up. It looked like he didn't want to keep his promise.

      I didn't blame him. The last time we'd seen each other he'd arrested me. And the time before that I'd shot him. I shouldn't have been surprised that he hadn't come. I didn't want to believe it was really over between us, but three weeks of waiting were beginning to convince me.

      Jasyn, co-owner of my ship and my best friend, had lost patience. Her hints that we should move on had become blunt and hard to ignore. She was right, I had to let go. Tayvis wasn't coming.

      I'd never expected it to hurt so much.

      I looked across the bar to the front windows. The sun of Proxima blazed out of a clear summer sky. The door opened, sending a flash of bright light across the polished wood of the tables. I squinted and groaned when I saw who had just entered.

      Lowell stood near the door, surveying the room. Darus Venn, my father, hovered over his shoulder. I considered sliding under the table. Lowell saw me and strode across the room. He wore a captain's bars on his uniform this time. He rarely wore his true insignia. He preferred to slum with the lower ranks. Darus wore an engineer's gears.

      Go away, I said as Lowell pulled out a chair.

      He sat anyway. Is that any way to greet me, Dace?

      Or me, Darus said, taking a second chair.

      I'm not in the mood, Lowell. Hi, dad. How have you been?

      Try saying it like you mean it, Darus said.

      Whatever you want, I said, standing up, the answer is no, Lowell. So don't even try.

      I need your help.

      I don't want yours.

      I think you want to hear this, Lowell said quietly. I deliberately stepped away.

      Something dropped onto the table with a soft chime, like crystals muffled in cloth. A tiny prick of emotion stabbed into my heart. I stopped, my feet glued to the floor despite my best intentions to leave. Jasyn was going to rip me into shreds when she found out I'd even listened to Lowell. I turned back, I had to find out what ace Lowell held.

      He poked a small bag on the table in front of him, a nondescript thing of worn cotton. I dropped into a chair, feeling the pull from the bag.

      I thought that would get your attention. Lowell pushed the bag towards me.

      I'm through, Lowell. You promised to leave me alone. Remember?

      My hand closed over the bag. A wave of pain, anger, and need washed through me. I knew what was in the bag. I closed my eyes as my fingers fumbled to untie it.

      Two weeks ago, Lowell began, a ship limped into Viya Station, the only Sessimoniss ship to be sighted in almost a year, with a single survivor on board. He died not long after reaching the station, despite everything they tried to do for him. The only thing he said that anyone could interpret was your name. The Sessimoniss were a reptilian sentient race that lived beyond the fringes of the Empire. Only four non-Sessimoniss had ever landed on their world and returned alive: me, Jasyn, her brother Jerimon, and Tayvis.

      The top of the bag opened. Tiny glittering shards of crystal in every hue of the rainbow spilled out. Tumbled emotions and jumbled images poured into my mind. This was the Eggstone, the god of the Sessimoniss. A few pieces of it, at least.

      What happened? I asked, my voice hoarse. I'd been their high priestess, for a matter of days. The Eggstone forged a mindlink with me. I had absolutely no psychic abilities on the human scales, but maybe I did on the Eggstone's range. It didn't matter now. What mattered was the need of the stone shards sparkling on the table. Where's the rest of it?

      Lowell leaned back, watching me. He was smug, he knew he had me. I could say no to him, but not to the Eggstone. Darus looked away, unwilling to meet my eyes.

      The Sessimoniss had that bag with him. The rest are on Viya Station.

      What happened, Lowell? My hand closed over the shards, feeling the prick of tiny cuts sting my palm. It was nothing next to the pain that radiated from the shards.

      I don't know. No one does.

      I can't do this, Lowell. I can't do this to Jasyn again.

      I have no intention of involving her. There's a courier ship at Viya, waiting for you. And one of my agents assigned to assist you.

      I made myself open my hand and carefully brush the shards into the bag. I silently apologized to the Eggstone. I was through letting Lowell push me into becoming something I hated. I'd gone mad once before, because of him. That he was the one who pulled me back into sanity didn't mean he could do it again. I wouldn't let him.

      I'm not going, I said and shoved the bag back across the table. Letting go was one of the hardest things I'd ever done.

      I'm not through, Lowell said.

      But I am. I pushed my chair back.

      Darus took my wrist and pulled me back. I think you want to listen, Dace.

      Jasyn is going to skin me alive, I protested. But I sat.

      Fifty seven ships have disappeared in that sector, two dozen of them in the last two years. Lowell leaned over the table, voice low and earnest.

      It isn't my problem, I said as I pulled my wrist free of Darus' grip.

      The Wanderer was one of them. Lowell said it like it should mean something to me.

      And? I stood. I don't have time for this.

      The executive officer on that Exploration ship is Tayvis.

      I fell back into my chair again. The bartender gave me a strange look.

      When? I asked. When did it go missing?

      They were due back in port two months ago. I just found out a few days ago. My information network isn't what it used to be.

      Tell me how this involves me, Lowell. No more games. Tell me what you want me to do. My fingers reached for the bag of shards without me telling them to.

      I don't know how all the pieces fit. I've sent four ships out there over the last few months. None of them have come back.

      So now you want to send me there? My hand closed over the bag of shards. Jasyn was going to kill me for even considering his offer.

      One week, Dace. You take the courier and go to the Sessimoniss system. Stay hidden, don't land or try to make contact. Just watch. One week, and then you come back and report. Even if you have nothing to report.

      I studied Lowell's silver eyes. Most people couldn't read his emotions. They only saw what Lowell wanted them to see. I knew him too well. I could see the strain.

      You just want someone to come back, I said.

      Lowell nodded.

      Why me? You have trained agents. You don't need me.

      I asked him the same thing, Darus said. They don't have your luck.

      Or your knowledge of the Sessimoniss. One week, Lowell said. Run sooner if there is the slightest hint of danger.

      I sighed, feeling the shards of crystal calling to me through the worn cloth bag. One week? No more?

      Promise, Lowell said.

      I have a few conditions, I said.

      Lowell raised one eyebrow.

      First, I get the pieces of the Eggstone. All of them.

      Lowell nodded.

      Second, none of the others get involved in this. You keep Jasyn and Clark out of it.

      Easier said than done. You know that.

      They aren't coming. You help me convince them or I won't go.

      Lowell studied me for a long moment. He finally shrugged. One way or another, I'll convince them.

      He wanted me very badly. How badly?

      It's going to cost you. I don't work for free. How far could I push him?

      I arranged for you to receive danger pay last time, he said.

      Barely enough to cover our legal fees. You want me to work for you, it's going to cost you, Lowell.

      How much?

      A hundred thousand credits. I hoped he'd choke over the number. I hoped it would give me a way to say no. I wasn't going to haggle with him. A hundred thousand was enough to buy my ship and five cargoes and pay a full crew for over a year.

      Done, he said without batting an eyelash. When can you leave? Sooner is better.

      I flapped my mouth a couple of times. I hadn't expected him to agree so fast. He really, really wanted me.

      Payment up front, I said. And you still haven't convinced Jasyn.

      He pursed his lips. I'll be at your ship in an hour. Be ready.

      I wanted to swear. How had he maneuvered me into this? I thought I could weasel away from him.

      Keep the bag, Dace, Lowell said as he stood.

      Are you picking up my bar tab, too? I hated giving in to him. I hated the thought of telling Jasyn even more.

      Lowell grinned. I'll let your dad. Maybe he can give you a lecture on responsible drinking.

      It's fruit juice.

      Maybe I'll get him to lecture you about your language instead.

      She swears like an engineer, Darus said as he pulled out a handful of coins.

      That's the problem, Lowell said.

      Not for me. Darus winked. He was an engineer before anything else.

      Lowell shook his head as he walked away.

      Darus hung back, waiting until Lowell was out of hearing range. His grin faded. You sure you want to do this?

      Tell me what's really happening, Darus.

      Ships that travel to that sector don't come back. Nothing does. Lowell doesn't know any more than that. The Sessimoniss ship was the first to come in on that vector in over three years. He dropped coins on the table. I don't want you mixed up in it.

      I tried to say no.

      I'd get that money deal in writing if I were you. And be careful. Very careful. I'd hate to lose you.

      Then you can tell Jasyn for me, I said as I rose to my feet. The money on the table was more than enough. She's going to kill me when she finds out I said yes to Lowell.

      That's one danger I think I'll let you face on your own. I wouldn't want her mad at me again.

      Lowell's waiting for you.

      Darus muttered something under his breath I pretended not to hear. Lowell stood in the open doorway, watching us.

      You be careful, Darus told me again before he hurried away to meet Lowell.

      I watched the two of them walk out the door. It swung shut, cutting off the glare of afternoon light outside.

      You need help? the bartender called to me.

      I shook my head. I doubt you could help me.

      The Patrol harassing you? he continued as he polished glasses. I got a brother who handles lawsuits against them all the time. They give you a hard time, you give my brother a call.

      Thanks, but I've got a lawyer.

      They friends then? He wasn't going to give up. What about the one you're waiting for?

      They came to tell me he wasn't going to make it. I was oddly relieved to know Tayvis' ship was missing. He hadn't deliberately dumped me. But he was still missing.

      You sure you don't need help?

      I've got more help than I can possibly use.

      You come back sometime, the bartender called as I pushed open the door. I like nice quiet customers here.

      If only he knew.

      Chapter 2

      Jasyn looked up from the table where she buffed her nails. The cabin smelled of cinnamon and other spices. She was baking again. Our ship had a full galley. It had been worth every extra credit to have real food. As long as they didn't let me cook, we ate very well.

      Did they close early? Jasyn asked. Or have you finally decided we can leave? The port fees are getting ridiculous.

      And you finished business here a week ago. I know.

      She stopped polishing her nails, centering her attention on me. What happened? She read me too easily.

      Tayvis isn't coming.

      That was obvious two weeks ago.

      I just found out his ship is two months overdue.

      Her look sharpened and grew daggers. Lowell is here?

      Did I say that? I tried to hide my guilty start. She was much too good at reading me.

      What did you promise him?

      Where's Beryn? He mentioned something about recalibrating the maglev fields.

      Don't you dare change the subject. Beryn recalibrated it twelve days ago. Without you. And before you ask, the rest of the crew are in the city. They'll be back soon. She stood, towering over me. Start explaining.

      I took a step back, away from her. I put the bag on the table, the shards wailing in my mind as I let them go. That's the Eggstone. What's left of it. The rest is on Viya Station. Which is where we need to go.

      She stared at the worn bag. She touched it with one perfectly manicured finger. I curled my hands over my own jagged nails. At least I didn't have grease under them. I hadn't touched the engine in almost a month.

      The oven beeped. Jasyn jumped, startled by the sound. She turned to open the door. A wave of hot air washed into the room, carrying the smell of spices.

      Sit and tell me everything, Jasyn ordered as she lifted a pan from the oven. All of it.

      Lowell's paying us a hundred thousand credits.

      He's what? She dropped the pan onto the counter. She'd almost dropped it onto the floor. She fumbled her hand free of the oven mitt as she turned back to me. Why is he paying us that much money? What did you agree to do?

      It's just me, Jasyn, I made him promise to keep you and Clark out of it.

      We go where you go. You know that.

      Not this time. I'm not going to drag you into anything ever again.

      You were going to stay out yourself. She dropped into a chair at the table. I sat across from her.

      I was going to. I did tell him no.

      She touched the bag of shards.

      I couldn't say no to the Eggstone, I whispered.

      I'm pregnant, Dace, Jasyn said. I can't spend my life being chased. Or shot at.

      I stared at her in shock. I knew she and Clark had said something about settling down. But I hadn't quite expected this. I had a million questions for her. I couldn't pick one to start with.

      It will be a few months. Her hands cupped her belly protectively. She smiled, a small, tight smile. So what are we doing for Lowell?

      Not you, I said, shaking my head. He wants me to go to the Sessimoniss system and just watch. One week. No more.

      Why? Because of that? She poked the bag.

      Because ships have been disappearing. Even the ones he sends to find out why. Tayvis' ship is one of the missing ones. I stroked the bag with one finger. I don't know how the Sessimoniss figure into it. Or if they do. Lowell doesn't know either.

      So he's sending you to find out. I don't like it. She frowned.

      I don't like it either. I have to go, though. If it were just Lowell, I could have said no and made it stick.

      But the Eggstone and Tayvis are involved. I understand.

      We're supposed to go to Viya Station.

      We're banned from ever docking there.

      Lowell will have to fix it, or the deal's off. I wrapped my hand around the bag. This had been too easy. He's got a courier waiting for me, with the rest of the shards.

      We're going with you. We can fly to Serrimonia.

      No. I'm going by myself.

      We're family, Dace, she said fiercely.

      Which is why I'm going and you're not. Someone has to look after the businesses Lady Rina left us.

      Leon can run them, he practically does anyway.

      I've gotten you into too much trouble. Please. I have to do this. You don't.

      She glared, her violet eyes dark and angry.

      I need you to stay here, safe and waiting for me. I pleaded with her to understand. Lowell promised one week there, no more. I'll meet you on Tebros in three weeks. I promise.

      I could hate Lowell, she said, dropping her eyes to the table between us.

      I could, too. He brought Darus to help convince me to go. Darus tried to talk me out of it.

      Your father is smarter than you are.

      He doesn't feel the Eggstone. I have to go, for the Eggstone. For the Sessimoniss.

      And for Tayvis. Why can't we go with you?

      Go where? Clark asked. He came into the ship just in time to catch his wife's last comment. His sister Twyla, our copilot, was right behind him. I heard Beryn whistling. Clark looked at me, at Jasyn, then back at me. What have I missed?

      We're going to Viya Station, I said. And before you tell me I'm still banned from setting foot there, I'm hoping Lowell won't be able to fix it.

      What has Lowell done this time? He planted his hands on his hips.

      I thought you were through with him, Twyla said over Clark's shoulder.

      I thought I was, too, I said.

      Well? Clark prodded.

      Lowell's paying me to visit the Sessimoniss. I stood and scooped up the bag of shards. I'm supposed to catch a ship at Viya.

      Why? Clark asked. Don't you dare leave until you give us some answers, Dace.

      Ask Lowell, I said as I headed for my cabin. He should be here soon.

      You're running away again, Clark said.

      I stopped with my hand on the door controls. He was right. They deserved more of an explanation. And I was running away. I sighed and turned back around.

      Ships have been disappearing near the Sessimoniss world. Lowell wants me to go and just watch for one week, to see if I can find anything. I held up the bag. Someone smashed the Eggstone. The Sessimoniss have sent one ship out in the last two years. It may be related, it may not. Lowell's paying a hundred thousand credits for me to spend one week looking.

      Twyla whistled at the amount.

      You, not us, Clark said.

      He's assigning a Patrol ship to me. And before you object, he doesn't want you. Just me. I don't want you involved either. If it weren't for the Eggstone, I'd tell Lowell no.

      Tayvis is on one of the missing ships, Jasyn added.

      So what are we supposed to do? Wait until you finally show up again? If you do, Clark said.

      This was the part that hurt the most. I wanted them with me, but I didn't want them involved. I couldn't stand it if they were hurt because of me. Not again.

      I'm sorry, Clark. I don't want you involved. I've caused you enough problems.

      She's right, Jasyn said. She has to go alone.

      I thought you'd be the last to agree with her, Clark said.

      If she doesn't show up in a month, then we go looking for her, Beryn said, joining in the conversation. I doubt Lowell will send backup.

      I still don't like it, Clark said.

      Tell Lowell, I said. He's right behind you.

      Everything worked out? Lowell asked brightly as he entered the ship.

      No, Clark said, turning to face Lowell. You promised.

      I'm sorry, Lowell said, his smile fading. Dace is the only one with the right qualifications for this.

      No, she isn't and you know it, Clark said.

      He's right, Clark, I said. I'm the only one who could possibly understand the Sessimoniss.

      Did you tell her everything this time or did you hold back a few key bits of information? Clark demanded of Lowell.

      I've told her everything I know, which is admittedly very little, Lowell said.

      But why does she have to go alone? Clark persisted in arguing with Lowell.

      Because I don't want you involved, I said before Lowell could answer. This time, you're going to stay out. And stay safe.

      You're going to make us miss all the fun? Beryn said.

      The investigation is under Patrol authority, Clark, Lowell added. No unauthorized personnel are allowed to travel in that sector.

      How does the Empire justify that? I couldn't stop myself from asking. The Sessimoniss are beyond the Empire's control.

      Are you trying to make this difficult? Lowell asked me. On purpose?

      Are you going to answer her? Clark asked.

      Travel restrictions have been issued for any ship on that heading, Lowell said. It helps that there isn't much out there. That we know about.

      Then why are ships disappearing? I asked. Who attacked the Sessimoniss?

      That's what I'm trying to find out, Lowell said.

      So you're sending Dace out there, by herself, Jasyn started.

      Not alone, Lowell answered. One courier ship, outfitted with the best equipment the Patrol has. And I'm sending one of my best men with her.

      Why not the Phoenix? Clark asked.

      Because you're a freighter, Lowell answered. You aren't equipped for this kind of mission.

      You've used us before, Jasyn said.

      Because I had little choice, Lowell said.

      I held the bag of shards while they argued. I'd heard it before. I'd argued it before. This time it was different. This time I could choose to walk away. Except I'd never be able to forgive myself for deserting the Eggstone. Or for deserting Tayvis.

      I'm going, I said, interrupting the argument in progress. On Lowell's ship, under his conditions. One week? I asked Lowell.

      The most expensive week I've ever paid, yes, Lowell said. Come back sooner if you find anything. Anything at all.

      Darus told me to get the money contract in writing, I said.

      Lowell laughed. He pulled a sheet of paper out of his pocket. Signed and authorized. Payment on your return.

      Payment up front, I countered. I don't sell my soul except for cash up front.

      Payment on Viya Station, Lowell offered.

      Good enough, I agreed.

      How much? Beryn asked, wanting confirmation of what I'd already said.

      A hundred thousand, Lowell answered him.

      Twyla's mouth dropped open. She stared at me.

      I tried to warn you, sister, Clark said. The last three months have been extremely quiet. Compared to what we normally have to deal with.

      Lowell handed the paper to me. I'll meet you on Viya Station. When can I expect you?

      Within a week, Jasyn answered for me. Our business here was finished two weeks ago. As I'm certain you already know.

      I do apologize for asking. I really have no choice. He met my gaze. I looked away. I saw too much in his eyes. I didn't want to know just how much asking me had cost him. I'll see you in a week.

      The others waited until the hatch closed behind him.

      Why did you agree to go? Beryn demanded. I thought you said you had had enough. That you were through.

      That's what I thought. I was wrong.

      I don't understand, Twyla said. Why would he pay this much? Just for going to look somewhere for a week.

      Because Dace is the best there is, Clark said quietly.

      Because he knew I'd go. There isn't anyone else he could send. I cradled the bag of shards in my hand. I felt echoes of the Eggstone's intelligence and dry wit in the jumbled scraps of memory that filled my mind.

      If we're going to be at Viya in a week, we need to get moving, Clark said.

      You understand, Jasyn, I whispered. I silently begged her to agree, to say she understood why I agreed to go.

      You'll be impossible to live with if you don't go, she answered.

      Chapter 3

      The trip to Viya Station was much too long, and was over much too soon. Nothing happened, at least with the ship. Beryn and Twyla tried to talk me out of my agreement with Lowell. They didn't understand. They hadn't been on Serrimonia. They hadn't felt ten thousand years of memories inside the Eggstone. They didn't hold the pieces and feel its pain.

      Jasyn hadn't felt it, either, but she'd been there with me. And she understood how I felt about Tayvis, better than anyone else. She finally convinced them to leave me alone. And then she distracted all of them by announcing her pregnancy.

      I was happy for her, very happy. I wanted nothing more than to stay on the ship and fly our boring route. We were making the rounds of all of Lady Rina's business ventures that we'd inherited. We didn't have to worry about money, not much anyway. We could haul cargo when we wanted, which we did sometimes. Life was very relaxed. Nothing exciting had happened in the last few months.

      Until Lowell walked into my life again.

      We made transition from hyperspace to normal space without trouble. The ship handled a bit heavy on our approach to Viya Station. I adjusted the drive and ran an automatic diagnostic program.

      We docked without incident at the Station. Lowell had managed a minor miracle. I'd had nothing but trouble at Viya. They'd banned me from ever setting foot on their station. And here they were welcoming me and my ship back. Well, not exactly. We were directed to a priority Patrol berth, technically not part of the Station at all. They shifted us over to Patrol docking procedures, too.

      The ship lurched as the docking clamps engaged. I ran a few more checks while we shut down the engines.

      The maglev field is out of alignment, Clark said.

      How far and where is the problem? I asked.

      You're the engineer, you tell me, he said with a grin.

      You stay on this end, I'll get Beryn to keep an eye on things in the engine.

      And you'll do what?

      Crawl into the access space and look for the problem. Unless you want to.

      I'll run the diagnostics from here, he said as he turned back to his controls.

      Beryn? I said into the com as I pulled on a headset.

      I heard, he answered. I'm on it back here. Everything on this end checks out.

      I've got a bad signal from section sixty three, Clark said.

      I muttered a curse. It was in the section right behind the cockpit. I pulled back the fibermat floor covering to expose the access hatch.

      Beryn said you might need these, Twyla said as she came up behind me with her arms full of tools.

      I popped the hatch. The access space was small, a tight squeeze even for me. Conduits and tubing for all the ship's main systems passed through this section. The one I wanted was clear under all the others, right next to the ship's hull.

      Give me a number three probe and a screwdriver, I said to Twyla.

      Jasyn stopped stirring something in the galley long enough to show Twyla which tools to hand me. I was already wriggling my way into the nest of pipes under the deck. I stretched one hand out behind me for the tools.

      I need a light, I called back.

      She wiggled a handlight down beside me. I squirmed backwards until I could reach to clip it to my collar.

      One of the field generator coils had developed a block, one that was barely in my reach. I squirmed down into the ship until all that remained topside was my back end with my legs spread wide to keep me from falling all the way into the access hatch. It was still a stretch to get to the blocked area. A section of tubing had slipped and was pinched off. I held the screwdriver in my mouth while I worked the probe alongside the tube. I wriggled the fasteners holding the tubing in place.

      You must be Dace, a voice said behind me, one I didn't recognize. Charming.

      I jumped and dropped the probe. It rolled under a section of wiring conduit. I swore loud and long as I scrambled for it. I whacked my head against a pipe.

      You got that kink worked out yet? Beryn asked, his voice loud in my ears through the headset.

      You must be Lowell's errand boy, I heard Clark say through the headset. He was being deliberately insulting.

      The name's Vance Shiropi, the unfamiliar person answered. He didn't sound insulted.

      Do you need help, Dace? Clark asked.

      No, I'm just fine. I got the screwdriver under one side of the tubing clamp and levered it back into position. I used the probe to hammer the clamp back into place. It wasn't good for the probe. I made sure the fasteners were tight before I tried to wiggle my way back out.

      I was stuck. I was sure I looked like an idiot. I was head down in the belly of the ship with my butt sticking up and I couldn't get out. My head hurt where I'd smacked it against the pipe.

      You got it, Dace, Clark informed me. He waited for a moment. I didn't move, I couldn't. You can come back out now.

      No, I can't, I whispered as quietly as I could manage. I'm stuck. I didn't want to embarrass myself more than I already had in front of my unmet and unwanted companion.

      Clark laughed. So did Beryn. I wanted to smack them both. I had to get out of the hole first. I wasn't going to get out without their help.

      Hands grabbed my hips and helped lever me out of the hole. They let go when I was out far enough to slide backwards to sit on the floor. I turned to put the tools away. I expected to be rescued by Clark. I wasn't.

      I was looking back at one of the most handsome men I'd ever met, even better looking than Jerimon. But not as good looking as Tayvis. Part of my brain wondered if Lowell picked them for their looks as much as their competence.

      Vance Shiropi, he said and held his hand out. He took my hand and pulled me to my feet.

      He was half a head taller than me, which put him only slightly below average height. His hair was jet black, cut short and combed perfectly. His eyes were a deep brown with a slight tilt that gave him an exotic air. A small smile quirked the corners of his mouth. He looked like he belonged on a vid poster, not on my ship. I was acutely aware of my own lack of looks. I was short, with mousy brown hair and mud brown eyes and a huge bruise on the side of my head.

      I wasn't expecting you yet, I blurted out. We just docked.

      Commander Lowell's impatient. Vance glanced at Clark behind me before continuing. I got the impression he made a deliberate choice to tell me more information in front of the rest of the crew. He received word that three more ships have gone missing in the last two weeks.

      Did he tell you what he wants us to do? I asked as I handed the tools to Twyla to take to the engine room.

      Fly to Serrimonia, the home world of the Sessimoniss, Vance answered.

      It isn't their home world. I corrected him before I could stop myself. As if it mattered. The Sessimoniss had been living on Serrimonia for over a hundred centuries.

      Vance's reply was to merely raise one eyebrow. His were so perfectly shaped I wondered if he plucked stray hairs. I kept my mouth shut about it. With an effort.

      We stay there a week, if everything is quiet, Vance continued. We run at the first sign of trouble. By the way, I'm a fully certified navigator. I understand you are a fair pilot on a courier class? He put it politely but it was still offensive.

      Not fair, I said. An excellent pilot. And a fairly good engineer.

      And an excellent shot with a blaster, Clark said behind me.

      I'll keep that in mind, Vance said. Our ship is ready.

      I'm not. I pushed past him into the lounge. I wasn't ready to leave. I'd had a week to prepare and I still didn't want to go.

      Lowell sent this for you. Vance pulled a bag from his pocket. Crystals chimed inside. A blast of pain and need sent me reeling. My hand closed over the bag before I realized I'd moved.

      I'll be ready in half an hour. I tugged the bag out of his grip and ducked into my cabin.

      I leaned against the wall as the door slid closed. I fought to keep some semblance of control. Pain and anger washed through me in waves. And beating like a heart was a great need. No words, no dry commentary. Only raw emotions came from the crystals.

      I'll do what I can to help, I whispered to the bag in my hands. I promise.

      The emotions subsided.

      When I could breathe again, I pushed away from the wall and tucked the Eggstone shards into the front of my shipsuit, next to the other bag. I grabbed a duffel out of one of my storage lockers and shoved in an assortment of clothing. I barely noticed what I was doing. I stopped myself when I found one of the frilly dresses Jasyn kept insisting I buy in my hands. I had no idea what possible use I'd have for a formal dress where I was going. I put the dress back into my locker. I made myself stop and sort through what I'd already thrown in the duffel. I added more underwear and socks and decided I was done.

      I opened a panel next to my bunk. The lid flipped up, revealing a row of photographs taped to the inside. One of me with Jasyn and Clark at their wedding, an old faded photo of my mother, the only thing of hers I owned, a snapshot of me with Darus on Parrus right after we escaped Vallius. There were a few others, more recent ones that included Beryn and Twyla. I even had a picture of Jerimon and Larella, smiling at each other at their wedding. The one I wanted was at the end, a grainy shot of Tayvis, a picture he still didn't know I had. I only hesitated a moment before I tugged the snapshot of Tayvis free. He was missing. I had to believe he was going to come back. I had to believe he still loved me. I tucked the picture into my breast pocket, over my heart.

      I shut the locker. I was ready to leave. I had no more excuses. The Eggstone's shattered remains pulled at my shipsuit, a lump resting just above my waist. It was a burden that weighed more than a dozen worlds. I didn't want to go. I had to go.

      Vance was

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