“Oh?” Hedy’s eyebrows rose.
“I can’t understand his attitude toward the Yanurans. The man’s mind is poisoned with prejudice against them.”
“Why do you say that?”
They walked toward the hatchway at the far end. “He just about accused them of being liars. He mentioned a report that hinted at political problems on Yanura and suspects Jallyn’s disappearance might be related.” She snorted. “I’ve never heard anything so absurd. Fromoth Trun assured me he had the full support of his people.”
Hedy smiled. “I’ll bet you gave Commander Sage your opinion.”
“Of course I did. I won’t let him get away with making false accusations.”
“Uh-oh. I get the feeling the poor man doesn’t know what he’s in for. This is just the type of challenge you enjoy.” Hedy gave her a curious glance. “Why did he stop by in the first place? Was it to discuss the Yanurans?”
Mara grimaced. “He wanted to get to know me better.”
“You don’t say! And how did he propose to do that?”
They crossed into a section with open hatchways leading into other public areas. “I’ll leave that to your imagination,” Mara said dryly.
Hedy grinned as though intending to coax the details from Mara but just then she spotted someone ahead. “Stars, there’s Lieutenant Wren,” she squealed.
The Polluxite was ascending a spiral staircase just ahead of the main lounge.
Hedy rushed forward. “Hello, Lieutenant. It’s good to see you again.”
“Please call me Wren, Dr. Te’larr.” The big man paused and glanced down at her.
“And I’m Hedy.” Her gaze locked with his, and for once she was speechless. Clearly Hedy was mesmerized by the fellow’s clear hazel eyes.
Wren cleared his throat. “Excuse me, but there’s work to be done.” He turned away to continue his ascent.
“Is it time for the briefing yet?” Hedy asked, her gaze fixed on his broad back and the vertical slits visible in his shirt. She’d never seen his wings sprout but Mara had told her about them. Hedy had said they sounded sexy as hell.
He glanced back at her. “Not yet. We have to leave orbit first.”
Mara waved a greeting. “Hello, Wren. Would it be okay if we watched the launch from the main viewscreen?”
“Sure, follow me. The bridge is up here.” He pointed to the round opening above his head. His gaze slid to Hedy. “After you, mistress.”
Hedy winked at Mara and put her foot on the lowest rung. She managed to hike up her skirt as she passed him.
Wren’s rugged face colored as Hedy stepped onto the landing above. She whipped around to face Wren when he reached the top. He towered above her, being at least six inches taller.
“Mistress, you’re in my path,” he said, stating the obvious.
“Sorry.” Hedy stepped to the side, her gaze following his movements as he headed to the nav console to begin his calculations.
Mara observed them with amusement. Those two had some serious vibes between them. She noted Deke was already on the bridge, busy monitoring one of the computer displays. Another crew member was present at the comm panel station.
“That must be Lieutenant Ebo, the Sirisian,” she said to Hedy, indicating the thin humanoid who had the characteristic elastic pink skin of his race. He’d covered his bald head with a scarlet turban. As they watched, he elongated his arm to toggle a switch several meters away.
Mara introduced herself and Hedy to the fellow. He acknowledged their greeting and turned back to his task.
Deke addressed them. “I see you’ve decided to join us for the launch. We should be getting clearance to lift off in less than ten minutes. You may wish to hold onto those safety straps on the bulkhead. Kindly don’t distract us from our work, or I’ll send you to the observation lounge.”
“I wouldn’t think of being a distraction, Commander,” Mara said in a teasing tone.
He tightened his mouth and returned his attention to his instruments. Mara stared at the back of his head, eager to hear what he’d have to say at the upcoming briefing.
Chapter Four
“The two intruders in Sarina’s apartment were Rakkians,” Deke said. He sat at a circular table in the dining facility that doubled as a conference room. It had a large oval viewport, bright lighting, and comfortable seating. Mara had claimed a place on his left, followed by Hedy and Wren, with Ebo on his right.
Acutely aware of Mara’s presence, he tried to display disinterest toward her for the sake of his crew. It wasn’t easy when his gaze kept sliding in her direction. He’d never seen a woman so stunningly beautiful. His fingers ached to thread through her long glossy hair. Straight and thick, it cascaded down her back like an onyx waterfall. Her deep blue eyes reminded him of the fathomless ocean depths, full of secrets he yearned to explore. She was more exotic than any sea creature and more alluring than any siren.
Tamping down his arousal, Deke forced his attention back to the subject at hand.
“The Rakkians were identified as Pruet and Joro, assassins who hire out their services to the highest bidders,” he continued. “Glotaj is checking into their recent activities to determine their employer.” Drumming his fingers on the table, he wished they had more conclusive information.
Mara glanced in his direction and his gaze slammed into hers. Her olive complexion flamed with color as she quickly averted her eyes.
“Forgive me, sir, but can you fill me in on what happened on Bimordus Two?” Ebo asked, drawing Deke’s mind back to their topic of discussion. The Sirisian elongated his arm and reached to the fabricator to conjure himself a drink.
Deke explained the details of Jallyn’s disappearance. “We have no idea why the child was taken. No ransom demands have been made, so we can only hope she’s being kept alive for whatever purpose her captors have in mind.”
“She is being cared for as though her welfare is important,” Mara added. “I would guess that means her return is anticipated.”
“Maybe she’ll be released after the Elevation Ceremony,” Hedy said with a hopeful note.
Deke didn’t believe the child’s recovery would be that simple. “The kidnappers have the advantage over us. The longer Jallyn is missing, the more desperate we’ll become. When they do make their demands known, we’ll be more likely to accede to them. She has to be kept alive so proof of her well-being can be demonstrated. Meanwhile, the two henchmen haven’t resurfaced. Glotaj believes they’re still with the child.”
Silence fell over the room, broken by Wren. “Mara, tell them your theory about Earth customs.”
Mara’s eyes brightened. “Whoever sent Joro and Pruet knew about Sarina being from Earth. It’s a popular courting custom there to send cut flowers to a woman. The assassins approached Sarina offering a bouquet they said was from Captain Reylock.”
“Glotaj had the investigative team check the records at the study center, but no one accessed files on Earth customs within the past six months other than Captain Reylock himself,” Deke said.
“Am I correct in assuming the Yanurans are not aware of our true mission?” Ebo queried.