28. Davrik
CHAPTER 28
DAVRIK
T he new ship's controls respond smoothly under my fingers as I navigate through the bustling space lanes. The cargo sits heavy in my hold, both physically and mentally.
"Course correction needed. We're heading towards Glimner sector," Navi announces, her tone carrying a hint of accusation. "That's where Freynal's base is located."
"I know where we're going."
"You told Alice you were disposing of the cargo properly." Navi's voice grows stern. "Was that a lie?"
"You're getting paranoid in your old age." I tap in a few commands, adjusting our trajectory slightly.
"I'm only at 16% of my projected lifespan with adequate maintenance. And you're being evasive."
The Alliance Investigative Bureau building looms ahead, its pristine white facade a stark contrast to the gritty surrounding structures. I ease the ship into a holding pattern.
"What are you doing?" Navi asks.
I pull out a datapad and begin typing. "Making good on my word." My fingers fly across the screen as I compile everything - communications, drop coordinates, security codes, even Freynal's preferred breakfast order. "Get ready to jettison cargo on my mark."
"You're actually doing it." The surprise in her voice almost makes me laugh.
"Did you think I wouldn't?"
"Historical data suggested a ninety-seven percent chance you were returning to your old ways."
I finish writing my note - 'You're welcome' - and attach it to the manifest. "People change, Navi. Sometimes they find something worth changing for."
"Or someone?"
"Just help me dump this cargo."
The cargo bay doors open with a satisfying hiss. I watch through the external cameras as the crates float gracefully toward the Bureau's receiving dock, along with my carefully prepared evidence package.
"Cargo successfully delivered," Navi announces. "Though I don't think this is what Freynal had in mind."
"No," I grin, engaging the engines. "I suppose it wasn't."
"Freynal's not going to take this lying down," Navi says as we break atmosphere. "My calculations suggest a seventy-eight percent chance he'll send someone after you within the week."
I lean back in the pilot's seat, stretching my arms above my head. "Only seventy-eight? I must be losing my touch."
"This isn't funny, Davrik. He has connections in every major port from here to Tartus"
"And the Bureau has his financial records, shipping manifests, and enough evidence to put him away for three lifetimes." The stars streak by as we jump to lightspeed. "They'll move fast once they see what's in those crates."
"Assuming bureaucracy doesn't get in the way. You know how slowly they process things."
"That's why I included his tax evasion records. Nothing motivates the Bureau like missing funds."
Navi's pause feels judgmental. "And if they don't move quick enough?"
"Then I'll deal with it." My fingers drum against the console. "I've handled worse."
"True. Though I'd prefer if you didn't get yourself killed. Training a new pilot would be tedious. Plus, Alice would be devastated."
The mention of Alice makes my chest tighten. "Didn't know you cared so much."
"She's the only organic who's ever bothered to learn my full designation. And she brings me interesting data to process." Another pause. "Where are we heading now? Alice's coordinates are in the opposite direction."
"We need to make one more stop first."
"Care to share with the class?"
I input the coordinates manually. "You'll see when we get there."
"Mysterious as ever. At least tell me it's not another criminal enterprise?"
"No." I smile. "Something much, much worse."
"What could be worse than-" Navi stops as the coordinates register. "Oh. You're right. That is way worse."
The landing struts settle onto Nova BioTech's landing pad with a gentle thud. Through the viewport, I spot Alice waiting, practically bouncing on her toes. My heart skips at the sight of her.
The hatch opens and she bursts in, her lab coat fluttering behind her. "I did it! They loved my research!"
I catch her as she launches herself into my arms. "Of course they did."
"They're putting me on the development team." She pulls back, her eyes bright. "And get this - I can work remotely from anywhere."
"Anywhere?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Anywhere with a decent data connection." She bites her lip, fidgeting with the sleeve of her coat. "Speaking of work... what did you end up doing with the, um..."
"He dumped it at the Alliance Bureau's doorstep," Navi chimes in. "Along with enough evidence to sink Freynal's entire operation. In other words, he made himself a very dangerous enemy."
Alice's eyes widen. "You turned him in?"
"It seemed like the right thing to do. It's the cops' problem now." I shrug, trying to play it casual. "Though Navi's right about the enemy part."
"Freynal controls half the black market trade routes in this sector," Alice says. "Won't he come after you?"
"Let him try." I pull her closer. "The Bureau's probably already frozen his accounts. He'll be too busy running to worry about revenge."
"You really did it." She reaches up, tracing my jaw with her fingers. "You gave up everything you built."
"Not everything." I catch her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "I kept what matters."
"You're going to make my processors glitch," Navi groans. "Should I engage privacy protocols?"
Alice laughs, the sound warming me straight through. "Maybe in a minute." She looks up at me, her expression soft. "I'm proud of you, you know."
I pull Alice closer, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss deepens, and I savor every second, knowing each moment with her makes everything worth it.
"I have something else to show you." I reach into my pocket, pulling out the data chip. "Got this while I was out."
She takes it, examining the official Alliance seal. "What is it?"
"My new credentials. Registered courier license, complete background check, the works." I tap the chip. "All perfectly legal."
Her jaw drops. "You're serious? But how did you-"
"Called in some favors from people who owed me. Ones on the right side of the law." I shrug. "Figured if I'm going straight, might as well do it properly."
"This is incredible!" She clutches the chip to her chest. "But… will you be happy doing legitimate work? It's a lot of rules, you know."
"We'll see how it goes. Might be nice not having to dodge Alliance patrols for once."
"I'm detecting elevated heart rate," Navi announces. "Are you nervous about something, Davrik?"
"Shut it, Navi." I take a deep breath, reaching for the small box in my other pocket. "Alice, not to pile it on, but there's one more thing. And it can't wait."
Her eyes widen as I drop to one knee. "Oh my god."
"Marry me?" I open the box, revealing a ring studded with bioluminescent crystals from Meltor IV. "Be my mate in every way?"
"Yes!" She pulls me up, throwing her arms around my neck. "Yes, absolutely yes!"
After another kiss that makes Navi threaten to short-circuit, Alice pulls back.
Alice traces the navigation console with her fingertips, examining the sleek new controls. "So, any leads on jobs yet?"
"Not yet." I adjust the environmental controls, watching her explore every button and switch. "Thought we could take her for a proper test run first. Your choice where we go."
"Really? Anywhere?"
"Within reason. Let's not start with a war zone."
"I want to see Kalei." She leans forward, grabbing my hand. "Your home world."
"From one jungle planet to another?" I can't help but laugh. "Didn't get enough nature on Meltor?"
"That's different. Meltor was wild, untamed. I've heard about Kalei's cities, the forests." She squeezes my fingers.
"Kalei it is." I punch in the coordinates before Navi can spill any more secrets. "Gonna be interesting to see the mother land. Don't think I've ever been around more than two Kaleidians at one time before."
Alice settles back in her seat, still smiling. "How long until we get there?"
"Three days at standard speed." I check the fuel levels. "Two if we push it."
"Let's push it." She wiggles her eyebrows. "I'm sure we can find ways to pass the time."
"I'll activate privacy protocols," Navi says dryly.