Chapter 7
Reyne’s Ship
Elsewhere in the Galaxy
The cockpit of Reyne’s sleek spacecraft was compact, with only room for two. Soft ambient lights glowed from the ceiling, casting a serene hue over the metal surfaces. The control panel, a mosaic of buttons, switches, and screens- were all within easy reach of the pilot's seat.
Reyne leaned back in his chair, boots crossed at the ankle as they rested on top of the control panel and stared into the darkness speckled with distant stars. He had set his trap, now he just needed to see if Armathea would take the bait.
He had positioned his ship on the most probable route between the mining colony on Outury and the Nirorkon system, then sent out a distress signal. It was a calculated risk.
While he waited, Reyne studied the schematics he had been provided with. Lester had not been able to secure Armathea but obtained two other E-Class vessels. The layouts were similar enough for his purposes.
The comm buzzed. “Taleari vessel, this is Armathea. We received your distress call and can offer a tow to Elorex in exchange for your offered reward.”
“Thank you, Armathea. You are a life saver.”
“If you want to leave your vessel and come onboard that’s an extra one hundred tokeneks.”
“Yes, I can spare another hundred. I am going stir-crazy here.”
“Alright. Give us approximately five minutes and we will tow your ship aboard. Power down and hang tight.”
“You got it.” His lips twisted into a slow arrogant smile. He hadn’t been sure this long shot would pay off, but it had been his best—if not his only chance, to gain access to Armathea.
After removing his silver armband, he flipped the lid of a small rectangular velvet lined box.
Other than bathing, he never removed it and felt exposed without the feel of the smooth metal against his skin.
He placed the wide metal cuff in the center, alongside a strip of shiny black leather—his last marker, the one meant for the fourth fugitive whose guilt or innocence would be decided upon contact.
The one still running loose on Talear.
The box also held a small vial of antidote, which he had purchased along with vetravine—a strong sedative that would render his target unconscious in minutes.
It was tricky to administer though, if the dose was not exact, it could cause a swift death, one that even a quickly administered antidote couldn’t prevent.
In his profession, living prisoners were always more valuable than dead ones.
Reyne closed the lid, returning the rectangular box to the recess under his control panel.
He wrapped his left bicep with a wide piece of ebony silk that he cut from his Talari uniform, hiding his Ramachii tattoo.
After knotting it securely, he tugged a dagger from his boot and used the sharp edge to cut off the excess material and tossed the steel blade on the control panel.
As the daughter of a King, it was safe to assume Kendra had been tutored in Valerian and Taleari history alike. Although he had no intention of hiding his Taleari heritage, because he doubted he could fool a Valerian even if he tried, but he didn’t need to announce his sacred order either.
That could put her on the defense, and he needed her to like him.
Trust him.
Reyne tossed on a short sleeved grey shirt. He took one last look at the three-dimensional image and touched the screen. He had studied Kendra’s image over the last couple of days, growing more anxious each time to get this task over with as fast as possible.
Even as a young girl of sixteen, she was quite lovely. Now, she could be beautiful.
He switched off the viewer, offering a silent prayer that her reddish-hued hair was not as soft and silky as it appeared, and not long as he imagined when he envisioned how she might look today.
Reyne had many weaknesses where women were concerned, but none aroused him like the feel of long silky tresses beneath his fingers and wrapped around his wrist.
“Prepare for the tow.” The star-scattered space wavered as a massive ship manifested out of the shifting darkness. The ship’s belly opened to reveal a large cargo bay with a marked landing pad. A moment later the floors and walls vibrated as Armathea’s invisible tow tugged his small vessel inside.
A loud bang and a series of grinding jolts announced that his ship was docked.
He took a deep breath and prepared to put0 on a show.
While his plank lowered with a released steam, Reyne’s gaze swept the massive cargo bay.
The ceiling stretched high, illuminated by powerful lights that cast a bright, clinical glow over the area.
Steel beams intersected overhead, shining under the strong lights.
The air buzzed with the sound of automated systems and carried the faint scent of lubricants and metal.
Next to his vessel rested a small skiff, designed for short excursions.
Reyne sauntered down the plank with a confident stride.
He was greeted by a pair of women. The first—a petite brunette dressed in a white coat, her long dark hair secured in a tight ponytail at her nape. Her smooth olive skin and dark almond-shaped sable eyes were notable Dracarian traits.
The Dracarian woman was pretty, but Reyne’s interest focused solely on the woman standing beside her.
She was slightly taller than her companion, wearing an off-the-shoulder cream-colored shirt cinched at the waist by a wide leather belt with intricate silver buckles.
Tawny pants clung to her shapely thighs and weathered leather boots wrapped with silver chains brushed her knees.
A thick, reddish-blonde braid rested heavily against her bare shoulder and hung down to her waist like a gleaming rope of spun red-gold.
“Welcome to Armathea.” She said with a warm courteous smile that brightened her features. “I’m Kendra. This is Tia.”
“Reyne,” he offered his name with a polite bow of his head. He had considered using his alias, Stryder, but since Armathea’s crew consisted of ex-convicts he decided it was best to use his real name.
“Reyne,” Kendra repeated his name with a soft Valerian accent that was husky and pleasant. She lifted her gaze to his, her deep emerald eyes sparkling.
Reyne couldn’t pull his gaze away.
Tia cleared her throat. “Reyne, since you offered to pay extra to take advantage of one of our guest quarters, I do need to let you know that we have one rule. No weapons allowed.”
“I’ve been stranded for days and would love to stretch my legs." He raised his palms to offer proof. "I have no weapons on me.”
“You would need to be scanned. One can never be too careful.” Tia said.
Indeed. He agreed with a quick nod. Reyne anticipated this possibility and left his weapons on his vessel, except the one hidden in his boot.
One that wouldn’t be detected by a scanner.
Tia pointed to a white circle on the cargo bay floor, near the door.
Reyne stepped into the required space. The scanner emitted a soft hum as it powered up.
Reyne felt a tingle on his skin as the emerald beam of light descended upon him from above, sweeping him from head to toe.
The scanner's sensors were sensitive, designed to detect the smallest trace of metal or foreign objects concealed beneath clothing or within the body.
Tia moved to the comm. center to watch the creation of his three-dimensional image. “There is a piece of twisted metal in your arm.” She informed him when the scan ended, a slight frown on her brow.
Reyne touched his bicep. “A piece of shrapnel from an explosion.”
“I see. Well, if it bothers you, I could remove it.” Tia offered.
Reyne would like nothing more than to have the implant removed, but it was impossible. The metal was coated with a substance that upon contact with air, would disintegrate the implant, releasing a poison designed to kill within minutes.
“Tia is exceptional,” Kendra pointed out with an encouraging smile that suggested he should accept her offer.
“A doctor?” he questioned.
“Technically, no. But I’m fully skilled in the art of healing.”
“Thank you, Tia. That’s a very generous offer, but I’ve lived with this for so long it no longer bothers me. Besides, it’s a good reminder of things I would rather not forget.”
Tia nodded. “Alright. Let me know if you change your mind.” She shifted her focus to the control panel.
Kendra approached him and a wave of awareness swept through him as she reached his side. He stood at least a head taller and weighed twice as much.
“What is the issue with your vessel?”
“The propulsion system, I think. I’ve been limping along for days.”
“We can tow you as far as Elorex. You should have no problem getting your ship repaired there.”
“Thank you, Kendra. Armathea's assistance is very much appreciated.”
“If you follow me, I’ll show you to the guest quarters.” Kendra placed her palm on a rectangular pane located next to the threshold and the cargo bay door slid open.
Reyne followed her into the corridor. The dimly lit passageway seemed to stretch into infinity, creating an illusion of a labyrinth unravelling before them. The walls were constructed from dark, weathered metal, providing a stark contrast to the advanced nature of Dracarian technology.
Reyne knew the layout, thanks to the schematics he had memorized.
The next door would lead to a secondary cargo bay, then several living quarters and an athletics room.
The floor above would house more living quarters, the galley, a war room and the bridge.
Above that, there was a circular observation deck offering a sweeping 180-degree view of the darkness of space.
Reyne touched the walls, brushing his fingers over the aged metal that seemed to whisper secrets of forgotten times. “I’ve never been inside a Dracarian vessel before,” he admitted with honesty. “Not what I was expecting. It’s quite fascinating. I would love to see more.”
Kendra bit her lower lip, leaving a small dent. “Perhaps I can give you a tour?”
“I would enjoy that.” Sensing her nervousness, he restrained his satisfaction knowing she took his bait.
“How long have you been away from Talear?” she asked, glancing up at him, her emerald eyes probing his.
Reyne wasn’t sure how to reply. She was either being polite, or she was fishing for some piece of information. “It has been a while. I’m on my way home now. Why do you ask?”
Kendra shrugged, lowering sweeping lashes. “I was just wondering if anything had happened there…um…recently.” Her finger hovered at the edge of her shirt, just above the rise of her breasts. A beat later she tugged on a silver chain, exposing an amulet that had been hidden beneath her blouse.
She fidgeted, stroking it with two fingers.
He observed the orb. To most, it would appear an ordinary piece of jewelry, but he recognized it for what it was—a tiny Calypsian moonstone.
If he required evidence of her identity, which he didn’t, this would offer proof.
Only a member of Valerian royalty would possess such an extremely rare and valuable treasure.
“There? Meaning Talear?” he asked, a brow raised.
She dropped the orb, once again glancing up at him with wide emerald eyes. “Well, not just Talear, but in the Calysptian system?”
Now she was being evasive. It was an obvious attempt to hide her Valerian heritage from a sworn enemy. He couldn’t blame her. If he were in her situation, he would do the same. “I’m sorry Kendra, I am not aware of anything of interest happening on Talear.”
Her shoulders slumped in disappointment.
Even though it wasn't a true lie, because nothing had happened on Talear.
Still, he felt a tinge of guilt. But what could he have told her?
That her family had been slaughtered without mercy.
That she was the only living heir to the Valerian throne.
Did he then tell her that should he fail to abduct her and deliver her to Mordrick, that she would soon have a hefty price on her head?
No. She would find out all of that soon enough.
"Oh. Alright." Kendra muttered, pressing a button next to a metal door.
The sleek panel slid open to reveal a small living space with soft lighting.
“Our guest quarters,” she explained with a waving gesture towards the room.
Inside, he could see a bed covered in sapphire blue velvet, a table with two comfortable chairs, and a large window that dominated the far wall that offered a spectacular view of the stars that glittered like clear jewels.
“I’ll see you at the game,” Tia said to Kendra as she breezed past them. To Reyne, she offered a warm smile. “Enjoy your stay.” She continued down the dim corridor, leaving him alone with his beautiful prey.
Kendra leaned her upper arm against the rough metal wall and regarded him with shy interest.
Reyne studied her lovely face, his gaze meeting her beautiful emerald eyes. Fuck. He suddenly felt like a monster for what he knew he had to do.
She’s Valerian, he reminded himself, his enemy, and therefore deserving her unknown fate. He had allowed Mordrick to manipulate him into accepting this awful assignment for a reason—the people of Talear.
He was doing this for them. He couldn’t forget that.
Kendra was collateral damage.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
And it could be so easy, Reyne mused. All he had to do was grasp her dainty wrist and drag her back to the cargo bay, to his ship.
Kendra had no chance against his superior size and strength.
But, attempting that kind of hasty abduction could lead to disaster, and he had only one chance to get this right.
No, he needed to bide his time while he formulated a solid plan. “How about that tour?”
Kendra’s eyes widened. “Now?”
He flashed her his most charming smile, one he knew women couldn’t resist. “No better time than the present.”
There was a long pause. “Alright. Follow me and I’ll show you some of Armathea.” Kendra tossed her thick braid over her shoulder, letting its bound length sway behind her as she led the way down the corridor.
Reyne followed, resisting the urge to reach for the swinging reddish-gold braid. The overwhelming desire to feel its silky texture beneath his grip was going to drive him to utter madness. He took a deep inhale and repeated his new mantra.
Valerian.
Enemy.
Bounty.
Collateral.