Chapter 17
Armathea
Orbiting Talear
“Unknown vessel. this is Captain Zander. What is the meaning of this outrage?” An angry, grey-haired man demanded on Odin’s comm. center screen.
“Apologies for the deception, Captain Zander.” Odin said. “Reyne asked us to discreetly give you something of value. His hope was that you could return it to him once you meet up on Calypsta.”
“Something of value? What is it?” Captain Zander questioned with skepticism.
Oden held up the silver armband, making sure the Ramachii symbol was easily visible to the Taleari captain. “Reyne had to depart in haste and is hoping Mordrick would not find out about his…er, unfortunate misadventure.”
“Ah yes, I see the dilemma.” Captain Zander agreed. “If it was anyone other than Reyne, I would tell you to toss the thing into the nearest dung heap, but he is one of the good ones, you know.”
“Indeed, he is,” Odin lied, trying to bury the annoyance he felt hearing Reyne spoken of in a favorable way, especially since he wanted to gut him for both his past and present treacheries.
Captain Zander’s eyes narrowed. “Do I know you?”
“No, I don’t believe so?” Odin answered, cursing himself for not suggesting Quinn handle this.
There was a small potential for recognition.
After all, he was once a well-known leader of the rebellion, but he decided to take the risk, thinking a fellow Taleari would make their far-fetched story somewhat more believable.
“You remind me of someone…” he started, then shook his head. “Never mind. I’m sure I’m mistaken. Bring me Reyne’s armband and I will personally see it returned to him as discreetly as possible.”
“Thank you, Captain Zander. I’ll meet you outside the ship.” After ending the communication, Odin pinged Quinn, who waited with prepared gas bombs. “Your turn. You know what to do.” Quinn nodded with a grin and the screen went black.
“Well, that was easy,” Tia said, leaning against her station, arms crossed. A smile tugged her lips.
“Too easy.” Garrett agreed as he lifted his vaporizer to lips and took a deep inhale. “We should do this more often.” He released a smoke ring into the air. “It’s been too long since we did anything truly devious. It feels good.”