Jefferson stepped into the emotional fray.“A Palaminto?”He looked at me.
“I don’t know.”I looked at Lacy and cursed my blind spots and the huge amount I had to learn still.
“Yes.Model 458.”
“Yeah, that’s standard on most smaller ships.”He directed his next words to Burn.“The emergency life pod is for when the only option is to get the patient to a medical facility as soon as possible.It keeps them alive—usually—but it can’t heal them.”
His tone gentled.“You don’t have to rush him to a medical facility and hope you make it in time.Our clinic is minutes away.We’re ready to take care of him.Will you let us do that?”
Staring down at Finn, Burn didn’t answer for a long minute.Finally, she nodded.
“Great.You can come with us while we strap him in.It might make you feel better about his treatment.”
“Yes.Thank you.”
Several more figures dressed like Jefferson had appeared during our conversation.They had to be the staff from the medical transport.They grabbed the sides of the hover stretcher, but before they could roll him away, I leaned close to Finn.“Your job is to get better,” I told him.“We’ll be back to get you when you’re back on your feet.I promise.”
When I stepped back, one of the medics gave me a solemn nod, then they took Finn away.
Bruce stepped forward.“We’ll take care of him.He’s one of ours now.”
Although I was glad that someone else would be looking after Finn, I battled a sense of failure that we couldn’t help him.If Mercer had been here, would he have been willing to risk bringing Finn onFortuna?
“If you need anything for his care—” I let the words trail off.That was as oblique an offer to pay for his treatment as I could make.
The other man shook his head.“Your guy was injured saving one of my guys.We’ve got him.”His words were as solemn as a vow.
“You’ll contact us if you need anything?”
“I promise.”He pulled a tablet out of a pocket.“We’ve unloaded the rest of the cargo.Ready for funds transfer?”
I nodded.Now I understood what Lacy had meant about not talking about payment.I felt incredibly uncomfortable after what had happened to Finn.It took a couple times clearing my throat to be able to say yes.
He handed the tablet to me and I swiftly entered the ship’s account number.
“Thank you.”I handed the tablet back.
He pressed another button and we both watched the numbers change between accounts.I nearly whistled through my teeth.That much money would keep us in fuel for quite a while.
Once we were back on the ship, I’d verify payment and transfer the finder’s fee to Moya.Then Burn and I would figure out next moves.Picking up Mercer and Orion was a priority.
Bruce pocketed the tablet then studied me.“You’ll be back for him?”
“As soon as he’s ready.Maybe before then, if we can swing a visit.”
“Wasn’t sure about your team when you got here.Working with a bunch of first-timers is always a crapshoot.But you’ve got good crew members since they know how to transport these damn stupid shooters.Jumpin’ in to save others?That’s above and beyond.Feel free to put Harrier on your route any time.”He paused.“We’ll have your guy back on his feet, next time you’re here.Might even try to keep him.”
I managed a slight smile.“Thank you.”My feelings about leaving Finn here—trusting complete strangers with his care—were complicated, but if they could get him whole and healthy?I’d be forever grateful.
“Safe travels.”We shook hands, then he headed toward the medical ship.
I stayed where I was, staring at the sky all around us.From here I could just barely see the stars through the atmospheric shield.Beyond that, the planet floated in a sea of darkness.
When we’d first planned to come here, I’d just wanted easy money.
Now we’d made connections.It would be both easier and harder to come back in the future.Easier because we knew the protocols and harder because we’d always be wondering about Finn.
“You okay?”Lacy asked.
