“Serge told us that in between throwing out theme ideas.”
“That sounds like Serge,” Kalex said with a chuckle. “In this case, I think his instincts are sound. The optics would be excellent for the Drexian-Earth alliance. There are some humans who need a reminder of how much the Drexians have done for Earth, particularly in recent conflicts.”
The comment was casual, but I caught the undercurrent beneath it. Captain Kalex knew about the tensions between Earth and Drex that went beyond simple diplomatic disagreements. That was interesting and potentially useful.
“I’ll do anything I can to aid the alliance between our peoples,” I said, meaning every word. “The cooperation between Drexian and Earth forces saved both our lives.”
“Indeed.” He studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “You know, I’m having drinks with some of my staff later this evening in the officers’ lounge. You’d be welcome to join us, unless you’re busy with your fiancée.”
The invitation was unexpected but welcome. Spending time with the station’s command staff might provide insights that could help with Sasha’s mission. And if I was being honest with myself,the prospect of getting away from our romantic suite and the constant strain of fighting my desire was appealing.
“I can get away,” I said. “Sasha will probably be busy with wedding planning, anyway.”
Kalex shook his head and chuckled. “She certainly will be if Serge gets his way. That Gatazoid has more enthusiasm for wedding planning than should be legal. Your fiancée may find herself overwhelmed by his creative vision.”
The thought of Sasha dealing with Serge’s undoubtedly elaborate plans was amusing, but it also served as a reminder of how deep we were getting into this deception.
“What time should I be there?” I asked.
“Twenty-hundred hours,” he said. “Deck Seven, section C. Don’t worry about formal dress. We keep things casual in the officers’ lounge.”
“I’ll be there.”
As I prepared to leave the command deck, Captain Kalex placed a hand on my shoulder. “Deklyn,” he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “I want you to know that the Island’s resources are at your disposal during your stay. If there’s anything you need, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I appreciate that, Captain.”
“We take care of our guests here,” he continued. “Especially ones who’ve served both Earth and Drex with such distinction. Your service record speaks for itself.”
The comment made me wonder exactly how much research the captain had done in the short time since our arrival.
“Thank you,” I said. “That means a lot.”
As I walked back through the corridors toward our deck, I thought about the captain’s offer and what it might mean for our mission. Having the station’s resources at our disposal could be invaluable when it came time to investigate the Earth officials who would presumably attend our wedding.
But first, we had to actually convince them to come. We had to make this fake engagement and upcoming wedding seem so genuine and so newsworthy that the people who had abandoned Sasha would feel compelled to attend.
And I had to do it all while pretending to be madly in love with a woman who was becoming more dangerous to my peace of mind with every passing hour.
The inclinator ride back to our deck seemed longer than it had been earlier, giving me too much time to think about what lay ahead. When the doors opened onto the tropical paradise of the Bali Hai level, I was struck again by the contrast between the working sections of the station and the fantasy environments created for the tribute brides.
Everything here promoted romance and encouraged couples to lose themselves in the illusion of perfect love. It wasn’t lost on me that I was about to spend the next several days or weeks surrounded by romantic fantasy while pretending to be in love.
No matter how short the engagement was, it was going to feel very long.
Chapter
Twenty-One
Ariana
The stone steps of the female tower felt solid beneath my feet as I climbed wearily toward my quarters, my muscles aching from a long day coaching cadets in the flight simulators. It had been a few days since I’d returned to my usual room, but I needed to get some more clean clothes. Besides, there was something that had been nagging at me.
Ever since the rescue, my sister had seemed off. I’d expected the jumpiness, the hypervigilance, and the sensitivity to noise. Those were understandable responses to trauma. But there was something else, something calculating in her eyes that reminded me uncomfortably of the competitive streak our father had fostered in us as children.
I reached my door and pressed my palm to the sensor panel, calling out as it slid open. “Sash, it’s me!”
The door revealed empty quarters. My bed was neatly made, and my few possessions exactly where I’d left them. I’d hoped to findmy sister there since I hadn’t found her in the staff dining room or in the corridors.
