Birun smiled.“They mobilized the moment she said yes.This is going to upset her employer, and I am looking forward to the call.Ra’s team will contact us the moment you are safe and mobile.I get the idea that Trin fusses.”
There was a soft hissing from Zoey that doubled as a laugh.
“What language are you speaking?”
Birun smiled.“Kareduk.It involves breath and tongue and not a lot else.”
Zoey spoke, and he translated.“It was the first thing she looked into and just hoped someone else knew it, too.It was developed on a world with a lot of collapsing snow mountains.The sound is soft and doesn’t trigger them.”
Trin blinked.“Avalanches.”
Zoey clicked affirmative.
“Sure, no wonder you would be drawn to it.”
Zoey spoke softly.
Birun smiled.“She always liked the snow, too, bunny.”He paused.“Bunny?”
Zoey’s nearly blind eyes showed a glow.She said two words softly.“End call.”
The screen went dark.
Trin looked at him.“They are coming for her?”
“Yes.”Birun jolted a bit at the hug that she gave him.She held tight and shuddered in relief.
“She’s dying.Her organs are failing.However, the way her employer has her set up isn’t good.I thought she was respected.”
Birun smoothed his hands over her back.“Yvetorskia is not a first-gen Hmrain; she is second-gen and a third daughter.She wanted money, and Zoey could make it happen.She has created a structure where Zoey cannot escape.She is the moneymaker, and finally, Yvetorskia has the respect of her siblings.Her coffers are as full as theirs are, but she wants more.That is when Zoey started drying out.It has only been two weeks.She has not suffered much damage, but she is looking forward to the rescue.Ra has confirmed that the launch will happen in four hours.The equipment is arranged, and she will not have any discomfort once they get her settled.”
“When will that be?”
“Three days.Ra’s ships are fast.There is going to be no doubt that Zoey is being removed and that Ra has a right to take her somewhere safe.”
He kept one arm around her and tapped at the screen.“Ah.Zell has volunteered his ship.He was in the area, and Nebel had some courier ships.All are going to have Daughters of Geb in them, dressed as guardians of Aten.They might be able to shave a day off.”
“Why Zell?”
“Oh, he is the partner of a Terran named Sage.”
She leaned back and blinked.“Big red dude, tail?”
“Just so.”
“Oh, okay.Bailey told me about him.”
“What did she say?”
“That he needed to be smacked over the head with a newspaper to realize that a Terran isn’t a Zellic.We actually like being touched and held.”
He looked at her and smiled.“I am getting that hint.”
She looked down, and she was still holding him.“Oh.I am so—”
“Don’t say sorry.You can make free with me.I can take it.”He smiled.
Trin blushed.“Um, well, you seem sturdy enough.”
