“You won—against Varu-Mel?”
“Yes.There is a vid of it.It took some doing, but I got him out.”She said, “That is where I got this scar.”She ran a fingertip down her forehead, nose, and across her cheek.
“I see.May I tell the others?”
“Sure.They might want a heads up if the ship is empty and there is a bloody smear down the walkway.”
“The contract isn’t for no damage?”
She laughed.“Oh, that isn’t going to happen.Someone is going to get damaged if anyone tries to take me.”
Baket chuckled.“See, you have a plan.I have a vid to find.”
She nodded, triggered the view screens, and gently turned around, looking above her and jolting.“Geri, is there something above us?”
“A vessel has been shadowing us for three hours.The guys were not nervous, so I saw no reason to alert you.”
“Can you zoom in?”
The identification loomed, andVekka Halewas highlighted.“How did he get here so fast?”
“Based on my records, he has been following us or catching up when we pause to bring on personnel or equipment.”
“Of course.”Margo rubbed her forehead.“Can you hail them?”
“You bet, Margo.One ringy dingy, two ringy dingies.”Geri was laughing.“Contact achieved.”
“Vekka Hale, this is theFreedom Break.Why are you following us?”
Aken-Var’s voice rolled through the speakers.“I am merely keeping an eye on four of my citizens.”
“There are only three citizens here.Is one hiding?”
“Fine, three citizens and one warrior class registered female.”
“Right.I do love to be accurate.”
He sighed.“Margo, we need to talk.”
“We really don’t.You put me where you thought I should be, and you left me there.I am not living that life.Plus, my species doesn’t live as long as yours, so it wouldn’t have been a long life anyway.So, if you want to do me a solid, can you neuter Varu-Mel?That would ease my mind.”
“Varu-Mel is why I am here.I know of his pursuit, and it is not going to stand.He cannot have you.”
“Great.Neither can you.Moving on.”
“Those who participated in what happened have been banished and demoted.The ladies have been sent to a marriage broker; the warriors are back in the field on active duty as rank tens.All battle rankings are gone.”
“How did you do that without an uprising?”
“I showed clips from your confinement and from your arena fights.My people respect a warrior.”
“Great.Well, I am glad that is done.The rest of your ladies can be a bit more at ease.”
“They are all in the marriage broker’s care.”
“Why?Aren’t your balls going to blow off or something?”She knew what he was getting at.
“I was hoping you would take pity on me.I need you.”
