Harbin cared about her.
“I appreciate that,” she said.
His gaze narrowed into the hologram. “Why are you crying?”
“Because you care.”
“Should I not?”
“Compassion is something that is occasionally lacking in my world.”
“That is unfortunate.”
6
No matter what Harbin did, he remained distracted by the sight of Lady Bianca last night. The image of her played over and over in his mind.
Since she'd left, they had been able to speak daily, and he was looking forward to her return.
He had requested to be in the unit that escorted the ambassadorial ship into the system. He had been enthusiastic about telling her last night about the assignment. He hoped she would be pleased to know he was fulfilling his promise.
Then he saw her face.
Her feeble story that she'd fallen had been ridiculous. He had seen female Terrans with similar markings--all from being struck.
He knew that not every humanoid species in the Galactic Alliance had the same cultural views about striking one another. He had seen many different scenarios over the years.
Never did a female who was struck, especially by a male, look pleased to have such marks.
Seeing marks resembling a handprint on Bianca's face had raised a fury in him that he'd not known before.
And more than anything, he was ready to see her. Make sure that she was well.
He glanced around the prep room just as Kian and Wrathin threw punches at each other.
He crossed his arms and watched.
Kian seemed out of sorts for this mission.
Maybe he needed to replace him.
When Bahran tried to intervene, it only escalated.
"Enough." Harbin snarled at them. All of them were acting like foolish children. "None of you want to do this mission, but that is not your choice. You will—"
"I do." Jedriek said, grinning like a monster.
Harbin sighed. "You always want to, Jedriek."
Jedriek smiled.
Harbin continued. "This mission will not be exciting. But it is important. We are doing it. Every one of you will make sure the Ambassadors get to Sol-3 so negotiations can begin."
He looked them all over. Every one of these men would do their jobs. He knew they would. They were all capable.
The five of them could connect into a single ship, if they needed to, for war. They were a unit.
He knew they would follow their orders.
