Stron nodded. “Exactly. But in this case, it was internal within the Galactic Alliance.”
Adryel nodded, and her expression shifted, like she understood suddenly. “Someone was on the Galactic Alliance’s ship, and it was blown up to make sure that no matter what, none of us would be getting off this world.”
“Yes. And it’s much easier to let a xenophobic species take out the foreign humanoids when they’re stranded on the world, than to give them a way to leave.”
“It doesn’t make any sense though,” she said. “Why would anyone come after us. There’s no one of value on that ship, as far as the potential mates.” She walked over to a chair and sat down.
“You think none of you are important?” Stron asked, joining her.
“No one is. You gotta understand. We’re all from Kerde. It’s a moon of Trinity Alpha Prime. We’re basically a part of the system that’s overrun with, well, lowlifes. There’s not anyone important there. It’s all homeless and addicts and—” She stopped speaking and stared at him. “And organized crime.”
Her face paled. “Oh, my stars, I know why.”
“What is it? What do you know?”
“They’re here for me. This is about me,” she said, shaking her head.
“What do you mean? Why you?”
“They’re looking for me.”
22
ADRYEL
Stron stared at her like she was a bug. Or like she was a problem to analyze.
Either or, both felt like he was disgusted with her almost immediately.
“There’s no reason that they would be coming just for you.” He shook his head. “This whole thing is much bigger than just you. I’m sorry, but no.”
She shook her head. “You don’t understand. The Rhysgarrds, they’re horrible. They have no problem destroying an entire ship to make sure that someone dies.” Her hands started to shake, remembering all the things she’d seen and heard working for them.
Stron took a step towards her.
She pulled away, because she didn’t want him near her. She didn’t want anyone near her. She crossed her arms, her fingers darting to her side automatically, and she remembered.
Turned and looked at Stron. At the pendant.
For a second, she couldn’t see the chip she’d wedged into it, and true panic hit her. Her only defense was that chip, and she’d put it on Stron’s family heirloom.
It’s for the best.
If they found her, then they’d have the chip.
She couldn’t let that happen. She rubbed her temples.
Damn.
She should have stayed in her apartment. Locked up, watching the damn smoke out her windows rather than try to, what exactly?
Save herself?
Not be left as a victim?
She was going to be a victim anyway. It didn’t matter where she was. They’d find her. They’d always be able to find her.
“Adryel,” Stron said.
