“I have nothing to share with GenCon. My research is my own, and it will be published through proper scientific channels when—and if—I have results worth publishing.” She met his gaze steadily. “This meeting is over.”
She turned towards the door, where Martin stood with his arms crossed.
“Move.”
“Alina—”
“Move, Martin.”
For a long moment, he didn’t. Then Bentley made a small sound—something between a sigh and a laugh—and Martin stepped aside.
Alina walked out without looking back.
She madeit halfway to her quarters before Martin caught up with her, his hand closing around her upper arm hard enough to bruise.
“Do you have any idea what you just did?” His voice was a furious hiss, his pale eyes bulging. “That man could destroy your career with a single message. He could have you blacklisted from every research institution in the solar system.”
“Let go of me.”
“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” His grip tightened, and she could smell his cologne, cloying and suffocating. “You think you can just dismiss GenCon, dismiss me, keep whatever you’ve found all to yourself?”
“I said let go.”
“I’ve been patient, Alina. I’ve given you every opportunity to see reason. But if you won’t share your data willingly?—”
“Is there a problem here?”
The voice was deep and cold and absolutely welcome.
Zach stood at the end of the corridor, his massive frame filling the space. Cass was beside him, her expression shifting from concern to fury as she took in the scene—Martin’s grip on Alina’s arm, the way she was pressed against the wall.
Martin released her instantly, stepping back with his hands raised.
“No problem. Just a professional disagreement.”
“Funny.” Zach moved forward, and despite his calm tone, something dangerous flickered in his steel-gray eyes. “Because it looked like you were grabbing Dr. Falkner against her will.”
“She’s my colleague. We were having a conversation.”
“That conversation is over.” Cass had reached Alina’s side, putting herself between her friend and Martin with the protectiveness of a mother bear. “Leave. Now.”
Martin’s jaw worked, his face flushing an ugly red. For a moment, Alina thought he might argue—might try to assert some kind of authority. But Zach took another step forward, and whatever Martin saw in the cyborg’s expression made him think better of it.
“This isn’t finished,” he said, pointing at Alina. “You can’t hide forever.”
He turned and stalked away, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.
Alina let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“Are you okay?” Cass grabbed her shoulders, examining her for injury. “Did he hurt you?”
“I’m fine. I’m—” Her voice cracked, and suddenly she wasn’t fine at all. The fear she’d been suppressing crashed over her like a wave, and she sagged against the wall. “Cass, I think I have to leave.”
“What? Alina, slow down. What happened?”
“GenCon is here. They’re working with Martin, and they know something is going on in the mountains. They don’t know exactly what, but they’re getting closer.” She looked at her friend—her best friend, the person who’d been her anchor on this planet for three years—and felt her heart break. “It’s too dangerous for Rhyx to stay hidden. And I won’t abandon him.”
Cass’s expression cycled through shock, understanding, and finally grief. “You’re leaving Border Town.”
