“I’m not going to just trust a CenSec. I’ve seen what they can do.”
Xander wouldn’t have respected the man if he didn’t ensure the protection of his people. Centax ruled all the planets and moons in their star system. CenSecs had garnered a reputation, and they hadn’t gained that by being nice. “We were winning. But they took the Centaxian Prime hostage and used his safety as leverage.”
“The Prime is your planet’s leader, right?” Malin said.
A tight nod. “Yes. Axton Saros.”
Malin surged to her feet. “Saros? You’re related?”
“Yes. My brother.” Xander had been earmarked for Security early on, just as the charming Axton, with his ready smile, had been a born diplomat and ruler.If he was still alive.“My CenSec team tried to infiltrate the Capitol Building, but they were captured and I lost contact with them.” He regulated hisbreathing and noticed Malin was staring at his hand. He forced his fingers to uncurl.
“How did you escape?” Niklas asked.
“I wasn’t in the Capitol at the time.” His gaze met Malin’s then flicked away. “I had a security meeting near the Haxx Salvage Yard. Looks like it was arranged to get me out of the way. After I lost contact with my team, I managed to find a record of Malin being on planet…with a ship. A few mercenaries tracked me down but I…we…fought them off. You know the rest.”
“Why? Why come here?” Dathan demanded. “Surely you have numerous allied planets in your system. They’d help you.”
“Because of the Antikythera.”
“That’s right.” Malin paced a few steps. “The Antikythera is the symbol of the power to rule. Dad took me to see it once in the museum when we were on Centax. Even in its protective plas cover it was amazing. Whoever holds the Antikythera, holds the power to rule the planet.”
“By Suva,” Eos murmured. “Centax practicesvalengeniture.”
Dathan frowned. “Valen what?”
“It’s an ancient practice, one I thought no one used anymore.” Eos gathered herself. “It’s based on ancient law, where a ruler is selected by strength, not bloodline or election.”
“Correct, Dr. Phoenix.” Xander nodded. “On Centax, the Antikythera is the symbol of that strength. The ruler must hold the mechanism and protect it in order to be worthy of being ruler.”
Dathan shifted. “That’scrazy. So anyone can come and steal it and be considered ruler of the planet?”
“Yes.” Xander felt a rush of anger. He’d argued for years that the ruling council should change the old law, in case of a situation just like this. They’d argued it was tradition and no one could ever steal the artifact. “In the early history of our planet, strength was worshiped. Today it is still important.” He stared atthe implants on his wrist, a symbol of what his planet cherished. “The Prime is now elected, along with the members of the ruling council. Most think of the Antikythera andvalengenitureas nothing more than quaint custom. No one believed anyone would take advantage of the ancient, outdated law like this.”
“So this Dax can do whatever the hell he wants?” Niklas asked.
“Yes. Without the Antikythera, Axton and the ruling council have no right to rule.” For the first time since he’d been a child, Xander felt a wash of helplessness. “No allies will help me get Centax back.” He tried to catch Malin’s gaze again, but she studiously looked at her cousins. “I have to save Centax. That’s why I came here with Malin.” He turned to look at the others before settling on Dathan. “I need your help to find and steal back the Antikythera.”
And if they wouldn’t help him, then he’d do it on his own.
Or die trying.
Xander was drawn back to Malin. It was like a magnetic pull he couldn’t seem to control. His gaze drifted lower down her slim neck. He wondered how soft her skin was there, how sensitive.
He blinked slowly. He was a CenSec, created to protect and carry out his duty to Centax. He had no business touching anyone, unless it was to kill them.
Emotions battered against him again. He closed his eyes and tried to strengthen his filters.
Xander’s enhanced senses picked up movement. When he looked up again, it was Dathan Phoenix studying him with a hard blue gaze. “We don’t do charity work. Sounds like you’re without any funds.”
Eos gasped. “Dathan, his planet needs help. Its women need help.”
Xander had no trouble keeping his face blank. He wasn’t really warming to Malin’s infamous cousin. “I have access to hidden Security assets off-planet that Rexon Dax can’t trace.”
Dathan turned to Malin. “I figure this is your call.”
Mal’s eyes widened. She shoved her hands in the pockets of her coveralls. “Why? He needs a treasure hunter, he doesn’t need me.”
Xander did not like her careless tone. Something had changed in the last few minutes and he wasn’t sure what.
