PROLOGUE
Out on theedge of civilized space is a rag-tag collection of stations and platforms known as the Drift. It’s a haven for the hunted, the lost, and those seeking second chances.
It’s also a place where legends are born and fortunes are made, if you’re brave enough to risk everything…including your heart.
The Drift is a world of its own. One where corporations hold sway, the laws are flexible, and everything is for sale, for the right price.
Welcome to the Drift.
CHAPTER ONE
Tish satacross from her boss in the cramped office. The cluttered space felt even smaller because of the size of the female seated behind the desk. The Torski was on the smaller side for her species, but Grotta was still two meters tall and so wide across the shoulders she had to walk through most doors sideways. Even seated, she towered over Tish.
Most beings would use that to their advantage, but Grotta never did. Tish didn’t have the luxury of making friends at the moment, but Grotta was as close as she could get without dragging the female into the mess that was her life.
The scent of rocket fuel and degreaser smelled like home to Tish. Her fathers had a small shop on a refueling station. Nothing as big or profitable as what Grotta had, but it had been enough to provide a good life…until everything went nova.
Grotta smiled and leaned forward across the desk. “You do good work, Tix. Really good. I’ve got more work than I can handle right now, but ourinformalagreement means I can’t give you any more hours. Are you sure I can’t put you on the books? I offer a good benefits package.”
“I would if I could.” She wished she could say yes, but under-the-table work was her only choice. Some work was better thannone, and she was still trying to find someone else willing to pay her off the books. She had to stay off anything official. She trusted Grotta more than most, but the female didn’t even know her real name.
The female made a soft humming noise that might have held a note of disappointment. Then she held out a datapad.
Tish reached out and tapped her smaller and much more banged-up device to it. It beeped as the credit transfer went through.
“Thanks,” she said. Then she sighed and gave Grotta a crooked smile. She owed this female an explanation, even if it was incomplete.
“I’m not someone you want on your payroll. Not officially. It could get complicated for both of us.”
Grotta leaned back on her chair until it squeaked in protest. Then she smiled and nodded. “I thought as much. My offer still stands. You’re one of the best mechanics on the station. Probably the best in the sector. If it’s a lack of corporate certification, I can help you get what you need. If it’s something else…”
Grotta’s smile never wavered as she spoke. “Maybe I can help with whatever it is. This station might be new, but the stories of those who come here haven’t changed. The Drift is where beings come when they need to escape their past and start over. Me included. Someone made me an offer just like I’m doing for you. One day, I hope you can do the same for someone else.”
Grotta’s expression darkened with what Tish thought was grief. “Only difference is, I intend to be around to see it happen.”
“Thanks for the offer. Truly. Thank you. It means a lot to me.” Tish changed the direction of the conversation and hoped Grotta didn’t circle back. “The one who helped you isn’t around anymore?”
“Zale got himself killed because he couldn’t stop trying to help others, even when it was dangerous to do so.” Grotta drummed her fingers on the metal desktop. “I get the feeling that helping you might be dangerous, too. I used to think Zale was an idiot for doing what he did. Now? I’m starting to understand why he did it.”
Tish raised both hands and shook her head. “No. I won’t let anyone get hurt because of me. My situation is complicated, and I don’t want anyone else caught up in it.” She heard the sharpness in her tone and took a breath. Projecting her worries wouldn’t help.
She lowered her hands and mustered a smile. “You have my heartfelt gratitude for making the offer. It’s nice to know someone’s in my corner if things get rough. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry you lost your friend.”
Grotta rose from her chair, her big body taking up a good portion of the available space. “I’m here if you need help, Tix.” She cocked her head and grinned. “Or whatever your real name is. Now, I hate to cut this meaningful moment short, but I need to get out there and check on things. Not everyone in my employ has your talents or your work ethic.” She snorted. “I’ll bet my lunch that Darby is taking a nap behind the discarded fuel cells again.”
Tish got to her feet, relieved the conversation was over, and no feelings had been hurt. “If he’s not there, check repair bay six. I’m pretty sure I heard snoring in there the other day.”
She raised the datapad. “I need to go, too. Rent is due today. I can’t risk being late. They’re at capacity, and the manager keeps threatening to reclaim any pods that aren’t paid up on time.”
Grotta nodded and gave her a thoughtful look. “Did you buy one of those deterrent locks I told you about?”
Tish laughed softly. That had been good advice. “I did. Thank you for that suggestion. Someone tried to jimmy the lock a few nights ago and got a nasty shock.”
“Serves them right.” Grotta gestured to the row of lockers by the door. “Now, stash your stuff and get out of here before I put you back to work.”
They shared a grin as Grotta opened the door and stepped through it so Tish had room to access her locker. She placed her tools and even her tool belt inside before shutting it firmly. She pressed her thumb to the pad and waited for the light to flash green to indicate it was locked.
“I’ll check in tomorrow to see if there’s work for me,” she said as the two of them parted ways.
