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Shaking his head, Loka tried to dislodge himself from the cyborg. Somebody punched him in the back.

“Watch it,” he yelled, trying to get out of the way.

A kick connected with his thigh, and Loka grunted in pain.

“Need some assistance?” The Forka was by his side, a blade in his hand.

Loka tensed. Was this nightmare of an alien going to kick him when he was down? “My horn. It’s stuck.”

The Forka smiled. “I did say I wanted some Picar horns.”

“There’s not a chance you’re having mine.” Loka’s gaze remained on the Forka’s knife as he writhed against the cyborg.

The Forka shrugged. He slid the knife behind the cyborg and began to cut.

Loka felt pressure on his horn. He twisted his head.

“Hold still.” The Forka’s eyes flashed red.

Gritting his teeth, Loka braced against the bucking cyborg. Its arms and legs were being yanked in opposite directions by other fighters.

“Almost there.”

Loka felt his horn loosen. He pulled free, wiring and sparks flying out of the cyborg as he did so.

The Forka jumped back, a sliver of Loka’s horn in his hand. He admired it for a second before pocketing it, along with the knife. “Not quite what I had in mind, but it’s a start.”

Loka nodded. “Thanks. What’s your name?”

“Karn. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” With a brief bow, he slipped away from the fight.

A hand clamped around Loka’s shoulder. He was yanked back so hard he hit the opposite wall.

Padam stood in front of him. “Is everything okay? I saw the Forka hovering with his knife.”

Loka’s hand went to his shaved horn. It had been a sacrifice worth making. The cyborg was on the ground, both arms gone, and it had stopped moving. He nodded.

Padam looked at the cyborg. “We did it.”

Loka sucked in a breath. His horn ached. It felt like it had been half twisted off. He couldn’t worry about that.

Focusing on the other group, he was relieved to see the cyborg on the ground. It was also still and lifeless.

He strode over and caught hold of Hoan’s shoulder.

Hoan spun around, battle lust in his eyes. It faded as he lowered his fist and saw Loka.

“That’s enough, my friend. We have defeated them.” Loka was already moving away. “Let’s find Heather.”

Hoan looked around at the group of aliens who were enjoying themselves as they destroyed what was left of the cyborgs. He stamped on a loose cyborg hand that hit his foot.

Loka led the way from the fight. He’d gotten the aliens free from captivity. They’d demonstrated they were big enough to look after themselves. It would also be easier to protect themselves, now they knew who their enemy was.

“When we were taken, our captors said they were taking Heather to a holding cell. She will be around here somewhere.” Loka stopped by a locked cell door.

Hoan waved his hand over the access panel. The light remained red. “It must only open for certain crew members on the station.”

Loka examined the panel. He used his claws to pry it off, revealing the cabling and power behind it. He glanced at Hoan. “If I sever this, it should get the door open.”