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“I’ve requested to have Karn removed from the station. I proposed he be sent to the mining prison on the other side of the worm hole,” Diadora said.

“That sounds too good for him.” Ivy shrugged, pretending she didn’t care.

“Mining prisons are only for serious crimes,” Vegas said. “Isn’t that a bit harsh? I know we’ve got some work to do to sort out the database, but we lost no data. Nobody was hurt. Maybe we should suggest a fine.”

Ivy was surprised to find herself rooting for Vegas’s suggestion and for her sticking up for Karn.

“No, we must send a strong message to the alien community that our work is not to be messed with,” Diadora said. “If aliens realize our database has weaknesses, others will exploit that. Or worse, they might decide not to use us. A drop in revenue will not be looked upon kindly by the Council of Representatives. We have to be strict against anyone who threatens us, no matter what their relationship is with employees.”

“For the last time, I do not have a relationship with Karn.” Ivy was almost shouting. “He’s just some smug Forka who thinks he knows me. He doesn’t. He’s an annoyance, nothing more.”

Diadora stared at Ivy for several uncomfortable silent seconds. “I appreciate that you saw sense and reported your boyfriend to station security. It is too late. The damage is done.”

“Let me talk to him. He’ll tell you this was all his fault.” Ivy did not like the glint in Diadora’s eyes.

“I suspect he will say anything to assist you,” Diadora said. “He is not reliable. I have had his record checked. He owes money to a number of aliens. His work credentials are dubious, to say the least. You would be wise to stay clear of this particular alien. He is not a suitable match for you. He is cunning, deceitful, and sly.”

Vegas opened her mouth then snapped it shut and shot a guilty smile at Ivy.

Ivy glared at her. She knew that’s what Vegas thought of her. Ivy was none of those things. She simply looked out for herself when no one else did. If that meant she came with sharp edges, then so be it.

“I’m suspending you without pay until further notice,” Diadora said.

Vegas’s head shot around. “There’s no need for that.”

Diadora raised a finger. “Until I have fully investigated this matter, I cannot have anybody I do not trust working for My Single Alien. We handle confidential information every day. We cannot afford any more risks.”

The sick feeling in Ivy’s stomach intensified. What was wrong with her? “How long will your investigation take?”

“A few weeks. I’ll investigate until I’m satisfied. Until then, you are to make yourself available to me at any time. I have not finished questioning you.”

Ivy’s nails dug into her palm. “Very well.” She could tell she would get nowhere by appealing to Diadora’s softer side. This hard-core bitch didn’t have one.

“Until then, you’re not to come into the office,” Diadora said. “Stay away from here and do not speak to any other staff members. I do not want you influencing them.”

“Like any of them will listen to me.” Ivy glanced at Vegas. She still couldn’t figure out why she’d stood up for Karn.

“Oh and stay away from Karn. I have requested his processing and ejection from the station as soon as possible. While he is here, you’re not to talk to him. Is that understood?”

Ivy bit down hard on her bottom lip as she nodded. She didn’t care what Diadora told her; she would find Karn and figure this out. She let go of the chair, and the room felt like it tilted.

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Vegas’s voice sounded distant.

“What’s wrong with the stability of the station?” Ivy’s stomach flipped over.

“Nothing. It’s working fine.”

Ivy felt Vegas’s arm around her waist. She hadn’t even noticed her move as everything tilted and swayed. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not. Sit down. I’ll get you some water.”

“I could do with something stronger.” Ivy fumbled for the chair. Maybe five minutes rest wasn’t such a bad thing.

As the floor lurched beneath her feet, her stomach won out, and Ivy vomited all over Diadora’s pristine desk.