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The Passista hissed. “Correct. I implanted that in her head, along with the belief she was to blow up Prodigy and disappear into space, martyring herself for our cause.”

“You devious blob of crud,” Nell spat.

“If I were you, I’d consider it a great honor to be chosen to help us. Your race is so primitive, you should be grateful for any opportunity to assist us.”

“I seem to be missing my gratitude,” Nell said. “Maybe you wiped that from my mind, as well. What about the other therapist? Is he the same as you?”

“Doctor Non is a stupid Draxdan. He’s easier to manipulate than you.”

“Is he the actual therapist on board Starland?” Rane asked.

The Passista grunted. “I turned up one day, got talking to him, and the next thing he knew, he was my assistant. He leaves each session with a headache and a gap in his memory. He won’t suffer much permanent damage.”

“You’re using him like you did Nell,” Rane said.

“I’m using nobody. They’re assisting us in the greater good.”

“That’s bull,” Nell said. “It’s in nobody’s greater good to blow up Prodigy and start a war.”

“That depends on which side you’re on.”

“Can I punch her now?” Nell asked Rane.

“In a minute.” Rane’s head pounded as he struggled to control the Passista. She was strong and had her own abilities and was using them to break free of his control.

The Passista chuckled. “Are you enjoying yourself? I figured you’d like a taste of having your mind probed, something Olickie are adept at. They forget they’re not the only aliens who can do it.”

Rane tried to extend his neck frill and blast the Passista with poison, but it remained flat.

Nell’s hand went to his face. “Your nose is bleeding.”

“His brain will bleed if he doesn’t let me go,” the Passista growled.

“That’s not going to happen,” Rane muttered.

“You should stop.” Nell grabbed his arm. “She’s not worth it.”

“She’s not getting away.” The last reserves of Rane’s energy left him, and he sank to his knees. This damned Passista was winning.

Nell grabbed hold of his arm and tried to pull him to his feet. “Rane, stop! She’s killing you.”

Rane shook his head. His brain felt like it was exploding as he struggled back to his feet.

The Passista’s form shimmered as she tried to transform her shape.

Rane pushed everything he could into manipulating her. She would not get the upper hand. If she did, Nell would be vulnerable.

“That’s it, my little Olickie. Why don’t you take a rest? You’ve been working so hard and taking such good care of Nell. You’re tired. I imagine she’s a demanding client.”

“Stop it,” Nell screamed.

The Passista burbled a laugh. “I wonder what he gets you to do when you’re under his influence.”

“Nothing I don’t want to,” Nell spat. “Keep your creepy abilities away from him.”

“Nell, get out of here,” Rane whispered.

“I’m not leaving you.”