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“His background and military history are as complicated as any Apexian working with us. The guys who come out of the elite squad will have gone through shit. They’ve seen things that’ll haunt them forever,” Cleo said. “But that was a one-off experience. Nothing will compare. And it shouldn’t. You should only get thrown into hell once.”

“Striker jokes around because he wants to make life easy for everyone,” Daisy said. “He likes to make other people happy.”

“It drives me crazy,” Wren said.

“Aren’t you the least bit sad he wants to leave?” Daisy said.

Wren sank back in her seat. Her arm hurt, and her heart hurt. She didn’t want him to go, but she wouldn’t force Striker to stay if he was miserable. “I want what’s best for him.”

“Bleurgh! You’re a people pleaser, too,” Daisy said.

“I’m not. I’m more of an animal pleaser. I always put them first.” She stroked Dinky.

“You should put yourself first for once,” Daisy said. “You and Striker are great together. He stops you from being so... uptight, and—”

“I’m uptight?”

“A tiny bit,” Cleo said, giving her knee a friendly pat.

“Hmmm. That didn’t come up in my recent appraisal.”

Cleo chuckled. “It’s your only flaw. And it’s an adorable one.”

“And you nudge Striker when he strays too far off the path,” Daisy said. “It’s the perfect balance.”

“It doesn’t feel like that,” Wren said. “I feel like I’m nagging him.”

“I bet he loves it,” Daisy said. “All Apexians need a firm hand, or they get too full of themselves. You need a giant ego to be in that elite squad, or you don’t survive. All those alpha males strutting around and swinging their enormous dicks must be exhausting.”

“Apexians are all well-hung. It’s a science fact,” Cleo said.

“Cleo! How would you know that?” Daisy chuckled. “Have you been peeking in the showers again?”

“The chance would be a fine thing,” Cleo said. “I’ve read their files. And that includes their medical records and vital statistics.”

“You’re not telling me they get their privates measured before they sign up?” Daisy said. “Although we should make that a requirement. We only want well-hung Apexians. That way, satisfaction is guaranteed.”

“I’ll recommend that to the Council the next time I’m forced into a meeting,” Cleo said. “I can imagine Councilor Gravid’s face going bright green and him spluttering out some nonsense.”

The laughter died, and a heavy silence settled over Wren. Was she really going to lose Striker?

Cleo nudged her again. “It’s a big deal to get a new partner. Apexians don’t often leave the elite squad. And I’m not having you out on missions on your own.”

“I have lab work to keep me busy until you find someone suitable,” Wren said.

Daisy squeezed her hand. “Are you sure nothing went wrong between you on the mission?”

“No! Nothing happened. And everything is detailed in the report I sent.” Wren’s throat tightened. “Sometimes, people need change.” She stroked a hand across Dinky’s skin.

What happened between them clearly meant nothing to Striker. He wanted to leave her, and she wouldn’t stop him.

***

“You’ve checked that one, numb nuts.” Rexx yanked the gun from Striker’s hand.

“No, I haven’t. Give it back.” Striker flicked his fingers at Rexx.

“That’s the pile we’re working through.” Rexx pointed to the dozen weapons sitting to Striker’s right.