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“Then let’s do this,” Cleo said.

Another Gente descended the docking ramp.

Wren, Daisy, and Eden raised their guns.

He held his hands up, a smug look on his face as his gaze met Wren’s.

Her eyes narrowed. “I know you.”

He smiled at her sharply. “You should. We’ve met.”

“Who is this jack ass?” Eden said.

“He’s the Gente who took me when I was on the mission with Striker,” Wren said.

“I recognized your profile from our first encounter. I’m looking forward to taming you,” he said.

“You’re not taming any of us,” Eden said. “Get back on the ship. Two Gente only. That’s the agreement.”

“Ground crew, get the hell out of there,” Cleo yelled.

“Stay alert,” Wren said to the others. “What’s wrong, Cleo?”

“There’s another frickin’ Gente ship. It must have been hiding. ELVIS just detected an anomaly and has been scanning the area.”

“Another ship?” Wren glanced at the others and focused on the Gente on the docking ramp. “You’re working with other bounty hunters?”

“Get to the evac point,” Cleo said. “The others are watching the action. Any wrong moves and the Gente die.”

Wren backed away, her weapon trained on the enemy. “You broke the agreement. We’ve seen your friend’s ship. The deal’s off.”

“No, it’s not. You can have the animals, but we’re taking you. You’re a prize worth fighting for,” he said.

Wren’s heart thundered in her chest. Where was the backup? The second Striker realized the Gente weren’t playing ball, he’d have started firing.

The Gente on the ramp laughed, a low rumbling sound that sent a stab of fear into her gut. “If you’re wondering what happened to your friends, they’re busy dying.”

“This is a fucking ambush,” Eden said.

“I suggest you don’t move,” the Gente said. “You’re surrounded.”

The air blurred and six armed Gente appeared.

“Frickin’ stars!” Daisy said. “They’re using individual shielding tech.”

“Get back to back,” Wren said.

Daisy and Eden settled into position, their weapons raised. They were outnumbered two to one.

“They want us alive,” Wren said. “We’re valuable to them.”

“You’re valuable, but that doesn’t mean we won’t hurt you to stop you from running.” The Gente descended the ramp. “After all, there’s only one part of you we’re really interested in.” He leered at Wren.

“Shit! A whole load more Gente just appeared on our screen,” Cleo said. “Report your situation, Wren.”

“Cleo, it’s an ambush.”

The Gente shook his head and pressed a finger to his lips. “No one can help you. Lower your weapons and hand over your equipment. This doesn’t have to be unpleasant.”