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  He grinned. “They had to stop the jumping guy. Budget cuts.”

  She snickered.

  The warship approached a world, and the monitors in the shuttle showed them the glowing ball of life. Jiska’s gaze caught nine armed orbital satellites. “That is Udell, I am assuming?”

  “Yes.” He checked a message that bleeped at him. “Tech and Phase have requested that they be allowed to help shape your uniform. Citadel robes are pretty standard, so it is what you wear under it and how it fits that will be your concern.”

  Jiska nodded. “I can accept that. So, we are here at Udell?”

  “Yes. When they let the shuttle out, we will be on our way to the sealed base.”

  “Sealed?”

  “The atmosphere of Udell does not allow for most standard breathers to inhale comfortably for very long.” He chuckled.

  “Where is Citadel Lowel?”

  He pointed out a nearby world. “It is there. A zip transport has been designed for commuting between the two places, but only Starborn and Comet are currently living there.”

  “Why only the two?”

  “They don’t need to breathe. Both have been touched by stellar consciousness.”

  Jiska whistled softly. “I have heard of such things but have never met one.”

  “The sentient worlds are fairly random in their placement, as are the stars with souls. Both Comet and Starborn were touched by the same star. He was the final avatar and she was the daughter of the star itself centuries earlier.”

  Jiska’s eyes widened. “That sounds complicated.”

  Deskin smiled. “It is exceedingly complicated, but it does involve the life of a star, after all.”

  She watched their approach to the world of Udell through the view screen. It was so surreal to have been dismissed one day and offered a whole new life the next.

  Deskin piloted their shuttle out of the warship and down to Udell. The bright light of Stellar Storm kept pace with them as they parted the atmosphere and settled in position against the base.

  The umbilicus attached to the hull and sealed with a thud. Jiska uncoupled her harness and got to her feet. Her legs were stiff from the prolonged immobility, but she managed to grab her duffel and wait for her soon-to-be charge.

  He keyed open the shuttle, and Jiska idly memorized the code. It was a habit that she was in no hurry to break.

  They exited the vehicle, and he escorted her through the halls. If she guessed correctly, they were headed toward the commander’s offices.

  She patted herself on the back mentally when Deskin said. “Guardian is our Base Commander. He is waiting to interview you before Tech and Phase get a hold of you.”

  “That sounds ominous.”

  Deskin chuckled. “I have never seen these women in action, but I have heard that they are merciless.”

  Curiosity perked Jiska up. The company of merciless women always made her feel at home.

  Guardian was a peculiar species to Jiska’s eyes. He had silvery skin and marked head ridges. His smile was filled with delight as he rose to his considerable height. “General Irthano. I am overjoyed that you have become available. I am Guardian.”

  She stepped forward and shook the extended hand, forearm to forearm. “Available is a funny way to put it, but I am happy to be useful to someone.”

  He nodded and gestured for her to have a seat.

  She sat, and Deskin took the position next to her.

  Guardian folded his hands on his desk and leaned forward. “Deskin tends to get into trouble. He needs a bodyguard, and given the type of trouble he gets in, I believe that your skills on the battlefield will be invaluable in keeping him alive.”

  Deskin leaned back and smiled, his arms crossed over his chest. He seemed proud of the assessment.

  “How has he remained alive this long?” She raised her eyebrows.

  Guardian scowled. “He has had good luck and a heavily armed detachment. We feel he will be more effective in hostage negotiations if he comes in more lightly armed.”

  “So, I will be considered the weapon?”

  Guardian shrugged. “The reports of your talent are well known to those who have access to coded dispatches. Relay speaks very highly of you.”

  Jiska shook her head. “I don’t know who that is, but my talent was not supposed to be mentioned off world.”

  Deskin grinned, “Relay has ways beyond most beings when it comes to gathering information.”

  Guardian cleared his throat. “Right, well, General Irthano, do you think you will be able to manage keeping this one male alive to negotiate another day?”

  Jiska nodded. “I can keep him alive, no matter the situation. Give me an assignment, and I will do it.”

  A woman drifted in from the doorway. “But what do you want, Jiska Irthano? What does your life hold?”

  The woman was pale from head to toe. She didn’t move, but rather glided across the floor to stand next to Guardian.

  Guardian did the introductions. “General Irthano, this is my wife, Pax.”

  “Pleased to meet you, but I am no longer a general. Call me Jiska.”

  Pax smiled. “Jiska, what do you want from life?”

  Jiska thought about it and cocked her head. “Service and duty.”

  Guardian blinked. “That’s it?”

  She smiled. “What else is there?”

  Pax exhaled and slumped against her mate’s shoulder. “Wow. This is going to take some time. It’s a good thing that no one here is in a hurry, but she might need a girls’ night on Morganti.”

  Guardian patted Pax’s hand. “Down, girl. Let her get settled in here first.”

  Pax sighed. “Fine. Are you done with the meet and greet? She needs to get her armour sorted out.”

  Guardian snorted. “Fine. Take her to the others and set her up. You know you won’t be happy until you do.”

  Pax walked to the door. “Jiska, please come with me. The boys have to discuss Deskin’s next assignment, and if we get you set up fast enough, you may find out the details before you arrive on some foreign planet.”

  Jiska nodded to Guardian and Deskin before she followed Pax. If armour was in her future, she was definitely interested in the job.

  Chapter Four

  The two women waiting for them had enthusiasm that took Jiska aback. It was a rare thing to see that kind of joy in work in any job, let alone one that saw them to military duty.

  Pax did the introductions, and Phase quickly held swatch after swatch of fabric against her face. “Jiska, I think something vibrant will suit you. The standard bodysuit isn’t really your style. I believe that I have just the thing. Most couldn’t pull it off, but it will set a tone that won’t be mistaken.”

  Jiska watched as the Guardsman went to a series of drawers and pulled out one folded bit of cloth after another. When she had everything she wanted, she returned to Jiska and held up one article for size. “This will work. You can try them on behind that screen. I will help you with the bodice when you get back out here.”

  She took the folded cloth and went behind the screen. She removed her civilian wear and slipped into the tight trousers with purple side panels and the black shirt that had built-in support.

  Barefoot, she pattered out to meet Tech and Phase. “How does it look?”

  “Well, first you need some Masuo. Try these.” Tech handed over a pair of boots.

  Jiska tugged on the boots, one at a time, and she inhaled sharply as they shifted and formed around her feet and hugged her calves. “What is happening?”

  Tech grinned. “The Masuo are a living organism that bond to a host. The Udell Masuo can be trained to become clothing after a while, but we just gave it the basics for boots. You need more body armour than they can manage.”

  “My boots are alive?” Jiska looked down in fascination, and as she watched, the boots lengthened and crept up to mid-thigh.

  Tech chuckled and Phase opened a length of fabric, wrapping it around Jiska’s ribs sev
eral times before buckling the piece in place. It smoothed into a hard surface the moment the final buckle was in place.

  “A covering for your neck and shoulders and that will complete the outfit.” Phase smiled, black and purple were in this article as well.

  Jiska looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror and turned from side to side. “Just a moment.”

  She let her hair down and swiftly wove two warrior braids, one on either side of her face. “Better.”

  Tech and Phase raised their palms up and slapped them together.

  Tech grinned, “I can make a final fitting for you if you like. The fabric is woven with wires and sensors. I can ask it to take any shape you wish.”

  “Can you lengthen the sleeves?”

  Tech caressed the arms of the suit, and the sleeves obeyed her. “Anything else?”

  The fabric was snug but not confining, so she nodded her acceptance. “It will do. What is the armour rating?”

  Phase smiled, “It will withstand blades and projectiles, as well as disperse energy weapons at close range. It won’t take the entire hit, but it will save your life.”

  Jiska twisted her lips. “If Deskin is as capable as I think he is, I am guessing that I will be testing it fairly soon.”

  Tech grinned. “Do you want to do a test of your talent to make sure that it will work in the confines of the suit?”

  “May I test it here?”

  Tech looked around. “Of course.”

  Jiska sent a mental pulse and caught Tech as she slumped over. Phase seemed shocked, but Jiska just chuckled. “Yes, it works.”

  She slapped Tech lightly, and the woman woke. Pax moved from her post in the doorway. “All right, it is time to get you back in action. After a day of retirement, I am sure you are eager to resume your duties.”

  Grinning, Jiska helped Tech completely upright and inclined her head to both women who had clothed her. “Thank you for the assistance.”

  Pax placed a hand on her shoulder as they walked through the halls. “Did you have to knock her out?”

  Jiska pondered her answer, and when she spoke, Pax burst out laughing. “No, I didn’t have to knock her out.”

  When they arrived, Deskin got to his feet and eyed her from head to toe. “Excellent. You will simply appear to be my secretary. No one will be the wiser. If you are ready, we have an assignment to ransom the daughter of an Alkenor trader from an Enjel colony.”

  Jiska nodded. “Please give me lessons on flying the shuttle on the way. I do not enjoy being chauffeured around.”

  He snapped a salute, “Yes, General.”

  Jiska sighed inwardly. She was going to have to learn to lighten up if she was going to make any friends here.

  They made their way to a different umbilicus and a very different shuttle.

  “Welcome to the Coming Storm. It is my home away from home, and I hope that you will find it comfortable.”

  She stowed her bag in a similar locker to the first shuttle and walked through the halls of the much larger ship to the control centre. “This ship has guns.”

  “It does. I am a negotiator for the most lawless of planets. It is our purpose to ease the roads of debate and dissent, smoothing the way.” He smiled and buckled in.

  Jiska froze in place. “That is exactly what was broadcast in Urgat news bands. Did you have anything to do with the sudden peace that put me out of a job?”

  He shrugged. “Your people’s war was bleeding off world. It disrupted shipping lanes and flow of traffic. Too many lives were being lost for no purpose.”

  Jiska scowled. “Not on my watch.”

  “No, but you were not at every battle.” Deskin freed them from the base and lifted off with sure movements.

  She rubbed her forehead. “No. I was not. There were casualties for no particular reason other than stupid men’s plans.”

  Deskin chuckled. “That is better. I was beginning to think you were made of stone.”

  She blinked. “What?”

  “You are so controlled that I did not imagine that you would ever lose your temper. I think I just saw a crack.” He chuckled and turned them away from the base.

  She sat and thought about it. The only person she was ever herself with was her mother, and she was literally worlds away now. If he wanted to see the real her, she wasn’t sure that she knew who it was anymore. A lifetime of service to her government had taken her sense of self and left only a sense of duty.

  “What is your talent, Deskin?”

  “I can see to the truth of a thing. Seeing truth is sometimes the hardest thing to do.”

  He looked at her as they passed through the shield of satellites. She could see that he was seeing something in her that she didn’t even know was there.

  She crossed her arms and glared at him. “You know, I can really see why you need a bodyguard. Your mouth must get you into all kinds of trouble.”

  To her shock, he blew her a kiss before increasing their speed and heading off toward the colony.

  Chapter Five

  The Enjels were flying everywhere, and Jiska had to fight not to be impressed. Men who could simply take to the air were never seen on her world.

  They surrounded the shuttle the moment Deskin landed. “Stay close to me and don’t look interested in any of them. Enjels have a notoriously skewed birthrate which is why we are here.”

  He moved to the back of the shuttle and slipped on a long robe in a deep purple with silver trim. His black bodysuit underneath turned them into a matched set.

  “They do not want us here. We have come at the behest of Sarnulia Narfa’s parents. We will not leave without her unless she has contracted a solid match.”

  “Is that a possibility, Negotiator Fewnor?” She stood straight and cradled her data pad as her secretary had.

  He looked at her in surprise. “You are really going to call me that?”

  “Yes, and you will call me Ms. Irthano while we are on an assignment.” She ducked into the lav and checked her hair. It was still tidy, but then of course, it would be. She never failed at anything she attempted.

  With her uniform neat and her hair bound away from her face, she went to Deskin’s side. “Anytime you are ready. I believe the Enjel are about to come in.”

  He grinned, composed his features and plugged in the exit code in the shuttle’s hatch.

  The Enjels were staring at them as they exited, with weapons firmly in evidence.

  “Negotiator Fewnor to see Prefect Arthinial.” Jiska kept her voice tight and direct.

  The winged men around them blinked in surprise at her tone. One of them sashayed forward and touched her cheek. “What are you here for, pet?”

  She swung her arm, struck his forearm and drove her other fist into his belly before slamming her knee into his jaw. He dropped to the ground with a thud.

  Behind her, she heard Deskin make a noise between a sigh and a snort.

  “He did not ask permission to touch me. I am working for the Negotiator and will not be swayed from my duties.” She looked at the rest of the surrounding males. “Anyone else care to breach protocol?”

  The men helped her victim to his feet and one spoke. “I will take you to the prefect. He has been waiting.”

  He gestured for them to accompany him, and Jiska made a move that Deskin interpreted correctly. He moved to follow the speaker, and she followed him at a respectful distance.

  The Enjel colony was centred around an exceptionally tall building. From the reading that she had done on the way to the colony, that building was the Aerie where the single females were kept. Their target female was inside that building, and Deskin had to use words to get her out.

  The prefect greeted them warmly, and Jiska was greeted a little too warmly for her own peace of mind. “Sit, please, miss.”

  “I am on duty, Prefect. Thank you for the offer.”

  He raised his brows in surprise. He stared at her in a considering manner. “You seem rather collected for one so
young.”

  She inclined her head. “I have more mileage than it appears at first glance.”

  Deskin snickered softly. “My secretary will remain with me during the negotiations. She is integral to the process.”

  The prefect and negotiator began their verbal sparring, and it came down to one thing—the Enjels were short on women, and Sarnulia had wandered into the bachelor part of town unescorted. It had been necessary to take her to the Aerie immediately for her own safety.

  Deskin placed his palms flat on the table. “What will it take to get her back? Her family is worried.”

  The prefect leaned back. “There is nothing you can offer. We have a woman, and we will not trade her.”

  “Why not? Has she already made a match? Is she wed?”

  The prefect waved such concerns away. “It doesn’t matter. She is ours now. No one can get into the Aerie without permission. It is our most heavily fortified structure.”

  Deskin paused. “Are you willing to wager on that?”

  Arthinial leaned forward, his snow-white wings fluttering with interest. “What would the wager be?”

  Deskin reached out and clasped Jiska’s arm. “If my secretary can get in and out, removing Sarnulia, we can take her home.”

  He looked at Jiska, and his eyes gleamed. “What if she does not?”

  “You can keep her.”

  Jiska stiffened with shock, her eyes narrowed as she glared at Deskin. “That is not my duty.”

  “No, but it is my order. So, Arthinial, do you accept my terms?”

  The Enjel leaned back and nodded. “Done. She will make her attempt during first moon. I want it to be sporting and that is when the Aerie is most heavily populated.”

  Jiska desperately wanted to smack the hell out of Deskin, but she smiled blandly. “If that is the case, may I request a last meal before I head into the Aerie? It seems only fair that I enjoy a moment of freedom before I may lose it forever.”

  Arthinial smiled and summoned a servant, a young male with his wings not fully formed. He ordered a meal for them, and the young male moved swiftly to do his bidding.

  Jiska took the seat next to Deskin and ran over her notes regarding the negotiation. It was very straightforward. Either she found Sarnulia or she would be enjoying the attentions of a flock of Enjels.