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  Chowd stopped and looked meaningfully at the man before him.

  “At no time will we allow you to be placed in jeopardy. Each and every one of us will give our all to protect you and ensure the treaty is negotiated successfully. In fact, we’ll even take a hit if necessary to ensure your safety.” He smiled at the ambassador, who paled at the last comment.

  “What if we come under attack and someone is hurt?” The ambassador spat the words triumphantly at him. Chowd had prepared for this, knowing he meant if he was hurt.

  “My men are all trained as field medics. They must pass stringent accreditation, and I can personally vouch for every man in my command.”

  The ambassador settled as every argument was countered.

  Duvall indicated to Grayson, who took over. “We have approximately five hours to prepare the shuttle and have all of you aboard. I’m going to need you to run over it, Jemma, and ensure the pre-flight checks are completed ahead of time. It’s being fueled as we speak. I suggest that you need to prepare for anything up to six or seven days. The Elector will enter into an orbit in the location of their choice within the hour. You will then travel to the coordinates we’ve received and rendezvous with them. From there, they will transport you to the satellite, where you, Ambassador, will be addressing the Senate. At all times, you will be guarded by our own people. Raven and Jemma will also continue to act as guards. The shuttle is to be placed at your service day and night.”

  The ambassador scowled at Grayson.

  Chowd nodded at the list of precautions they would take. “Duvall, I believe that covers everything we need to know immediately.”

  Grayson and Duvall steepled their fingers on the tabletop, a signal Chowd knew meant the meeting had concluded.

  “Then I believe this meeting is done. Be alert and aware. Anything at all that causes you concern, discuss it with Chowd. Meredith, you will remain with Chowd at all times.” Duvall’s voice was strained on the last words, and Chowd knew of his concern sending his sister into an unknown and potentially dangerous situation.

  They both knew she was well trained and capable at her job, though there was some concern that she might not be capable of protecting herself, but the time had come to let her do what she did best in the field. His gut churned with worry. Until now, she’d remained mainly confined to a lab on Aenna. He would ensure her protection at all times.

  They stood, and he grunted as her fingers twisted in his, and Chowd realized just how tightly he’d been squeezing them. He released them, and a muttered “Thanks” reached his ears.

  Chowd smiled. She’s feisty, my Meredith. Now to make sure she comes home. In one piece.

  They left the office, making their way down the corridor at a quick clip. The clank of feet on the metallic planking filled the air, and they reached their cabin swiftly. His hand splayed over the palm reader as they reached the small office and lounge area, and she turned quickly to place her soft lips against his.

  “Thank you.” Meredith smiled at him, her eyes twinkling.

  “What for?”

  “For not telling Duvall to keep me here.” She cocked her head to one side, studying him. “Now, come on. We should pack and make sure everything we need is stowed aboard the ship.”

  He enjoyed the sight of her trim figure and firm, pert bottom as she headed to the dark cabin beyond.

  Chapter 8

  They buckled in. The clicks and clacks of tongues sliding home in the metal clasps filled the air. Chowd looked out into the bay, where Jemma manually checked everything outside the shuttle. This shuttle looked larger than the small craft she had flown on the Alpha Star Colony, which sat just beyond the tips of the shuttle’s wings.

  This shuttle was newer, its gray paint unmarked, unlike older shuttles the Elector had received from the Star of Ishtar, which wore their pockmarks and scratches as badges of honor.

  The door slid open, and Duvall clambered in, which surprised him. “I just wanted to give something to Meredith,” Duvall said as he made his way up to the seat before leaning across to reach his sister.

  Chowd pushed back into his seat, allowing Duvall access.

  “Stay safe.” Duvall thrust something into her hands. He placed a quick kiss on her forehead before pulling back and piercing Chowd with his gaze. “I want her back in one piece.” His voice sounded brusque, and Chowd nodded once, then Duvall pulled away and disappeared through the doorway.

  A commotion at the door took his mind off what Duvall had handed over to Meredith. Jemma climbed in, making her way slowly to the front, followed by Raven. Just one seat remained empty in the passenger section of the shuttle. Chowd looked forward from his position at the back to the pilot’s seat and spied the empty navigator and communications officers’ chairs.

  Jemma and Raven donned military issue headsets, but knowing Jemma, she would soon discard it, preferring to fly free of restrictions.

  The ambassador hunched across the aisle, gazing out the window. He looked like a man alone and, from what Chowd could tell from his protective posture, frightened. Since the death of his PA, he’d hardly interacted with the personnel. Not that any of the crew had much common ground with him, but still, in the enclosed space of the Elector, and now traveling to some unknown planet on a ship full of potential threats, it was Chowd’s responsibility to ensure that divide narrowed. The ambassador had to trust him and converse freely. They didn’t need to be friends, but making a connection would help both sides feel comfortable communicating information.

  “I like the idea of traveling like this.” Meredith’s voice, lazy in the silence, had him turning his head.

  “Why?”

  “Because it means I’m not just stuck in my small cubicle on Aenna. I love my work, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t want to be shut up like that forever.” Her eyes closed as she smiled slightly.

  The engines engaged and vibrated throughout the small cabin. Duvall had retreated from the hanger, and the shuttle whined as it rose off the plascrete and started its slow movement forward into the darkness beyond the Elector.

  Chowd reclined into the padded seat, thinking over Meredith’s words. He’d never really considered that she might not want to keep Aenna, or any safe place, as her base. Quiet voices echoed from the front of the ship. Most of the others assumed introspective poses. Some would watch as they traveled toward their mission. The air practically crackled with tension. But Meredith didn’t twitch or seem to tighten any muscle, and for the first time he wondered if the steel spine she exhibited went deeper than the mask she showed the world.

  Frustration at being unable to do anything clawed at him so he considered the roster of the ambassador’s protection teams. They could work in three shifts, his shift splitting the focus between both Meredith and the ambassador. Eight hours on and sixteen off; it was the only workable solution he could come up with. Working alone was out of the question, particularly for the women, and he couldn’t count on Meredith’s skills. They’d improved but... He pinched the bridge of his nose as pressure welled. He knew Meredith was well trained, but still, he had qualms about taking her into a potentially dangerous situation. It felt...wrong...somehow.

  Jemma and Raven had meshed together and became an effective team, and his two security officers had worked together for many years. Then he had himself and Meredith.

  The engine of their shuttle had settled into a hum, and he glanced out the portal beside him. Two small fighters escorted them from the ship and would remain with them for the next hour before returning to the Elector. Then they would continue alone until the meeting point several hours away. Chowd released the tension in his shoulders, rolling them as the ship traveled through the inky blackness of space. The occasional blip of starlight filled the portal as they spun slightly, giving him a view of the Elector as they moved away.

  He looked forward once more. He released a frustrated breath before unclipping his webbed safety belt.

  “What are you doing?” Meredith asked, suspic
ious.

  “I’m going to see if there is any sign of the ship we are supposed to rendezvous with.” He stood and heard the snick of a belt.

  “I’ll come with you.”

  “No, stay in your seat. I’ll only be a few minutes, and I promise to let you know once I have an idea.” He lurched up the narrow path between the seats, reached the pilot’s and co-pilot’s seating, and squatted. “Any idea when we’ll see the ship?”

  “I have something on my radar on the heading they gave us but not enough information yet to make even an uninformed guess. I would imagine within an hour or two we should have enough information to relay back to the Elector.” Jemma indicated the scanner on the surface in front of her. The scene outside was inky with flashes dotting here and there from the stars all around them. The reality of the vastness of space never ceased to inspire him.

  “How is everyone else coping?” He could count on Raven to bring him back to the matter at hand.

  “Fine. The ambassador’s still very introspective and quiet. I understand he is grieving, but he has a job to do. I just hope he’s capable. At least his interest in Meredith has waned.” Chowd added the last part under his breath.

  “Yeah, well, maybe you better find out what’s going on in his mind, so the rest of us know.” Jemma’s terse words made him smile. She always spoke her mind. Something he applauded, though he did have some concern at what she might say while on this mission.

  “You know—” he started, but Raven shook his head in warning.

  “What?” Jemma said. “To keep my mouth shut? Yeah, I can do that as much as I do my job. Just don’t give me a reason to show them how damned good I am.” Her cold words warred with the mutinous look on her face, and he swallowed his concerns.

  “Jemma, you’re a woman after my own heart.” Chowd thought better of the time and place, and he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, pleased when she laughed off his comment. Then he stood, made his way unsteadily back, and slipped into the seat beside the ambassador. “Sir?”

  The older man turned toward him. “Yes?” He waited quietly, his faded eyes troubled and lost for an instant before turning flat. “How can I help?”

  “Sir, I need to know your plans while we are in transit so I can make effective use of our team.” He sat still, waiting as the ambassador gathered himself.

  “What do you mean?”

  Chowd felt a brief surge of pity for the man. That emotion swiftly disappeared, replaced by frustration at having to spell out what he needed to know. He controlled his temper.

  “I need to know, are you planning on engaging with the Ru’Edan or keeping to your cabin or suite? That way I can finalize the roster as required and ensure your safety.” He kept his words low and soft.

  The lost look vanished for an instant, and he could see the canny man, the ambassador, he would expect to see under normal conditions.

  “Without a personal assistant, it’s difficult for me to undertake extra duties. Portia used to read through briefings and ensure I had the pertinent facts. She kept me on time and on track. Now...well, without her, I’ll have to attempt to manage. Unless...” He brightened for an instant, casting a glance toward Meredith.

  Chowd seethed at the thought of this man being any closer to her than necessary. Something about his attitude toward her continued to set off his inbuilt radar.

  “Warrant Officer Gentry is within the team—” the ambassador started.

  “No, I’m afraid she won’t be available to you for that. She will continue monitoring communications and acting as my offsider. I will be your main guard during your hours of duty.” He watched as the ambassador subsided against the padded seats with a heavy exhalation.

  “Very well. Then I need to do some research.” He turned his head away, and Chowd recognized dismissal when he saw it. He slipped from the seat and back across the aisle into the empty seat next to Meredith.

  “So, did you find out what you needed to know?” Her eyes searched his face.

  “Yeah. Now I can finish my plan.” He pulled out his palm unit and waited for her to lean back and close her eyes before he started work, enjoying the feel of her body resting against his.

  For just a moment, he stopped, knowing he would need to tell her soon about the potential threat his birthright could pose to the mission. For now, he took comfort in her closeness.

  * * * *

  Meredith dozed lightly, waking irregularly, welcoming Chowd’s presence. At some point, she had a vague memory of shivering and his soothing words and touches. He must have covered her with a light material...something. Is it a dream? Maybe, she thought.

  Now she woke fully, feeling heavy and unrefreshed with gritty eyes and a woolly head that interfered with clarity of thought. Travel naps never got any better. She stretched in the enclosed space, the material dropping to the ground with a barely discernible sound. She opened her eyes to see Chowd still working, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up and the tight sinews of his arms bared for her view.

  “Where’s your jacket?” Meredith looked around, noting for the first time that it lay pooled at her feet. “Chowd? You’re going to get sick. Put it back on!” She hooked her fingers under the lightweight material and hefted it up before handing it over to him.

  He turned and smiled. “You needed it more than me.”

  Meredith blushed and hoped her hair wasn’t sticking up at all ends, as it usually did. She felt the heat spread over her face as she pushed hair back off her burning skin. “Where are we?” He always puts me first. She couldn’t escape this truth.

  “Well, you’ve been asleep for about two hours. The indications from Jemma and Raven show it should only be about another hour until we make visual contact with our rendezvous. Did you want to go freshen up?”

  He spoke with a professionally remote tone, which had her looking up, a feeling of alarm sweeping through her. There was something he wasn’t telling her. “What is it?”

  “Nothing. I’d just feel happier if you were strapped back in sooner rather than later.”

  He still evaded her question, averting his eyes. She couldn’t find another description for his actions. He didn’t want to share whatever it was that concerned him, but it was obviously important enough to bother him. She’d have to take that up with him at a later point.

  He stood up to move aside for her. Meredith made her way to the sanitary unit at the back of the shuttle, closing the door and looking at herself in the small mirror. A tinge of pink still remained on her cheeks from her disjointed nap, and her hair sat in disarray, reminding her of a lover just leaving a passionate embrace. The thought made her smile, but the expression dropped from her face as a new thought rose in her mind. How would they handle their relationship aboard the Ru’Edan ship?

  She shook her head and turned to make use of the ablution room. It truly wasn’t the time or the place to consider physical intimacies, but she bit her lip as a frisson of arousal speared her. She gripped the sink, waiting and willing it to pass, then she hurried through the personal tasks before slipping out the door.

  As she returned to her seat, the thought rolled over in her mind. Will he remain with me? She knew Ru’Edanians had some interesting customs regarding living arrangements and gender roles, not that she had an extensive knowledge. How would this affect their relationship? Would he need to bunk elsewhere? Her internal tussle had to end. Maybe I’m just borrowing trouble, she reminded herself firmly, slipping back into the seat while Chowd waited.

  Meredith shivered slightly as the buckles, cold in the shuttle’s thin oxygen, clipped back together. Chowd reached across the space and covered her hand with his. She sucked in a deep breath, anticipating the mission ahead.

  “It’ll be okay. We’ll get through this.” His words were low, and in spite of his intentions, they didn’t inspire confidence. Perhaps it was something in his eyes, or the way he said the words. Her knee jittered up as the tension zinged through her system. She held on to that hand like an anchor
in a tossing sea. That pretty much sums up the situation.

  His seat unit beeped, and he cast a quick look at the item, a frown marring his perfect face. “I’m needed up front, and you should probably come along too.”

  With a sigh, Meredith unclipped the buckles once again before he tugged on her hand as they made their way to the empty seats at the front of the shuttle.

  “Glad you two are here. Okay, this is what we have. An incoming transmission from behind the moon. There’s some interference there though. Can you clean that up, Meredith? Chowd, I need you to take Raven’s place while he works the weapons. Not that we really have a lot, and I don’t expect we’ll need them, but we have to get through this, preferably in one piece. So it’s better to be prepared.”

  Jemma’s voice remained calm as she outlined the actions they would take in a worst-case scenario. Meredith knew Jemma had changed a lot since the bratty, young woman had boarded the Elector for the first time. Now she simply felt amazement at the woman who took control smoothly, making split-second decisions, which would save their lives if needed.

  Meredith turned around, orienting herself to the console before placing her hands on the equipment to begin scanning and decoding the incoming transmission. Jemma could have done this herself, but Meredith knew that Jemma wanted to give her total attention to the role of pilot in case anything went wrong. The task itself was simple—clean up the transmission—yet she’d never felt the effects of the accuracy and speed of her work so keenly. A lump formed in her throat, and she felt the swift heartbeat under her skin as adrenalin started pumping into her veins.