Page 55 of Obsessed

My communicator chirps. "Need a ride, little scientist?"

CHAPTER 28

DAVRIK

The new ship's controls respond smoothly under my fingers as I navigate through the bustling space lanes. The cargo sits heavy in my hold, both physically and mentally.

"Course correction needed. We're heading towards Glimner sector," Navi announces, her tone carrying a hint of accusation. "That's where Freynal's base is located."

"I know where we're going."

"You told Alice you were disposing of the cargo properly." Navi's voice grows stern. "Was that a lie?"

"You're getting paranoid in your old age." I tap in a few commands, adjusting our trajectory slightly.

"I'm only at 16% of my projected lifespan with adequate maintenance. And you're being evasive."

The Alliance Investigative Bureau building looms ahead, its pristine white facade a stark contrast to the gritty surrounding structures. I ease the ship into a holding pattern.

"What are you doing?" Navi asks.

I pull out a datapad and begin typing. "Making good on my word." My fingers fly across the screen as I compile everything - communications, drop coordinates, security codes,even Freynal's preferred breakfast order. "Get ready to jettison cargo on my mark."

"You're actually doing it." The surprise in her voice almost makes me laugh.

"Did you think I wouldn't?"

"Historical data suggested a ninety-seven percent chance you were returning to your old ways."

I finish writing my note - 'You're welcome' - and attach it to the manifest. "People change, Navi. Sometimes they find something worth changing for."

"Or someone?"

"Just help me dump this cargo."

The cargo bay doors open with a satisfying hiss. I watch through the external cameras as the crates float gracefully toward the Bureau's receiving dock, along with my carefully prepared evidence package.

"Cargo successfully delivered," Navi announces. "Though I don't think this is what Freynal had in mind."

"No," I grin, engaging the engines. "I suppose it wasn't."

"Freynal's not going to take this lying down," Navi says as we break atmosphere. "My calculations suggest a seventy-eight percent chance he'll send someone after you within the week."

I lean back in the pilot's seat, stretching my arms above my head. "Only seventy-eight? I must be losing my touch."

"This isn't funny, Davrik. He has connections in every major port from here to Tartus"

"And the Bureau has his financial records, shipping manifests, and enough evidence to put him away for three lifetimes." The stars streak by as we jump to lightspeed. "They'll move fast once they see what's in those crates."

"Assuming bureaucracy doesn't get in the way. You know how slowly they process things."

"That's why I included his tax evasion records. Nothing motivates the Bureau like missing funds."

Navi's pause feels judgmental. "And if they don't move quick enough?"

"Then I'll deal with it." My fingers drum against the console. "I've handled worse."

"True. Though I'd prefer if you didn't get yourself killed. Training a new pilot would be tedious. Plus, Alice would be devastated."

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