Page 11 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

As I began applying the paste to my own skin, I stole glances at Arkon. He grumbled and grimaced as he covered himself, his movements awkward and unsure.

“This had better be worth it,” he muttered.

“It will be,” I assured him, though my own doubts gnawed at me. “Once we’re inside that station, we’ll have access to the Consortium’s data. We can stop their plans before it’s too late.”

Arkon nodded, his expression grim. “Let’s hope you’re right.”

Once we were both thoroughly coated, we approached the edge of the Xenovibris Sensoria field. The plants swayed gently, their vibrant color standing out against the muted jungle around them.

“Ready?” I asked, my heart pounding.

Arkon took a deep breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

He stepped forward, his foot hovering over the first plant. I tensed as he lowered it, ready to pull him back at the first sign of trouble.

Nothing happened.

The plant remained still, showing no reaction to Arkon’s presence. He took another step, then another. I exhaled, relief washing over me.

“It’s working,” I whispered, excitement bubbling up inside me. “Come on!”

I joined Arkon in the field, marveling at how the plants ignored our presence. We moved slowly, carefully placing each foot to avoid crushing the delicate flora.

As we progressed, I was torn between scientific fascination and nervous anticipation. Every rustle of leaves made me flinch, expecting discovery at any moment.

Arkon’s heightened senses were on full alert. His head swiveled at the slightest sound, muscles tensed and ready for action. Despite the sticky paste covering him, he still moved with a predator’s grace.

“Almost there,” I murmured, more to myself than to Arkon.

When we finally reached the edge of the field, the unmanned station loomed before us, its metal surface gleaming in the sunlight.

Arkon let out a low whistle. “I have to admit, I didn’t think we’d make it this far.”

I grinned, unable to contain my pride. “Never underestimate the power of science.”

We approached the service hatch, our bodies still coated in the foul-smelling paste. Arkon attempted to strike an intimidating pose, but the effect was somewhat ruined by the bits of leaves and twigs stuck to his skin.

I stifled a laugh. “You look very... fierce.”

He glared at me, but I caught the hint of amusement in his eyes. “Let’s just get inside and clean this mess off.”

I watched in awe as Arkon gripped the edges of the service hatch. His muscles bulged, the gray skin stretching taut over hispowerful frame. With a low grunt, he pulled. The metal groaned in protest, but it was no match for Vinduthi strength.

“Careful, please,” I muttered, wincing at the sound of tearing metal.

Arkon shot me a look, his red eyes gleaming with amusement. “Worried about property damage, Samira?”

I shook my head, unable to suppress a grin. “More concerned about alerting any security systems we didn’t spot. Or worse, the local wildlife.”

He shrugged, the movement causing more of the sticky paste to flake off his shoulders. “Sometimes, finesse isn’t an option.”

With one final heave, the hatch came free. Arkon tossed it aside like it weighed nothing, the metal clanging against the station’s outer wall. I cringed at the noise, my eyes darting around feverishly.

“After you,” Arkon said, revealing a narrow crawl space. I looked at Arkon, then at the tight opening, and back to Arkon.

“This... might be a challenge,” I admitted.

Arkon sighed deeply. “After you, scientist.”

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