Page 7 of Alien's Love Child

"Course. Though getting in touch might be tricky, given recent events."

His story sounds rehearsed, practiced. But there's something in the way he holds himself – military straight, despite trying to appear casual. Could be legitimate. Could also be police, or worse.

"What route did you say you worked?" I ask, watching his reaction.

"Alliance. Mainly raw ore runs from the mining colonies."

I tap my fingers against my thigh, considering. Of course he'd run in Alliance routes, he's Kaleidian. As if someone from Kalei would find themselves doing work for Ataxians. And sure, piracy has been seeing quite the surge on the border between Alliance and Unaligned territory.

There's a scar right above his eye that looks pretty fresh and shiny. And there's one more thing I can't deny: we're low on muscle.

My gaze drifts over Davin's broad shoulders. The Kaleidian's built like a battleship, and even trying to appear harmless, he radiates the kind of presence that makes people step aside. The kind of presence I definitely lack.

"Look," I say, crossing my arms. "I've got a tight crew. Me, my pilot, and..." I gesture vaguely toward the station. "Thing is, we run into situations. Situations where looking scary comes in handy."

"And you're thinking I fit that description?"

"You've seen yourself in a mirror lately?" A smile tugs at my lips. "I'm five-four on a good day. My pilot's even shorter. Our muscle's still growing into his scales."

Davin raises an eyebrow. "The Vakutan? Bit young for this line of work."

"That obvious, huh?"

"The way he moves. Still adapting to his adult frame."

I nod. Taluk tries, bless him, but anyone who knows anything about Vakutans can spot his age. He can intimidate a human male, no problem, but anyone else has the experience to clock him as a youth.

"Right now, I have to wave my blaster around more often than I'd like. Gets messy. Having someone who can make people think twice just by standing there? That's worth its weight in credits."

"Assuming I'm interested in your line of work."

"Assuming you're not Alliance looking to bust my operation." I shrug. "We both know your story's got more holes than a meteor-struck hull."

His expression doesn't change, but something shifts in his stance. "That obvious, huh?"

"Cap?" Taluk's voice carries across the pad. He jogs toward us, concern on his face. "Everything okay? Rena sent me to check-"

"Actually," Davin cuts in before Taluk can reach us, "I should come clean. That Alliance cargo story? Not exactly true."

My hand stays near my blaster. "Do tell."

"Ran with the Sirius Syndicate. Big operation, until three weeks ago when Alliance enforcement caught up with us." He runs a hand through his silver hair. "I got out while the rest got caught. Not proud of it, but in this business..." He shrugs. "Sometimes you've got to look after yourself."

The pieces click into place – his military bearing, the fresh scar, the quality clothes. The Sirius bust was all over the feeds. My shoulders relax slightly. "Now that's a story I believe."

Taluk's scales ripple, a sure sign he's agitated. "We don't need another crew member. I handle security just fine."

"Kid, no offense, but you telegraph your moves before you make them." Davin's blue features soften slightly. "I could show you a few things. Military hand-to-hand might serve you better than whatever street fighting you're using."

"I don't need your help." Taluk's hands curl into fists. "And I'm not a kid."

"Didn't mean to suggest-"

"Sure sounded like it."

I step between them before Taluk's pride writes checks his skills can't cash. "Cool it, both of you. Taluk, head back to Rena. Tell her I'll be there in a minute."

"But-"

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