Page 9 of Marked By the Bounty Hunter

“He’s looking for someone too.”

The Nexian’s skin darkened slightly. “Follow me.”

She led us to a private booth at the back of the shop. The space was cramped - clearly not designed for someone my size. My leg pressed against Nalina’s as we sat. She didn’t pull away.

Dasari activated several devices built into the table. White noise generators hummed to life. The air rippled with electromagnetic interference.

“Speak freely,” she said. “But quickly. It is hard to believe that a Vinduthi is here for one such as Jevik. Who are you really searching for?”

“Dr. Ravika Gondon,” I said, watching her filaments tremble at the name. “And I suspect the Consortium knows exactly where she is.”

“Ah.” Her skin darkened further. “Now I understand why you brought this one to my shop, Nalina.”

“Name your price,” I said.

“Those Thandorian power crystals you’ve been trying to source?” Nalina’s smile was careful. “Odra mentioned you’d been asking.”

Dasari’s filaments quivered with sudden interest. “The stabilized ones?”

“He just got a shipment in. And he owes me a favor.”

“Crystals alone are not enough.” Dasari’s fingers tapped the table. “Not with the new security protocols making my usual supply routes... complicated.”

“I might know someone in port authority,” Nalina said carefully. “Someone who’s good at making sure papers match stories.”

A long pause as Dasari studied us both. Her filaments trembled slightly. Finally, her fingers began dancing across her data pad. “A worthy trade. Especially if delivery could be... expedited.”

She displayed a station schematic. “Three days ago, Jevik spoke with maintenance staff. Seeking access codes. He was... unwell. Shaking. His scales had dulled.”

“And Dr. Gondon?” I pressed.

“Arrived four months ago. All proper credentials.” Dasari’s filaments twitched. “But her equipment requests were unusual. Neural monitors. Endurance testing chambers. And then she disappeared, even from my sight.” She paused. “The old hydroponics labs have been drawing power again.”

“That’s where Jevik was headed,” Nalina breathed.

“Yes. Though reaching him may be difficult. Security patrols have increased in that sector.” Dasari’s fingers stilled. “They search methodically.”

I exchanged glances with Nalina. She’d gone pale, likely remembering how he’d looked in her bar.

My mind raced, connecting pieces. “The environmental system modifications...”

“Connect to the hydroponics network,” Dasari finished. “I have mapped unusual power draws in that sector. Here.” She displayed a station schematic. “These access points show recent activity.”

“But?” Nalina prompted.

“Consortium security has increased patrols in those areas.” Dasari’s fingers stilled. “They search methodically. It is only a matter of time.”

“Why give us this?” I studied her. “What else do you want?”

“Protection.” Her filaments vibrated faster. “I have tracked similar patterns across multiple stations. Scientists disappear. Return changed. Their research redirects to new focus areas.”

She leaned forward. “My surveillance systems detect increased monitoring of this shop. I require... insurance. Perhaps your Vinduthi brethren would be willing to make a deal.”

Before I could respond, her filaments went rigid...

“Speaking of monitoring...” She checked a display. “Consortium agents have entered Green Section. Three minutes until they reach this location.”

I looked at Nalina. Her jaw was set, eyes bright with determination.

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