Page 52 of Hunting the Warlord's Daughter

“Another ship?” The admiral turned to him in clear disbelief. “I thought this was an uncharted world. There are more comings and goings than the central galaxy during rush hour.”

They clustered around the holo-vis, and Johnson magnified the images until they could almost see the leaves on the trees. “Someone landed there at some point in the recent past.”

Bolivarr traced a finger around a clearing. “At least since it last rained. You can see where a ship sat. The vegetation is yellowed where the ship was. It was someone’s landing site.”

“Goddess, I hope they weren’t up to no good,” Sister Chara said. More quietly, she said, “If they were treasure hunting, I surely hope they didn’t find it.”

Berloo called from his station. “Still no response from the downed cruiser, admiral.”

Bandar placed her hands behind her back. “They’re either dead, incapacitated, or intentionally ignoring us. We have a duty to offer assistance, no matter who they are. Captain Rorkken, assemble a boarding team.”

In turn, Rorkken told Bolivarr, “You’re with me. You too, sergeant,” he told Dice. “And get Tango out of the rack. He’s my flyer.” Next, he addressed Northrune. “I’ll take two of your Marines, major. And a medic. Report to the shuttle bay.”

Major Caro stepped forward. “We’re still on level-two alert. In light of what had happened at Issenda Crossroads, and with Aral Mawndarr and possibly the warlord’s daughter last seen in a similar vessel, a level three is advised.”

“I concur, major,” Admiral Bandar replied.

“Make that four Marines,” Rorkken said. His ponytail dangled between his shoulder blades, a hint of his pirate origins. He beckoned to Bolivarr with his chin. “Shall we talk sense into those treasure-hunting fools?”

* * *

On the shuttle down to the surface of Ara Ana, Tango ran through his pilot’s checklist. “Auxiliary boosters. Check. Weapons systems online. Life support systems… Check?”

“Check,” the entire team chorused.

Rorkken gave Tango a thumbs-up, a Terran gesture they’d incorporated. “Tell them we’re ready.”

“Origins One is good to go,” Tango said over the comm.

“Cleared to launch,” theUnity’s controller replied. “Separation complete.”

The shuttle broke free of the enormous warship that never failed to awe Bolivarr.

“Wait for it,” Dice said, waving a hand at Tango. “Go ahead, sir.”

“Second star to the right and straight on till morning,” the Terran pilot said. He flipped the shuttle over on its wing and soared down to the cloud-swathed planet below.

Blinking, the Marines gripped their mag-rifles.

“Fucking tradition,” Dice explained.

The rest of the away team sounded as if they were going to a party, buzzing with excitement. Bolivarr quietly re-checked his Triad expeditionary gear. His tricolor all-climate suit would keep him warm or cool, depending on the conditions. His boots were thick but lightweight. In his pockets were his data-vis, eye shields, and pair of gloves. A triple was in his holster, the widely used, reliable, high-tech firearm of the Triad. Everything was in order, but he felt compelled to check anyway, as if he could ensure his mind was in order too. The hardware installed in his brain was the one unknown. A big one.

He could still smell Hadley’s floral scent on him. He might be inventorying the items on his utility belt, but all he could see was Hadley’s expression as she watched him walk off the bridge. She looked as if she feared he wouldn’t return.

What if the man she thought she loved didn’t return?

He rubbed the dull throb above his temples. Seeking her out last night had been instinctive, necessary. She’d welcomed him into her bed without question, calming him, steadying him, giving him hope there was still a chance he’d prove Sister Chara’s disturbing revelations wrong. But he should have made love to her. She’d wanted him. He shouldn’t have held back. If only to reassure her she owned his heart. Hadley worried about lost loves. Well, it wasn’t as if he was going to bump into any on the surface of Ara Ana.

He’d return to Hadley a whole man—if the fates were on his side.

Dice elbowed him. “You ready to kick some looter ass, my man?”

“Aye.” Bolivarr smiled. “To the far end of the galaxy.”

Captain Rorkken grinned at them. They might be joking around, but no one would forget the last time they were together on a mission. Dice had almost gotten killed.

As if he’d guessed Bolivarr’s thoughts, Rorkken told the team, “Keep your heads straight out there. Don’t underestimate who we’re up against. Looters they may be, sorry-ass pickpockets and thieves, but anyone who made it this far into the Uncharted Territories isn’t to be trifled with. They’re serious about business, and they’ll kill to keep it. That said…” Rorkken shook his fist. “Let’s go kick some treasure hunter ass!”

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