Page 59 of Hunting the Warlord's Daughter

Admiral Bandar’s expression could freeze an ocean. Hadley felt its frost from across the bridge. “They’re not exactly bargaining from a position of strength.”

“I have a formal statement from the crew of theResilience.” Rorkken read from his data-vis: “In accordance with the Abandoned Treasure Act of 3801, they claim ownership of the Goddess-treasure.”

Admiral Bandar whirled to Tadlock. “Can there be any claim?”

“Well, admiral, wearein the Uncharted Territories, well outside of Triad-controlled space, so they technically can assert ownership. They landed before we did. With treasure hunting, when the rightful owner of the booty is unclear—as it is here—and if the treasure is so old that no one is left alive to claim it.” Tadlock sighed. “We would have to dispute their claim using legal means.”

Bandar fisted her hands behind her back. “Legal means. Bah. Their claim is a threat to galactic security.”

Rorkken folded his arms. “They won’t cooperate if they think we’ll throw ’em in the brig. Which, as it stands right now, after talking with them, I’m officially going on record as saying I’m not in favor.”

“What?” Bandar looked ready to pummel Rorkken through the speaker. “The woman is accused of a double homicide.”

“One guardian attacked the other. She acted in self-defense.”

“A court can decide.”

“No, Brit.” It wasn’t often that Captain Rorkken called the admiral by her given name. “This woman has no love for the loyalists. In fact, her hatred for them scared me a little. I’m glad she’s on our side.”

“And Aral Mawndarr?” she pressed. “Bolivarr killed the father. So despite that, I suppose I shouldn’t assume the worst.”

“You mean Karbon’s baseless accusations Aral aspired to be the next warlord?”

The admiral pursed her lips. It was like a verbal lightball match. Bandar had allowed Rorkken the volley. “So, what are you saying? Invite the trio to dinner? Then go treasure hunting in the morning?”

“What I’m saying is that they hold all the cards. If we want access to the sanctum, we’ve got to give them a reason to trust us.”

“Givemea reason to trust them.”

Sister Chara stepped forward. “Bolivarr.”

* * *

Wren cradled the scripture and glared at Aral. “They agreed to amnesty in exchange for the lost scripture.”

“Amnesty—bah. You committed no crime.”

“Citizenship then. I’ll take it. We can be free, Aral. My gut says the Triad wants this sad saga behind them as much as we do.”

“A guess? Intuition? I will not hand you over to the executioner on a hunch, Wren.”

“Bolivarr will never let that happen.”

“He’s a lieutenant. A junior officer. He has no power.”

“I do. I have power.” She patted the book then pulled him down for a kiss. “I know you’re not really mad. You’re worried. But the priestesses are on my side. There’s a sister on the ship. I’ll show her what I found. Worst case, it buys us time to think our way out of this. I’d rather be doing so on a warship named theUnityin the Uncharted Territories than in a holding cell on a prison barge headed back to the Ring.”

He grimaced. “Blast it, woman, you win.” He kissed her hard and fast. “This time.”

“Are you ready to do this then?”

“Aye…”

Bolivarr was waiting for them with Kaz by the base of the ramp. Such love and admiration for Aral shone in his eyes, it made it hard for Wren to believe he would let them be harmed. Then she thought of Ilkka and Sabra, of the warlord’s personal guards and the coup they had allowed. Loyalties changed when tested. She shook off her doubts, slid her hand in Aral’s, and boarded the shuttle.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

TheUnity’sbridge staff awaited the arrival of the group from Ara Ana. Hadley made arrangements for refreshments in the conference room. A former battlelord and the warlord’s daughter nibbling on biscuits. It was a little hard to imagine.

---