Page 29 of Star Champion

Jemm shook her head. “I wouldn’t know what one looked like.”

“If they’d shown half the interest in helping the frontier as they do marrying into theVash Nadah,Barésh might not have the problems you’ve described. But that’s a political debate best saved for another day.” He swiped his card at Tube J’s entry. The gate slid open. “Next time you come, that’s all you have to do.”

“If I can get past the checkpoint.”

“Oh, you will. Trust me on that.” He hesitated, seeming to sniff the air.

“What?” Nervously, she hoped the soap she had used wasn’t too sweet-smelling and thus not boyish enough. It was all they had in the apartment.

He shook his head. “Nothing. I thought I… It’s not important. How is your arm, by the way?”

“The salve you gave me healed it.”

He made a sound of relief in his throat. “I expected I’d have to summon a physician.”

“They don’t treat mineworkers.”

“What? Why not?”

“Mostly because we can’t afford it. We have access to potions for most ailments at the markets.”

“They would not have dared to refuse my request, no matter whom I wanted seen.” His lips compressed with disapproval. “I don’t see how your colony’s physicians can justify hiding behind compound walls, barricaded from the masses they’re bound by oath to treat.”

“Because there’s more money to be made taking care of the rich and powerful.” He must know that. Everyone did. Why did he seem so surprised? Despite what Sir Klark might think was right or wrong, on Barésh Trade Federation law had never applied to anyone but the elites. She had heard of Earth, but their involvement remained just another unconfirmed rumor. Barésh had no champion. “So, there’s no physician on your ship?”

“No. A trip of this short length didn’t necessitate one. Several staff members are trained in first aid, however.” As if sensing there was more to her question, he looked her over. “Why?”

She cleared her throat. “Just curious.” She wasn’t going to ask him to help Ma until she accomplished what she had come here to do: play bajha to the best of her ability.

“I see you traveled here dressed in full gear, Kes. That isn’t necessary, either. There is a locker room and showers on board my ship for your use.”

None of which she would be using. On this ship she would need to hold fast to both her wits and her clothing.

“Where is your manager, by the way? Nico?”

“He…couldn’t make it.”

“Couldn’t make it? I’m surprised Nico is absent when he seemed so eager to participate last night.” He glanced with renewed concern at her jaw. “Does it by chance have anything to do with the bruises on your face?”

He was too perceptive. “We ran into a scheduling conflict,” she hedged.

Sir Klark made a sound in his throat that was amused and annoyed at the same time. “You hold up quite well under interrogation, Kes.”

“You’ll soon learn to give Sir Klark the information he desires.” Kuentin the starpilot’s grin conveyed patience, even affection, toward his master. “The players’ welfare matters to him, and not only in the arena.”

“Kuentin is right.” TheVasheyed her as they paused at the top of the gangway. “I take care of my own. However, you didn’t answer my question.”

She tried to form the best answer. “We had a conflict of interest with the owner of the club where I fight on Eighthnights. Nico had to stay behind because of it.”

She could tell her answer had not satisfied him. Worse, it had generated both his curiosity and concern. But by then they were climbing up the gangway with a hollow cacophony of boots clanging against metal and rivets. The hatch hissed open and they entered the ship.

Vast banks of electronics filled the area to her right—the flight deck, complete with a pair of seats in front of joysticks, from where the ship was controlled by the pilots. Myriad crisp and tiny lights glowed like miniature stars. A huge window in the nose of the vessel framed a view of the docks but would show the expanse of open space when underway. Seats of pristine real leather were placed here and there, harnesses limp without bodies to fill them.

Her first glimpse of the interior of a starship. She hoped it was not her last. It was better than anything she had imagined. To the left, a corridor reached deeper into the vessel. Before she could absorb more of the amazing sight, a different starpilot greeted them.

“You’re Kes,” he said with a friendly smile. “Commander Belkar here. Welcome.” He peered behind her. “Weren’t there going to be two of you?”

“Aye. My manager couldn’t make it.”

---