Page 15 of Crossing Quinn

A spasm of disgust crossed Detja’s face.

Quinn grimaced. “What caused the bites?”

“Var bugs.” I sent them an image of the spiny critter. “They like our blood, and their bite leaves itchy sores.” I switched the surveillance camera to the freighter. Nilus’s warriors were blasting away at the mass of bugs surrounding them.

“The planet needs a good exterminator,” Quinn remarked.

“We tried exterminating them. It didn’t work.”

Quinn’s gaze slid over me. “You’re not covered in bites. You found some way to beat them.”

“Mami mixed insect repellant from Earth with neem oil and cala lotion. The bugs won’t come anywhere near us now.”

“My long-range scanner shows a high level of subatomic particles bombarding the planet,” Quinn said.

I nodded. “It’s the reason the Nabateans fled their world. Nilus and my uncle failed to do proper planetary scans. My uncle has already received a near lethal dose. Nilus’s warriors will start feeling the effects shortly.”

Detja interjected, “What level of protection does your biosuit provide?”

“Level eight. Quinn’s battle armor should be sufficient.”

“Good,” Detja replied. “What are Nilus’s warriors wearing?”

“Level five.”

“The ones who removed their helmets are already suffering from sun poisoning,” Detja pointed out.

I smiled. Their skin was blistering nicely.

More and more var bugs exploded from the sand. Firing wildly, the warriors retreated toward the ruins. The bugs scurried after them, creating a deafening symphony of rattling clicks.

“Noisy little suckers.” Quinn turned his attention to me. “Your hiding place is secure?”

“It is.” I sent him the coordinates.

“Got ‘em. Stay put until I get there.”

“How far out are you?”

“My ETA is about ninety minutes.”

I shook my head. “I can’t wait that long. I have to retrieve my mother before Nilus gets his slimy hands on her.”

Every inch a warlord, Quinn commanded, “You will do as you’re told.”

He seriously thought he could order me about? I made a rude noise. “Not a chance.”

“Are you suicidal?”

“Suicidal? No. Determined? Yes. I promised my father I would protect my mother.”

“Have you forgotten you’re outnumbered and outgunned? You won’t do your mother any good if you’re dead.”

“Has it slipped your tiny little mind that I’m an illusionist?”

“And a fire starter,” Detja inserted. “Lysis trained Xenia. She is a very capable warrior.”

A no-nonsense glint in his eyes, Quinn’s asked, “Are you planning on carrying your mother across the sand on your back?”

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