Page 85 of Alien Mercenary's Wife
"Fuck me." Murphy hissed and ran a hand through his hair. "I had no knowledge of this. None whatsoever."
He snapped a look at T'Raal. "These veterans—are they safe now?"
"Two are receiving Imperial medical treatment. The others..." T'Raal shrugged. "We'll find them, protect them, and make sure they get justice. With your permission for the Warborne to operate on Earth, of course."
"Granted." Murphy's agreement was instant. "And Nexus Dynamics?"
"Will face justice," T'Raal said. "Through human courts or Imperial intervention."
Murphy's expression hardened as he shook his head. "They'll face justice through human courts. This happened on Earth, to human citizens. That makes itmyjurisdiction." He paused, studying both men. "Though I appreciate any evidence you can provide."
T'Raal studied the human president.
"Can we trust you?" he asked bluntly.
Murphy grinned, the expression transforming his serious features. "How's Sparky doing these days?"
T'Raal blinked, the question so unexpected it took him a moment to process. "Sparky? He's... what does that have to do with anything?"
"Just curious about an old teammate." Murphy's smile widened. "We served together, back in the day. Tell him Buchanan says hi when you see him."
Understanding dawned. "You're NOMAD."
"Was NOMAD. These days, I'm just a president trying to keep his people safe." Murphy's expression grew serious again. "Which includes keeping them safe from asshole corporationsthat like to murder people. You have my word that this will be investigated thoroughly."
The sound of approaching engines drew their attention upward. Latharian troop ships dropped from orbit, their blocky hulls bearing the Imperial seal.
"That's our ride," Daaynal said, clasping Murphy's shoulder in farewell. "Thank you, Cameron. For everything."
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention." Murphy looked at T'Raal. "Your Highness, a pleasure to meet you. I'd appreciate it if you could keep me updated on the status of the veterans under your protection. And please let me know if I can do anything for them."
"Of course." T'Raal nodded, starting to respect the human president. "Murphy?"
The human tilted his head slightly. "Yes?"
"Sparky would ask if you want anything blown up."
Murphy laughed, the sound carrying genuine warmth. "Same old Sparky. Tell him I'll keep that in mind if I need any creative problem-solving."
"You might want to use his proper title now. He's now King Jayce of Ryed Tanneth. He married into royalty and won't let anyone forget it."
"King Jayce?" Murphy's grin widened. "Christ, that must be insufferable. How's everyone else handling it?"
"About as well as you'd expect." He chuckled. "My daughter threatens to space him when he gets too pompous."
"Your daughter married Sparky?" Murphy's expression shifted between amusement and disbelief.
"One of her husbands," Daaynal interjected with evident satisfaction. "And as my granddaughter's husband, he is also a prince of the lathar as well."
T'Raal shot his father a surprised look. He hadn't expected Daaynal to so readily embrace his unconventional family. Daaynal winked.
"A prince of the lathar?" Murphy shook his head. "Well fuck me. Anyway… that makes himyourproblem now. So, it's a win-win for me."
"Asshole." Daaynal chuckled. "Oh, and remember next week's ball, the Vorrtan are sending a new ambassador, and I've heard she's an absolute ball-buster."
Amusement filled Murphy's face. "I don't know why you lot have such trouble with the Vorrtan. You just have to know how to speak to a lady, that's all."
"Yeah, yeah. See you there," Daaynal waved a hand in dismissal, shaking his head as he turned and headed to the transports.
