Page 81 of Soros
“Limak is playing a dangerous game,” Nerix, who sat next to Zobran, muttered. “Star is already in danger because of her wealth. Now, he’s starting a war between her and the Malbreean leaders. She’s a target if there ever was one.”
I moved in my seat, unsure what to do.
“You worry about your and Tania’s safety, don’t you?” Lios asked me.
Looking to the side, I saw Star in a conversation with Tania and Imiron. Lowering my voice, I admitted to the men across from me, “If Star lives with us, we all become targets. I’m already at risk because of my job. I don’t like to expose Tania to that kind of danger.”
“I understand.” Nerix drank from his cone-shaped glass and returned it to a hole in the table. “Star needs to be set up with heavy security. I’ve told her and you have to promise me that you’ll help her when you get back to Eidrona.”
“Of course.”
Nerix looked troubled and I could tell he was torn from having to leave with the crew to go on their next mission before he felt that Star had been settled in and was secured.
“Limak and I have shown Star how to access the free capital that she has available already. Honestly, even if she doesn’t succeed in selling the Zorlack business empire, she’ll still be set for at least ten lifetimes. But Limak said that it’s only six percent of what she’s expected to end up with.
“What was that?” Star asked. “I thought I heard you say my name.”
“I just told them that you now have access to funds. You’ll need it when you hire security staff on Eidrona,” Zobran said.
“Only pick staff that you trust. Use that gut feeling we talked about,” Nerix warned her. “And by the way, can I ask one of you three to deliver a gift to my mother when you get to Eidrona? I haven’t seen her for far too long and now with the war in the Blitton Belt…” Nerix trailed off and turned his glass before adding, “Well, you never know, so I want her to have a gesture from me.”
I was fully aware of the severe losses that the Federation had suffered and how many soldiers had died trying to defend the local population from the invasion of the Malbreeans.
“Why don’t you come along and give it to your mother yourself?” Star suggested.
Nerix shook his head. “I wish I could, but we’re leaving very soon.”
With large pleading eyes, Star asked Nerix, “But what if I paid you to protect me? I have funds now and you said I should pick staff that I trust. I trust you.”
Everyone was silent around the table, staring at Nerix.
“I’ll pay you double what you make now,” Star offered and then she looked at Zobran. “Can I do that?”
Zobran nodded. “Easily.”
Nerix looked at Cacala. “I can’t just abandon the crew. I’ve been on theGreat Defenderfor so long and now that my cousin is a part of it, I have to protect her as well.”
Lios leaned forward. “I’ll make it easy for you. You’re fired.”
“What do you mean?”
“You should be jumping at this opportunity to double your salary and protect someone you clearly care about. I’ve filled the three empty positions and I can fill yours too. We have Cacala, another Eidron soldier with experience, and I even managed to hire an Ugon like myself. We’ll be fine. You are a superior soldier, Nerix, but you’re also annoying with all your complaints and criticism. You haven’t been happy for a long time. Get Star settled in and then apply for your own ship. You have the seniority to become a captain yourself. We both know you’re way past taking orders from me.”
“You’re really firing me?” Nerix crossed his arms and looked pissed.
“Yes. Star needs you more than we do.”
“Please say yes,” Star begged.
Nerix unfolded his arms and moved a little in his seat and then his expression softened. “Alright. In that case. I’ll do it.”
I felt enormous relief because Star’s safety had been on Tania’s and my shoulders. After our visit to the Ugon Master, we had decided that we were moving to Eidrona. Tania had been full of enthusiasm and said that we were going to inspire Eidrons with our love story. Star hadn’t hesitated before she accepted our invitation to come with us. She was a lost soul, alone in the world, and her friendship with Tania was a lifeline.
With Nerix taking on the role as Star’s bodyguard, I felt calmer now. It would be hard enough to integrate one hybrid human into Eidron life, but two had worried me more than I had expressed. With Star being the richest person in the Universe, there was an added threat to consider. Leaning in, I kissed Tania, who knew how I felt. She nuzzled my nose and whispered, “This is good.”
“Yes. Nerix coming along is amazing.”
Nerix was Eidron like me. He would know his way around and it took off a lot of pressure from my shoulders.
