Born of Betrayal (27 page)

“Ah, you caught that ulterior motive for switching rooms with him, did you? And here I thought I was being really slick.”

She sobered before she placed a kiss to his cheek. “I'll see you later … maybe.”

The sensation of her lips on his skin lingered like a tingling caress as he watched her walk away with that sassy, sexy swagger that was unique to her. Every part of him wanted to run after her, but he couldn't abandon his post. Not when he was covering for Talyn. The last thing he wanted to do was get his son in trouble. And he was still pissed at what he'd seen written in his son's military file.

Actions taken against Talyn because of Fain's youthful stupidity. Honestly, he was stunned Talyn could bear to be in the same room with him. It said a lot about both Galene's and Talyn's character that they could tolerate him at all.

Trying not to think about it, he went back to the commcen, where Gavarian returned the command bracelet to him and introduced Felicia's escort, the Andarion captain who definitely looked like Lorens. The boy was practically a clone of Keris's onetime friend.

“This is my brother Brach. Brach, meet Fain Hauk.”

Fain inclined his head to him. “So, you're warning me this time who your family is?”

Gavarian grinned. “I told you, I don't give up the commander's private details. Not without clearing it through him first.”

Brach snorted. “He doesn't care who takes a shot at me. My ass isn't sacred to him.”

Gavarian nodded in cantankerous agreement. “And there is that.”

“Commander?”

Fain glanced to the Tavali on his right who had spoken. “Yeah?”

“There's something weird coming through. But I don't know this language.” She handed her earpiece over to him.

Fain pressed it against his ear and listened. “You recording it?”

She nodded. “Do you know what that is?”

“I think it's Phrixian. Call Morra and get her up here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Fain caught random words from the years he'd spent listening to Darling and Maris switch in and out of languages and dialects when they were drunk, or angry and fighting with each other, but he couldn't really understand what was being said.

Morra came in, pulling on a jacket. “Yeah, boss?”

He handed the earpiece to her. “Phrixian?”

She inserted it and nodded. “Naglfari bastards … Hope all their dicks rot off.”

Fain and half his on-duty staff choked at that unexpected comment.

“It sounds like a report for Kyr. Some kind of bargain … no, pact is more precise. Blood brothers?” She handed the earpiece back to him. “It just went dead as if they realized they were being heard. Did anyone get a trace?”

The comm officer shook her head. “Somewhere on this station. Nothing more precise than that.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, Morra scowled. “There aren't any Naglfari here, are there?”

“Not that we know of. You're the only one I knew who could even identify the language.”

Morra cursed. “They definitely have to be Naglfari for you not to know their race. Let's face it. Schvardan stick out. Hard to hide in a crowd when you're lime green and glow in dim light.”

Definitely had a point. Fain brought up the file. “Here's the whole thing.”

She replaced the earpiece to listen. By her darkening expression, Fain knew it had to be bad.

“What is it?”

“Not real sure. They're speaking in code and using terms that don't make sense.”

“Such as?”

“The pickle is in the jar, and the lid is open.” She deepened her frown. “And if I'm the one they're calling the pickle, I'm going to have their pickles for lunch.”

He ignored her venomous threat. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I told you, it's mostly random phrases like that. The prize is at the top of the closet. Don't forget to turn out the lights and brush your teeth. What the hell? I think they're on drugs.”

Fain growled in frustration. “Did the voice recovery work?”

His comm officer shook her head. “I can't break the encryption.”

Fain pulled his link out and called Dancer. “Hey, I have a file up here I need you to work magic on. We need to ID the real voice on it.”

“On my way.”

Fain hung up and sighed as he tried to figure this out.

What are you up to, Kyr.…
He did his best to understand the mind-set of The League's prime commander. There was only one person he knew who
might
be able to guess it.

He glanced back to the comm officer. “Get me a copy of the file to send.”

As they worked on it, he stepped out of the room for privacy and called Maris Sulle, Kyr's younger brother and Darling Cruel's best friend. He was also a member of The Sentella and one of The League's most wanted criminals. He motioned for Morra to follow him to Galene's office.

By the time Fain reached her desk and took a seat, Maris answered the call with a groggy yawn.

Fain cringed as he realized it must be the middle of the night wherever Maris was. “Sorry, Mari. I didn't check the time or your location.”

“Mmmm, it's okay, sexy. Is something up? Besides me and you at this unholy hour.” He yawned again audibly. “Then again, it may not be unholy wherever you are, but I hope it is. I believe whole-heartedly in sharing my misery.”

Fain tried not to be amused at that comment. “I just had an interesting call we intercepted from Kyr. But it's codespeak and in Phrixian. You're the only one I know who might be able to translate it.”

“Or Saf.” Maris yawned again. “He'd know better than I, especially if it's League code. Can you please send him a copy and wake him up? Besides, he can handle the sleep dep better than I. I'm the one with a husband and infant, and he's the one gallivanting about with cheap women and no responsibilities these days as we're all still spoiling him terribly.”

“Yeah, sorry I woke you.”

“No problem.” A baby started crying in the background.

“I've got him,” Ture said near the link.

“Thanks,” Maris responded before he returned to the call. “File's here. I'll get right on this with Saf and see if we can figure it out.” He yawned yet again, making Fain feel terrible for waking them.

“I owe you.”

“Anytime, sweet cheeks. I'll call as soon as I have something.”

As Fain hung up, he noticed Morra was texting someone. “What are you doing?”

“Notifying Ryn since Nykyrian's en route with Syn. He's letting me know that their families are being prepped and locked down.” She showed him the text. “I'm personally responsible for Sumi and the kids until they arrive, and am senior Sentella officer under Hauk and Jayne.” She put the link in her pocket. “I'm not to let Hauk's family out of my sight for three seconds.”

“What was that?” Dancer scowled as he walked in on that last bit.

Fain laughed at the thought of Morra babysitting Sumi and Dancer in their bedroom. “It sounds like a plan.”

Morra chucked Dancer on the arm. “Always around to ruin your fun, eh, big guy?”

Dancer shook his head. “Just knock first before you enter. If Sumi comes awake to a stranger in the room, she'll open fire on you.”

“I've heard that about your lady. And that Kyr is still nursing his rib cage from his last encounter with her.”

“That he is. My Ger Tarra is fierce.”

“In that case, I shall awaken the hulk that is Q and send him in first.” She winked and clicked her tongue at him. “Later, fellow air-breathers.”

Dancer laughed as he turned toward Fain. “She really hates the Nagls, doesn't she?”

“With a burning passion. And now that you're here, I'm handing the helm over and going to update Galene on this. Call if you break the encryption or need me.”

“Will do.”

*   *   *

Galene smiled as she saw the paperwork she'd filed go through. “Is there anything else I need to do?” she asked the female Tavali.

“No, Commander. It's pretty much standard from here. Everything checks out. While this isn't quite the normal procedure, I can't see a reason why this shouldn't post immediately. Our goal is to place as fast as possible, so we're happy to facilitate all inquiries.”

“When will I have an answer?”

“We should have official paperwork cleared within a few hours. Once you have notice, you can take possession immediately.”

Joy rushed through her at that. She couldn't wait to surprise Fain with the news. “Thank you. I can't wait.”

“No, thank you. We appreciate your interest and hope to have this finalized no later than the morning.”

“Wonderful!” Galene hung up. Yes, this was a big commitment and change, but it was one she wanted.

For Fain.

No, for all of them. Watching Felicia with Talyn had reminded her so much of her youth, when she had made those plans with Fain. They had been robbed of sharing Talyn's childhood together. But she would make it up to Fain.

Starting now.

Her link went off. She picked it up, and bit her lip as she saw the message from Venik. This was the most important of all.
Please, please be a yes.…

With a deep breath, she opened his text with breathless anticipation.

Commander,

You insult me with such a request. The Tavali does not let our Rogue pilots go. Hauk owes tithe to me and I'm not about to give up such a valuable asset. Do not waste my time again with any more ridiculous inquiries where he's concerned.

H.A. B.V., Lord Porturnum

Tears blinded her as she read the cold, callous words and felt her hopes and dreams crash and burn with each one. So much for freeing Fain from Venik's service.

He was right. Brax would never let him go.

*   *   *

Leaving the center, Fain walked the metal corridors with a deep feeling of severe trepidation. Everyone he passed, he wondered if they were the traitor. Who would be so stupid? The Tavali weren't like other Nations. They were a highly trained, fierce warrior culture that was supposed to hold honor sacred above all. While they didn't hesitate to screw over non-Tavali, you were never, ever supposed to do harm to those who flew under Tavalian Code and Canting.

It was an automatic death sentence. The only reason Ven had gotten away with what he'd done to Fain was because he'd done it before Fain had earned his own flag. And it was why Ven hadn't blown his head off since. Why he might threaten to, but always backed down from actually pulling the trigger.

At this point, there would be an inquest and Ven would have to answer for Fain's death. He'd have to justify it to the UTC or lose his own Canting and standing.

And Fain knew what Ven did.

He wasn't worth it. So, for now, he was relatively safe from Ven's threats. Provided he didn't push his owner too far. There was a point where Ven wouldn't care, and would react without reason. Luckily, Fain hadn't found that point-of-no-return yet.

“Hey, Hauk.”

He inclined his head to Kareem's older brother, Stanis, who looked more like his Qill mother than his half-Andarion father. He was one of the few Tavalian who was almost equal to Fain's massive height and build. “Hey, Stain. Didn't realize you'd made it back to the station.”

“Yeah, just docked. Was headed in to say hi to my dad. What about you?”

“Coming off shift and headed for RNR.”

Stain nodded. “You look like you could use some.”

“Yeah, haven't slept much. There's been some weirdness going on.”

“That's what Kareem said. Heard you had a run-in with The League in the middle of our territory.”

“I did, indeed. It was a bold move on their part.”

Stain laughed. “Definitely. Glad you made it out.”

“Not half as glad as I am.”

“Hear, hear, brother.” Stain shifted the package in his hand to the other arm. “Well, I'm off to pay respects. See you around.”

He inclined his head as he watched the shorter male walk away. While Fain had never envied Ven his position or money, he had always envied him his family. Four sons and four daughters, all brilliant fighters and pilots.

And Malys Venik was no slacker herself. An incredible Qillaq warrior, she was hopelessly devoted to her husband and children. But she wasn't the most affectionate of women. Because she came from a warrior culture even more severe than the Andarions, it left her a bit cold and even less maternal than his own mother. Fain had often suspected that was what led Ven to occasionally find comfort with others when his wife was away for long periods of time.

Either that, or a death wish on Ven's part. If Malys ever learned of his dalliances, there was no telling what she'd do to her husband. For one thing was a given about all Qillaq females.

Their males only cheated once.

Why Ven would risk it, Fain couldn't imagine. He'd have given anything to be so lucky. And with that thought on his mind, he entered his side of the condo first so as not to startle his new roommate.

The door that joined his quarters to Galene's was ajar.

An awful feeling went through him. That wasn't like her. While she'd said that she would leave it open, that just meant she wouldn't lock and bar it. Not that she would actually open it like
that
. Galene didn't like open doors. She never had.

This can't be good.

Please, please be okay.

Drawing his weapon, he crouched low and pushed the door open with his foot.

His heart hammering, he froze at what he found there.

 

C
HAPTER
11

Galene looked up with a gasp to find Fain pointing his blaster at her. She held her hands up, afraid of his intent. Faster than she could react, he dropped his weapon straight to the floor and rushed to scoop her into his arms.