Page 69 of On a Rogue Planet
“No, she was gone when we found you,” Xander answered. “I take it you didn’t get the invite.”
Nik shook his head. “I’m sorry, Xander.”
Mal watched Xander’s face. She knew no one could read him like her.
He was on the edge. His jaw was clenched so tight she was worried it would shatter. If he couldn’t save his planet… Mal was really worried about him.
“Where does that leave us?” Justyn sank into the chair beside Nik.
“We’ll have to find another way to locate Technis.” Mal tried to put as much determination into her tone as she could.
Justyn frowned. “I don’t know of anyone else on Galaxy’s Edge who received an invite.”
“We’ll sneak in, then,” she said.
“Tough to do. Forge’s security is legendary. Has to be when your planet wanders the galaxy, encountering who knows what.”
They all lapsed into silence.
Xander’s next words were low and dangerous. “I will hunt down Nera Darc and get the invite. If she won’t give it to me, I’ll kill her.”
“Xander!” Mal’s heart stuttered. She’d never seem him so icy.
“Wait a second—” Nik started.
Xander gave a vicious shake of his head. “Enough playing. My people are running out of time. Iwillget the invite. Whatever I have to do.”
Mal closed her eyes for a second. In her heart, she knew Xander was an honorable man. His duty was vital to him but if he crossed this line… She knew he’d killed, but outright murder wasn’t him.
“Let’s get out of here.” Nik started to rise, then he paused and patted the pocket of his black trousers. He sank back into the chair and from his pocket he withdrew a beaten square of metal. With a frown, he studied it, then his face cleared of every emotion. His eyes closed for a second, then he handed the metal out to Xander. “I think this is for you.”
Xander stared at the square, his gaze shooting to Nik’s. Justyn and Mal both leaned over. She couldn’t make anything out of the strange strokes engraved on the metal.
“Well, fuck me,” Justyn said, a small smile on his lips. “What the hell did you do to her, Phoenix?”
Nik shook his head. “Nothing.”
“What is it?” Mal snapped.
Xander looked down at her. “It’s the invite to Forge’s ball.”
Mal looked at Nik. “She just gave it to you?”
“It appears so.”
“I don’t like this. Dath and Z won’t either.”
Nik fingered the side of his neck. “Well, it just shows that Nera Darc continues to be as unpredictable as ever.”
Xander gripped Malin’s arm. “We have the invite. Now, we need to get to Technis.”
Nik nodded. “We need to take on some supplies for the trip.”
“And you’ll need the coordinates for the portal for the Via Maris Bridge,” Justyn said. “I can help with that.”
“Well, looks like we’re going to a ball.” She let her gaze travel down Xander’s long form. “I need a ball gown, and you need a tuxedo.”
Xander watchedas theInfinitaspushed back from Galaxy’s Edge and Zayn maneuvered the ship away from the station.
