Page 29 of Star Bringer
“Hush, Merrick,” the little high priestess says. “They’re not going to want a reward. They’re nice people. You’re forgetting, Mr. Ian saved all our lives back there.”
Merrick shakes his head, I’m guessing because he’s as bewildered by her outlook as I am. But he continues like she hadn’t interrupted. “And we can see that Princess Kalinda gets home safely afterward.”
The princess frowns. “Except I can’t go to Serati. I have to go to Askkandia. Right now.”
“And no doubt what the princess wants, the princess gets,” Beckett mutters. “Why? Are you more important than the rest of us?”
That silences the princess, but there’s a furrow between her eyes as though she doesn’t quite understand the question. Finally, she clears her throat and says, “Not more important.”
The way she says it tells the rest of us that yes, she does think she’s more important. Even before she adds, “I’m a princess. And you’re…”
She seems so bewildered that it’s all I can do not to laugh.
Beckett doesn’t even bother to try. When she laughs, it’s not a pleasant sound. “I don’t think that will get you very far on this ship,Princess.”
I straighten up a little at Beckett’s tone—I don’t actually like her calling KaliPrincessin that way. I reserve that little pleasure for myself.
I look around to see if anyone else has got anything to add, any suggestions as to where we should go and what we should do before I tell them exactly what’s going to happen. But everyone has gone quiet. Even the princess.Especiallythe princess. I think it’s finally dawning on her that she’s not in charge here.
It’s about fucking time. And while I don’t like my idea much more than anybody else’s, it’s the only way to get the information we need now that we lost theReformerwhen the station went down. Yeah, it’s a long shot, but when it comes to Milla, I’ll take any shot I get. Even ones that might—and bymightI meanprobably will—get me killed.
With that thought in mind, I break the now awkward silence. “We’re heading for Vistenia.”
At first, no one says anything; then: “Vistenia? Why?” This from the Merrick guy.
I normally don’t like being questioned, but I’ll give a little leeway this once, because they don’t know me yet and likely everything will go more smoothly with a little cooperation.
“TheReformer’s home port is on Vistenia. We’re going to get access to the records and see if we can find out where she was heading.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Max says in my mind, his tone rife with amusement.
“Just greasing the wheels,” I respond.
“Since when do you bother with grease? Usually you just shoot anything that opposes you.”
“I’m practicing my diplomatic skills,” I answer with a shrug. “Plenty of time to shoot something—or someone—later.”
He laughs but gets serious fast. “You know those records were probably doctored—if they even exist. It’s not like what theReformerwas doing is exactly legal.”
“A reason to keep Gage around for a little while longer.” A very little while. “He may be an asshole, but he’s skilled as shit. He can track any abnormalities. Plus he’s Corporation—once we find the ship, he can get us the info we need to find Milla.”
“True.” Max pauses to consider for several seconds. “Vistenia’s not the worst place to hide out.”
“Not even close.” That honor is reserved for Askkandia herself, with all her politicians and “very important people.”
Vistenia doesn’t have anyone important, at least not by Council standards.
It’s mostly farmers, and they’re a pretty placid bunch, most of whom have never gone hungry, so they don’t get all defensive the way people from other planets tend to. And since security is almost nonexistent there, it’s a better place than most to hole up while we decide what to do next.
“What do you care about where theReformerwas heading?” Beckett asks.
“It’s that Milla person, isn’t it?” the princess says. “You’re still looking for her.”
Of course I’m still fucking looking for her. It’s not like I’m going to stop. I couldn’t even if I wanted to, and neither could Max.
I don’t answer, but that doesn’t mean she stops pushing.
“Just who is she to you? I know she’s someone important.”
