The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (good e books to read .txt) 📗

a lot of people for a renegade. Does Zion know you're here?” she asked.

Qilo started with a low grumble, which vibrated within in his barrel-like chest. “I haven't had the pleasure yet. Your man here says you have another job for me. Who do I have to kill this time?”

Sedom turned back to her ship. “As many Marisheio as you like. And this time, I’m providing bigger guns.” She waved, motioning to her ships. “Think you can fly one of these?”

Qilo glanced around the ship bay, not once cracking a smile, even though she knew he was beaming on the inside. She had overheard his conversations with Zion and Rosanheer about how badly he wanted to fly a Narkoy ship.

“Depending on the price,” he returned sternly.

She liked his answer as well. At least, she knew where she stood with him. “I love this man!” she screeched. She took Qilo by the arm, leading him away from Danstu. “This is a more permanent position, unlike last time. Pay is two-hundred thousand per click-turn and your own housing unit. Plus an additional hundred per month for every pilot you train. And if you steal my ship, I’ve them coded to self-destruct. I won’t hesitate to blow you out of the stars.”

“Just like last time,” Qilo smirked. “You have a deal.”

“Very well, choose your ship.” She went back to her ship, closing the engine hatch. “Let’s see what you can do.” Danstu handed Sedom a helmet. She glared at him for a moment then decided to take it.

Over an hour past when the two finally returned from their flight. Danstu was waiting for the two when they returned. Sedom emerged from her ship, looking quite pleased. She shoved the helmet into Danstu’s gut.

“Have Cidele find him suitable quarters. Qilo will be remaining with us. Step one accomplished, you found me a leader. Now get me pilots!” she ordered as she hurried away.

Qilo shook his head, trying to keep his laughter inside. “You’re her new assistant?” he asked. Danstu grunted. “Good luck with that. I’ll find Cidele. You have more important matters to contend with.”

“Don’t I know it,” Danstu huffed.

Qilo grunted amused. “You earned a piece of her respect today, if that helps you any,” he mentioned. He pointed in the direction of the door, asking if he was heading in the right direction. Danstu nodded, but instead of following Qilo, he continued to walk further into the ship bay.

Row after row he examined each ship, searching for one in particular. Several rows down, he stopped at a larger cargo ship. Across the side of the ship was the name ROLLAN. “Here you are,” he whispered to himself. He tapped the door to the ship, opening it.

“What are you doing?”

Danstu spun around, finding Cidele behind him. “Oh, it’s you.”

Cidele sauntered over to Danstu, stopping to lean against the ship. “You know if you’re planning on stealing this ship, Sedom will—“

“Order it to self-destruct? Yes, I know. I’ve already been privy to her threats. I’m going to attempt to request this ship. I need to travel to Zaltez in a few days,” he explained.

Cidele laughed. “You think Sedom will just give you a ship? And they told me you’re smart. That doesn’t sound smart.”

Danstu closed the door to the ship. “If she wants an army, she’s going to have to trust me. All I have to do is sign a formal alliance and drop off some food packs. In trade we’ll have a hundred trained personnel.”

Cidele pushed away from the side of the ship, looking him square in the eyes. “Honestly, can you be trusted?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yes.” He moved away from Cidele, feeling momentarily flushed. “I was hired to do a job, but every time I start to get ahead…” he paused, taking a moment to center himself.

“Hey,” Cidele took his hands, squeezing them reassuringly. “I was only giving you a hard time. I know you’re only trying to help. What do you need? I’ll talk to Sedom and see if I can convince her to lighten up a little.”

Danstu blinked nervously. “To do my job efficiently? I need security clearance, a keycard, and Sortec’s trust. I can do everything she requests of me, but I need freedom to do so.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to her,” she offered. Seeing the frustration in his eyes, she caressed his cheek with her palm. “You need not be so afraid of her. If she sees you wanting the same thing she does, she will love you. You just need to show her you’re part of the team,” she explained.

He released her hands. “It’s hard to believe. When I was introduced to her, she was punching the tanned skin of her enemy. That’s not something I was taught how to handle.”

Cidele’s right eyebrow rose in question. “Oh… I forgot she did that. She wanted to display Talenvanc in her office, but I told her I’d never visit. It’s just too… disgusting. Some things about her you have to get use to,” she said with a grimace. “Come, join me for mid-meal. You look like you haven’t eaten in days,” she encouraged. She wrapped her hand around his forearm, leading him away from the ship.

Sedom watched from behind another ship as the two left the bay. When they were gone, she wandered over to the ship Danstu was interested in. She looked inside seeing several cases of fuel cells and ration packs.

“Maybe he’s worth a chance?” Sedom thought to herself.

That night, Sedom poured over information pads in her quarters. She didn’t know what she was searching for, but she’d know it when she saw it. Within the first few she scanned through, she couldn’t help but notice Danstu’s unique writing style. It was direct, to the point with as many exact details as possible. She liked details. It kept her