by Alex Kings
“We're probably going to be doing a lot of diplomatic work,” said the queen. “But we're still Glaber. We'll need to fight, and we'll need to win. We could use your skills. And … it would be nice to have you around on a more permanent basis.”
“I … don't know,” said Rurthk. “I've dreamt for so long about returning to the Glaber, and until recently I never thought it would be possible. The Outsider … I could leave it to Eloise and Olivia and Dr. Wolff. But …” He held the queen's gaze. “It's my home. It's given me a livelihood and kept me alive when I had enemies on every side. I don't think I can give it up.”
A few seconds of silence hung between them.
“I understand,” the queen said. After a moment, she smiled. “Will you consider, at least, being our courier? Now relations are improving between the Glaber Territories and the rest of the galaxy, we might see the border opening up soon. But even before it's legal, we might want to trade some items. And, even if you don't live here, we could still meet regularly.”
Rurthk smiled. “Absolutely.”
“I'm glad. Now, since your last visit, I got some new terasaur meat you might like to try out.”
*
As the Outsider was heading out of the Glaber Territories, Rurthk got a call. It was Naskis, Kaivon's sibling.
“Rurthk, hello!” said Naskis the moment the call started. His segments turned hesitantly, then he said, “I apologise if that was too informal. I can feel some of Kaivon's familiarity with you. I am still not used to the integration experience.”
“It's fine,” said Rurthk with a smile. “I'm sorry we couldn't visit earlier. We've been busy.”
“So the newscasts tell me,” said Naskis. “I suspected you were behind this.”
Rurthk nodded. “Anyway, we don't have anything urgent going on at the moment, so I can easily take the Outsider to Laikon.”
“I would appreciate that,” said Naskis. “But there is something else … do you have an engineer?”
“Not yet, no,” said Rurthk. He looked at Naskis for a moment. “Are you hoping we could hire you?”
“Yes,” said Naskis “Since the integration, I find myself far more willing to take risks, and in far more need of adventure. I have some independent engineering skills, and Kaivon has given me an intimate understanding of some parts of the Outsider. You may find a more talented engineer, but I doubt there is anyone else who understands your ship's … unique design.”
Rurthk smiled. “Okay,” he said. “No promises, but we'll stop by Laikon, and you can show me what you can do.”
“Agreed,” said Naskis. “I look forward to seeing you again, Captain.”
As Rurthk left his quarters, he met Eloise coming down the corridor.
“Looks like Laikon is our next stop,” he said. “We're getting ourselves a new engineer.”
“We could pick up a pilot too, while we're at it,” she said.
Rurthk nodded. “Although, you know, I'm starting to enjoy piloting this thing again. I might keep at it.”
“Just so long as you work on your landings,” Eloise said with a smile.
They stepped into the observation lounge and were greeted with a wave of rich smells as Dr. Wolff set about carving a large roast chicken. On the counter beside it, there was a large dish of terasaur meat (a gift from the Life queen) in a spiced fungus sauce. Olivia flitted back and forth between table and counter, helping to set everything up.
“We're nearly done!” she said.
“Very generous of you, doctor,” said Rurthk, picking up the Glaber dish. “Thank you.”
When everything was set up, the four of them settled at the table.
“You know what?” Eloise asked him with a grin.
“What?”
“After all this, we're still flying.”
Rurthk smiled back at her. “And if you're still flying, you're winning.”
Betrayals
A note from the author:
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Also by Alex Kings
The War of the Ancients Trilogy
Betrayals (prequel novella)
The Dauntless
The Destroyer of Worlds
The Reckoning
Outsiders Trilogy
Lasers, Lies and Money
Starship Swindlers
Revengers (This book)