Spy (Battle Born Book 8)

by Cyndi Friberg

  “What will they do with the captives?” She could still see their traumatized faces, their wide vacant eyes.

  “They’ll be treated by a medical team, then offered counseling and support. But ultimately it’s their choice if they stay on Lunar Nine and let us help them. We won’t compound their misery by refusing to take them home.”

  “Isn’t that what Indigo was hired to do, help an earlier victim of those monsters regain control of her life?”

  Kaden nodded, his expression suddenly tense. “The woman Indigo was hired to help is now Raylon’s mate.”

  “Do you mean Chandar, the female harbinger? Indigo mentioned her, but didn’t say anything about her being on the Relentless.”

  He nodded again and shifted her to the seat beside him. “I didn’t realize you knew anything about her.”

  She shrugged, hoping she hadn’t just gotten Indigo in trouble. “I know little more than her name and that her prophetic abilities are extraordinary. Indigo didn’t say much more than that.”

  “I probably shouldn’t have either. It really is Chandar’s story to tell.” He reached over and took her hand.

  She appreciated the effort, but nothing could ease her disappointment at not having found Libby. “Is Chandar happy with Raylon?” She wasn’t sure why she asked, she just needed to get her mind off Libby.

  “I believe so. They certainly seem happy.”

  “Then I look forward to meeting her.”

  Torrin charted a wide, banked course around the moon then lined up an approach to Lunar Nine. Silence descended as they passed through the cavern’s mouth and headed for their designated slip.

  “I’m so sorry, love. I really thought we’d find Libby on that ship.”

  Tears threatened all over again, so all Lexie could do was nod.

  They docked and Torrin opened the hatch for them while he started his post-flight inspection.

  Lexie stood then looked at Kaden. “Can someone take me home? I need to think, maybe take a long hot bath and see where I went wrong?” He looked disappointed, but she was too upset to care if she hurt his feelings. They’d failed. Libby was still…only God knew where.

  “I have a better idea.” He told Torrin to bio-stream them to the Intrepid, then asked her to gather what she’d need for an overnight stay. He went to the outer room of his cabin to make the arrangements then quickly gathered a clean uniform and his personal items, putting everything into a small shoulder bag.

  “Ready?” He swung the bag onto his shoulder and held out his hand.

  “Where are we going? And why won’t you take me home?”

  “You don’t need to be alone right now, so I asked Raylon if I could reserve one of the suites in the Pavilion for a night or two. Each suite has its own jetted tub.”

  Indigo’s smiling image appeared in Lexie’s mind and she tensed. “I don’t want to see anyone right now. I just want some time to think.”

  “We can bio-stream over,” he suggested. “I’m the only one you have to see.”

  She wasn’t even sure she wanted to see him, but she didn’t argue. Twenty minutes later she was chin deep in warm, swirling water. The suite was large and luxurious, nothing like the compact cabins on the ships. With gleaming fixtures and marbleized tile everywhere, the bathroom rivaled many found in five-star hotels on Earth.

  Kaden tapped on the bathroom door and she sighed. He was being so nice. It wasn’t fair to shut him out completely. “Come in.”

  The door eased inward, but he stayed in the doorway. “Thought you might like something to drink.” He held a bottle of wine and two glasses. “And someone to help you sort through your thoughts?”

  “I’m not very good company right now,” she warned.

  “I’ll risk it.” He winked, then moved farther into the humid room.

  He’d taken off his boots, but still wore his socks, she noticed as he paused at the counter to fill the glasses. “Blood wine?” she asked as the rich red liquid filled one glass and then the other.

  “Do you want to try something else? Most Rodyte drinks are as spicy as our food, but you might like some of the Ontarian selections.”

  “No. Blood wine is fine.”

  He handed her one of the glasses then closed the lid on the commode so he could sit. “I’d like you to take me back through your investigation step by step, everything you did, everything you learned. Be as detailed as you can.”

  For the next hour and a half she retraced her steps, from Libby’s roommates’ frantic phone call to the day she sneaked aboard Zilor’s shuttle. The jets not only recirculated the water, they kept it warm, so she was in no hurry to leave the soothing tub. “Aliens are still the only thing that makes sense,” she concluded. “Amber and Jodi are spirited, but they know what they saw.”

  “My mind went straight to bio-streaming, but there is another possible explanation for the disappearances.” He’d long since drained his wine and set his glass aside.

  “Go on.” She finished her second glass and handed it to him.

  He took both glasses to the counter before he answered. “Teleportation. What if the original kidnappers were hunters off the Relentless and the other two were able to teleport? That makes it seem more like a rescue than two hunter teams fighting over the same female.”

  Unfortunately, it sounded like he was grasping at straws. “Anyone who cared enough to rescue her would have released her by now or at least let her call her roommates to let them know she was all right.”

  “Not necessarily.” Rather than returning to the commode, he sat on the edge of the tub. “What if the rescuer had another reason for wanting to create a disruption, but didn’t want to see Libby hurt.”

  “Just spit it out. Clearly you have someone in mind.”

  “Ulrik Tandori or members of his tribe.”

  She sank down in the swirling water, not sure that she had the strength to entertain another theory. Hope was so cruel when it was taken away. “Who is Ulrik Tandori and what does he gain by kidnapping Libby?”

  He trailed his fingertips in the water, his expression growing distant. “Tandori Tribe came to Earth over a hundred years ago to avoid fighting in our ongoing war with Bilarri. They’re pacifists, so they chose to find a different place to live rather than fighting and dying in a war they didn’t support.”

  “Okay. Still don’t see what it has to do with Libby.”

  “Ulrik went head to head with Garin a few weeks back and lost, big time. Garin sent him back to Earth with his tail tucked between his legs and Ulrik isn’t about to forget about it. He’s pissed off and ready to hurt us in any way he can.”

  “Us being the battle born?”

  “Yes. If females start disappearing and it’s blamed on the battle born, it will undermine our ability to recruit willing females. Garin has assured everyone that there will be no forced participation. A kidnapping, or a series of kidnappings, will make him look like a liar.”

  She thought about that for a minute before asking, “How would he have known about the hunters? Why was he in the parking lot at just the right time?”

  He scratched the side of his face, then sighed. “I don’t know. That part has never made sense to me. There are a lot of people who might step in and keep Fyran’s hunters from snatching a female, but how did they know when and where the hunters would strike? That’s what made me think it was rival hunters off the same ship.”

  “Maybe someone was hunting the hunters?”

  He stared past her for a moment, clearly lost in thought. “I guess it’s possible that Fyran has other enemies. But if stopping the hunters was the only reason for intervening, it’s likely the rescuers would have released her by now.”

  “All right, so back to this Tandori guy. Where would he have taken Libby and why is he still keeping her captive?”

  “I’m not sure about the specifics, but I think Chandar might be able to help us.”

  “The female harbinger? Raylon’s mate?” The bath was no longer relaxi
ng, so she triggered the drain. “What does she have to do with it?”

  “Raylon mentioned that she’d been digging into Tandori Tribe. She told him it wasn’t related to a vision, but Chandra doesn’t take an interest in anything without a reason. Maybe if we tell her what we know, it will give her context for whatever she’s received in her visions.”

  They had nothing to lose by asking a few questions, and Lexie was curious about this mysterious harbinger. “All right. Give me a minute to dress and we’ll go talk to her.”

  Another flash of disappointment clouded his gaze, but he nodded once then left the bathroom. He’d seen her naked several times already. Why did her request upset him? She’d answered her own question. He wanted her to be comfortable with him in any situation, wanted her to confide in him and turn to him for comfort. And it would be so easy just to relax and let it to happen.

  She grabbed a towel off the rack and carefully stepped from the tub. She couldn’t think about mating right now. Kaden was much more tempting than she’d anticipated. Guilt fueled her determination, helping her focus on the only thing that mattered, rescuing Libby.

  After drying off and working a brush-like instrument through her long, damp hair, she wrapped the towel around her body and stepped out into the bedroom. Kaden had set the shoulder bag on the bed, but he was nowhere in sight. She put on the last of her borrowed dresses, still shocked that she’d given in to such a ridiculous expectation. Once dressed, she grabbed her boots and returned to the large outer room.

  Kaden sat at a work station tucked away in the far corner of the elegant room. He glanced at her as she emerged but didn’t shut down the report he was analyzing. It was easy to forget he commanded one of the rebel ships, the most important of the ships by some accounts. He’d been remarkably focused on her ever since she arrived at Lunar Nine.

  “Chandar’s expecting us,” he told her. “She said just to knock on her door as soon as we’re ready.”

  “And where is Chandar’s door?”

  “Just across the courtyard.”

  He’d put his boots back on, so she did the same, then told him she was ready.

  They strolled across the courtyard and he knocked on one of the seven doors. Raylon was head honcho of the outpost, so it stood to reason that he’d occupy one of the nicest rooms. And, according to Indigo, Chandar was even more impressive than her mate.

  Lexie had never met a legitimate psychic before. Her stomach tightened and she felt oddly restless as they waited for Chandar to open the door. When the door finally parted, it revealed a vision of silver and blue. Silver hair flowed to Chandar’s hips in distinct waves, framing a face so pretty, Lexie was afraid to blink. The harbinger’s skin wasn’t just pale, the smooth surface had a pearlescent sheen that made her seem to glow. A bright blue sleeveless gown, elaborately embroidered in silver, was worn over a simple, long-sleeved layer of dove gray. The blue of her gown perfectly matched her eyes, which were ringed in shiny silver. She looked like a medieval lady, or an elven princess.

  “Please come in.” Her voice was as soft and ethereal as her appearance. She motioned them inside and smiled at Lexie as she passed. “You must be Lexie. As with every human that’s come to Lunar Nine, you’ve created quite a stir.”

  “I have?” Kaden had basically kept her sequestered from everyone else. She wasn’t aware that anyone was talking about her.

  “You found your way to Lunar Nine without the assistance of the battle born. That’s not easily accomplished.”

  “Without the willing assistance,” Kaden corrected. “Zilor flew her right through the main entrance. He just didn’t know she was there.”

  Actually he had known she was aboard by then, but the detail wasn’t important. “I wasn’t just curious about what was up here,” she pointed out. “I had a legitimate reason for being such a nuisance.”

  “I heard your sister wasn’t among the captives. I’m very sorry that portion of the crisis wasn’t resolved.” Chandar’s serene expression didn’t change, but compassion warmed her gaze. “Let’s get comfortable. Shall we?” She nodded toward the small sitting area on her right. Kaden and Lexie sat on the cozy loveseat, while Chandar faced them in the matching chair. “So, what can I do for you?”

  Lexie was still struggling with how to begin when Kaden started for her. “Raylon mentioned that you’ve developed a recent interest in Tandori Tribe. We thought it might have something to do with Libby’s disappearance.”

  “What led you to that conclusion?” She folded her hands in her lap and crossed her legs.

  Refusing to sit back and let them do all the talking, Lexie explained, “My sister’s kidnapping was witnessed by her two roommates. They each reported that the men who kidnapped Libby didn’t throw her in a car and drive away. They vanished, blinked out of sight right in front of their eyes.”

  “The Relentless can bio-stream,” Kaden interjected. “That’s why we thought the kidnappers were part of Fyran’s crew.”

  The name made Chandar shudder, but her voice remained calm. “She wasn’t aboard, so now you’re thinking Tandori Tribe might be involved?”

  Kaden nodded. “Teleportation and bio-streaming look basically the same.”

  Chandar glanced away from them with a sigh. “My dreams have been confusing.” After a short pause, she looked at Lexie. “I’m honestly not sure if they involve your sister or not. I’ve even worked with Indigo to see if we could expand the images, but she didn’t have any better luck than I.”

  “What have you seen?” Lexie scooted to the edge of her seat, more than curious about Chandar’s abilities.

  “I’ve seen a fenced encampment surrounded by mountains and trees. The buildings appear old, yet some have been recently repaired. I’ve seen a variety of soldiers. The men were always heavily armed, but not all of them were Rodyte.”

  “Raylon said these images are the reason you’ve done so much research into Tandori Tribe. What you just described sounds more like a military outpost than a Tandori settlement.”

  “I agree,” Chandar told him. “At first I thought we had another group of rogues on our hands, but I’ve heard enough of their thoughts to know they’re not battle born. As I said, some are not even Rodyte.”

  “What made you think they’re Tandori?” Kaden persisted.

  “Oddly enough, the same phenomenon you’ve been exploring is what also led me to Tandori Tribe.”

  “Do you mean teleporting?” Lexie wanted to make sure she understood. Rodytes had a tendency to avoid specific information, at least with her.

  Chandar inclined her head, the gesture so regal Lexie could almost see a crown perched atop her silvery hair. “Several of the men in my dreams are able to teleport, or at least simulate the ability.”

  “Technomages.” Kaden pressed back into his seat with a frustrated groan. “I didn’t even think about those tricky bastards. Letos said there are ripples of discontent within many of the guilds. That’s part of the reason Garin hasn’t returned from Rodymia.”

  “I know technomages are part of the Integration Guild. Is Letos their guild master?”

  “Yes,” Kaden told Lexie. “He also sits on the Triad as representative for all the guilds.”

  “But what motivation do the technomages have for taking Libby?” Lexie shook her head. “At least Ulrik Tandori has a reason.”

  “Again, I agree,” Chandar said with another distant smile. “Besides, I sense a connection to Tandori Tribe whenever I see the compound. It’s hard to explain, but it’s definitely there. I think Ulrik might be mustering forces so he can cause trouble for the battle born.”

  “So how do we figure out the location of this encampment?” Lexie asked.

  Kaden ran a hand through his hair, pushing the thick mass off his forehead. “If the Tandoris are involved, we should talk to Rachel. She knows everything there is to know about Tandori Tribe.”

  “Who is Rachel?” Lexie felt as if she’d been playing catch up ever since she stepped onto Zil
or’s shuttle. Maybe that wasn’t surprising. Reality as she’d known it had been basically redefined.

  “Rachel runs Stargazer Ranch, or at least she did until we sublet the property.”

  Before Lexie could ask Kaden what Tandori Tribe used the ranch for or why they’d sublet the facility to the battle born, Chandar said, “I’ll continue to explore the images. Sometimes reviewing old visions will trigger new ones.”

  “We appreciate whatever help you can give us,” Kaden told Chandar as he pushed to his feet. He held out his hand toward Lexie. “Let’s go. We’ve taken up enough of her time.”

  Lexie wanted to scream. Her entire investigation had encountered one delay after another. She was thrilled that they seemed to have another lead, but all the setbacks were eroding her confidence that they would ever find Libby.

  They returned to their suite on the other side of the courtyard and Kaden pulled her into his arms as soon as the door closed behind them. “I know this is killing you, but there’s still hope. Until we have definitive proof otherwise, I’m not giving up on Libby being alive.”

  “I haven’t given up,” she objected with a scowl as she stepped back, nearly out of his reach. He quickly moved his hands to her upper arms, preventing her retreat. “I’m not just worried about her life. I’m worried about her wellbeing.”

  “I understand that.” He tried to pull her closer. She dug in her heels. “Ulrik has no reason to hurt her.”

  “Like hell he doesn’t.” She tried to stay positive about everything. Pessimism was a massive drain, and she couldn’t spare the energy. Still, she’d encountered so many disappointments that she simply had no happy thoughts left. “If he’s trying to discredit the battle born, he has every reason to hurt Libby.”

  He ignored her resistance and pulled her into a firm embrace. “You’re close to Libby, aren’t you?”

  “You know I am.”

  “Then search your being. What do you sense? Is Libby in horrible danger? Is she still alive?”