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“Yes, they trained you, but you’re not a heartless killer.”

“Is that what you see soldiers as? Killing machines?” he asked, his voice incredulous.

Nell sighed. “No, obviously there’s more to being a soldier than killing. And I know the good the Klagan military does. My point is, it corrupts you, and the deaths are on your hands.” She raised her palms. “It’s here, their blood remains stained on your forever. Believe me, I know.”

Maklr looked at her. “What do you mean?”

Tears streamed down Nell’s face. “I’m guilty. I did it once, and I have to live with it.”

“Did what?”

“The Elodians gave us pills to keep us compliant. Well, I crushed some of them and kept them hidden until I needed them. It was my back-up plan. I dumped the crushed pills into one of the particularly mean Elodian’s drinks. I watched him collapse on the floor. And that’s when I ran away. It was the night the warriors boarded the ship I was being held captive on. That… that’s when I ran to safety, when he was dead on the floor.”

Maklr shrugged his shoulders. “You did what you had to do.”

“I took a life. I’m guilty.”

“You didn’t. The thing lived.”

“How do you know? You weren’t there.”

“It’s time to end this charade.” Philtan strolled out from behind a wall.

“Mak,” Maklr called.

“Why are you calling your own name to Philtan? What the fuck is going on? Somebody better tell me.” Nell put her hands on her hips.

Phil walked closer to Nell. She looked between the men, confusion etched on her face. “Why didn’t you shoot him. Do you know what this is going to do to a healer? Why did you come?” she said to Philtan, before turning her attention to Maklr. “Why did you call your own name?”

“It was a trick, Nell.” Philtan shook his head.

“A trick? Don’t play games with me.”

“Look at his wrist,” Philtan said.

Nell glanced at Maklr’s wrists. “We don’t have mating marks. Not yet. What am I looking for?”

“I thought you were more observant.” Phil’s finger caressed her cheek.

“No!” Nell jerked away, stepping back closer to Maklr. “I’m not touching you. You think you’re adorable, but you’re not. I love Maklr and he’s going to need it more than ever.”

Phil bent to kiss her. “It’s a good thing I’m Maklr.” He reached for Nell’s hand. “Press here,” he said.

She did. The holographic image of Philtan fluttered and disappeared, revealing Maklr.

“What. The. Fuck?”

Maklr stood where the image of Philtan once was. “Didn’t you notice I wasn’t wearing the watch you gave me on Ashuk?”

Nell glanced at the second Maklr. Her eyes narrowed. “So, you’re Phil.”

“That’s right.” Phil pressed a hidden button behind his ear.

“Does this mean Maklr never shot the guy with a blaster?”

“No, he didn’t. I did. Maklr’s conscience is clear, and so is yours.”

“Huh?” Nell asked.