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Kainan’s voice dropped, grating with implication. ‘Not just permitted. Encouraged. Your first likely target is an infamous freebootin’ gang, the Red Skulls.

Xander’s eyes narrowed. ‘Fokk. I know thekinais.’

‘We’ve picked up chatter,’ Kainan continued. ‘Your name’s already in their blood logs.’

Miral folded her arms with an exhale. ‘Of course it is.’

Xander leaned closer to the screen. ‘Not surprised. The head of the Red Skulls is sitting in theSombra’sisolation wing as we speak. Calls himself Varnok Gage, the Butcher of Vael’Na’ra. The man who glassed three moons during the Thren Border Riots just to make a point. No survivors, just smoke, ash, and the Red Skulls’ sigil carved into orbital satellites.’

Miral’s jaw clenched. ‘He’s also the one who sold our Signet ship schematics to the Kaas Marauders, right?’

‘Among other things,’ Xander muttered. ‘Santiago and I arrested him five years ago when he walked into the Spiral Rift unaided, dragged him out by his dirt-laden scarlet braids.’

A memory flashed of Varnok’s barque, theClaret Picaroon, listing near a collapsed star, its hold packed with stolen relics and human cargo. Xander had lost three men. Varnok hadn’t even blinked.

‘He’s charged with thirty-nine counts of orbital terrorism, conspiracy trafficking, forced cybernetic modification of prisoners, and high treason against the Accord,’ Xander continued. ‘He’s in solitary on my ship now, locked in a floating brig served only by autobots. He hasn’t seen a mortal since, nor spoken to one.’

Kainan grimaced. ‘Well, his lieutenants are active and loud.’

Miral frowned. ‘They’re rallying now?’

Kainan exhaled. ‘That’s the concern. This doesn’t feel like posturing. They’re calling in old debts, regrouping and readying to swarm and attack Signet. We believe the Falasian government might have paid them to bring you down. Their comms offer the impression they view the opportunity as a chance to break their boss from prison.’

Xander’s hands curled into fists. ‘So they’re coming for us.’

‘They’ll give it a red hot go, pardon the pun,’ Kainan drawled. ‘Your job is to ensure they don’t cross into Pegasi airspace. If any come from our way, make sure they don’t cross back.’

He paused. ‘Burn them down to the last hull.’

Xander jerked his chin. ‘How’d you find out?’

‘We intercepted a Falasian official’s chat log,’ Kainan replied. ‘We’ve got ears everywhere. Or at least, Mirage does.’

Xander mulled the matter for a beat before raising his gaze to Kainan. ‘Sante primo, for the heads up, and the marque.’

Kainan gave him a wry smile. ‘Anything for family. That’s why I called. You’re not just building a fleet, cousin. You’re establishing a legacy I’d like to uphold when you arrive. We good?’

Xander bestowed a nod of steel. ‘We are. Consider us conscripted. When they come, we’ll be ready.’

‘Ensure that you are,’ Kainan said, his gaze cool. ‘You’ve got allies, Xander, but influence attracts enemies. Don’t let your star wolves get caught unprepared.’

Mirage leaned in with a smirk. ‘Also, keep your woman close. According to what Miral shared, Savvine’s a smart operator.’

Xander chuckled. ‘She’s got command of our air force.’

‘Fokkyeah,’ Kainan rasped. ‘Then all that’s left to look forward to are the stars over Pegasi. Can’t wait to welcome you, cousin.’

The link cut with a soft pulse.

Xander turned to Miral, who was already tapping new data into the comms.

He exhaled once, eyes narrowed.

‘Prep the star wolves,’ he growled. ‘We’ve got Red Skulls to hunt.’

THE SIGNET WOLVES SAGA

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