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“You have unique powers as a Fated Mate. I can’t tell you anything about the investigation if you could telepath such knowledge to your triad.”

I grit my teeth in annoyance – a reminder of how easily my own father fooled me. He probably doesn’t even think of it as a betrayal. He’s always wanted to keep me safe, thinking that he knows better than I do - but I’m tired of walls.

I stand up, taking a seat closer to the Captain instead. I extend my hand.

“Try to take it off.

The big alien looks at me, then gently tugs at the ring. It won’t budge.

“Time delayed, I explain. “It’s going to be on my finger for the next forty-eight hours, whether I want it to be or not. My triad will have surrendered by then, no matter what you tell me.”

My triad.

It feels good to call them that. Brennan, Otho, and Lazar must be losing their minds right now, wondering why I cut them out – and what I’m doing while we’re separated.

I promise myself that Iwillget them out of this situation – no matter what it takes.

“Surrender would be very good,” the Lieutenant nods. “It would allow me to pass some leniency in my sentencing.” He pauses. “However, you must agree to this: If I discuss details of this case with you, and then theydon’tturn themselves in within two days, you’ll be required to wear that ring until such time as they’re brought in.”

I nod reluctantly. “Agreed.”

So, this Lieutenant is the one who will be doing the sentencing.

Traditionally, a prisoner would be brought back to Colossus to face trial, verdict and sentencing. Lately, because of anomalies in Orb-Shifting – the fast method of travel, which allows Reavers and other Orb-Powered vessels to travel huge distances in a single jump – they’ve been forced to change their policies.

Aurelians don’t want to admit they’re hesitant to Orb-Shift, so I won’t press the Lieutenant on why he’ll be the one passing sentence – but I’ll at least be thankful he’s a known quantity.

I’m convinced I can bring him to my side. If I can find a way to make it appear as if the Aurelian Empire aren’t the enemy, I know he’d be willing to drop the charges, or at least be lenient.

“Tell me what you suspect Brennan of doing,” I demand.

The Lieutenant purses his lips.

“It’s been a long time that he’s been working on this private assignment, given directly by the Queen. Despite the importance of the task, there are still rules to be followed. His triad started to bend the law a while ago, in order to secure Orb-Mines for the Empire.”

I tap my fingers against the tabletop.

“Brennan did thatforyour Empire. He told me there’s a war brewing, and that the Aurelian Empire might fall apart from the inside unless it prepares for battle. He wanted the Orb-Mines to be secured by those loyal to Queen Jasmine’s Aurelian Empire; not to a faction that might use them for evil.”

Taggar looks at me with respect. I like that. It’s better than blind worship – your only worth that in being a Fated Mate.

“You’re well informed,” the Lieutenant nods. “Despite his reasons, Brennan still can’t break the law. A merchant was hesitant to sign over the rights to an Orb-Mine, and he ended up in the hospital. The contract was signed soon afterward. There’s no hard proof – but it’s a damning picture.”

It hurts me to think that Brennan would be capable of something like that. I hope that there’s a reason he did so – one that justifies the means. I hope there’s a logical explanation, because brutalizing someone to make a deal isn’t just unjustified – it’s a crime no matter what the stakes are.

I’m worried what I’m going to hear next. I can’t weaken my resolve.

“What else?”

Lieutenant Taggar shrugs.

“That’s where it gets even murkier. The rest of the accusations are just rumors and shadows. Threats and hostile takeovers that break planetary rules – yet all while stayingtechnicallylegal under Aurelian Law. Unless we get a guilty plea from those three, it’s going to be a morass for the legal scholars to wade through. The problem is, all of this combines to make the Aurelian Empire look horribly corrupt. When a triadkidnapsa human woman – just because shemightbe their Fated Mate – it serves as evidence that Aurelians don’t care about the autonomy of your species. I can’t let your triad tarnish our society.”

White collar crimes are more forgivable than hurting someone. I thank the Gods that Brennan, Otho, and Lazar didn’t do anything else that was horrible, in pursuit of their mission.

“What are they looking at? In terms of sentencing?”

The Lieutenant sighs deeply.