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“Will this slow any other functions down?” I ask.

“No. Everything else is entirely operational.”

“Good. Keep it that way. I’ll go up to the bridge and enter our course.”

* * *

After altering course, I leave the bridge in Mydax’s command and drag Altis into the training room with me to spar. We strip down to our training uniform, removing our shoes and all devices until it’s just two Zeahiri males about to beat each other bloody.

The best thing about my second in command is that not only does he work well with me, he also knows me like a brother. He grew up in my family’s noble home, House Aste, and has known me since he took his first breath a year after my twin and I were born.

His knees bend slightly as he circles me with a wide stance that mirrors my own. I watch as he observes me with keen, dark eyes. He and his twin, Vynia, were both born gift-less. Vynia also was born missing part of her leg. It’s a blessing as much as it is a curse. They weren’t forced into the Bak’hura, the blood rite that dictates the next leader of the family, but they could never ascend in Zeahiri society, even if they wanted to. Luckily for me, they’re happy to serve under my command.

Altis’s fist barely misses connecting with my jaw as he takes the first shot. I move forward, my elbow striking out and landing in the center of his chest with a loud smack. His lips curl into a vicious smile, his pointed incisors elongating slightly.

I grunt as his foot catches the back of my knee, knocking me off balance, and I fall to the floor. I’m not down for long, though, as I get ahold of his arm and swing his massive body over mine. Using the momentum from that maneuver, I jump onto my feet and twist his arm into a tight hold for a count of three. I don’t release him until he yields.

We go round after round, both of us connecting as much as missing our punches and kicks. Blood runs from the corner of his eye down his cheek as he walks over to the water station. I run my tongue over the cut in my lip, wondering if we should switch to weapons next.

“Don’t even think about it.” He steps up beside me, gripping his ribs. “I can’t take another hit today.”

“Scared?” I give him half a smile.

“Smart,” he corrects. “What’s going on that you feel the need to beat the hells out me?”

“Stopping for these parts on the pleasure planet is going to be intense. With a human female on board, we’ll have to be even more careful than usual.”

“Can two of us just take a transport down to the surface to get what Cuna needs?” He pats his face dry with a towel.

“No. The parts are too big for the transport. We’ll have to go down and land on the surface.”

“Are you going to let the crew out?” He looks at me from the side of his eyes.

“For a twelve-hour leave, yes.”

It’s been a long time since the crew had down time. They can go gamble, fuck, drink, whatever they need to blow off some steam because when we get home the hardest work will begin.

CHAPTER3

NEEV

* * *

Am I dead?

The question flies into my brain as bright light filters through my eyelids. I decide to keep my eyes closed as the memories come crashing back. I was taken from my quarters by three intruders. An alarm from the monitor attached to me alerts someone to my spiked heart rate.

Hushed voices and quiet footsteps approach. Male voices. I’m not on Oculus Nine.

My heart begins to race when I feel a warm hand on my forearm.

“Sister Neev,” the unfamiliar voice greets me softly. “It’s okay. You’re safe. Open your eyes.”

Tears gather under my still closed eyelids as I shake my head. “Put me back to sleep,” I whisper hoarsely.

“I can’t do that.” He pulls his hand from my skin. “My name is Hyva Taorin. I’m the chief medical officer on the Ryx 322, a Zeahiri battleship. No harm will come to you.”

Zeahiri.