Beyond the Stars: INEO Read Free Page A

Being a minimalist, I was sure he was overwhelmed by his heap of belongings taking up most of the floor space in our bedroom. Who could blame him? Our three room suite was already cramped enough. Azil had only left us four small walking paths: one from the door to the bed, to Gaelan’s desk, to the bathroom, and to the study.
    “Your sister packed for you,” I explained reluctantly.
    Gaelan grimaced. “So I see. I think my entire house is in here. What was she thinking? There’s no room for all of that onboard. Doesn’t she think I’m ever going to go home again?”
    I took a deep breath and thought about asking him when he was planning on returning to Kataria, except I didn’t want to know the answer. Not today. “Did things calm down?” I decided to change the subject.
    “Yes. You shouldn’t have left. The dramatics are over,” he replied in a softer tone. He sat down beside me, sinking the cushion beneath him.
    “Good,” I grumbled.
    “I guess I should have warned you about how much my people enjoy a good debate.”
    “Mm-hmm,” I moaned with a shrug. “I was ready to start keeping track of those in favor of blowing up the Dreon ship and those in favor of a stealth operation, but I still think my favorite idea was to infiltrate their ship by dressing up as one of them.”
    Gaelan laughed. “Actually, we have some pretty convincing disguises. However, I admit, people were really getting carried away. Oh, you missed the best one. Pascal actually suggested that we offer any ship we encounter a reward if they help us to recover Nia,” he mocked.
    “That’s a great idea. We do that on Earth.”
    “Really? And it works?” he said with a puzzled expression.
    “Sometimes.”
    “But, here, you have intergalactic politics to deal with. Offering someone money could be interpreted as constituting an alliance. No one wants to gain enemies by association. The only way to get help from another planet is to ask someone who is technologically superior for help. They fear repercussions less; even then, you must promise you will not disclose them as your source.”
    I took another big gulp of my wine before setting it down on the end table. Then I scooted back and reclined myself against the side pillow of the sofa so I could face Gaelan. “What if nobody helps us? I wouldn’t want to get on the Dreons’ hit list either?”
    “We have a few options.”
    I looked at him, unable to break the sadness from my face.
    Gaelan gazed at me with a softened expression. “Sami, how are you holding up?” He moved himself into the middle of the sofa, lifted my legs so they could rest on his lap, and slid his hand gently around my thigh.
    I took in a deep breath before I answered, “I can’t stop thinking about Nia.” I tried to hold back tears. “What if they kill her or, worse, torture her?”
    “Please, you must believe she is okay. The Dreons aren’t foolish enough to hurt her. She is far too valuable. They are probably trying to uncover her skills so they can use them to their benefit,” he said with reassurance. “Come here.” He reached for my hand and pulled me against his chest.
    I loved how safe I felt when he encircled my body in his, even if it was only a false sense of security. Having his love and undying faith made me feel as though I would make it through anything.
    “I hope we can find her. Please tell me it’s not hopeless,” I said, leaning away. “They have a significant lead. How can you find a starship in the galaxy so big? They could be anywhere.”
    “We’ll find them.” His voice lowered with conviction. “We’ll be arriving at the trading post in less than twelve hours and may even locate them along the way since we have to travel a fairly narrow path. This area of Space is surrounded by two black holes with massive gravitational pull, so it’s best to avoid getting anywhere near them,” he said nonchalantly.
    “Great, just what I need, another concern,” I said with dread.
    He