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they picked someone
attractive to pass on the message.”
    She blushed prettily. “I have a job for
you.”
    “I left the Institute’s employ. Surely you
know all the sordid details.” He wondered if she was up to her
pretty neck in it all, too. He hoped not.
    “He was fired,” Dathan added
unhelpfully.
    Nik shot his brother a scowl.
    “I don’t care about the past. The Institute
needs your help.” Her expression turned serious. “I need your
help.” Her voice lowered. “I need someone I can trust with…precious
pieces of history.”
    Dammit, his interest was piqued. He knew she
was alluding to the dark elements within the Institute who didn’t
give a damn about protecting history.
    He drew in a breath but stayed silent.
    Buoyed by his lack of pushback, she kept
going. “I’m mounting an expedition.”
    Don’t go there, Niklas . The past was
the past, and often it was best left buried. He knew that better
than anyone. “Not interested. Sorry.”
    She kept going like he hadn’t spoken. “I’ve
hired outside help…some retrieval specialists.”
    He arched a brow. “You mean treasure
hunters.”
    “Right.” Her mouth twisted slightly, as
though he’d said a bad word.
    “Still not interested.” Although he had to
admit, he was curious what would motivate the Institute to hire
treasure hunters.
    She smiled. “Even in an expedition to
Earth?”
    Nik stilled. He heard Dathan and Zayn gasp.
Everything inside Nik went quiet. Earth had been a long-held dream
of his. One he’d given up on when he’d left the Institute.
    “An expedition to Earth would be too
expensive. It’s a hell of a long trip and there’s nothing left
there.” Destroyed by a war and the ravages of millennia. “And it’s
protected.”
    The Galactic Ruling Council lets no one near
the planet.
    Dr. Luma-Smythe straightened and smiled
again. “I have the permits already.” She reached out and touched
his arm. “It’s been kept very quiet, but a new space-time
distortion appeared recently. One that forms a bridge right into
Earth’s star system.”
    He felt like he’d been hit in the gut by a
hard punch.
    “I’d really like you on the expedition,” she
said.
    Temptation . He stood there, aware
everyone was staring at him. Dathan’s gaze was moving around like
he was having a seizure. It was clear he didn’t like the idea.
    “I know Earth is a radioactive mess, and
there have long been rumors that it’s…dangerous, thanks to those
early expeditions. Well, the ones that returned. This trip won’t be
easy or anything like a regular Institute dig.” She spread her
hands out. “That’s why I fought to be able to hire treasure hunters
who are more experienced with…expeditions like this.”
    Nik assessed the facts. He had the knowledge
of Earth’s history and the treasure-hunting experience. The chance
to see Earth, to hunt for her treasures, versus working with the
very people who destroyed his career. Finally, with a heavy heart,
he shook his head. “The Institute cannot be trusted. Sorry, but
it’s a no.”
    The astro-archeologist’s shoulders sagged,
the light going out of her eyes. “I understand. But if you change
your mind, let me know.” She motioned to her agents who headed back
toward their shuttle.
    “Excuse me?” Dathan swaggered forward. “Our
treasure. Seized legally under Statute 700-135 of the Artifact
Retrieval Act.”
    Nik ran his tongue over his teeth. Dathan
hated quoting statutes.
    Dr. Luma-Smythe smiled. “Of course. Agent
Ryant, please return the idol to the Phoenix brothers.”
    Galen did not look happy, but reluctantly
handed the idol to Niklas. Their eyes met and Nik forced the pain
of looking at his former friend away.
    Nik, Dathan and Zayn watched as the
remainder of the Institute crew boarded and the shuttle took
off.
    “What the hell was that all about?” Dathan
said. “The Institute wanting to hire treasure hunters? Galaxy’s
gone crazy.”
    Nik kept his gaze on the