Page 40 of Honor Bound

“No, but given some time in the brig, he may change his mind,” he replied.

Josh pursed his lips before his gaze softened slightly. “Julia… she’s safe?”

Hutu’s lips twitched, just slightly. “Alive, well, and bossy. I think you forgot to mention that when you told me about her. I should warn you… I think she’s developed feelings for our Legion General.”

Josh blinked, then let out a low whistle. “Well, hell. That’s going to complicate matters a little.” He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Of course, I don’t think that is any stranger than Ash falling for a Turbinta assassin… or Sergi shacking up with a mercenary freighter pilot.”

“Or you with me,” Cassa gently reminded Josh.

Hutu released a rough laugh rumbling from his chest. “All we’re missing now is a pirate.”

“I guess it’s Mei’s turn—if she’s still alive.” Josh’s grin faded as he glanced at Cassa, his hand resting briefly on hers—a quiet, grounding gesture. Then he looked back at Hutu. “I agree with you about keeping General Landais contained, and not underestimating him. Something tells me the man is dangerous, even without the Legion at his back.”

Hutu nodded. “I fully agree, though I think he is more than just dangerous. He’s worried. And if Roan Landais is worried… we should all be. Be safe.”

“Are you heading back to base?” Josh inquired.

“No. I believe it would be best to keep each of you separate for now. Andronikos must not be happy with his brother’s failure on Plateau. He is headed there now. I felt it best that we depart before he and his fleet of battle cruisers arrive.”

“What about Sergi? How are he and La’Rue?” Josh asked.

Hutu sighed. “Siding with Julia to have Roan released. Fortunately, La’Rue is keeping him occupied at the moment. She sustained injuries during the battle.” He raised his hand when Cassa expressed her concern. “She will recover.”

Cassa gave Hutu a stiff smile. “We’ve lost too many already.”

“Yes. Just a moment.”

Hutu frowned when an internal message flashed across his screen. His lips pursed in irritation, though he wasn’t really surprised. Reaching out, he pressed the commlink next to him.

“Did you place a tracking device in the freighter as I requested?” he asked.

“Yes, sir, but there wasn’t one in the supply shuttle,” his security responded.

“Track the freighter. I’m on my way.” He turned his attention back to the screen and released a scoffing chuckled.

“What’s wrong?” Josh asked.

“It would appear Julia Marksdale was very unhappy with my decision to detain her Legion General. She and Sergi have freed him and escaped,” Hutu said.

Josh snorted out an amused laugh. “That sounds like Julia—and Sergi.” Josh’s expression sobered. “I can guarantee she wouldn’t have done it unless she had a very good reason. She isn’t the type to put her personal feelings in front of others if it would endanger them. Neither would Sergi.”

“It would have been nice to know their plans,” Hutu pointed out.

“Would you have let Roan go if you knew about them?” Josh asked.

Hutu was silent for a moment before he shook his head. “No.”

“Then you have your answer.”

Hutu grunted in acknowledgement before he sighed when his commlink pinged again. “I will keep you posted.”

The connection cut with a soft chime, leaving the room eerily silent. Hutu leaned against the console, staring at the darkened screen. Roan’s words echoed in his mind like a shadow that wouldn’t fade.

A weapon that could strip a planet bare. And a family legacy built on blood, fear, and control.

Hutu clenched his fists, his expression hardening. They couldn’t afford to ignore this. Because if Roan was right, no planet was safe. He turned to stare out through the viewport into space. The only person who could tell us how it works and where it is has escaped.

“I hope you know what you are doing, Julia Marksdale, because if you don’t, billions of lives and a star system are at stake.”

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