Page 52 of Pursued By the Dragon Alien

Razion stared at the Axis warship, wondering what they were playing at. He shrugged and figured to just ask. His voice came out rough. “What do youwant, Axis ship?”

The calm, sterile voice returned. “That is not a conversation to have over comms, Captain Razion.” A pause. “You will allow our high council representative to board.”

Cozax looked at him and Vedd, and mouthed,What the fek—high council representative?

Razion’s fists clenched. The only glimpse he’d ever gotten of a high council representative was that of the Zaruxian in the images Vedd had decrypted. Now, one of them wanted to board his ship and speak to him directly? It was insane to even think about. These beings were so secretive, no one even knew who they were.

In his head, he ran every possible alternative to letting this monster onto his ship. It felt like a defiling just to be in the presence of one of these people. But if the Axis was willing to leverage Lilas’ life to prove a point, he needed to play along long enough to find out what that point was.

He splayed his hands and shrugged. “Okay. Your high council representative may board.”

“Stand by,” came the reply as the communication ended.

“Razion.” Cozax shot him a sharp look. “Are you sure about this?”

“No,” Razion replied. “But I’mreallycurious.”

Not long after, a smaller Axis transport detached from the massive warship and locked onto the Darkslip’s dock with mechanical precision.

Razion stood at the entrance of the docking bay, arms crossed as Vedd and Cozax flanked him, along with a good portion of the rest of the crew, who were half intrigued and also armed and ready to defend their ship if this was a big trick. And itcouldbe a trick.

“Here wefekkinggo,” Vedd murmured, hand on the sleek blaster on his hip.

“Staycalm,” Razion hissed, and glanced at Cozax. “Especially you. Don’t shoot the high council representative.”

Cozax made a noncommittal shrug.

The hatch hissed open, releasing a controlled gust of pressurized air. A tall, elegant figure strode down the ramp, accompanied by two armored guards.

The high council representative wasn’t what Razion expected.

Sleek, silver-gray skin. Smooth features. He held himself in a way that bespoke power cultivated, not earned. Dark ridges swept back from his temples, curving like an ornate crown over his elongated skull. His uniform and flowing cloak were pristine, carrying the unmistakable Axis insignia.

His cold black eyes locked onto Razion immediately, his expression unreadable. “Captain Razion,” he said with impeccable, false politeness. “I am High Chancellor Vahkos.”

Razion didn’t bow, didn’t acknowledge the formality. His voice came out flat. “How did you find us?”

Vahkos’ thin lips curved just enough to mock the idea of a smile. “You know how it is,” he said smoothly. “With the right information, no one stays lost for long.”

Razion’s gut went tight. He didn’t like where this was going. “And what information would that be?”

Vahkos tilted his head slightly, studying him. Then, with the same casual precision, he said, “Your former first officer was quite cooperative.”

The air turned razor-sharp. A cold weight settled low in Razion’s stomach.Krask.

Betrayal burned hot through his veins, coiling tight, but he didn’t let it show.Of course, Krask had sold them out. Of course, he had given the Axis everything they needed to track the Darkslip.

Razion inhaled slowly, forcing steel into his spine. “I see,” he said, his tone neutral.

Vahkos smiled like a creature who knew he held the upper hand. “Alienating long-time officers has consequences, Captain.” He lifted a brow, mockingly sympathetic. “There were some hard feelings, it seems.”

Razion ignored the bait. “What do you want?”

Vahkos clasped his hands together. His polished nails gleamed under the bay’s lights. “A simple request, Captain.”

“Nothing is simple with you people.” Razion’s wings twitched. “What is it?”

Vahkos’ expression didn’t shift. “You may have heard that we permitted the Terian penal colonies to rule themselves after their overseer left our employ. The Axis has far more lucrative commitments elsewhere.” He shrugged, as if this was merely a passing inconvenience. “But your little rebellion—your gathering of Zaruxians and Terians—puts that arrangement at risk.”

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