Page 53 of Black Star

“I don’t know. I think it has to do with her being heir to the Vok’nair Empire.”

“But she’snotthe heir. She’s not Samair’s daughter.” Viktor crossed his arms over his massive chest. “She’s Nani’s daughter. Samair might have raised her, but Darian is her father.”

“No one knows that other than Samair, and I’m sure he’s not talking, but I think it’s more than that.” Ranier began putting on his own clothes and tossed Diamond hers.

“So, who has Nadira?” Diamond wanted to know.

“The Hand of God.”

“Great Universe,” Diamond swore. “What stake do they have in this? It’s not like them to ally themselves with anyone. Not unless they are the dominant force in the alliance.”

“I have no idea, but they were with the Vok’nair fleet, helping them, and their ships were just as strong as the ships from an empire that should be far ahead of them in technology.”

“They scavenge from every race they encounter, but it would be highly unlikely they’d be more advanced than either the Vok’nair Empire or the Asalian Coalition.” Viktor was thinking in practical terms, but Ranier knew there had to be more. It was just too damned convenient.

“That can’t be all your news.” Diamond zipped up her suit and approached him, resting her hands on his chest. Ranier’s arms came around her instinctively.

“It’s not.” Ranier swallowed. “We’ve got to get that transmitter out of your head. YouandPhoebe. The Hand and the Vok’nair both are using their signatures as tracking devices, and they know exactly where we are. From the reports we’re getting from both the Empire and the Coalition, Samair has put a bounty on theBlack Starand theSword Breaker. He’s trying to clean up a mess he should have years ago.”

“No one was sure if those chips in our heads could be removed without damaging us before. Is the prognosis any different now?” Diamond didn’t pull away from him. She didn’t look fearful or resentful in any way. She simply took what he was saying as if they were talking about removing her appendix. Ranier was very much afraid she didn’t understand the gravity of her situation.

“Dr. Mahat Zabin, here on theBlack Star, thinks he can do it. He doesn’t deny the risks, but having studied the dataBlack Stargathered on both you and Phoebe, he thinks he can do it without hurting either of you.”

Diamond looked into his eyes, so trusting Ranier’s heart ached all over again. “Do you trust him?”

He glanced at Viktor. “He’s who took care of you when I found you before.”

“What was your impression of the man, Ranier?” Viktor asked quietly.

“He was concerned with not only ensuring Diamond’s life, but also her quality of life. If he didn’t think he had a very good chance of success, I don’t believe he’d attempt it. I also think that if he starts the procedure and realizes it can’t be done without hurting Diamond, he’ll stop. No matter who orders him to continue.”

“So, in both your estimations, this chip inside my brain has become a liability.” Diamond looked at both men, and Ranier cringed.

“Unfortunately, yes.” Ranier pulled Diamond to him and looked over her head at Viktor, who was approaching them. “There’s too much going on around us that we don’t fully understand.”

Viktor came to stand behind Diamond and embraced both her and Ranier. “It’s up to you, Diamond. If you don’t want to do this, no one will fault you for it. It’s a great risk, and it’s your life that’s in the balance.” Viktor’s voice was tender once again.

“I’m not a coward, boys.” Diamond snuggled into Ranier’s chest. She reached behind her to touch Viktor’s leg. “If this implant in my brain is a danger to everyone, then I’m willing to do what it takes to get it out short of sacrificing myself on something that has little hope of working. If you honestly think Dr. Zabin can do this, Ranier, I’ll volunteer with no regrets.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.” Viktor kissed the top of her head. “Considering the kindness you showed me when I did nothing but hurt you over and over again, I’ve come to realize helping others is in your make-up.”

Diamond snorted. “Don’t bet on it, Viktor. You’ve had all the help from me you’re going to get.”

Viktor chuckled. “If that were true, you wouldn’t be here with us now. WhenBlack Starsent you to me, you’d have run in the other direction.”

“Shut up.” Diamond gave them both a final squeeze before pushing them away and stomping her feet into her boots. “Let’s go see the doctor before I lose my nerve.”

* * *

Viktor paced Medical for at least the hundredth time. What was taking so fucking long? Diamond had been in surgery for more than two hours with no word from anyone. TheBlack Starwas quiet, but Viktor could feel her worry.

As time wore on, he reached out to the ship, hoping to glean any information he could about Diamond’s well-being.

She’s doing as well as can be expected. The soft female voice wasn’t like Viktor had ever heard before. She sounded sad. Worried.

There’s more going on here than just preventing anyone from following and possibly capturing us, isn’t there?Viktor caught impressions fromBlack Starinstead of actual thoughts or solid information. Whatever it was, she hated what was now happening to Diamond and soon to Phoebe as well.

Unfortunately, yes. I’m afraid Phoebe and your Diamond are simply more casualties in a war that started twenty years ago. I’m very afraid they won’t be the last.

---