Page 62 of Zinnia and the Zombie
Faith laughed. “You won’t. And even if you did, you wouldn’t be the first. I must have done it half a dozen times by now.”
The story made her feel marginally better, but as they approached Kaisar, her anxiety returned in full force.
“Oh, my God,” she breathed, pressing her hands against the viewport.
Most of the planet was covered by one large landmass, and that area was covered by what appeared to be one large city. It was more intimidating than attractive, despite the elaborate decorations that grew visible as they descended.
As they landed on a designated platform, she nervously smoothed her hands over the silk of her gown.
“I don’t think I belong here,” she whispered.
“You belong wherever you choose to be,” Jaxx said firmly. “And I belong with you.”
She took a deep breath and nodded.
Faith and Athtar joined them as the ship powered down.
“Ready?” Faith asked sympathetically.
“As I’ll ever be,” she said.
The ship’s ramp lowered with a soft hiss, revealing the landing platform. She had expected an intimidating array of officials.Instead, a single figure awaited them—a tall elegant male with blue skin and long white hair.
“Fucking Tanaca,” Athtar muttered. “I should have known.”
The other male had to have heard Athtar, but his cool expression didn’t change in the slightest. Ignoring the captain, he bowed and introduced himself.
“Welcome Commander Jaxxlariat, Mistress Zinnia. I am Senior Advisor Tanaca. Please accompany me to meet with the Emperor.”
It was phrased as a request, but it was clearly a command.
“Wait a fucking minute,” Athtar said. “I brought you a fucking present—for the right price, of course.”
Tanaca’s eyes flicked the Grorn ship tethered toThe Dancing Lady.
“I believe your so-called present is now in Imperial territory. Why should I pay for it?”
Athtar’s teeth flashed white.
“Because if you don’t, that ship will fucking explode?”
What?She took a nervous step back, but Faith winked at her.
“You know what my mate can do, Tanaca,” Athtar added cheerfully as Tanaca’s face turned to stone. He looked decidedly dangerous, but Athtar didn’t seem bothered.
Tanaca took one glance at Faith, then nodded.
“Where do you want the funds deposited?” he asked icily
“In my fucking account, of course. Which you know from our previous transactions.”
Athtar beamed as Tanaca pulled a small device out of his robe and made a quick entry.
“Don’t worry,” Faith said softly. “Doren will get the credits.”
“Minus a small commission,” Athtar added as Tanaca completed the transaction.
To her surprise, Tanaca didn’t immediately turn to leave. Instead he looked at Faith again.
