Page 39 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
“Well, that’s awkward,” I reply casually. “Because that girl right there? She’s very much my business.”
I’m already calculating. Two guys. Aggressive posture. One’s carrying a machete.
I’ve got my pistoblaster on me, as always—Galactic Sentinels are never unarmed. It’s set to incapacitate.
I could drop them both in a blink. But I’m a fan of giving people one last shot.
“You’ve got thirty seconds to explain what the hell you’re doing here, and why you’re roughing up Albert and his daughter.”
“This ain’t your concern, pal. That man’s got a deal with me, and he’s trying to back out. So I’m taking the girl as collateral. Now move!”
“Wrong answer,” I say, pulling my weapon and firing twice.
Both guys hit the floor like sacks of potatoes. They’ll be out for a good while. Excellent.
I turn to Sam. Her cheek’s swelling already, and there’s blood near her ear. Rage simmers in my chest.
“You okay?” I ask, keeping my tone steady.
“You got here just in time,” she says, smiling through the pain. “Is Logan with you?”
“He’ll be here soon.”
“What’s going on here?” Jason’s voice rings out. “You started the party without us, Ayden?”
“And this must be the lovely Samantha,” adds Xenon.
“Sam, are you alright?” Logan rushes in, eyes wide with concern.
A groan from the corner reminds us Albert’s still here, beaten and cowering.
“Dad?” Logan hurries to his side. “What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?”
“I’m innocent!” Albert wheezes, thoroughly unconvincing.
We all turn to Sam.
“You remember the Nalgou horn powder trade we talked about last year?” she asks.
“You mean the one that put Ayden in worse shape than me?” Logan scoffs. “Yeah, I remember! I come here expecting spa treatment, and he hogs all the sympathy!”
“Exactly. Turns out gullible idiots are still lining up for that crap. Buddy the Feral—” she gestures at the unconscious thug, “—wanted to take over the trade and demanded Dad supply more. They came to collect.”
“Dad, what the hell?” Logan explodes. “You realize you put Sam in danger again?”
“Don’t talk to me like that, kid! I’m still your father!”
“My father?” Logan barks. “You mean besides the five minutes of effort it took to knock Mom up?”
“You’ve always been a difficult boy, always talking back. That man,” he nods at me, “was right to take you away from here.”
“That man’s been more of a father than you’ll ever be. And now that Mom’s gone, I’m taking Sam with me. She’ll be safer at a Confed base than near you!”
“Hate to break it to you, bro,” Sam cuts in, “but I’m an adult. I make my own choices.”
I agree with Logan, honestly. I’d sleep better knowing she was stationed somewhere safe.
“Sam, you don’t get it. You’ve only ever known Gekkaria.”
