Page 17 of Zalis
“Tholla is an extraordinarily busy port. Have you considered why that is?” he asked, keeping his tone neutral. Pama opened her mouth to answer, but he continued to speak. “There are larger and more technologically advanced ports in the core of the system. Tholla is near a gate, and being near a transit route isalways beneficial to a port’s health. It is not the vintage charm of the facilities or the convenience that keeps the ships arriving. It is Tholla’s lax attitude toward rules and regulations.
“The Mahdfel generally do not concern themselves with how civilians conduct their business. We patrol the fringe of the system, repelling Suhlik, capturing bandits, and answering distress calls.”
Zalis could not remember speaking so many words at once. It was exhausting.
“The treaty prohibits interference. Tholla’s governance is not your concern,” Pama said.
“The treaty demands that the Mahdfel protect the population of Sangrin. As I said, we patrol and rescue. We go where our assistance is required in this system and all others where we have a treaty, including Earth.” Zalis paused, letting the constable catch up to the obvious conclusion. “You will investigate this matter fully and to the best of your abilities. Request assistance if your skills are inadequate. If I find the investigation lacking, then I will be forced to intervene.”
“Intervene?”
“I understand that you are not a politician and perhaps cannot appreciate such a complex situation,” Zalis said, his tone still neutral. “There is a pattern of Earth citizens being trafficked in this region. The Mahdfel will uphold our treaty with Earth, and therefore, we must intervene with frequent inspections of the port and cargo vessels. Every ship entering Tholla and departing will be inspected for trafficked beings, humans and otherwise. The inconvenience will be a burden for merchants and travelers alike, but necessary.”
“You can’t do that. Ships won’t hang around all day to be inspected,” Pama said.
“A fully armed battlecruiser in orbit will be an incentive for compliance. I imagine other ports will seem more appealing.” Zalis grinned, letting his fangs show. He had no power to deliver on any of the threats he outlined. Only the warlord could make such decisions. Pama did not need to know that fact.
Her nostrils flared, clearly frustrated.
“Any income generated through dubious means would, of course, vanish,” he added, unable to resist a last verbal jab. Gentle persuasion was surprisingly enjoyable.
“Are you suggesting I take bribes?”
“I have no evidence of that.” Though he would not be surprised. Tholla had a well-earned shady reputation.
Pama held his gaze, as if assessing his earnestness. Zalis could not explain why, but he would do everything he promised and more for Gemma. It wasn’t simply because he made a vow to Emmarae. There was something else, some other reason that required more reflection than he could spare at the moment.
“You’d cripple an entire planet’s economy out of spite?” the constable asked.
“Incorrect.Youwould cripple the planet because you willfully ignored your duties to that female in there,” he said, pointing to Gemma’s room. As an afterthought, he added, “As well as the other eight people we rescued.”
She tossed back her horns, clearly annoyed. “Very well. The investigation will remain open as long as the victims are in thesystem. When they return to Earth, and they will because that is the policy, I will be forced to close the investigation.”
The constable’s vow was less than ideal, but it was an improvement.
“Acceptable.” Barely.
He would give Gemma both justiceandvengeance if possible. Until then, he’d have to be satisfied with bringing her abductors to justice.
GEMMA
Gemma knew Emry had arrived before her twin appeared at the door. It wasn’t a creepy twin thing. She heard footsteps down the corridor and recognition rang through her like a bell. Her heart fluttered, excited and afraid in equal measure.
If this were a dream, if she woke up to find herself back in that cage, she’d be devastated. Heartbroken.
This had to be real.
Please be real.
A gentle touch on her hand calmed her spiraling thoughts. Zalis grounded her in the moment.
Emry paused in the door. Gemma released a breath. This was real.
“Emry—”
“Gemmy-bean?—”
There was so much ugly crying. Emry crawled into the hospital bed, and Gemma held her twin. They spoke at the same time.Gemma babbled about her mistakes and the abduction. Emry told her all about her difficulties getting anyone on Earth to care that Gemma went missing and how she had to ask Ren for help, all this between gasps for air and sobs. Somehow, they understood each other perfectly. Gemma’s soul felt whole.
