“When we conquer them, you need to ensure they pay you back the full cost of all they stole from you.”“I will get back to the latest asteroids a...d the planet,” said Basraba. “The hostages are held on the planet. The singular non-gaseous planet of this particular solar system is a hot desert planet where they have primitive desert homes constructed from roughly hewn stone on the surface. The homes are small and square with flat roofs. The largest town has a large rectangular rock that stands at. . their women?" he mused without inflection. "Why, even this delicate flower might be one of their noble warriors in disguise," he continued, pointing at me. A low, wordless growl escaped from the men of Achaiea in the room. There was a shifting that cleared sword arms. Kragdle ignored it completely but his swirl of men did not. Their own arms moved beneath the concealing cloaks, accompanied by a muted whisper of steel withdrawing from sheaths. Lyonidas forestalled the imminent. I’ll call to the island and warn everyone.”“I’m sorry I called you Mel. I should’ve known.”“We hardly had a minute together with you out of the blackout.” She held my elbow and shoulder as she balanced on her feet. Her baby bump was smaller than Mel’s had been ... Yesterday. “How would you know?”I picked up the sprocket amulet that hung of the side of her boob. I laid it down on her sternum.“Seriously?” She laughed. “That’s how you separate us?”“I’m pretty sure I like you together.”“That you. I glance at the clock through my still half closed eyes -- 12:30 AM. I listen and hear the sound again. Uneven, subdued, but distinct from the white noise of the fan in the forced air system. Groggily I step out of bed and make my way into the hall. In the half light from the moon window I can see that your door is ajar. And I can determine the noise is coming from within. I walk quietly to the door, unsure what to expect, but certainly not what I see.You, naked, spread eagle on the bed you.