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She’d been a child when the news reached Malieted Even those who hated the Federation considered killing wounded soldiers and unar point After that, believing their regime to be under threat, the Federal authorities cancelled planned elections and imposed martial law It had yet to be rescinded

“It did,” said Mason bitterly “It led to uprisings for and against the Federation, and the fallout continues to this day”

“Krul was responsible?”

“He’s a terrorist and part of the group that organized it Many have been captured, but he ree He’s a fanatic and disowned by his own people He’s been hiding on Kathao home”

Jade could appreciate why Mason didn’t want her to join hio at all, not if Krul was that dangerous “Lizard men are slower,” she said “They need a warm sun to survive He’ll have to find somewhere by water and in the sun to survive”

“He’s highly intelligent Crafty,” he ers on his arms

“Please let me come,” she pleaded

Mason gathered her into arms and she rested her head on his shoulder The request was futile; he didn’t even bother to answer it

“If, and this is just an if If I don’t co her fro out in alarm, “—then take this ship to the nearest Federation-controlled port and hand it over You’re registered as my crew Tell the authorities I’m likely to be on Kathah, let’s be honest, there rinned, but she couldn’t find a jot of hu

“Please,” she murmured

“Shush I’ to be careful, this is just a precaution So,” he continued, “o wherever you have to go Don’t hang around for questions”

Jade brushed away the unshed tears and nodded “I’ll go home to my parents Hand o on the run or hide on strange planets”

“You said you were estranged from them because of your plans to leave Malimor?”

“I’hter Love is forever,” she reminded him

He lowered his lips, nudging theainst her mouth, and peppered it with sweet kisses She opened up her heart to hile of anticipation flutter across her breasts as they embraced