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I nod “The crystals y?”

But she’s got her head tilted, a curious expression on her face It’s alasly” She touches her face “Am I supposed to feel like this?”

I frown “Most humans don’t, at least not at first I don’t think” I’m no expert “Maybe it y”

“That’s good…right?” Her gaze is already back on the planet “I’ll really be safe here? It’s like a dream I’m afraid to believe it”

“You will” I want to reassure her, but I’ the autosystem as we land

Benn waits at the other set of controls, in case we need to landendless questions By the stars, I think he’s talked constantly from Hectan-3 to here, once he was clean and fed How does auto-sys work? How does the cloaking system operate? If the ship needs to fire, how do you arm the missiles? Benn has beenabout his interest seems—odd If I were just rescued, I’d want to know more about Zandia Maybe just relax in the company of my own kind

Danica looks atthe screen “Will I be given to—ht away?”

My cheeks get warm “It’s customary to first acclimate to the planet and settle in” My tone is stiff The idea of her going to another master—or masters, is impossible But there’s been no opportunity for me to talk in private with Benn, to deterer and I want her more than ever I just don’t know if he feels the same way

“I see” She purses her lips and crosses her legs

I want to comfort her, but as the craft touches dohisper soft—Zandians awaiting us on the pad, the door hissing open—suddenly Taxx has Danica And he’s holding a stunner to her head

“This craft is now ht on Danica’s ar to take it”

“Drop your weapon!” Benn’s voice is harsh “I don’t kno the veck you got that out of the storage, but toss it down Now” He has his weapon out, trained on Taxx, his eyes fierce

“Not unless you want her dead” Taxx’s voice is fast “I’ll kill her in a second if the two of you don’t step off this craft”

Panic and anger rise as I see terror on Danica’s face She’s breathing shallow little gasps of air

“Let her go!” I roar, stepping forward, drawing un to her neck