“That’s why I’m here. Have you given any more thought to our discussion, Sirantha Jax?”
“I am 245,” she says, sounding as puzzled as I’ve ever heard her.
“This is important?” she asks.
“Sure, narrow down to five or ten favorites, and we’ll go from there.”
“Nah,” Boyle says. “Keller’s the best. They think Jewel really wants to talk.”
Dammit. We should’ve waited for a Conglomerate ship.
“Good,” I say. “Bring it with you to Dina’s room, ten minutes.”
Another hesitation. “This is not a good time, Sirantha.”
“Two hours. If it is urgent, I could—”
“No, that’s fine. I’ll let the others know.”
“Dreama? Synara? Those are stripper names.”
“Explain.” She sounds confused again.
“Mass murder won’t solve our problems this time,” I say. “Huh. Who knew?”
“You know an awful lot about them,” Dina says, eyes narrowed. “What do we
know
about you, anyway?”
Jael smiles. “Can we get back to business, or do you have further questions?”
Then I say, “I think that’s a good idea. We don’t want them to catch us flat-footed.”
“This allows us time to plan,” Vel agrees. “Which is to the good.”
“We’re still going to see Jewel,” Hit points out. “I don’t see how we’re any better off.”
“Can we assume they mean you harm, Jax?” Jael asks.
“Why is that so important?” Dina wants to know.
The bounty hunter lifts a shoulder in an odd half shrug. “None taken.”
“That can’t be all of it, though.” Hit shakes her head, brow furrowed.
We all shift, eyeing Vel expectantly.
Was that a joke, albeit a dark and twisted one? I grin in appreciation.
“Enlighten the rest of us,” Hit says with a wry smile.