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There was a hardness in Tirak's voice.

"Sometimes it's necessary for certain individuals to be empowered to operate outside the law." Kaid's voice was a gentle purr. "But you know that, don't you— Captain?"

Tirak chose not to respond and Kaid knew he'd made his point.

"The Chemerians implied that beyond their own colonies, we were their only market," the U'Churian continued instead.

"I suspect," said Kaid, picking up his drink, "that we will discover some of our latest imports are goods obtained from Jalna and your— Free Traders Alliance?"

"Free Traders' Council," corrected the captain, relaxing back into his chair. "Then we will have to draft trade agreements and more with this Sholan vessel."

Kaid finished his drink and set the empty container down on the table between them. "I would say that negotiations have already started, wouldn't you, Captain Tirak?"

     
    * * *
     
    "What family are you from?" ventured Taynar, looking over at Rezac. "I know you're from the highlands like me."

Rezac glowered at the youngling. He was still high on adrenaline from the fight at the spaceport, and worse: with his Leska mind-mate Zashou sedated in sick bay, his Link to Jo had reasserted itself, demanding their unfinished business be concluded. He was frustrated almost beyond endurance on both counts.

Jo's hand closed on his arm. He's only making conversation, trying to be friendly. He's terrified, just like his Leska.

He clenched his hand into a fist, forcing his claws into the flesh of his palms in an effort not to respond to her touch. I know. I'm trying, dammit, but you know what's wrong with me— with us! Unable to completely suppress it, a shudder of pleasure at her touch ran through him. "Dzaedoh," he said through clenched teeth. "Likely you'll not have heard of us."

"Noni's kin?" the youth said in surprise.

T'Chebbi moved over to sit opposite Rezac and Jo. "Link day?" she asked sympathetically. "Are rooms made ready for us through the door." She jerked an ear to her right. "Go, take one now. See to your own needs. You put it off long enough." When he hesitated, she added, "That's an order, Warrior. I don't need what you and your third are broadcasting. Neither does anyone else."

Relief flooded through him. He could see to their Link needs without feeling he was neglecting what he saw as his duty. It was good not to be the one with the final responsibility for once. He got to his feet, urging Jo to accompany him.

     
    * * *
     
    Giyesh was waiting in the corridor outside. She directed them to a cabin opposite the medic's office. As the door closed behind them, Rezac relaxed the control he'd been fighting so hard to maintain. Reaching for Jo, he circled her waist with one arm, stroking the dark hair that crowned her head with his other hand. Breathing in her scent, he began to purr as their minds started to merge.

"Ah, you feel it too," he whispered in her ear as his tongue gently rasped against her jawline. "After the battle, the need to pair with one you love, to know you are both still alive. Zashou despised that in me."

"She's not a Warrior," Jo murmured, turning her face so their lips met, her fingers already beginning to unfasten the belt that held his tunic at the waist.

His tail flicked around her legs, holding them close against his. "You Humans are not so unlike us," he purred.

     
    * * *
     
    With a start and a cry, Kaid woke, Carrie's name on his lips as he sat bolt upright in bed. He shivered, chilled to the bone despite his sweat-soaked pelt.

T'Chebbi loomed over him with an extra blanket. "Bad dreams again?" she asked.

He took it gratefully, wrapping it round his shoulders for the time being. "More," he said, clenching his teeth to stop them from chattering. He looked around the dimly lit cabin. "Where's Giyesh?"

T'Chebbi shrugged. "Maybe still on duty."

"I dreamed I was in cryo, and I could sense her there."

"Carrie?" T'Chebbi sat down beside him, her nose creasing in worry as she flicked her