The Star Thief

by Jamie Grey

  Myka sat at a long table, a bowl of some sort of food in front of him. He kicked his heels against the legs of the chair as he ate.

  She bit back a smile. “Nice clothes.” Someone had found the boy a spare uniform, with pants rolled up to his ankles and a button-down shirt long enough to be a dress on him. They had scrubbed him clean and at least he’d stopped shivering. Maybe MYTH wasn’t all bad.

  The major took a sip of his tea before setting the mug down on the table with a thunk. His amiable expression melted away. “Now that you’re assured we’re not harming the boy, why don’t we get down to business?”

  “I expected nothing else.” Renna took a sip of her own tea, gazing at him over the rim of the mug in silence. Nothing like a long, purposeful pause to put a person on edge.

  For such a high-ranking military man, Dallas cracked sooner than she’d expected. The faster they jumped to break the silence, the more important the situation was. Based on this, his organization needed her more than they’d like to admit. Men were always so easy to read.

  His dark eyes bore into hers. “Miss Carrizal, I have a proposition for you.”

  FIVE

  “How come I’m not surprised?” Renna took another sip and leaned back in her chair. “Was Myka’s rescue a test?”

  Dallas nodded. The bastard didn’t even have the grace to hide his satisfied expression. “I had heard you were sharp. We used your fence Boyd to offer you a job retrieving the destabilizer, which we’ve been trying to track down for months. We made sure it was an offer you couldn’t refuse.” His pleased smile showed a row of shiny white teeth. “I don’t know why I was surprised by your success. You did steal the Seralline Star Sapphire two years ago, did you not?”

  Renna’s throat closed at the mention of that job. She’d been so careful to keep her identity a secret. She forced her hand to relax around the handle of the mug instead of creeping to the sapphire necklace beneath her shirt. Her tone was carefully expressionless as she said, “I’m so glad I’ve met with your approval.”

  Dallas leaned back. “We knew the Cordozas were holding Myka captive. After chasing him across five different planets, we figured this was an opportunity to combine two projects into one. So we hired you to retrieve the destabilizer, hoping you’d also rescue the boy.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Does that mean you’re doubling my contract as well then?”

  Dallas laughed. “Let’s discuss money later, shall we? I think MYTH may have something better to offer.”

  Renna shrugged, swirling her rapidly cooling tea to mask the trembling in her hands. “How long has your organization been tracking me?”

  “Long enough to know you’re the best mercenary in the traverse. Your clients are always extremely satisfied with your work. So much so that they’re extremely reluctant to talk about services rendered.” His lips twisted into an amused smile.

  Damn right they were. Most of the time, the things she retrieved were illegal on so many levels. A word from her and her clients could end up on a prison planet digging for minerals for the rest of their lives. “So how did you find out about my particular skills then?”

  “We have many resources at our disposal. But honestly, it wasn’t difficult.” He dropped his hands to his lap, bracing his forearms on his thighs as he leaned forward to meet her gaze. “Five planets have permanently banned you, another three will execute you if you’re caught on-world. Not to mention the standing warrant across the traverse for whoever did the Seralline job. You’ve made quite a name for yourself, Miss Carrizal.”

  Her pulse jumped, but she forced her face to stay expressionless. The whole Star Thief thing had been nothing but trouble since she’d finished the job two years ago. The money hadn’t been worth her newfound infamy. Even if no one knew she was actually the Star Thief, she lived in constant fear they’d discover the truth. And yet she let Boyd keep talking her into contracts she knew she should turn down. That shiny retirement dream was looking further and further away by the second.

  She let a strategic sigh escape her lips before saying, “Call me Renna. I think my detention is enough for us to be on a first-name basis.”

  Major Dallas inclined his head. “Because of your exceptionally impressive skills, we have another job for you, Renna.”

  “Let me guess, refusal is not an option?”

  “Very astute of you. We need your help, and I’m afraid you’re the only one who will be able to pull this off. The universe depends on you.”

  Renna rolled her eyes. Did he really have to be melodramatic? “The universe depends on a cutthroat mercenary who can’t be bothered to care?”

  “I think you’ll find you care quite deeply after I tell you about the job. And what we can offer you.”

  She sat back in the chair, crossing her arms beneath her chest. It didn’t hurt to emphasize her womanly qualities at a time like this. He was still just a man, and they always tended to underestimate her. Star Thief or not.

  “Let’s hear it then,” Renna said with a smirk. “Make me care about the fate of the universe.”

  Major Dallas tugged at the collar of his jacket. “I’m afraid it’s not that easy, Miss Carrizal. This information is so top secret even the President of the Coalition doesn’t know about it.”

  Renna sat up, adrenaline rushing through her veins. This was going to be worth a small planet’s gross domestic product to a couple of her clients. She was already calculating the new numbers in her bank account. “I give you my word that what you say will stay in this room.”

  He blew out a lengthy breath. “Unfortunately, your word is worth less than nothing. I’m not stupid, my dear. MYTH is offering you a choice.” He stared at her for a long minute. “I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, Renna. I assure you it’s not a threat.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “When you have to say something like that, it usually means it is.”

  Dallas got to his feet and paced the room, his hands deep in his pockets. “The Seralline Star Sapphire heist is one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in the traverse. Until now, no one has been able to discover who did it.” He paused, pinning her with a matter-of-fact stare. “I possess information tying you to the theft. I also have three orders on my desk for your execution. If you help us with this job, I can assure you all of your wanted ads will be pulled, the books wiped clean. We’ll give you enough to retire comfortably to Paradisio Prime and live on the ocean for the rest of your life. We’ll help you disappear.”

  Cold fingers wrapped along her spine. How the hell had they been able to find the evidence to pin this on her? She’d been more than careful. Did they know she’d done the job? Even worse, how had they discovered her retirement plans? She hadn’t told anyone about them, not even Boyd.

  “So, what I’m hearing is I can either be your pet thief, or I can learn to enjoy the benefits of prison food for the rest of my life. Doesn’t sound like much of a choice to me.”

  “We need you, Renna. You’re the only person who can pull this off. Your past just provides an appropriate amount of leverage to make sure you have proper incentive.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “And no hint of what I’m getting into before I agree? I can think of several instances where execution might be better than helping you.”

  Dallas stopped pacing and turned to face her. “If we succeed, I can assure you, you’ll be set for life. Help us, Miss Carrizal.”

  “Renna,” she said automatically. Her mind whirled. If she agreed now, maybe they’d let her out of this little compound to get the job done. And once she was out… She might not have enough money to retire the way she’d planned, but she could definitely disappear. Especially with the little security blanket on the chain around her neck.

  “Fine. I’ll help you. I don’t really have a choice.” She glared at him. “But don’t think I’m happy about this.” Wouldn’t do to give in too easily. Dallas might get suspicious.

  He grinned. “Good answer.” He pressed the receiver i
n his ear. “Bring the papers, Captain Finn, Miss Carrizal has agreed to help us.” Dallas sank into the chair he’d recently vacated, his shoulders relaxed and loose for the first time since she’d met him. “Now that that’s settled, we can get down to business.”

  She shook her head. “No business on an empty stomach. I need food first or you’re going to find yourself with one grumpy thief on your hands. And you really don’t want that.”

  Dallas pressed the receiver again. “Finn, bring lunch as well.”

  “I’d like to introduce you to the rest of the MYTH team,” Dallas said as he led her down another long corridor. “You’ve met Captain Finn already.”

  “Yeah, what’s his story?” Renna patted at her hair, then dropped her hand. What the hell was she doing?

  Dallas tilted his head. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “Having me on this team seems to be irritating that stick up his ass. If looks could kill—”

  “Captain Finn has been a key member of MYTH for more than six years. He’s led several successful, high-priority missions and has earned our respect. I was the one who recruited him.”

  “From where?” She kept her voice light as she slanted him a glance.

  “I’m sure if Finn wants to tell you about his past, he will. All you need to know is he’s the commanding officer in charge of this mission, and you would do well to find a way to work with him.” Dallas frowned as he halted in front of a door. “Here we are. The team has sparring practice every day at this time. I thought it would be a good idea for them to get a sense of what you can do. Actions speak louder than words.”

  “You’re making me perform? I’m not a fucking monkey.”

  “It’s nothing like that,” Dallas said, holding up his hands. “I just think it will help the team accept you more easily. Working with someone…like you…is in direct conflict to what most of them have spent their lives doing.”

  “Stopping ruthless thieves and mercenaries from ruining your carefully ordered galaxy?”

  Dallas ignored her sarcasm and pushed open the door to a large, square space. Weight machines lined the walls, and a circular sparring ring had been set up in the center. Two men were currently fighting there, fists and feet flying as they attacked each other.

  “Attention on deck!” someone shouted. Immediately all movement stopped and everyone stood at attention, their hands snapping up in a salute.

  “At ease,” Dallas said, striding into the room. “I’d like to introduce you to Renna Carrizal, the last member of the team.”

  All eyes focused on her, and Renna jutted her chin out.

  “Renna, you’ve already met Captain Finn.” Dallas gestured toward one of the weight machines where Finn stood. The captain was careful not to meet her gaze, his eyes staring over her head.

  Beside Finn stood a tall, elegant woman with pale violet skin and silver hair pulled into a bun. Renna recognized her as a Delfine from the Preill system. “This is Staff Lieutenant Keva Li, our XO.” The woman stood up straighter and puffed out her chest. Renna didn’t think it was entirely due to pride. She did have a nice rack. Renna would have puffed them out, too.

  Dallas turned to the massive man across the room who’d been bench-pressing his weights. His pasty skin was slick with sweat, but he stood at ease like the rest of the team. “This is Corporal Lynwood Bokal, our tech chief.”

  The man nodded at her. His light gray eyes were bright and intelligent, and he smiled at her with interest.

  The two men standing in the sparring ring were the stiff, military types she’d expected. Major Dallas introduced them as Sergeant Doyle and Sergeant Santos. The final person in the room was a mousy woman with dark skin and black hair scraped back from a wide forehead. Her eyes never seemed to linger more than a second in one spot. She stood in front of a punching bag, but her hands hung limply at her sides. Hard to tell if the woman even knew how to use it.

  “And this is Staff Sergeant Leslei Gheewala.”

  Renna noticed he didn’t explain her purpose. Very interesting.

  “Team, Renna is in charge of getting you in and out of the facility on Banos Prime. Your lives will depend on her skills.”

  They were too well trained to show their dismay, but Renna could feel it in the way they glanced at each other. She wondered how much Dallas had told them. How much they’d figured out themselves.

  She squared her shoulders. Whatever they thought, they were damn lucky to have her. Might as well start off on the right foot. “Glad to meet you. I’m sure there are all sorts of rumors flying around about me, but here’s the truth: I’m the youngest, most sought-after merc in the traverse. I’ve got more than ten years of experience in the field, and I can kill a man at ten yards with nothing more than my nanospanner. I suggest you stay on my good side.” She grinned at the serious faces watching her. The only one who smiled back was Bokal.

  Dallas cleared his throat. “Miss Carrizal has exceptional skills. I trust you’ll all treat her with courtesy while she’s on your ship.”

  The others exchanged more furtive glances before nodding. She didn’t care. She wasn’t here to make friends; she was here to get a job done. The sooner they all realized that, the better.

  “I thought Renna could practice with a few of you. To help her get used to how MYTH trains their officers.” Dallas waved at the sparring ring. “Any volunteers?”

  She swiveled her head to look at Finn. Seeing him in action would give her an answer once and for all. Was he her Hunter? Or just a familiar-looking stranger?

  Before she could suggest him as a partner, the Delfine stepped forward. “I’ll be happy to fight her, Major.” Keva’s silver eyes narrowed, and Renna forced a smile.

  Gods, she hated working with other women. They were always so catty and competitive. Always so ready to stab you in the back if it meant getting ahead. And this one was even more dangerous since she’d been well trained and was in a position of power. Never a good combination.

  Even worse, she was military. Keva probably hated her on principle.

  Renna shrugged out of her coat and tugged off her heavy boots. Knocking out the woman’s teeth with a misplaced kick wouldn’t exactly win her any favors with the crew.

  Across the room, Finn watched her, and when their eyes met, his lips twisted upward. On anyone else it might have been a smile, but the cold hatred on his face turned the expression feral. She swallowed thickly.

  “Are you ready, Miss Carrizal?” the lieutenant asked in her slightly lilting voice.

  Renna snapped her attention back to the sparring ring. The Delfine might look willowy and vulnerable, but Renna knew better. She’d fought with a Delfine on her first job. The woman had had balls of steel and had killed a man with her bare hands when he’d caught her stealing. She’d never stopped smiling.

  Renna took her spot in the ring and rolled her shoulders a few times, working out the kinks. The other members of the crew circled the space, and she tried to ignore the heavy silence. She much preferred the shouting and chaos of a bar fight, but if this is what it took to prove herself…

  Keva launched herself at Renna without warning. The alien’s fist connected with Renna’s jaw, and her head snapped back. Stars exploded across her vision. One of the bystanders sucked in a breath, shockingly loud in the silent room.

  Renna glared at the woman as her jaw throbbed. So that’s how it was going to be?

  Ears still ringing, Renna attacked.

  Her fists flew, and her body bent and flowed around Keva’s punches. The woman had been trained well, and she moved lithely, almost like a bird. But Renna had learned her skills in the tenements, and the last thing she was worried about was form or looking pretty.

  She was in it to win.

  Renna ducked beneath a punch and swung her leg, catching Keva in the gut. The woman grunted and doubled over. Renna followed with an uppercut to the woman’s jaw. Before she could strike, the alien grabbed her wrist and flipped Renna around, pinning her arm behi
nd her back.

  Her shoulder muscles screamed as Keva pulled harder. Sweat streaked down Renna’s face and stung her eyes. Across the ring, Finn smirked.

  Screw this.

  Renna went slack. The unexpected shift of weight pushed Keva off-balance. Renna twisted out of the woman’s grip and launched herself at Keva’s midsection. They tumbled to the mat, twisting and punching and grunting. Sweat streaked down Renna’s back until her shirt was soaked, but she didn’t let up.

  Keva’s silver eyes glowed with rage as she tried to buck away from Renna’s grip. But with one more flip, Renna had the woman on her back and her forearm pressed against Keva’s throat. The thrill of victory started to build deep in her core.

  The women stared at each other for a long moment, both panting. Both furious.

  And then the Delfine scissored her legs around Renna’s waist, twisting just enough to throw Renna off. They sprang apart, both back to defensive stances as they circled each other. They flew at each other twice more, hitting and striking out, both times breaking away before one or the other could get the upper hand. Renna’s lunch churned heavily in her stomach. There was no way she was going to beat this woman.

  The thought sobered her racing heart. But that also meant there was no way Keva would beat her. They were at a draw.

  Dallas seemed to realize it at the same moment. He stepped into the ring with a wide smile. “That’s enough. Thank you both for that display. You are worthy competitors.”

  Renna sucked in a lungful of air and smiled at Keva, holding out a hand to the woman. But Keva turned her back on Renna to grab the towel Finn held out for her.

  Nice to see the crew was going to give her a fair chance after all.

  “Quite a show,” Dallas said, clapping Renna on the back. “I didn’t know you’d been trained in Bumai.”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” She used her sleeve to wipe the sweat from her face, shuddering as her clammy shirt clung to her back. “If you’re going to blackmail me into helping, are you at least going to let me go home and grab some clothes?” She nodded toward the silky black garb most of them were dressed in. “Or even better, do I get a fancy ninja suit, too?”