Jeran moved forward. “Miroshi?” he said. “Oh, Gods, it’s Miroshi!”
“Miroshi?” demanded T’Chebbi. “Why she do this to Bradogan?”
“Because of what he did to her,” said Jeran, bending down to touch the dead female. “She was ill,” he said, looking up at Kaid. “I told you that. He gave her to his men one night because he was angry with her. There was nothing we could have done to help.”
The sound of an approaching shuttle drowned out any hope of further conversation. It stopped to let Jo descend, then turned and headed back down to the other end of the spaceport.
She rushed over to Kaid. “Not Carrie,” she said, touching her face. “Oh, God, not Carrie!”
“Bradogan’s dead.” said Jeran, standing up. “She got her revenge.”
Tirak decided enough time had been wasted. “We need to get Carrie to sick bay,” he said, taking hold of Kusac’s arm. “Are you done here? Have you got all your people?”
Kusac looked at Jo.
“Yes, all accounted for,” she said, looking over to him. “Rezac and Zashou are on the Profit, the rest of us are here or on the Hkariyash.”
“Including Tallis?”
“Yes, he made his break while Bradogan was after you, and managed to reach the Hkariyash.”
“You said you need to reach a rendezvous. Where?” asked Tirak.
“Chemerian home world,” said Kaid.
“We can get you there in two weeks. Is that fast enough? Let’s go, now, before any more fighting starts. You can talk to your ship from mine while we see to the injured.”
“We’re coming,” said Kusac, leaning on Davies for support.
“I’ll go on the Hkariyash,” said Kris. “We don’t need to get back quickly.”
“Same with me,” said Davies as he helped Kusac toward the Profit. “We’ll keep you posted on what happens. Next few days could be quite interesting as Railin takes over from Bradogan.”
*
As Mrowbay prepared to seal the cryo units, Kaid reached out to touch Kusac’s hand. Already the premed had taken effect and his friend was drifting into unconsciousness.
“Two weeks, Kaid,” he said, his voice barely audible. “Find out what Tirak was up to in that time. I’ll want to know.”
“I’ll find out,” he reassured him, standing back for the unit to be sealed. He turned away, moving to Carrie’s.
“She never came round,” said Mrowbay, joining him.
Kaid touched her cheek. “Sleep well,” he whispered.
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