Fringe Runner (Fringe Series Book 1) by Rachel Aukes Page B

but there’s also a reason no one’s instigated one since. We don’t have the resources to fight them.”
    “This time is different. We don’t have a choice. They’re moving from oversight to outright ownership. Vym believes Myr is making a move to seize control of all the fringe stations.”
    The runner chortled. “That’s impossible. The CUF would never let that happen.”
    “The CUF is splitting apart from the inside. Most warships and military units are now either all-Alluvian or all-Myrad. We’re on the road to another war between Alluvia and Myr. Only this time around, there are colonies in the mix. Imagine what would happen if Myr managed to gain control of all the fringe stations.”
    “They’d have control over all space ports in the fringe,” Reyne said.
    “Meaning…”
    “Meaning they would own anything going to or coming from a fringe planet,” Reyne finished.
    Critch nodded. “If they take control of our space docks, the colonists are out of this fight before we even have a chance to throw a punch.”
    “Myr may be powerful, but you’re talking about fringe stations. These are large cities. Myr would have a rebellion on their hands at the first station they made a play for.”
    “Not if all the colonists there are already dead.”
    Reyne sobered. “They’d never go that far.”
    “You underestimate the situation. If Myr and Alluvia start a war, we all know where the battlefields will be.”
    After a pause, Reyne spoke. “On the colonies.”
    Critch nodded.
    Reyne eyed Critch a long moment before he frowned. “Why are you telling me this?”
    “Because Vym wants you to join the cause.”
    “What?” He almost choked on the word.
    “That was my first reaction, too,” Critch said drily. “Somehow, you’ve conned her into trusting you. That don’t mean shit to me, but she made a valid argument. Out of every runner in the fringe, you are the only captain who could go anywhere, anytime, without suspicion. You can run all four fringe stations and the Coast, and the CUF would never bat an eye. All my crews are on watch lists, but no one would ever suspect the traitor of Terra to have any involvement in a new Uprising.”
    “How reassuring,” Reyne said with a hefty hint of sarcasm in his voice.
    “It’s not my job to hand out hugs.”
    “Tell me, exactly what is your job? Because Vym could’ve told me everything you just did. What am I doing here?”
    Critch took a drink. “We’re laying the groundwork for the new Uprising right here, from Nova Colony. Right now, I need runners to transport recruiters from the Coast to the colonies.”
    “The Gryphon’s not designed to be a passenger ship. Besides, I have contracts on the books that I can’t just drop.”
    “Not anymore. Vym is having your handler reassign any contracts you have on the books and set up new contracts as we speak.”
    Reyne’s jaw loosened. “It’s taken me years to build those relationships.” The upgrades Vym made to the Gryphon were beginning to make sense, and he wasn’t the least bit happy about her scheming. He shot Critch a hard look. “Without contracts, how am I going to feed my crew?”
    “Vym will cover your crew’s expenses through under the guise of the new contracts. Everything will look legit in case the CUF gets curious.”
    Reyne paced the room as he thought through his options. “Vym sent me here to talk with you in case I said no, so she wouldn’t have to deal with me.”
    Critch shook his head. “Contrary to popular belief, pirates don’t kill everyone they meet, though I’d consider an exception in your case.”
    Reyne growled. “Watch yourself, pirate.”
    “I have crews and employees all over the fringe. If I wanted you dead, you don’t think I could’ve had your throat slit in your sleep any damn time I felt like it?”
    “You could try.”
    “You’re here because we need a fast runner, and we need a captain who can get into places without questions. We’ve got