Lost Planet 01 - The Lost Planet by Rachel Searles Page A

Mina, who was still slumped against the back wall. “You’re runaways then, aren’t you?” he said. “You blasted your nanny and took off for a joyride in the family cruiser.”
    â€œWe didn’t blast her,” said Parker. “But she’s ours.”
    â€œAnd covered with blast marks? Who was shooting at you?”
    Parker narrowed his eyes. “How did you end up stranded in mid-space beside a wrecked Khatra?”
    For a moment the cabin fell silent as Maurus and Parker stared each other down. In a low, deliberate tone, Maurus said, “I’m not stopping on Senica. I can get us to Qesaris. Refugee camps are easier to slip through unnoticed, which apparently would be best for us all.”
    â€œAre you sure we can make it?” asked Chase.
    â€œI’m sure.”
    Parker’s face twitched. “Alright. Thank you for presenting our options.” He spoke stiffly, like he was still in control. “I agree with your suggestion. You can plot a course to Qesaris.”
    Maurus gave him a dangerous look before turning back to the console. “Keep that up and see where it gets you.”
    Motioning for Chase to follow him, Parker led the way into the bunkroom and allowed the door to slide closed behind them. “Start looking for rope or anything we can use to tie with.”
    â€œWhy?” Chase watched as Parker pulled a bundle of cable from a cabinet and tied a practice knot with it, testing the strength. “What are you going to do with that?”
    â€œThis guy could be anything—smuggler, slave trader, assassin. If he tries something, we have to be ready to defend ourselves.”
    â€œDefend ourselves? With what? A piece of cable and your amazing wit?”
    Parker gave him a dirty look. “With this.” From his pocket, he withdrew the knife he’d bought from the junk merchant, still in its green sheath.
    â€œAre you crazy? You don’t have a chance against him. Put it away!”
    â€œYou won’t be saying that when he puts you in shackles and tries to sell you into the slave trade.”
    â€œOr maybe he’ll just take us to Qesaris like he said, and we’ll be that much closer to getting Mina fixed.”
    Parker shook his head. “Maybe he will. But if he tries anything on us, even if he just tries to steal our cruiser once we land”—he made a slashing motion with the sheathed knife—“he’ll have this to deal with first.”

 
    CHAPTER EIGHT
    With a bad feeling growing in his gut, Chase watched Parker stash the knife up his sleeve and place the cable on the floor just inside the doorway. He rose to his feet. “Ready? Play it cool for now.”
    Chase tried one last time to stop him. “Think about it. If you try to use that blade against Maurus, you’ll end up with it jammed against your own throat. And if he really is a criminal, he won’t think twice about using it on you. Don’t be stupid.” Maurus wasn’t exactly muscle-bound, but he looked tough and definitely strong enough to overpower a pale houseplant like Parker.
    â€œJust let me handle everything, you wimp.” Parker touched the entry pad, and the door slid open.
    Maurus sat facing them, his arms crossed.
    Quickly Parker tucked his arm behind his back. “What?”
    â€œSecond Lieutenant, Expeditionary Squad.” Maurus’s voice was calm, but his eyes glittered fiercely.
    â€œHuh? I don’t know what you’re—” Parker began.
    â€œI wasn’t planning to give you any information beyond my name. But before you go trying to start a mutiny, I thought I’d better tell you that you’ll be attacking an officer from the Intergalactic Federal Fleet.”
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about,” mumbled Parker.
    â€œThere’s an intercom,” said Maurus. “To the bunkroom. I heard everything you said.”
    Chase wanted to