Shielder — A new Science Fiction Romance (Book 1, Shielder Series) by Catherine Spangler Page A

well.
I owe Chase a great debt, one I can probably never repay. I'll be
in contact with him every ship cycle, and I will make it my
business to know your every move. If you do anything—anything—to
harm my partner, you'll pay dearly."
    He released her so suddenly, she almost
stumbled forward. Catching her balance, she moved away from him.
"Are you going to tell him the truth about me?"
    He shrugged, straightening his flightsuit.
"Maybe I will and maybe I won't. That depends entirely on you,
Nessa—if that's your real name. You'd better choose your actions
carefully." He strolled to the panel and turned with an arrogant
smile. "See you at the mid meal."
    Nessa stared at the panel after he'd gone, a
sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She didn't trust the
traitor, or believe he'd keep his word. Someone who would turn
their own people in for gold had no honor. Chase would know the
truth in a matter of time. But for now, she had no choice but to
play along.
    Even if the danger she faced had just
increased tenfold.
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    Nessa stood inside her cabin, watching Chase
and Sabin through the open panel. They had just finished
transporting Nathan Long to Sabin's ship. The prisoner had been
forcibly dragged away, yelling a string of foul curses and threats.
She was relieved to be free of his obnoxious presence.
    She was just as anxious to be free of Sabin,
of his knowing leers and threatening posturing. Hopefully, he would
depart immediately, and they could continue on to Star Base
Intrepid.
    That hope was dispelled a moment later when
Sabin said to Chase, "I’m going down on Calt with you, McKnight.
Dansan always has guards around and I don't want you walking into a
possible trap alone. Not only that, but my better half is manning
the mercantile right now." He frowned as he said that last
sentence, obviously displeased about something.
    “ Is she?” Chase grinned.
“You still trying to order her around? You should know better by
now.”
    “ I keep hoping for a
miracle,” Sabin muttered.
    “ Good luck with that.”
Chase said. “I'm happy to have your assistance down there. Just
remember, Dansan is mine for the taking."
    Sabin slapped him on the back. "Copy that.
Then I'll take my ship and meet you planetside. Rendezvous at
Giza's, 1100 hours?"
    “ I’ll be there then,” Chase
said.
    Sabin disappeared through the airlock,
leaving Nessa stunned. She'd had no clue they'd altered course,
much less traveled anywhere near a planet. With Sabin on the ship,
she'd remained in her cabin, venturing out only when Chase insisted
she join them for the mid meal.
    She waited to be sure the airlock light went
off before entering the corridor to look for Chase. She hurried
toward the cockpit, almost colliding with him as he strode out. He
steadied her with a hand on her shoulder.
    "There you are. I was just coming for you.
Get into the cockpit and strap in."
    His words confirmed what she had just heard.
She stepped back from his hand. "Where are we going?"
    "To Calt. We're right outside its orbital
field."
    A wave of despair washed over her. Chase had
detoured the ship again—with time running out. She curled her hands
into fists by her side. "You gave me your word, Captain. I have to
reach Zirak soon, or miss the eclipse."
    His eyes, cold and distant, bored into hers.
"I don't have time for dramatics. This ship operates on my schedule, not on the whims of a passenger. Get in the
cockpit—now."
    By the Spirit, what could she do? Her mind
whirling like a Sharan dervish, she followed Chase into the
cockpit. Once strapped securely in her seat, she watched mutely as
he deftly guided the ship into orbit and began the descent to
Calt.
    While he went on the planet, she would check
the program decoding the PWL file. If she could access the security
codes, she might have more options. If not…a new possibility
suddenly occurred to her.
    "Captain McKnight."
    He frowned, his concentration wholly focused
on the controls.