The Starlight Lancer

Chapter 124: An Unexpected and Unwanted Reunion

"Why do I find you in the unlikeliest of places?"

—Roezan Weth, a character in The Chronicles of Izolta series

"Baeus, stay back," Zaina said, keeping her cipher trained on Reida. Both of the pirate's hands were in sight, and neither held a gun—it looked like she didn't have one on her at all, unless it was tucked away in the backpack slung over her shoulder. She wore shabby, gray light armor over a tan blouse and black slacks. Somehow Reida's lack of an outward threat only made Zaina more suspicious.

"So," Reida continued with a disappointed smile, flicking pink-and-blonde locks from her face. Though Zaina would never admit it, Reida's appearance was quite pleasing. "You really did become a lancer after all. Congratulations!"

Zaina's eyebrow raised. "I thought you hated lancers."

"Yeah, but not you." She glanced over at Baeus. "Oh, hello, there. Are you on a mission with my friend?"

"You're not my friend!" Zaina replied through clenched teeth. "You're a liar and a murderer!"

Reida smiled—Zaina hated how charming she was. "Yeah, guilty on both counts."

"You killed Drel Ofrans. You killed all those people on Otmonzas!"

"Guilty again."

"How can you even show your face after what you did? How—"

"You know," Reida said, "you have company coming your way. You might want to get back to your ship before they get here. I know you hate fighting."

Zaina's eyes narrowed. This had to be a lie. "Yeah, right."

Reida shrugged. "Believe it or don't. Just like you can believe it or not that I can help you find who you're looking for."

"What?" Zaina shook her head. "That makes no—how do you know who we're looking for?"

Reida smiled. "I can explain everything on your ship. But you really will have company in about three minutes. This is Tralgon territory, and they don't take kindly to interlopers."

Baeus gasped. "The Tralgon Cartel?"

"The one and the same," she said. "I'm assuming if you know anything about them that you understand you probably don't want to wait around to find out if I'm telling the truth."

Baeus turned to Zaina and said in a quiet voice, "I think we should leave. You know her?"

"Yeah," Zaina said, "and we can't trust her."

"She says she has a lead," Baeus said. "It might be worth it to find out."

"We absolutely cannot bring her along. She's pure evil."

Baeus sighed. "Sad to say, the Order's probably worked with worse."

Zaina groaned. She hated this, but Baeus seemed inclined to get out of there in a hurry. "Fine—fine. Come on, let's go."

Reida happily clapped her hands together. "Hooray! This is going to be fun."

That only gave Zaina further pause. Reida's definition of fun was different from anyone who wasn't a violent murderer. This was a bad idea, and she knew it—but if push came to shove, Zaina could handle a single pirate, right? Plus, it presented an opportunity to apprehend Reida when her guard was dropped. Maybe she would pay for her crimes after all. This was a chance to right some wrongs.

They quickly made their way to the ship.

"This is yours?" Reida remarked. "It's so small."

"What, you think the Order of Riiva assigns warships to us?" Zaina shot back.