Countdown by John Walker (most life changing books TXT) 📕

the bed. When no one came for her, she figured they must actually be focused on getting to their destination. The technical side of such a thing mattered. Achieving a reasonable orbit, establishing contact with anyone that cared about a massive ship showing up, and arranging transport to the surface took concentration.

Maybe Loch’s more on it than I thought.

The door opened. Rita sat up, checking the time. It had been an hour since they left hyperspace at that point. Loch came in, moving directly to the table where he took a seat. Gesturing at the opposite side, he waited for her to join him.

“We’ve arrived at my compound,” Loch said. “We’ll be in orbit within an hour or so. Then we can head down. You’ve had enough time to think about this situation and my offer. I would like your answer.”

Rita joined him. “Can I be honest?”

“I’d like that.”

“I don’t know how to respond to you.” Rita shrugged. “How are you going to trust me?”

“I’m making you a ridiculous offer,” Loch replied. “Take the whole you have no choice off the table. Anyone would jump at this opportunity.”

“I don’t want to be constantly under scrutiny.”

“Think about it like this.” Loch leaned forward. “I found you once. I can do it again. I don’t mean to be unpleasant, but if you run off or whatever you’re worrying about, I’ll kill you. We don’t have to go there, though.”

Rita looked away. That part worked for her. She had no intention of going without ending him first. Once he was gone, his people wouldn’t have a reason to chase her. They’d be too busy picking up the pieces their boss’s death left behind. She’d open up a dynasty to claim for the strongest bidder.

And that should tempt them far more than bothering with me. A plan formed. A prepared shuttle, a seduction, a stabbing… then freedom. I can work that out once I get to the surface. Shouldn’t even take all that long. A little patience will go a long way toward wrapping this job up.

“Fine.” Rita looked him in the eye. “I accept your offer. I’m tired of running all over the galaxy anyway. These pissant little jobs that barely pay enough to keep us going for a few weeks after all that work? I’m done. What you’re offering feels… I don’t know… stable. I’d like a little of that for a while.”

Loch stood, grabbing her by the arm. He pulled her up, staring in her eyes. “Oh, it’ll be stable. Especially when you’ve come fully around. When you’re in my bed, that’s when you’ve paid back our little debt. But until then…” He backed away. “You’ll be something else. I have every confidence we’ll get to everything in time.”

Rita loosened her fist, nodding her head. She fought hard to keep her temper under control. Putting him down sounded worth whatever trouble might come from it. I could fight my way to the hangar, take my own shuttle out of here. Snap his neck, kill the guards… She stopped. Drawing a deep breath… and smiling.

“Me too. Thank you. I look forward to what happens next.” Rita hoped he didn’t detect the weight of that sentence, the double meaning it promised.

“Excellent.” Loch backed to the door. “I’m sure you and I are going to have many fantastic adventures together, Rita. I look forward to testing your boundaries.” He left her alone. His presence made her skin crawl but the thought of sleeping with him flat out nauseated her beyond belief.

“Forty minutes to orbit,” a woman’s voice spoke over the intercom. “Secure all belongings. Security prepare for departure. Contact with compound in ten minutes.”

Just under an hour. Rita sat again, staring at the wall in thought. I need to admire my temporary lodgings. Find the best routes, memorize the layout, check on the security. And once I’ve done that, it’ll be time to leave. Shouldn’t be more than a couple days. A week at the most then I’ll be back at it.

The war with the ervas may even be over by then depending on what her side decided to do. Their enemies had a good chance of causing some real trouble for the Gold Empire. Considering Loch’s home happened to be deep within their territory, buying into his rhetoric didn’t mean anyone was safe.

Eventually, the enemy might show up there and when they did, Loch’s security wouldn’t repel them. No, this place was on borrowed time no matter who came out on top. That’s why it’s so important to get out of here ASAP. They’re going down one way or another. I only hope he dies by my hand before any of that happens.

***

A message came through to the control center. Zem sent an automated response to let them know they were present and would reply shortly. Nostros was bringing Biggun. Waking him probably caused some trouble. The big bastard looked like he could conk out hard enough that a good kick would barely wake him.

“Where the hell is this guy?” Zem shouted. “McCully? Torrence? We need to respond pronto!”

“Relax!” Torrence shouted. “Nostros had to get the lug up! You don’t want him to sound all groggy, do you?”

“Just get him here! I’ll worry about how he sounds!” Zem watched the computer, half expecting them to figure it out…to inform them they’d been made. “We’re on a serious time limit here. Shit, that guy’s had a half hour to get his lazy ass up!”

“And I’m here!” Biggun grunted. “Put your tampon back in, asshole! For Christ’s sake!”

Zem clenched his fist, glaring as the man entered. “You’re lucky you’re needed…”

“Or what?” Biggun interrupted. “Listen, fella. Your threats don’t mean shit to me. We’ve got a deal; I’m holding up my end of the bargain. Kiss my ass if things ain’t happening as fast as you’d like.” He