Chapter 24

Even through the bathing unit, the bunk quarters, the passenger cabin, and down the hall, murmuring echoed. It reverberated. Relda pressed her ear against the frigid bathing unit wall.

"Transmission to Dad," Raylay commanded something, probably the viewing screen, if Relda had to take a wild guess.

"Dad," Raylay continued. "We've got the creature - the one who stole the medal from the temple."

"Did you get the medal?" His father questioned; there was a tinniness to his voice. "Or did Fleet 3 get it?"

Raylay drew a shaky breath and said, "We had it in sight. Fleet 3 got in ahead."

"I see."

Relda gnashed her teeth and clenched her fists.

"So, is all good?" Raylay's father questioned. "You're all coming back now?"

"I'm coming back," Raylay said. "Ty is coming back. Ozla - well, Ozla got killed by the Fleet 3 crew."

Relda abandoned the change of clothes she had taken from Ozla's closet, and straightened the ones she had on. The shower would have to wait. She shed her shoes and walked, taking exaggerated steps. She knelt outside the cockpit and watched the flashing images. Raylay's dad leaned against a sleek transport. He moved an inch sideways, and Relda clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp. He rested his arm just above the imprint of three vertical stars.

"See you soon, Dad," Raylay said.

"I bet you will," Relda cut into the conversation.

Raylay's eyes widened. He puffed his cheeks out.

"I can explain," he began.