Dante was on his way to the ship’s small gym when he heard Tyra talking to someone farther up the corridor. In a move that was getting to be a habit, he turned on his heel and ducked into the first room that was open. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see her. If anything, it was the opposite. Since their kiss, he hadn’t been able to go five minutes without thinking of her, and that was a serious problem.

She hadn’t slept well that night they’d spent in hiding. Each time she got restless, he’d put his hand on her shoulder or stroked her hair until she quieted again. He’d stayed awake all night, watching over her and the others while they slept. He was honored that she trusted him to protect her when she was at her most vulnerable. The problem was she was still vulnerable and would be until this mission was over. Until then, he couldn’t allow himself to get distracted again. If he did, he risked losing her before he got a chance to know her better, and he wanted that more than he liked to admit. Every time he considered tracking her down and kissing her senseless again, he reminded himself why he was staying away. It was the only way to keep her safe.

It had been two days since they’d returned to the Malora, and the entire team was stuck onboard, waiting for clearance to proceed. Dax hadn’t gotten permission to bring the shuttle in to pick up Dante and his charges. He’d ordered the mission anyway, and Bellex had retaliated by burying the team in red tape.

The only one enjoying the current state of affairs was Nico. He roamed the ship at will, but his favorite places to be were the mess and the ship’s entertainment lounge. He spent a fair bit of time with Tyra, too, and he always seemed to know when Dante was in the cockpit of the Malora. He’d come by to chat with him for hours about anything and everything that passed through his young head.

“You hiding from the kid, the doctor, or both?” Dax asked from the shadows. Dante hadn’t noticed him until his commander spoke and turned away from the viewing port to look his way.

Dante bristled. “I don’t hide from anyone, sir.”

“Then you’re doing a remarkably good imitation of it right now. You’ve been ducking into rooms and lurking behind corners since you got back.” Dax folded his arms over his chest and cocked his head to the side. “As a friend, that concerns me. As your commanding officer, it looks like an issue I need to resolve. So, what the fraxx is going on with you, Buttercup?”

“Off the record?”

Dax nodded. “Computer, lock the door to this room.” He issued the command and pointed to the table and chairs that took up most of the available space. “Sit down and tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’m just trying to put some distance between myself and Dr. Li right now.”

“Personality conflict? I know you were having trouble getting her to listen to you down there. If that’s the case, you two need to figure it out. She’s volunteered to stick around and help us on this case, and we could really use her help.”

Dante grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. “Conflict? Uh, no. That’s not the issue.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“You remember the mission to Victor Base?”

Dax nodded. “It was only a few months ago, of course I remember. That’s where we learned about the Gray Men and we all damned near died.”

“And you reconnected with Trinity, which complicated things,” Dante added.

“Yeah.” Dax grinned. “She was worth almost dying for.” It took a moment for him to get the point Dante was making. “Wait. You and the doctor got uh, complicated?”

“Nothing happened. I mean, I kissed her once, but then we got attacked. An attack that occurred because I let myself get distracted.”

“I read your report. The most likely scenario is that one of the people she tried to help gave you all up for a reward. If you had really been distracted, you wouldn’t have been prepared for that possibility. You had a plan, and it kept you all safe until we got to you. Mission accomplished.”

“I should have insisted she stop treating people. Kept her safely stashed away until pickup. Because I didn’t do that, we got attacked,” Dante said.

“Maybe.” Dax rapped the tabletop with his knuckles. “But you know better than to let the bad days get to you. I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s important to keep perspective. You did good work down there. You saved three lives and brought us the one person who has seen cobalt and its effects. Without Dr. Li, we’d still be in the dark.”

“Not that it does us much good to know what to look for when we can’t get back on the planet.” Dante thumped his fist on the still-shiny surface of the table in frustration.

“Actually, we can, but it means we’re going to have Bellex visitors onboard. I received our clearance a few minutes ago. I was deciding who to send down when you came in.”

“I volunteer.” This was exactly what he wanted. Off this ship and back to work.

“I figured you would. As your friend, I think you should stay here. If you’ve got feelings for the doctor, then hiding from her isn’t going to do either of you any good.” Dax sighed. “But as your commander, I know you’re more useful to the mission dirtside. Get packed, you leave in thirty minutes. That should get you off the ship before our guests arrive. If you’re headed back to the planet, I don’t want the Bellex reps seeing your face. You’re staying off the books for the time being.”

“That’s fine by me. Who are you sending with me?”

“You’ll go with Blink and Sabre. Trip is going to stay here and give your doctor a hand with the research side of things. Trinity and I will deal with the corporate types. One of them is just a representative, the other is a Bellex-backed doctor who wants to help us with the investigation.”

Dante snorted. “Tyra’s going to love that.”

“Speaking of, are you going to tell her or the kid you’re leaving? As your friend, I’m strongly recommending you do so.”

“I uh, damn. I guess I should.” It was a new idea for him. The only people who cared about his comings and goings were on this ship. He hadn’t had anyone else to keep informed since Tish had walked out of his life. “Can you keep an eye on Nico for me?”

“You know it. He can hang with Magi. That might keep our resident whiz-kid distracted from the fact he’s stuck onboard. Colonel Bahl is tearing through the red tape right now, and I think Bellex is finally starting to realize the magnitude of their error, stonewalling her and restricting our access to the planet.”

Dante grinned. “The colonel is a dragon best left sleeping. She’s one scary lady when riled.”

“Indeed, she is. But if you ever call her a dragon in her hearing, I won’t be able to save you. Go say your goodbyes and get your gear packed. I’ll let the rest of the team know we’re a go.”

Dante snapped off a salute and headed out. The corridor was quiet when he stepped into it. He’d pack, then say some brief goodbyes heading out…if there was time.

Tyra was confused and a little hurt. Dante had been avoiding her since they’d arrived on board—an impressive feat considering he was a damned big man and the Malora was a relatively small ship. The last time she’d seen him for more than few minutes was on the shuttle ride to orbit. He’d escorted them into the shuttle bay and introduced her to the other members of his team. The next time she looked around, he’d vanished.

Later she discovered he’d gone straight to the med-bay to get his injured arm treated. Cris, the team’s medic, let her know that Dante had gotten it cleaned up, received a shot of healing accelerant, and had Cris give him a clean bill of health.

Whenever there was a briefing, he was the last one to arrive and the first one to leave. She’d sent him a message asking how his arm was healing. He’d been slow to reply, and when he did, it was a brief note thanking her and stating he was back at full strength.

Clearly, he’d changed his mind about them. Not that there was a them, exactly. There was attraction, sure. The man was hotter than a supernova, and while she was over forty, she wasn’t dead. He’d kissed her, so he must have felt something for her, too, but the moment the danger had faded, so had his interest.

At least he’d kept his promise and supported her desire to stay on and help find the source of the cobalt. She was convinced the drug was the reason almost all the Bellex employees had become near-mindless drones. Nico and the other kids had confirmed that the strange behavior started only two months ago.

The timeline fit, but there were still too many questions. Why had there been a rash of overdoses and drug-induced violence that affected the entire population? Where was the drug coming from? And how was it being dispensed now that the pharma dealers’ supply had dried up? Bellex had to be involved in the vile mess, but she didn’t have a clue how she was going to prove it.

“But I’m going to find a way,” she muttered to herself as she headed down the ship’s main corridor. She’d been summoned to a meeting with the members of the team. Hopefully, Commander Rossi had good news to share. The only one enjoying their enforced hiatus was Nico. The entire crew had adopted him as an unofficial mascot, and he was basking in their attention, especially Dante’s. He was also eating his body weight in synthesized food every day, and she could already see the changes good nutrition and getting a decent night’s sleep could make. At this rate, his friends on the surface wouldn’t recognize him when he came back.

Veth, she hated the idea of sending him back to his old life. If there was a way to break him free of Bellex’s grip, she’d find it. Even if that meant calling in every favor she was owed. A long time ago, someone had stepped in and helped her when no one else would. She would honor his memory by doing the same for Nico.

She reached the door of the briefing room and activated the chime to announce her presence. She’d quickly learned that most of the doors on this ship only opened for the crew. If she wanted access to anywhere outside the common areas, she had to get one of them to let her in. It was mildly annoying, but she understood. This was a fully armed IAF frigate as well as a mobile military base. They had protocols, and their own secrets to protect.

The door slid open, and Cris greeted her on the other side. The handsome blond lieutenant had a natural charm about him that was at odds with his precise and polished accent. “Hi. Welcome to yet another meeting. Despite appearances, we occasionally do actual work.” He winked at her. “Just not at the moment.”

She entered the room and looked around. Commander Rossi was seated already, and at his right was Lieutenant Trinity West. Ensign Erben, the one Dante called Magi, was working with a three-dimensional holographic interface projected over the table, but he was moving the data so quickly she couldn’t make out what any of it was.

“Planning counts as work,” she replied, earning her a smile from Commander Rossi.

“Yes, it does,” he agreed and gestured for her to take a seat.

“It barely counts. I still can’t believe I’m stuck up here for this mission. They let Blink go dirtside, but not me? Do they have any idea how dangerous that woman is?” the ensign muttered.

“No, and that’s the point,” Trinity said.

“Get over it, Magi. Not everyone gets to go on every mission. Plus, as you’ve pointed out several times already, there are no lizard burgers in our galley.” Cris pointed out before sitting down across from her.

“The rest of the team has gone down to the planet?” Tyra had assumed the others were on their way.

Commander Rossi frowned. “Didn’t Dante let you know?”

“I haven’t seen him today. Did…did they take Nico with them?” Learning Dante had left without saying goodbye stung a little, but if he’d taken Nico…”

“Nico is still staying with us for now. Safer that way.” Dax frowned in obvious agitation, then added, “I thought Dante was going to tell you about this before he left.”

“He didn’t.” He’d clearly moved on. It was time she did, too.

“You left Buttercup in charge of conveying information? He who doesn’t like to utter more than a dozen words a day?” Eric shook his head in mock dismay.

“One more word out of you, Ensign, and you’ll be starting that level six diagnostic Dante wants done on the engine,” Rossi warned.

“Sorry, sir. Shutting up now, sir.”

“Buttercup?” The way Dante’s team bantered with each other had surprised her at first. Her few experiences with members of the IAF had given her the impression they were all about sharp salutes, polished boots, and protocol. Team Three were different. They traded insults, teased each other, and while they clearly respected their commander, they seemed almost allergic to protocol.

“That’s Dante’s nickname,” Cris said in his elegantly accented voice. “Before you ask, he got tagged with that long before he came to Nova Force, and none of us know the story behind it.”

“And believe me, I’ve tried to find out. I’m pretty sure he threatened to pulverize anyone who talks,” Eric chimed in.

“I’m sorry you weren’t informed about the team’s departure, Dr. Li. Erben, when we’re done here, I want you to outfit the doctor with one of the new communicators. Make sure you brief her on how to use the encrypted channels, too. That should make sure no one’s left out of any other important updates.”

“Yes, sir.” Eric beamed at her. “Once I’m done kitting you out, Dr. Li, you’ll never want to go back to your old tech again. If you give me your comm now, I can switch everything over and have it back to you shortly.”

“Thank you.” She pulled out the basic communicator they’d given her when she arrived on the Malora and slid it across the table to Eric. It was good to be part of a team again, even if it evoked a sense of guilt. Her team was gone. Men and women she’d been responsible for had died. Joining a new team so soon after their loss felt like she was disrespecting their memories, but it was also the only way to get justice for them.

“Now we’ve got you caught up, I’d like to move on with the briefing. We’ve got about thirty minutes before our guests arrive. Before they set foot on this ship, I want everyone to know the plan.”

“Guests?” Eric asked.

“Bellex is sending two representatives. They’re to be read in on the investigation and will be staying on until we close this case.”

“Aw, they’re sending spies. How sweet. You want me to prep the standard welcome package for them?” Eric was grinning with almost maniacal glee as he asked the question.

“You know it,” Dax replied.

“Do I want to know what that means?” Trinity asked.

“It means we’ll be watching the watchers. From keystrokes to communications, I’ll be monitoring everything they say or do. I’ll also be activating the Malora’s counter-surveillance functions to protect our network and secure all crew-only areas with extra measures.” Eric glanced over at Tyra. “We giving the doctor full access?”

Dax nodded, his gaze firmly fixed on Tyra. “You know we already vetted you so you could stay on and help us with the investigation. I’d like to give you full access, but before I do that, you’d have to agree to sign some non-disclosure agreements.”

“More?” She had already filled a myriad of forms and agreements just to be allowed what limited access she had.

“More,” Dax confirmed.

“So much more,” Trinity added with a laugh. “My previous assignment was all highly classified, and it still took me a staggering amount of paperwork to be allowed to join this merry band of lunatics.”

“We’re glad you did, though, Trin, and not just because the boss-man is a lot less grumpy now you’re in his life,” Eric said.

Trinity blushed. “Thanks.”

It hadn’t taken long for Tyra to figure out the commander and lieutenant were a couple. It was yet another surprising discovery about the way the team functioned. Most places she’d worked, including Boundless, discouraged workplace romances. Apparently the IAF, or at least Nova Force, felt differently.

Dax cleared his throat. “Dr. Li, you didn’t give me your answer, yet.”

“Oh, right. Yes. My answer is yes. Whatever it takes to find out what happened here and bring those responsible to justice. I lost teammates down there, and I owe them answers.”

Everyone nodded in silent understanding.

“Dante told me how you felt. I’m glad you’re staying on to help us.” Dax stood and walked around to her side and offered her his hand. “Welcome to the team.”

She rose, took his hand and shook it, feeling a surge of satisfaction. “Thank you, Commander.”

Dax grinned. “It’s going to be nice to have someone around here who actually uses my title.”

“I’ll behave when we have company, Fido, sir,” Eric said.

Trinity rolled her eyes. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

Dax returned to his seat. “Now that you’re unofficially official, there are a few more things we need to cover before our guests arrive. There are two of them. One’s a straight-up corporate rep, the other is a doctor.” He looked at Tyra. “Dr. Debba Downs is on Bellex’s payroll, and she’s here to ‘observe and assist’ the team. She’s going to want access to the med-bay, so you and Trip are going to have to keep an eye on her and make sure she’s not interfering with samples or altering your data.”

Cris groaned. “Who agreed to let her be part of this at all?”

“Colonel Bahl did, because it was the fastest way to get Bellex to agree to surface access. As it is, I was supposed to wait for them to meet the entire team before sending anyone down. I don’t want them seeing Dante though. Everyone’s files have been redacted and firewalled for this mission, and Bellex has been ordered to allow our team through without scans or security checks. They’re not happy about it, but they eventually agreed.”

“I bet the colonel told them what happened to the last corporation who refused to let Nova Force investigate,” Eric said.

“What happened?” Tyra asked.

“We put them out of business,” Dax said with deep satisfaction.

“And if Bellex had anything to do with the cobalt, the cover-up, or what happened to your team, we’ll do the same thing to them,” Trinity declared.

Both Cris and Eric cheered, but a stern look from Dax settled them quickly.

“Facts first. Right now, we don’t have a lot of those. Our job is to keep the Bellex people away from anything important and be prepared to act fast once the team on the ground finds anything useful. Witnesses. Evidence. Actionable intel.”

“A sample of cobalt would be nice, too,” Cris said.

“That’s on the top of the ground team’s most wanted list,” Dax said, then sighed. “Speaking of wish lists, the Bellex people have a few requests of their own.”

“Let me guess. Full cooperation, total access to any and all data they deem pertinent to the investigation, private rooms, encrypted comms channels, and daily foot rubs,” Eric quipped.

“You’re close, but lucky for you, no foot rubs were requested. They are adamant that they receive a full debriefing from you and Dr. Castille, though, Dr. Li.”

Bellex had insisted they needed to speak to her from the moment they’d learned she was alive and well. Nova Force had denied all attempts to have her returned to the surface or delivered to one of the dozens of stations and shipbuilding platforms in the system, citing the continuing threat to herself and her injured teammate. “They’re welcome to ask me anything they want. Everything I remember is already on the record.” Tyra frowned. “Apart from the names of the individuals who protected us down there. I’m not putting those children at risk, especially not with Nico here.”

“Magi will keep an eye on Nico and make sure he knows who the newcomers are. He’s a smart kid—once he’s aware of their presence, my bet is he’ll give them both a wide berth. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a key witness under our jurisdiction until the investigation ends,” Dax said.

“Thank you. I have no idea how to go about it, but if it’s at all possible, I’d like to try to find a way to keep Nico from going back. He’s got no one else, and I hate the idea of leaving him behind.”

Everyone went quiet. “We can’t save them all, Dr. Li. You know that,” Cris said.

“I know. But Dante taught me that sometimes, we can save one.”

Dax rapped on the tabletop. “Damn right we can. I make no promises, Dr. Li. But I’ll see what I can do.”

Hope bloomed in her chest, and Tyra found herself breathing easier. It wasn’t hard to see why this team followed Dax Rossi with such devotion. He was the kind of leader who inspired everyone around him. “Thank you so much. I know it’s a long shot, but I have to try.”

“One more thing before we wrap up,” Dax said. “Once Bellex has what they need from Dr. Castille, he’s been cleared to leave the system and head home.”

“He’ll be happy to hear that. Doctors really don’t make good patients. I suspect he won’t be signing on for any more Boundless missions, either.”

Trinity sat a little straighter in her chair. “Why not?”

“This kind of work isn’t for everyone. We get a lot of young, eager doctors looking to do some good while adding to their resume. They often do one or two missions and then decide it’s not the right fit for them. The experience is valuable, but they have to endure long hours, poor working conditions, bad food, and in a worst-case scenario, something like what happened to us.”

“This was his first mission with Boundless, right?” Trin asked.

“Correct. To be honest, I’m not sure why he even signed on. He graduated near the top of his class, had sufficient experience and commendations to be hired most places, and he didn’t strike me as the humanitarian type. He was a last-minute addition, too. When one of my regular doctors had to step away to deal with a family matter, he ended up being the replacement.”

Trinity glanced over at Dax. “More feathers to ruffle?” she asked.

“Do it.”

“I’m sorry, do what?” Tyra asked.

Trinity gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m going to take a closer look at Castille before he leaves to make sure we’re not missing anything. I’ll need to talk to you too, just to get your impressions of him for my files.”

“He almost died down there. Do you really think he could be part of all this?” She couldn’t imagine it. Oran wasn’t even a good poker player. How could he hide a secret that big?

“What I think isn’t relevant. We just need to collect all the information we can and sort it out later,” Trinity said.

Cris leaned in and added, “It’s the same process as making a difficult diagnosis. You have to gather all the facts and look at them with as little bias as possible to make sure you’re not overlooking anything. We can’t come to the right conclusions if we don’t have all the facts.”

“I understand. I’m here to help in any way I can, just tell me what you need to know,” she said. Cris’ explanation made sense, but it didn’t ease her discomfort at knowing they were going to investigate Oran. Worse, she knew what was happening, and couldn’t say anything. Dante’s untalkative nature was starting to make sense, now. When your work was full of secrets and you didn’t know who to trust, it was safer to say too little than too much. How did Dante and the others live this way?