Barron resolved he would do the same. He would be everywhere with his people, through whatever danger he led them to. And one thing he damned sure would never do was sneak off for a nap while his spacers struggled to stay focused at their stations.

He walked across the room, limping slightly from the numbness in his leg, and he sat behind his desk. It was a relief to have a few moments of privacy at least, if not rest. His crew could display their uncertainty, their apprehension, at least to a point. But not him, not the ship’s captain. He knew they all looked to him, and the slightest sign that he was not in control, that he had his doubts, would crush morale in an instant. And Tyler Barron’s mind was flooded with doubts at the moment.

He stared down at the screen on the side of the desk, reviewing the meager scanning data. He didn’t have much beyond gut instinct to tell him what he was facing. The laser buoys suggested a fairly large ship, or perhaps a number of small ones.

Or even a freighter…

It seemed clear, however, that there was no massive invasion fleet, at least not yet. If there were that many ships out there, he would have detected something. Residual ion trails or some kinds of energy readings. Besides, a fleet would have attacked Dauntless immediately, not played a cat and mouse game trying to gain advantage.

No, whatever we’re facing, they’re respectful of us, wary. That’s the only reason we haven’t been attacked with anything else yet.

Barron rested his head in his hands, closing his eyes for just a few seconds.

Who are you out there? And what are you doing now? What trap are you laying for us?

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

AS Invictus

In Orbit, Krillus V

Alliance Year 58 (307 AC)

“They’re just sitting there, Commander. They may be launching fighters. It’s hard to be sure with just passive scans.”

Kat listened to her exec’s report with disappointment, if not surprise. She’d set another trap for her Confed counterpart, but it didn’t look like he was going to fall into it.

“Maintain position and continue minimal energy output.”

“Yes, Commander.” There was something in Wentus’s voice—a touch of discomfort perhaps?