“Okay, okay. I was going to do a big announcement for everyone, but since you’re so concerned about our souls, I’ll tell you.” She steps closer to me, lowering her voice. “You were right. There’s a war brewing in the system.” My stomach plummets. Maybe this is her way of telling me to fuck off after all. “But this is a diplomatic mission.” She pauses. Something flickers across her face so quickly I can’t be certain I really saw it. “To Nibiru.”

Suspicion overshadows my relief.

“Why would Leonis be interested in diplomacy with Nibiru?” Nibiru is a quiet planet without much military value, and the Gaians despise them.

“Food supply, obviously. Leonis is willing to trade some tech to secure a big deal for dried algae. It’ll last forever, even if the trade drones are grounded as things progress.”

I frown. It makes some amount of sense… but still, if food is the goal, Nibiru isn’t the best option.

“Why don’t they secure a deal with Deva instead?”

“Come on, do I really have to spell everything out for you?”

“They’re going to war with Deva?”

Scorpia holds a finger to her lips, glancing pointedly in the direction of the customs building and then the Gaian officers still milling outside their ship. My frown deepens. Things are starting to click together now. If Leonis is still keeping this quiet, even from her own people, it makes sense that she’s sending us to do her business rather than an official diplomatic mission. But a war with Deva, of all planets, brings up a new issue.

“Gaia will never win.” I don’t care how much advanced alien technology Gaia has on their side, Deva is the wealthiest planet in the system by far. They have abundant food and a strong standing military, though they’re mostly used to fight the jungle. Gaia doesn’t have the resources to outlast them, even if they secure a ludicrous deal with Nibiru.

“Not our problem,” Scorpia says, waving a hand dismissively. “This deal is gonna make us rich, and as soon as Pol is back with us, we’ll find a way to settle down wherever’s safest. Pax, maybe. Unless that also offends your delicate sensibilities?” When I don’t answer, she nods and heads into the cargo bay. “Good, then let’s go.”

I sigh. Another damn war, when I’ve just escaped one. It never ends. But if I’m not forced to fight, maybe I can find a way to live with it. And at least this time I won’t be alone.

Still, my heart feels heavy as I step inside Fortuna.