Cesca said, “Ekti is vital to the Big Goose, as well as the Ildiran Empire. This crisis affects far more than just Roamer business.” She looked pensive, eyes narrowing as she turned to speak with Jhy Okiah. “Is there a chance the EDF will mount a strong response on our behalf? The Goose has no great love for Roamers, but if we threaten to stop ekti production, they’ll know they must protect their source of stardrive fuel.”

Jhy Okiah pursed her wrinkled lips. The other Roamers had fallen silent, eager to hear her answer. “That may be asking for worse problems down the road. Roamers have always avoided requesting Hansa assistance.”

Someone shouted, “When have we ever been able to count on them to do anything for us?”

“I, for one, don’t want to be in Earth’s debt,” grumbled Crim Tylar. “They’ll demand payment at the worst possible time.”

“Then our only other alternative is to protect ourselves,” Jhy Okiah said firmly.

“But how, by damn?” Del Kellum half-rose to his feet, then sat back, bouncing in the low gravity. “The Roamers don’t have any military. We need the Eddies to fight the aliens.”

At the mention of the Earth Defense Forces, Jess sank deeper into his seat, concerned again about his little sister. He had been obligated to send Tasia the message about their father, but she had her own responsibilities—did the Eddies have a stronger hold on her than her clan? Her enlistment had been brash, but she had taken an oath of service. She couldn’t just ignore that and run home to Plumas. No Tamblyn could. Jess knew that well enough.

He wasn’t particularly concerned about his sister’s ability to take care of herself. In fact, if she got into an altercation, Jess felt more sympathy for anyone who stood in Tasia’s way. But he longed to have her back. Tasia’s bright personality, quick wit, and sarcastic jokes would have been welcome on Plumas.

Even without Ross, or his father, or Tasia, Jess had to keep his clan business running. He would come through this, do what was right. The one anchor point that allowed him to keep his sanity—his love for Cesca Peroni—had to wait. Indefinitely.

He watched Cesca, her olive skin smooth and perfect, her pointed chin lifted with pride and inner strength. The Roamers needed Cesca even more than Jess did. Though his heart might ache, their love could endure whatever time was necessary until they could be together.