At last he got to the worst part, the part where his father drew him close to say goodbye. “He slipped me something in secret . . . to give to you.”

Taking his cue, Baz reached into his jacket and removed the datachip. This was the original, though there was already a backup on the Icarus and in Skits’s databank, not to mention the copy of the video on Leo’s watch. Black was careful when it came to protecting something of value. Most of the time.

“What does this datachip contain?” Crayt asked, keeping his eyes fixed on Leo.

“We don’t know for sure,” Kat said. “Files. Formulas. Diagrams. Blueprints. Some of it’s encrypted, most of it’s technical information we don’t understand, but we’re pretty sure it contains the Djarik’s plans to use EL-four eighty six to do exactly what we told you.”

Leo thought he heard the Aykari grunt. He didn’t know the species was capable of laughter, even the dismissive kind.

“Then they have accomplished what I would not,” Crayt said. “It was only a matter of time. . . . And I suppose your father helped them?”

“He didn’t have a choice,” Leo said quickly.

Of course he knew what Crayt would say to that.

“He told me to come find you,” Leo pressed. “He said you’re the only one who could help him . . . who can help us.”

Baz leaned over, holding the chip out to the Aykari.

Leo held his breath, waiting, but Crayt made no motion to take the chip, his spindly arms crossed in front of him. Baz leaned in even farther until the thing was practically under the Aykari’s pointed chin. Crayt simply took a step back. “I must apologize, but I am not interested.”

Leo shook his head. This wasn’t right. His dad had told him to find Zirkus Crayt. To give him this chip. Implied in the request was the belief . . . the expectation that Crayt would be able, would be willing to help.

“Hang on,” Kat said. “We’re telling you that the Djarik have found a way to use ventasium to wipe out entire civilizations and that you might be able to stop them, and you’re saying you’re not interested?”

Crayt nodded without hesitation. “That is correct.”

Boo issued a low growl, a deep note of dissatisfaction. Kat looked wide-eyed at Baz. “He’s no better than the rest of them. I should have just let you shoot him before.”

“We could just shoot him now,” Skits suggested, forgetting the rest of them were unarmed and that Number Nine definitely was not.

Leo snatched the chip from the captain’s hand and held it up, his own hand shaking. “You can’t say no. We’ve come all the way out here. My father risked his life to get this to you. We all did. And now you’re telling us you won’t even look at it?”

“I do not need to,” Crayt replied calmly. “If it is what you say it is, then I already know I want no part of it. I have seen the consequences of meddling with EL-four eight six firsthand. I want nothing more to do with it or with this seemingly ceaseless war.”