“I’m not exactly planning to run around announcing my presence.”

A brief smile touched Torran’s mouth. “I appreciate that, and I’ve done what I can to obscure the fact that you’re here, but it will eventually get out, especially once you start investigating. Staying close will ensure your safety.”

Was he really concerned about my safety or did he want to keep me away from an easy escape route? I rolled my shoulders, trying to unknot some of the tension. I couldn’t constantly second-guess all of his motives or I’d be an inferno of anxiety. I needed to be cautious and prepared without tipping over into paranoia.

“I’ll tell my team to pack for a week,” I said. “Will we have access to a kitchen? We have some food that’s going to spoil if we don’t eat it.”

Torran’s expression shifted as some of his tension also drained away. “You are welcome to use the main kitchen.”

I dipped my head in thanks and went to tell the team about the change in plans.

My team packed with quick efficiency. We were used to traveling light. Most of our weapons, gear, and tech supplies were already packed in the cargo bay, so we just had to load them into the shuttle that would take us to Torran’s house.

I left my bag with Eli, then went through the walk-in cooler and packed all of the food that would spoil in the next week. I’d have to make another trip later if we were going to remain on-planet longer than that.

Luna finished her lunch, then jumped up onto my shoulder guard when I patted it. “We’re going on an adventure,” I told her. “Don’t run off and give me a heart attack, okay?”

She shifted and peered down into the box of food I picked up. When I didn’t offer her any, she chirruped at me.

“You have a one-track mind, friend. No more food until we arrive.” I’d very carefully hidden her favorite treats in the bottom of the box. We’d never had trouble with her stealing food, but I didn’t want to tempt her, either.

By the time Luna and I arrived, everyone had gathered in the cargo bay. The ramp was lowered and the Valoffs had already transferred most of the supplies they’d brought. They all were wearing their armor. As usual, Torran neglected to wear a helmet.

I tried not to take the armor as a bad sign, but based on Lexi’s scowl, she didn’t share my optimism.

I pulled Kee aside. “Is the ship locked down?”

She nodded. “As tight as I can make it. And I left a few surprises for anyone who tries to access it, either physically or electronically.”

“You’ll know if they try?”

She didn’t quite roll her eyes, but I could tell the restraint cost her. “Yes.”