She shook her head with a grin, then her gaze darted over my shoulder and her expression smoothed into professional politeness. “Is this the client?”

Lexi tailored her persona to her clients—or her marks. She switched between charming, smart, vapid, and cunning—and everything in between—as easily as others changed outfits. Until she found which worked best, she usually stuck with professional reserve.

I was interested to see what she would pick for Torran.

I turned so I could wave a hand at Torran. “Lexi Bowen, meet Torran Fletcher.” I gestured back at Lexi. “General Fletcher, Ms. Bowen.”

They nodded coolly at each other. Lexi’s gaze traveled from Torran’s head to his toes. She sent me an inquiring glance. “You let him go out on the station dressed like that?”

I huffed out a laugh. As if I had the ability to let Torran do anything. “I advised him to change or remain behind. He declined.”

Lexi’s eyes narrowed. “Did you run into trouble?”

I hesitated, which did me in as surely as admitting it. At the pause, Kee’s head snapped up. She had been examining the chocolate I’d bought, but now her stare locked on me. “What happened?”

“Just some asshole, being an asshole. It was dealt with, no one was hurt, and station security probably won’t want to talk to us, but maybe we should get an early start, just in case. Is everyone on board?”

Kee looked like she wanted to press more, but I silently shook my head and she subsided. “No,” she said. “Anja, Chira, and Eli left to get some additional parts.”

“For the ship?” When Kee nodded, I asked, “Did Anja forget to put something on the list?”

“She didn’t say. I didn’t have time to set up her credit account, so Eli went with her, and Chira decided to tag along, too—thankfully not in her armor. Between the three of them, they’ll surely be able to manage.”

I murmured my agreement. Eli wouldn’t buy something outrageous without consulting me first. I hoped that Anja hadn’t found more issues, but she must’ve if she needed more parts. I sighed and rubbed the spot between my eyes. I’d put off maintenance for too long, and now that decision was costing me.

The main hatch opened, and Varro stepped out into the cargo bay. His eyes landed on Kee first before flitting over the rest of us. Without a word, he moved to the levcart, hoisted two heavy bags of rice onto his shoulder, and then vanished back through the hatch.

“How did he even—” Lexi started, then paused and glanced at Torran. Her mouth compressed into an unamused line.

“Let’s get the rest of this stuff put away,” I said before she could comment further. “Leave the parts for now and focus on the food.”