“I’d say such selfless devotion warms my heart, but most would allege that I don’t have one. You’re both testing my patience. Take the Pherzul and get out. You’ve served your purpose, and the sound of your voice is starting to grate on my nerves.” Krag seemed to be staring at Qalu as he added the last part.

Though Helix wondered exactly what had passed between them while she was held captive, this wasn’t the time to indulge idle curiosity. Giving in to his fear, he nudged her toward the door. Aevi was uncharacteristically quiet, perhaps assessing the threat level correctly. One false step, one misspoken word, and Krag would unleash with devastating results. When Qalu moved reluctantly toward the exit, Helix relaxed somewhat. While he wasn’t ready to perish, he much preferred keeping the hunter’s focus.

When Krag strikes, I wonder if I could beam myself into the station network in time. Probably not, I’d have to start the transfer now and then delay as long as possible. He doesn’t seem like the patient type.

“Any last words?” Krag asked.

“You gave me everything,” he said to Qalu. “I wish I could have given it back.”

“Helix…” Her voice broke, his name ending on a note of absolute grief.

Aevi made a sound he hadn’t even known the Pherzul could emit, high-pitched and awful, coming in keening waves. Their sorrow echoed off the container walls as the bounty hunter strode toward him, weapon raised. It was impossible not to fear the pain that would surely come before the end. A light flashed on the bounty hunter’s helmet, the weapon sparked and—

Krag touched the xerxax lightly to Helix’s shoulder. “I tracked you. Caught you. My record remains intact. But the contract has been canceled. The syndicate is no longer paying for your death or capture. And…your companion was right. I don’t kill for sport.”

He held still, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. “Does that mean…you’re letting us go?”

“I have a new contract already. Let’s never cross paths again,” Krag said.

The hunter pulled his weapon back and his boots rang out a metallic cadence when he moved off, passing Qalu and Aevi at a respectful distance. Soon, he was gone, leaving Helix and Qalu alone. His lower limbs suddenly felt weak, and he staggered, stumbling back against the cold wall of the container.

“We’re…free?” Qalu whispered, seeming unable to fathom what had happened.

“It’s a good thing he left,” Aevi said. “I was about to chew my way through his armor. I was just biding my time, you know. I wasn’t scared!”