All eyes locked onto the Pherzul, who seemed remarkably composed, her tail lashing around, then she wrapped it around Helix’s lower limb in what Qalu understood as a protective gesture.

“Everything dies,” she said. “Yes? If it lives, it must end. And I’m small. He won’t notice me until it’s too late, and then I’ll bite him. Nobody messes with what’s mine.”

That was remarkably in character for any Pherzul and for Aevi in particular. It was a point of pride for the little one; she’d taken a liking to Helix, and she saw it as a personal affront that anyone would attempt to take away what she had claimed.

Pherzuls were utterly territorial and completely callous about everything that didn’t belong to them. An entire world could burn if a Pherzul hadn’t claimed it.

“It might not be that easy,” Carow said, sounding uneasy about the prospect of fighting a legendary bounty hunter.

But Praxys flared his dorsal spikes, as if reacting to the violence of Aevi’s suggestion. Qalu couldn’t recall what the neck frill and back spikes signified, but Praxys smelled a bit different, some hormonal spike hinting at a strong emotional reaction.

“We would need to lay a trap with care,” he said. “Choose our ground wisely. But I think Aevi might be right. Running has proven to be fruitless on seventy-eight different occasions. I’m unsure if any of the targets tried to fight, but I do know I would rather go down hard.”

“I don’t want to die,” Bojak said. “Haven’t managed to get word to my mother yet, assuming she’s alive, but if push comes to shove, I’m good with making this Krag work for it.”

Qalu stared, fascinated by the fact that Bojak had said “mother,” singular, as if he had only one. Imagine that. It wasn’t the time to inquire into human anthropological arrangements, however. Praxys seemed to be taking stock among the rest of the crew. And one by one, they spoke their assent.

“We shouldn’t rush to confront Krag, but I agree,” Maglan said.

“Me as well,” Carow added.

“Excellent. I’ll save my venom,” Aevi announced, lashing her tail in an impressive display of would-be dominance.

Qalu didn’t tell the little one she was every bit as much adorable as she was fearsome. Such opinions were best kept to herself, lest Aevi lose her temper and nip her flesh, resulting in a painful and swollen wound. So far she’d never injected enough poison to do Qalu serious harm. Best not to bait a Pherzul, however.

Praxys made a gesture that seemed to be dismissive. “That’s all. Please take your rest. I need to do a little more research before I decide our next move. Our fuel won’t last forever, but I don’t want to risk stopping until I’m sure we’re clear.”