You know what? She glared at him with contempt. If this is what the Three Star Alliance stands for, I dont want any part of it. Not any more.

She turned and moved towards the astrogation chair. Before she had taken more than a few steps, a hand grabbed hold of her shoulder, yanking her around hard. She found herself face to face with Tarrant, his face twisted and furious.

We are not turning back, he said.

Megan tried to break loose. Thats not your decision to make any more.

Bash stepped forward, pushing Tarrant away from her with enough force that he stumbled and fell against the broad flat base on which the astrogation chair rested.

Bash moved to stand over Tarrant, his fists clenched. With the greatest of respect, sir, he said, if you lay one finger on her again, Ill hit you so hard you wont come out of a medbox for a year and a day.

The Beauregard isnt going anywhere I dont want it to, Tarrant said with menace. I have the systems override for the ship, and I can lock either one of you out of that chair at any time I want.

Megan did not see Sifra moving towards Bash until it was too late; never noticed that he had pulled on a pair of dark gloves, whose fabric was threaded through with fine silver filaments.

These were, she realized belatedly, nerve-induction gloves. A long time ago, someone had used a pair on her, too, and it was not an experience she was likely to forget.

Sifra laid his gloved hands on Bash, who let out a terrible cry of anguish, his back arching as he reached up to try and tear Sifras hands loose.

Megan ran forward to help him. For Gods sake, Sifra, dont

Sifra reached out with one hand, grabbing hold of her by the wrist. She screamed, her teeth clenching as pain washed through her in a white-hot tide.

Sifra soon let go of her and she scrabbled back out of his reach. Then he released Bash, who slumped to the floor, unmoving.

Stay the hell back, Sifra shouted after her. I swear to God, Megan, Ill kill him now if you move.

Tarrant went over to kneel by Bash, and Megan saw that a beautifully worked knife had appeared in one of his hands. The blade began to shimmer. Meanwhile, Bashs skin had turned an unhealthy shade of grey, and he looked as if he was having trouble breathing.

Gregor, please. She swallowed hard. Whatever youre thinking of doing, dont.

I want you to understand something very important, he said, bringing the blade very close to Bashs throat. Wed prefer to have both of you alive but, if you dont give us any choice, well see how we get by with just one of you. So you can either cooperate or watch him die, understand?

Youre out of your mind.