Youve just threatened a mission critical to the TSAs continued survival, something Id willingly die for. Tell me, Megan, are you prepared to die for your principles?

Megan said nothing.

Thats what I thought, said Tarrant, removing the blade from the vicinity of Bashs throat. There will be no turning back. Once were back home, youre free to go where you want, do what you want, but until then you belong to me. Both of you.

She saw Bash stir. <Bash? Can you hear me?>

<Sure.> He lay still, with his eyes closed.

<I think theyre going to kill us once were done doing whatever it is they brought us out here for,> she sent. <I think that was always their plan.>

<I think maybe youre right,> Bash sent back. <But if we bide our time, maybe we can think of something.>

Fine, she said, in a voice clipped and cold. If thats how its going to be, well pilot you the rest of the way, and back again. But, after were home, promise me I never have to see either of your fucking faces ever again. Are we clear?

Entirely. Tarrant nodded tautly. But there are going to be some changes. I need to be sure you wont make any attempt to compromise our mission.

Megan closed her eyes for a moment and swore under her breath. So what did you have in mind?

Youll each keep taking your shifts in the chair, but whichever one isnt on active duty is going to be held under guard. Im limiting your external access to either the chair, or the ships onboard net. Myself and Anil will take turns in guarding you. And if either one of you tries to sabotage this mission again, the other one dies immediately.

Megan forced herself to nod.

I know you dont want to hear this, said Tarrant, but Im genuinely sorry about how things have worked out. You should never have gone prying into business that wasnt yours, Megan.

Megan stepped past them both to help Bash stand up, holding him under the armpits.

<Come on,> she said. <Im taking you down to the medbay.>

<Im sorry, Megan,> he sent. <Im sorry I got you into this whole>

<Just shut the hell up and put one foot in front of the other.>

Bash, Tarrant called after them. I hope one day youll maybe understand that we did what we had to.

With all due respect, sir, said Bash, without looking round, go fuck yourself.

FIFTEEN

Megan

Sifra followed them to the medical bay and waited there at the entrance. Megan made a point of ignoring him while she helped Bash get undressed. She pushed up the lid on one of the medboxes and held it open while he crawled inside, before sealing the lid over him. After that she pushed her way past Sifra and cracked open the neighbouring box.

You sure you need this? asked Sifra. My gloves dont cause any physical damage.