Dek extended his hands, spreading his fingers as he studied them. “Nope. But then, that’s Donovan for you. After what Two Spot reported during this last conversation, Falise was the one who orchestrated the airtruck adventure. Told the guard—one of the new marines by the way—that she was a Taglioni, and if he had any questions, to take them up with the Board.” A beat. “Hey, that poor marine? She’s Corporate soft meat. They’re trained to obey when the nobility asks them to do things.”

Kalico glanced at Raya, who smiled in sour amusement, and said, “My call? If they’re out in the bush, Kylee will either convert Dek’s sister . . . if she’s got the guts for it. Or if she doesn’t, Kylee has absolutely zero sympathy when it comes to fools.”

“What do you think?” Kalico asked him.

Dek leaned back, shook his head. “That woman I observed in Port Authority? All full of schemes, blind superiority, condescension, and disdain? Kylee’s already fed her to a nightmare.”

“Bit far north for a nightmare,” Talina said as she stepped out of the lavatory and settled herself in the seat next to Dek. “But there’re plenty of the other usual suspects eager to provide an early and most hideous death. I’d put my money on a pincushion. Or maybe a skewer or bem. Something fast and efficient so Kylee didn’t have to linger to make sure it was permanent.”

Dek gave her a scolding glare. “This is my sister, the heartless assassin, we’re talking about. Show a little respect for my close family ties.”

Tal grinned. “Oh, I don’t know, Dek. If we’re going to be serious, you’ve got to think of it from Kylee’s perspective. Why in hell would she, of all people, partner up with your sister? My bet? After the humiliation Falise endured at your poker game, after seeing her boy toy eaten, Kylee figured she might be a threat. We’re lineage, and as strong as that feeling is for us, for Kylee—who is more quetzal than you and me put together—it’s an imperative. Instinctive.”

“How do you know that?” Raya asked.

Talina tapped the side of her head. “Kylee’s in here. Along with Rocket and the rest. Even as I said it, Rocket was whispering ‘yes’ in my head.”

Dek could feel it, too. That quetzal sense of agreement. “Hope Falise doesn’t try and pull a fast one. Kylee would kill her in an instant.”

Talina asked, “Any news about the IG? Anything about the survivors?”

“Nothing that Two Spot knows. He keeps trying. Calls every fifteen minutes trying to raise her. Probably won’t hear a thing until Kylee gets back to the airtruck and the radio.”