Tira and Zoron stepped into the center of the ceremony tent. Luminescent glow bulbs, strung like constellations above, cast their ethereal light onto the rings of sand covering the ground. Each ring radiated in vibrant hues of red, gold, and green, symbolizing passion, prosperity, and growth. Aliki, standing just inside the outermost ring, suppressed a grimace as grains of dyed sand clung stubbornly to her boots and crept into the seams of her trousers. Impractical, she thought. Beautiful, but impractical.
The Tyrok guests formed concentric circles around the couple, their ceremonial attire glinting under the shifting light. Feathered headdresses swayed like cascading waterfalls of plumage, while scaled coats shimmered with the sheen of polished gemstones. The air was thick with the musky aroma of Tyrok bodies mingled with the sharp sweetness of exotic floral arrangements, creating a heady atmosphere that made Aliki’s stomach churn.
Hidden speakers thumped with strange percussion music, a hypnotic rhythm that seemed to rise from the earth itself. The sound—reminiscent of hollowed-out tree trunks struck in a slow, deliberate cadence—reverberated through the ground, coaxing the guests into motion. The outermost circle began its counterclockwise rotation, while the next moved clockwise, alternating directions in a synchronized flow that gave the illusion of a massive, living organism. Each stomp and head bob of the guests fell into perfect harmony, the collective rhythm vibrating through Aliki’s chest and setting her teeth on edge.
Tira’s radiant smile lit up the tent. Her movements were slightly exaggerated, her laughter just a touch too loud, her gaze bright but unfocused. Aliki recognized the telltale signs: Tira was riding a chocolate high. She had been since the day they’d met, and it seemed not even the solemnity of her wedding ceremony could interrupt her indulgence. Aliki’s lips twitched in a wry half-smile. The absurdity of it all almost made her forget the rising tension in her gut.
As the guests’ rotations gained momentum, the ceremony’s hypnotic rhythm deepened. The shifting sands seemed to whisper to one another, carried by the vibrations of the ground. Aliki planted her boots planted her boots firmly and waited, watching Tira and Zoron as they prepared to exchange their vows. The center of the ritual may have appeared serene, but to Aliki, it felt like the eye of a storm.
The couple stood still as the guests slowed their rotations to a halt, forming a motionless, reverent circle. Zoron began his vows first, his voice deep and steady as he spoke of unity, strength, and the merging of their futures. Tira followed, her tone lighter but no less firm, promising loyalty and shared prosperity. Together, they recited the final words, their voices intertwining: “As these rings join, so do our lives, our futures, and our fates.”
A shallow dish of glowing liquid rested on a pedestal between Tira and Zoron. With the vows complete, Zoron dipped a clawed finger into the substance and drew intricate patterns across Tira’s face. The designs were traditional, their meanings deeply rooted in Tyrok culture and history. The symbols glowed faintly, their lines pulsing like a heartbeat. Tira did the same for Zoron, giggling as she reached up to his face, completing the ritual. With the painting ritual complete, the couple stood marked, their bond now visible to all.
Aliki picked up two intricately decorated horns from the pedestal. Etched with swirling Tyrok symbols that narrated stories of unity and heritage, the horns shimmered subtly as their inlaid gemstones caught the light. She dipped each horn into the liquid, uncertain of its exact composition but reassured by Emmett that it was safe for both humans and Tyroks. Stepping forward, she handed one horn to Tira and the other to Zoron, taking care to avoid the tacky resin on their arms.
The couple raised the horns high in unison, touched them to their lips, and handed them back to Aliki. The act, steeped in tradition, symbolized drinking the blood of the ancestors, their connection to heritage and customs. As the horns left their hands, Aliki carefully placed them back onto the pedestal, completing the ceremonial cycle, while the crowd erupted in jubilant cheers. Stomps and cries filled the tent, their collective energy shaking the ground beneath them.
Tira and Zoron clasped hands and turned toward the reception tent. The guests fell into step behind them, their movements still rhythmic but lighter now, more celebratory than ceremonial. Aliki lingered at the edge of the procession. The ceremony was over and there was still no sign that ICE was going to do anything. A flicker of worry crossed her mind.
As the reception tent filled with murmuring voices and the clinking of glasses, Zoron stepped onto a small raised platform that Emmett had brought in earlier. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. The sheer weight of his presence silenced the crowd. He clasped his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable, his tone measured and calm.
“Tonight,” he began, “is more than a joining ceremony. It’s a declaration. A new era begins.” His eyes swept the room, pausing ever so slightly on key individuals. “For years, you’ve watched your cartel families torn apart—friends lost, families shattered—because two leaders refused to see eye to eye. That ends tonight. From now on, the Black Claws and Silver Fangs serve one leader. One vision. One future.”
A ripple of uneasy movement passed through the guests. Some exchanged glances; others remained still, processing the implications. Zoron continued, unbothered.
“A leader must be strong. A leader must be unquestioned. That is why I claim my title: Varesh-Tal.”
The Tyrok phrase carried through the air like a challenge. Supreme leader. Those who understood its meaning stiffened slightly. Whispers and murmurs saturated the tent.
Zoron let the statement sink in until the crowd became silent again, waiting for his next word. Suddenly, one guest, a burly male with a jagged top ridge, cleared his throat. “And what of those who think this is a bad idea?” he asked, his voice careful.
Zoron smiled—a slow, deliberate movement devoid of warmth. “Dissent is natural. It reveals who is suited for the future and who belongs to the past. Those who lack vision will be given… a special opportunity to reconsider.” He lifted a hand, and without hesitation, a group of guards moved in on select guests. Some stiffened, others glanced around as if calculating their odds. One, an older Tyrok with fading tattoos, snarled and shoved back.
“This is madness! The Silver Fangs aren’t yours to command!” he bellowed, his voice breaking through the tension like a cracked whip. He lunged for his weapon, but before he could draw, he was subdued—brutally, efficiently.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Zoron inclined his head slightly. “Gerrod seems confused. Make sure he understands.”
While the subdued Tyrok was dragged toward the tent entrance, several others were tapped by Zoron’s bodyguards and motioned to follow. Fress appeared startled when he was approached by two escorts, but didn’t put up a fight.
Aliki’s gaze was disrupted when Tira knocked a tray of skewered fruit off the fondue table, laughing as if it were the funniest thing she’d ever done. It seemed to break the tension, however. The music resumed but the remaining guests were noticeably subdued.
As Aliki rushed over to pick up the tray, she noticed that the ICE agents were continuing about their tasks like nothing unusual had happened. Her anxiety increased, but it wasn’t until she caught a hushed conversation between two Black Claws that the true weight of the situation settled over her.
“Huh. I don’t see why Pillan was included in the special talk. He’s nothing but a glorified clean-up man for the Silver Claws, always thinking with his tail instead of his brain. I got influence with the docks union—I should be in there instead.”
“You don’t want to be part of that special session.” The second Black Claw’s voice was quieter, edged with something close to fear. “I got a feeling the only influence those guys are gonna have in the future is with the underground, if you get my drift.”
Aliki exhaled slowly, heart pounding. She turned her gaze toward the front doors of the showroom, where she’d last seen KC. Salyne’s overheard comment took on new meaning. Once the guests are in, I’ll lock the doors.
KC was in danger. And if she didn’t act soon, he wouldn’t be the only one.
She darted to the tent entrance, but one of Zoron’s lackeys put out a thick arm to block the opening. “Zoron wants all of his guests to stay in the reception tent and enjoy the party,” he growled.
“I, uh, I’m not a guest. I work here.”
The guard’s lips widened, showing his many pointed teeth ominously. If it was intended to be a reassuring smile, it failed by a long shot. “That’s nice, but the work can wait. It’s time to take a break. I’m sure the happy couple would like you to enjoy yourself for a few minutes. Have some fondue.” He reached up to press something by his ear and his eyes went blank for a moment.
Aliki began to grimace, then realized she needed to continue acting her part. Obviously, ICE wasn’t ready to move yet. She wouldn’t be the one who blew the cover. She put on her best smile. “That’s very nice of them. I think I will. I love chocolate!”
The guard stared at her.
She turned her back to him and strolled calmly to the fondue table. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes and focused on taking a breath. The waiting was beginning to take its toll. She bit her lip again and noticed it was getting sore. If something didn’t happen soon, she was afraid she’d accidentally draw blood. She needed to get out of the tent and warn KC. But how?
A caterer was discreetly cleaning up the mess Tira had made by knocking over the tray of fruit. For a moment, a drone hovered over him, then moved on to a conversational group standing nearby. Aliki’s eyes narrowed. The drones were watching everything. She’d be noticed if she tried slipping out through the ceremony tent, even if it wasn’t being guarded.
She needed a plausible reason to leave. Her attention lingered on the fondue table. She wandered over and peered into the melting pot. The container was half full, but there was definitely room for more chocolate.
She casually used the toe of her boot to push the box of extra chocolate farther under the tablecloth, concealing it from view. With her excuse set, she headed for the tent’s entrance.
The guard stepped in her path. “I thought we talked about taking a break,” he said, his tone firm.
Aliki smiled lightly. “The chocolate is running out. The guests won’t have much fun if there’s no fondue,” she replied, gesturing toward the fondue table. “I need to grab more from storage. Unless you want a bunch of unhappy guests?”
The guard hesitated, then nodded after a moment’s thought. “Make it quick.”
She stepped out of the tent, her heart racing and moved briskly to the dealership’s entrance. With any luck, KC was hanging around out of harm’s way. She imagined him leaning against the break room counter with a pile of snacks at his fingertips, smugly looking up at her as if he owned the place.
But the break area was empty. Her hopes dashed, she rushed to the office, then went through the utility room to the chocolate storage. No sign of KC. But the large door to the garage was open, and Aliki could hear voices coming through.
Xyper and Emmett. The chocolate pick up. She shouldn’t be here right now.
Racing back to the hall, Aliki stopped and stared at the door to the apartment. Salyne had said she would lock it, but Aliki, as manager, might still be able to get inside. Thankfully, the control room door was closed, but she tiptoed down the hallway anyway. She really didn’t want a confrontation, especially after being told off by the guard.
She approached the apartment door control and put her palm against the interface. The door remained closed and the indicator light stayed red. She tried again, but she knew it was futile.
“Need something?”
Aliki whirled. Salyne stood in the doorway to the control room, arms crossed.
“I, um…” Aliki stalled.
Salyne gave a throaty chuckle. “You can’t go in right now. They’re having a special meeting.” She turned and went back into the control room.
Aliki followed her, blurting out the first thing that came to mind. “A guest is asking for KC. I couldn’t find him anywhere else, so I figured he might be in the apartment.” She could feel sweat forming on her forehead. “It sounded important,” she added, steadying her voice.
Salyne gave a sidewise glance before resuming her place at the monitors. The drone footage was quite clear. “He’s in there,” she said, “but he’s in the meeting. You aren’t invited.”
Aliki frowned. “I know what’s going on in there.”
Salyne raised an eyebrow. “So? It’s cartel business. Move along. I’ve got real work to handle.”
A voice coming from the console speaker made her jump. “Hey Salyne, any word? It’s getting hot in here. And I really would like some of that chocolate before it’s all gone.”
Salyne pressed a button. “Not yet. Hang tight. Zoron wants to be there.” She looked up at the monitor and manipulated a drone. Zoron could be seen heading toward the exit of the reception tent. “Looks like he’s on his way.”
Aliki watched her manipulate the drones to get complete views of the guests. Many of them were now seated at tables, some of them digging into plates of buffet food, others staring into space. Salyne pressed a button, and one of the drones focused on a group hovering near the tent entrance, their heads turned to watch Zoron’s progress into the building.
The drones. No one had thought about Salyne and the drones. Any minute now, Emmett and Xyper would finish loading the chocolate into the van. The van would drive back to the spaceport, and ICE would give the word to move. If Salyne watched the agents move in on the guests, she’d know they’d been had. One word from her to the men in the apartment, including Zoron, and they’d escape.
Aliki bit her lower lip. She had to get Salyne away from the monitors before Xyper returned to the spaceport. “Look, it doesn’t have to be me. Could you go in and get KC? I’ll watch while you’re gone.” She moved closer to the console.
Salyne glanced at her. “You’re being a real pain in the ass. Scoot off before Zoron gets here. He won’t be happy if he sees you hanging around, ignoring your job.”
Aliki pressed her sore lip between her teeth, thinking fast. She had to lure Salyne from the monitors somehow. But Zoron was the only one who had any influence over the woman. Zoron and Tira. A thought sparked.
“I know you sabotaged the power system, Salyne. How long have you been manipulating events at the dealership? Were you the one who killed Sufsa?” She pointed to the monitors. “Does Tira know? I think she might be interested in hearing more about this.” She turned on her heel as if to leave.
Salyne stood up with a huff. “Just a minute.” She grabbed Aliki’s arm. “You have no idea what you’re messing with. This wasn’t what Zoron wanted, but he’ll understand. You want into the meeting? You got it.”
Salyne dragged Aliki through the doorway and down the hall, slapping her palm against the locked interface. The door light flashed green, and it slid open with a quiet hiss. Inside, Aliki stumbled forward, catching herself just in time to take in the scene.
Several Tyrok guests occupied the room—some seated on a large sofa and others in chairs or leaning against the walls. Sam stood with her head against the window, looking out. Low conversation stopped the moment she entered. The three guards stationed around the room, arms crossed, straightened and glanced at the door, their eyes narrowing in surprise.
They had been expecting Zoron, not Aliki.
KC stood against the far wall, alone. He raised an eyebrow but kept his expression neutral, as if her sudden appearance didn’t faze him in the slightest. He crossed his arms in a casual mimicry of the guards.
“What in bloodfire is this?” Mawry swore.
Salyne tilted her head, unfazed. “Relax. Aliki’s on the guest list now. If Zoron’s got a problem with it, I’ll handle him.” She gave a pointed look to the guards before turning toward the exit.
But before she could leave, heavy footsteps echoed from the hallway. The guards shifted, their attention snapping toward the door as Zoron entered the room, his gaze sharp and assessing. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of Salyne and Aliki before narrowing with suspicion. “What’s going on here?”
Salyne shrugged with a faint smile. “Your manager was snooping around, asking too many questions. I thought it best to bring her here before she learned too much on her own.”
Zoron studied Aliki for a long moment, weighing his options. Then he gave a curt nod. “Good call.” He shifted his attention to Salyne. “Is the chocolate pickup complete?”
“Almost,” Salyne replied. “Xyper and Emmett are finishing up now.”
Zoron’s nod was interrupted when Tira stormed inside. “What is this? A private meeting without me? Zoron!”
The guards exchanged wary glances as Salyne hurried to shut the door.
“You’re angry because you weren’t included?” Zoron said, his voice calm but dangerous. “Tira, this isn’t your concern.”
“Not my concern?” Tira barked, stepping closer to him. “The whole point of killing my father was so I could take over the Black Claws! And you had no right to announce your plans to the guests without consulting me first!”
Zoron’s calm façade cracked, his eyes flashing with contempt. “Consult you? Don’t make me laugh. You’re too reckless, too stupid to lead anything. You think running a cartel is a game?”
Tira’s eyes widened. “Reckless? Stupid? I was the one who came up with this plan! You wouldn’t even be here if I hadn’t convinced Daddy to take you on as his second. Do you know how difficult that was? He thought you were a toad!”
Aliki winced. As their voices climbed, the tension in the room grew. She edged away from the couple and noticed others doing the same. Guards looked at the floor, the guests locked eyes on each other or stared at walls. Fress stared at the window, realized it was getting dark outside, and flipped the switch to make it opaque. Sam crossed her arms and watched Aliki.
Only Salyne seemed interested in the argument. She leaned back against the door casually, arms crossed, a slight smile on her face.
Aliki moved to the wall and pretended to look at the floor, just like everyone else. She made her actions look as natural as possible as she inched closer to KC.
“You okay?” he whispered.
She gave a slight nod. “But they’re going to kill everyone,” she muttered, hoping he could hear her. “We need to get out of here.”
KC said nothing. Aliki’s doubt grew. “Well?” she whispered back.
“I’m thinking,” he whispered back. “I don’t have a weapon. And these guys aren’t exactly lightweight,” he added, cocking his head to the nearest guard. “Does Mitch know you’re in here?”
Aliki frowned. “No. I left my communicator in the bathroom.”
“Go get it.”
“What?”
“Tell them you need to use the bathroom.”
The argument was ending. Tira ran into the guest suite in tears. Zoron watched her leave, then walked over to Mawry and started a quiet conversation. The other guards stood at attention, suddenly alert.
Aliki used the interlude to approach Salyne. “Uh, is it all right if I use the bathroom?”
Salyne looked down at her, amusement still on her face. “No. Go sit down.”
“But I really have to go. I’ve been working all day and haven’t had a chance.”
Salyne pushed her. “I said go sit down. You can go after the meeting.”
Aliki took the chair closest to KC. Her movement gained Zoron’s attention. “Her too,” he said to the guard.
KC put a hand on her shoulder. It made her feel better, knowing he was there, but Zoron had seen it. “And throw him in for good measure,” Zoron added, nodding towards Salyne. “Never trust someone who betrays his own kind.”
Aliki felt KC’s hand tighten on her shoulder, but she didn’t have the chance to say anything. Mawry pulled KC away from the wall and patted him down. Zoron turned to the room and surveyed the guests.
“If you don’t stand with me, you’re against me.”
Fress took a step forward. “You never gave me a chance, Zoron. I was surprised, that’s all. But it’s the law of the land—you proved your strength against Torvak and your wits against Sufsa. I can’t argue with that.”
Zoron tilted his head to the side as he pulled something from his pocket. The room went deadly quiet. “I never intended to give you the opportunity,” he said, holding up a Volytryn plasma blaster.
Fress narrowed his eyes. “You need me. You’ll never get the Silver Claws behind you if you don’t have me.”
“I disagree.” A brief pulse of energy shot out of the weapon, and Fress collapsed to the ground. Zoron stared at the body for a moment, and Aliki briefly wondered if the man would ever feel regret. Then his eyes snapped to the guards. “Finish this.”
Aliki’s eyes clenched shut. How had she gotten to this point? All she ever wanted was independence. A job, a life in which she could make her own decisions. How did it end up like this? She took a deep breath, preparing for the worst.
Somebody gasped. Movement, and the sound of footsteps. Something thudded to the side, followed by something heavy hitting the ground. More gasps and hisses. Was it KC? Was she next? She had to know. She opened her eyes.
The room was pitch black. Somebody grabbed her arm. “C’mon!” KC hissed. “Let’s get out of here!”
Everyone else must have been thinking the same thing. Bodies rushed past her from all directions, pushing and shoving. Someone bumped into Aliki’s arm, separating her from KC and almost knocking her to the ground. She heard a whine and saw a burst of light – Zoron’s blaster- which nearly blinded her but missed its mark and struck the window instead.
Aliki remained still. She knew Tyroks had better night vision than humans, but if she recalled correctly, it was because they relied on movement to find their prey. If she stayed still, he might think she was gone. She felt a chair arm next to her thigh. She needed to get lower to the floor, then sneak behind the chair and into the kitchen. With luck, she could get out through the apartment’s front door without Zoron having a clear shot.
Slowly and silently, she moved into a crouch, listening for any little sound that might indicate Zoron had spotted her.
The silence was broken by shouts and screams outside. Feet pounding loudly on the pavement. ICE!
“Salyne, find out what’s going on,” Zoron’s voice permeated the blackness.
There was a grunt, low and sudden, followed by the unmistakable thud of a body hitting the floor. Aliki’s heart jumped. KC. He must have attacked Zoron in the dark. A second grunt and the scrape of furniture followed. The sounds of the struggle echoed ominously around the room.
Suddenly, the emergency lights flickered on over the doorways, casting a cold, pale glow over the scene. Aliki saw the coffee table overturned in front of her. A clatter broke through the tension as the plasma blaster hit it and skittered across the floor. Aliki’s gaze was drawn to Zoron and KC, who were grappling violently near the overturned table, their movements wild and forceful. Zoron’s face twisted with fury, his muscles straining as he shoved KC backward.
Aliki spotted the blaster, just a few feet from her hiding spot. She crawled forward on instinct, her eyes fixed on the weapon. KC’s voice rang out, strained but urgent.
“Aliki, run!” he shouted, locking arms with Zoron to prevent another strike. The Tyrok snarled, using his weight to push KC toward the floor.
Aliki’s fingers brushed the blaster’s surface. Then she wrapped her hand around it, feeling its weight, before pulling it to her. She hesitated, fear and uncertainty freezing her in place. What if I fire and hit KC? What if it’s too late?
KC cried out in pain as Zoron slammed him hard against the edge of the table, forcing him to one knee.
She sprang to her feet, leaping toward KC.
“Aliki, no—” KC tried to warn her, but she was already moving.
Zoron turned at the sound, his eyes narrowing in recognition, but Aliki reached KC first. She grabbed his arm and yanked him sideways with all her strength. The sudden shift caused Zoron’s next strike to miss, throwing him slightly off balance. KC stumbled but managed to regain his footing.
“Get behind me,” KC ordered, panting, but Aliki shook her head.
“We’re in this together,” she replied firmly, standing her ground.
Zoron scowled, his gaze snapping to the blaster in Aliki’s hand. His lip curled in disdain, but the noise from outside intensified—ICE agents were closing in. Assessing the situation and noting the absence of his guards, he turned away.
“Salyne!” he barked.
“This way,” Salyne replied, moving swiftly toward the apartment’s front door. She paused just long enough to make sure he was following her.
Zoron gave Aliki and KC one last glare, then followed her without another word. The door slid shut behind them.
For a moment, there was nothing but heavy breathing and the distant shouts of ICE agents. Aliki slid to the floor. KC gently took the blaster from her hand and collapsed beside her. A second later, the lights flickered on, making them both squint.
Aliki let out a soft chuckle. “Bet Emmett’s outside right now, telling the ICE agents he ‘found the problem.’”
KC grinned and mimicked Emmett’s brogue. “Ah, nothin’ major—just a wee issue with the flux regulator bein’ a touch misaligned with the reactor coil. Sorted it, no bother.”
She laughed. “Is that even a real thing?”
Wincing, he rolled onto his side, then reached up to pull her gently down beside him. “Only in a ship’s power system,” he teased, his eyes dancing with amusement.
Their moment of calm shattered as the guest suite door slid open with a hiss. Tira burst into the room, freezing at the sight of the wreckage. Her wide eyes darted around, taking in the toppled furniture and the two figures lying on the floor.
“Tira?” Aliki said, incredulous.
Before the Tyrok could respond, another voice rang out sharply.
“Stop right there, Tira!” Mitch stormed into the room, his weapon drawn and aimed directly at her.
Tira flinched but didn’t move. “What—Mitch, what are you doing?” she demanded.
Mitch approached swiftly, grabbing restraints from his belt. “By my authority under Section 66 of the Code of Intergalactic Criminal Extradition, I’m detaining you for your participation in illegal activities. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.” His tone left no room for argument as he pulled her hands behind her back and secured them.
Tira glared but didn’t resist. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered.
Satisfied that she was restrained, Mitch turned to survey the rest of the room. His eyes landed on KC and Aliki, both of whom were still on the floor in an awkward position. KC leaned back against the wall, rubbing his ribs, while Aliki sprawled next to him.
Mitch smirked as he holstered his weapon. “Sorry to interrupt your fun, but we’ve got some work to do.”
Aliki groaned and rolled her eyes. “Oh, for stars’ sake, Mitch…”
KC snorted and climbed to his feet, dusting off his jacket. He extended a hand to Aliki, who accepted it gratefully. “Fun? Yeah, that’s exactly how I’d describe the last five minutes,” KC said dryly. He glanced at Mitch with a raised brow. “Great timing as always, by the way.”
Mitch gave him a pointed look. “Somebody’s got to clean up after you.”
KC grinned. “Funny. I was just thinking the same thing about you.”
Aliki sighed, shaking her head. The sound of ICE agents entering the building filtered through. The fight was over—for now.
