Pretending nothing had changed was as difficult as she’d imagined, especially in front of the squad. They’d trained and fought side by side with these people for years, and they knew them both better than they knew themselves. All it would take was a single slip, and the cat would be out of the bag.

Not that she was worried about any official repercussions. At worst, Top would haul them in, chew their asses for half an hour, and then tell them to keep it in their pants until after the transfer came through. No, it was the squad’s reaction that she feared, the catcalls, the needling, the whispered comments. It was impossible to impose any sort of discipline when your troops are giggling themselves silly over your love life. Worse, it was fucking embarrassing. Before they’d slunk their way back to camp, they’d vowed to keep things strictly professional between them until she had a squad of her own.

But despite all of that, when no one else was in sight, a smile or a shared look between them could still make her stomach do flip-flops.

As it happened, there was little private time to be had. According to the Sonoitii they had a month before they should expect to see an adversary, but the Valkyries were making no assumptions. They’d thrown themselves into preparing the defense as if they expected the enemy to land tomorrow, with every day they didn’t show up an unexpected gift.

There were trenches to be dug, bunkers to be constructed, Anti-Air/Space weapons to be positioned, minefields and sensors to be laid out, and then everything had to be camouflaged. It was backbreaking work, leaving them utterly exhausted when they collapsed into their cots at the end of the day.

Any moment not taken up by construction was dedicated to training, whether on the newly constructed weapon’s ranges or out in the field practicing small-unit tactics, drilling the troops repeatedly until they could do it in their sleep. When that wasn’t on the schedule there were still security positions to be manned day and night, performing maintenance on their weapons and equipment, a whole host of necessary tasks to be completed that no military force could survive without.

Just as she’d predicted sleep had become a precious commodity, with romance being the last thing on her mind.

They had also posted the beach surrounding the bay off limits to all Valkyries, unless on official business. It was an attempt by the brass to prove to their clients they had no designs on their spawn, that they could trust them. They assumed the Sonoitii had them under surveillance, and anything that smoothed their ruffled feathers... or scales... was all to the good.

The squad was working alongside the rest of the platoon, extending the trenchworks, when Gunny Satou arrived in their midst. “Hand off those tools to second squad,” she told them, “they want your people up at the CP.”

Kai put down his shovel. “They say why, Gunny?”

“Nope, just said to get your butts up there, so get moving,” she ordered.

“Roger that,” he nodded, before whistling for the others. “We’re wanted at the CP”, he told them, brushing off the worst of the dirt from his uniform. “Try to look at least a little presentable,” he said, picking up his rifle.

“Security gig again, you think?” Rúna asked him, as the others formed up behind.

“Guess we’ll find out,” he shrugged, working their way through the newly constructed trenches over to the Battalion Command Post. Top Berger was waiting outside.

“Just you two for the moment,” she informed them, nodding at the NCOs. “The rest of the squad can wait here.”

Sharing a look, he glanced over to their Scout. “Becca, you’re in charge til we get back,” he informed her, as they both stepped inside the prefab building. To neither of their surprise they found the captain and colonel waiting for them.

“Pull up a chair,” Holme told them, “we’ve got some things we need to discuss.”

Rúna shot a questioning glance over to Inaba, but the captain’s poker face revealed nothing, putting her immediately on edge. Commanders didn’t just chew the fat with their subordinates, not like this. Not unless what they were about to say came with some fairly serious strings attached.

“We just got word that a representative from Elimination Associates is in orbit, and wants a parley,” he explained. “I’ve taken him up on his request.”

“You want us to provide security, sir?” Kai asked.

“I do, but that’s not the reason I called you both in,” he replied, nodding over to Captain Inaba.

“The colonel thinks this is the Troika’s first move,” she explained, “sending in a scout to get the lay of the land. That’s why he wants you both in on this.”

“Ma’am?” Rúna said in surprise. “I mean, what has that got to do with us?”

“... your mission to Earth,” Colonel Holme said carefully. “You have firsthand experience with them that the rest of my people lack. If the Troika are involved here, maybe you’ll spot something to sniff them out. And there’s more.”

“More, sir?” Kai asked, reeling from his sudden revelation. They both knew the brass had read the colonel in on their mission, but this was the first time he had ever spoken to them directly about it.

“More,” he agreed. “Your mission, and what it uncovered, is what prompted the Commandant to take the risk she has here. If what the Oivu told you is true, if what you helped uncover regarding the existence of this mystery world is accurate, then she feels this is the time for us to make our play. New Terra is almost within our grasp.”

“Sir, all we have is a rough idea of its location,” Rúna blurted out, “and there are dozens of worlds in that region, maybe more. And even if we had located the Precursor planet, we still don’t know how that pilot got past the Guardian’s defenses. And there’s no guarantee we’d be able to use what they left behind for our own advantage, even if we found a way in. Begging your pardon, sir, but if the Commandant is basing everything on what we learned? That’s taking one hell of a risk, sir.”

Kai looked worried that she’d given them offense, while the captain merely raised an eyebrow.

“Believe me, the Commandant is well aware of the risk she’s taking,” he answered. If he thought her outburst had been discourteous, he gave no sign of it. “As I said before, we as a species are rapidly reaching the end of our tether. If we don’t take a few risks now, we may well lose everything.”

“Yes, sir,” Kai said quietly.

“Sir, what do you want us to do?” Rúna asked.

“Watch. Listen. Observe everything during the meeting. And yes, your cover will be that you are a standard security detail. When it’s over, tell me what you noticed, and what you think.” The pair blinked in surprise. “I want your gut reactions. I need to know who this envoy really is… and what he represents.”

“Aye sir,” they said in unison.

“It goes without saying that your squad isn’t cleared for this information,” Inaba reminded them. “They are to know nothing regarding your original mission, or why you’ve been selected for this detail. Is that understood?”

“Yes, ma’am!” they barked out.

“Rejoin your squad,” the colonel ordered. “We’ll be moving out shortly to the LZ to greet our… guest,” he said with a frown. “I don’t want him anywhere near the defenses we’re throwing together in case he decides to share with the class.”

“Likely he’s already scoped it from orbit, sir,” Inaba pointed out.

“There’s nothing we can do about that, short of shooting him out of the sky,” he sighed, “and while tempting as that is, we’re not there yet.” He shook his head, as if he were actually considering it for a moment, before returning his attention to the NCO’s. “You have your orders. Dismissed.”

“Aye aye, sir,” they acknowledged, rising to their feet and heading back out of the structure.

Once outside, the squad descended on them. “What’s going on, sarge?” Doc Svoboda asked him.

“Another security detail,” Rúna piped up, “like with that meeting with the Sonoitii. We’ll be heading over the landing field shortly.”

“What’s at the field?” Becca wondered.

“One of our competitors,” Kai answered. “Seems a rep from EA is here and wants a chat with the colonel.”

“Those guys,” Tawfiq sniffed. “Never trusted ‘em.”

“Good. Don’t start now,” the corporal cautioned. “That goes for all of you. Odds are this guy is up to something, so keep your eyes and ears open. Anything, and I mean anything seems off to you, you let us know ASAP. Understood?”

The squad nodded, just as the colonel and captain exited the structure. “We’re moving out, sergeant,” Inaba informed them, as they followed the officers to a nearby waiting Centurion, its oversized turbofans idling as they boarded and strapped in. Once they were secure, the pilot gave them a thumb’s up as the engines began to whine, lifting off as they headed towards the LZ.

Upon their arrival they fanned out, setting up a cordon while they waited for the representative to arrive. They didn’t have long to wait, as less than ten minutes later a shuttle could be seen in the distance, high above the surface, growing larger as it neared their location. Its lines were distinctly alien, barely emitting a nearly silent hum as it hovered over the ground, its landing legs telescoping out as it settled on the field, before finally shutting down.

“Get ready,” Kai ordered, the squad going to parade rest as a ramp appeared from the craft, revealing a tall, broad, green-skinned creature, its face an almost flat, featureless mask, with deep-set eyes and narrow slits for nostrils, dressed in what appeared to be formal robes. It wore an expensive-looking voder around its neck as it approached the waiting humans, and it disembarked alone, without guards or a retinue. It was a Ksot, one of the second-tier races, one that had scattered interests all across the Perseus Arm.

“Greetings. I am Administrator Lainseng Pujai,” the reptilian said in perfect English, clasping its hands together in what was obviously a sign of respect. “I represent the business interests for Elimination Associates in this sector. Thank you for agreeing to this meeting.”

“I am Colonel Elias Holme, and this is one of my officers, Captain Valérie Inaba,” he answered, inclining his head. “I’m surprised that you arrived without a detachment of your own.”

“That would be quite disrespectful towards you, the host,” Lainseng responded. “Surely I do not require one?” Its eyes flickered briefly towards the squad, but that was all.

“No, of course not,” the colonel agreed. “You have my word that we will treat you with respect while you are here. I assume, of course, the same holds true for you?”

“Indeed,” the reptilian nodded. “Always a pleasure, dealing with professionals.”

“Likewise,” Holme said dryly, extending his hand towards a pavilion that had been erected nearby. “Shall we get started?”

The envoy nodded once more, as Colonel Holme led them to where the meeting would take place. Kai and Rúna were already redeploying, moving the squad to its new location while encircling and protecting the officers. The trio took seats, while the NCO’s posted themselves front and back, within earshot.

“I understand this is your first contract with the Sonoitii,” Lainseng began, coming straight to the point. “In fact, it is the first time any of your race has visited here.” A statement, not a question.

“That’s correct,” he agreed.

“Tell me, what do you make of your clients?” it inquired. “They can be an inscrutable race.”

“You’ve been here before,” Inaba guessed.

“I have,” it confirmed. “Our corporation once held the same contract that you now do,” it responded. “Unfortunately, we could not come to an agreement regarding our fee when we discussed a second contract.” It inclined its head once more. “Always a possibility, in our line of work.”

“It is,” the colonel agreed. Even to the untrained eye, it was clear both sides were playing their cards close to the vest. “Why are you here, Mister Lainseng?” he asked him, moving things forward. “Your original message was somewhat vague.”

“One can never tell who may be listening in,” the alien said in conspiratorial tones. “As for the reason for my visit, my superiors have authorized me to make you and your organization a generous offer.”

“Really?” He leaned back in his chair. “And what exactly would this offer entail?”

“It comes with a substantial remuneration package, to begin with,” he explained, “well in advance of what the Sonoitii are paying you.”

“Interesting,” Holme mused. “And what would you seek from us in return?”

“Nothing,” Lainseng said pleasantly. “I mean that most literally. Were you to accept our contract, we would ask almost nothing of you. Except, of course, your silence.”

And here it comes, Rúna thought to herself.

“Perhaps you could expound on that,” the colonel gestured. “Exactly what kind of ‘nothing’ earns such a generous reward?”

The alien leaned in. “Were you to accept our offer, all that we would ask of you is that sometime in the next fifty days you simply step aside. Allow us to gather up a sample of your client’s genetic material, and we will compensate you handsomely.”

“I see.” Holme stroked his chin thoughtfully. “That is indeed an intriguing offer. Certainly one more profitable than risking the lives of those in my employ.”

“Exactly!” The Ksot leaned back, pleased with itself. “As I said, dealing with fellow professionals is a welcome change.”

The human commander weighed the proposal carefully for the next several minutes, before finally responding. “I am sorely tempted by your suggestion, Mister Lainseng, but I must consult with those I answer to. May I have some time to confer with my superiors?”

“I believe that can be arranged,” it agreed, rising to its feet. “Please, contact me aboard my ship once you have heard from your Directors.”

“The moment I learn anything,” the colonel nodded, as the alien clasped its hands once more before turning and retreating to its ship. Several minutes later it hummed once more, before lifting from the surface and rising high into the sky, before vanishing from sight.

“Shall I contact the Commandant then, regarding their offer?” Inaba asked wryly.

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Holme answered. “I believe I already know what her answer would be.” He turned to the pair of NCOs, acknowledging them for the first time since the Administrator’s arrival.

“We’re still playing for time,” he reminded them. “Never forget that.”

“Yes, sir,” they answered.