be up to you to use it to restore your planet or relocate to another world.”
“I believe most of us would choose to remain here,” Yirland said. “This is our home—here, where the stars in the night sky are as familiar as the faces of friends and our sun’s rays give us warmth and strength. It may take many generations, but one day, this world will be as healthy and verdant as it once was. Life will always find a way to survive.”
Moe couldn’t argue with that. If Zetith hadn’t been obliterated, he doubted there would be many refugees who wouldn’t have returned there after the danger had passed. Even with the loss of their homeworld, Zetithians were thriving wherever they settled—whether they chose to live on Terra Minor or on a starship, which was the only kind of home Moe had ever known.
As though she’d read his thoughts, Klara said, “I, for one, will be very happy to leave this world behind.” She grinned at him. “Can’t wait to see this ship of yours. But first I think you should introduce me to your brother and his mate—at least I assume that fellow who looks enough like you to be your identical twin is your brother.”
“Yeah, that’s him,” Moe said as Larry and Althea approached. “Klara Tavock, this is Larsanken Tshevnoe, also known as my older brother, Larry, and his mate, Althea Banadänsk.”
Larry gave Moe a hug that made his loose ribs crunch. “Only older by about five minutes or so.” Chuckling, he shook hands with Klara. “Nice to meet you, Klara.”
Althea, being an empath, must’ve sensed Moe’s pain, because after giving Klara a hug, she gave Moe a consoling pat on the cheek. “You look like you could use a good night’s sleep to recuperate.”
“You got that right,” Moe said with a groan. “That’s absolutely the last time I try to squeeze through a hatch.” He glanced toward the crowd. “Has anyone seen Nevid? I think he and I need to have a chat.”
“He landed right after we did,” Jack replied. “But I’m guessing he might want to lay low for a while. He’s still pretty rattled. You should’ve heard him when he first got through to us. Took me a good ten minutes to get the story out of him.”
“Just wish he hadn’t gone out of range of my comlink,” Moe grumbled. “The next time he takes off with my ship, he needs to at least remain in orbit in case I need him, which I did.”
Jack shrugged. “Like I said, he was kinda shook up. Might feel unwelcome here since he’s also Vessonian.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Moe admitted. “But you’re probably right. Don’t suppose he managed to pick up my speeder before he left, did he?”
“Didn’t mention it,” Jack replied. “Although considering his hasty departure, I kinda doubt it.”
Just then, the whine of a speeder engine drew Moe’s attention. “Speak of the devil.” His eyes widened. “Hold on. That is my speeder. Who—?”
The speeder came to a stop, the parking struts dropped, and the engine fell silent. The canopy popped open to reveal the occupants.
“You little rascals!” Moe exclaimed as the three Racks came swarming out of it, chattering with excitement. Moe knelt down and held out his arms. “C’mere, you guys.” Bik, Jal, and Lis scampered into his embrace. “Thank you so much! How did you ever find it?”
Bik tapped his nose, then pointed at Moe.
Frowning, Moe glanced at Klara for clarification.
“I think they mean they were able to find it because it smells like you,” she said.
“Yah, boss.” Nodding vigorously, Bik tapped his nose again.
Moe stood and gave the Racks each a pat on the head. “Didn’t realize my scent was that, um, distinctive.”
Klara chuckled. “You’re only the second Zetithian they’ve ever met. Plus, you’re the only male. If we hadn’t been constantly on the run from the bad guys, I’m sure they would have found it before now.”
Moe ran a hand over the front end of the speeder. “Not even scratched. I suppose I could’ve gotten a newer model if we hadn’t found it, but having always been partial to British racing green, I really like this one.” He cleared his throat. “I kinda like my ship, too. Glad Nevid didn’t let Pelarus get it. He probably would’ve had it modified to fit him by now.”
“Speaking of Nevid,”—Jack pointed toward a nearby docking bay—“Here he comes now.”
Poor Nevid was practically in tears as he hurried toward them. “I was heading out for