should I?”
Varga was tempted to show the male his enormous fist, but he suspected that it would not be sufficient. The majority of the Elginar might not be known for their fighting skills, but they were definitely known for their stubbornness.
“I need to know about a previous trip they made. They went to a pre-spaceflight planet and abducted at least one female. If there are others, I intend to track them down.”
“Why?”
“Because I plan to start myself a harem,” he said sarcastically, then sighed. “My friend is mated to one, and we are concerned that they may have ended up in…”
“Unfortunate circumstances?” the Elginar suggested. “It seems inevitable. However, it is a reasonable request. I will see what I can do.”
He turned to the console, his fingers flying over the controls while Varga did his best not to demand that he move faster.
“I have the records for their last trip prior to this one,” the male said at last. “There were a number of females on board.”
“Did they record where they acquired them?”
“Yes. I believe there were three from the same primitive planet.” He raised an eyebrow again. “Of course, you know it would be illegal to return them.”
“I know. But there are undoubtedly more pleasant alternatives than wherever the Derians left them.”
“Yes, undoubtedly. The first was sold on Hothrest, the second on Tgesh Tai.” He shook his head. “The third was sold to a mining corporation on Drahana. It has been three months. I doubt that she is still alive.”
Fuck. Most mining planets were brutal, harsh environments where life was short. He knew—he had been raised on one. Drahana was one of the worst. Moving on a fixed orbit in relation to its sun, one half of the planet was permanently frozen while the other half was a smoldering cauldron. Only a small transition zone was even remotely habitable. But if there was any chance that the human female was still alive, he had to at least investigate.
“I intend to find out.” He hesitated, studying the other male. “How did you end up here?”
The Elginar raised a shoulder. “I thought I had developed a better way of calculating the odds on a dice game. I was wrong.”
Hmm. The Elginar wasn’t the first male to end up gambling away his freedom.
“What do you intend to do now?” he asked.
“Get as far away from here as possible. Perhaps a nice little farming planet at the ends of the galaxy.”
“Can you pilot a ship? More specifically, can you pilot this ship?”
The Elginar looked around the bridge and nodded. “Yes.”
“There aren’t many slaves left on board.” And none of any value. The Derians had brought them here as a last stop, probably to sell them at discount prices, no questions asked.
The Elginar sighed. “And I suppose you want me to fly them out of here?”
“Or I could leave all of you here and take the ship by myself.”
“A convincing argument.” Intelligent blue eyes studied him. “But what’s to stop me from selling them as soon as you’re gone?”
“Are you?”
Another sigh. “No, I don’t suppose so. It is surprising how much having one’s liberty taken away makes one value it. What am I going to do with them?”
“I’m sure someone with your intelligence can come up with something.”
Something that could have been a smile flickered across the other male’s face. “I accept your challenge. But why aren’t you taking the ship?”
“Because I have a little human to rescue and I’m afraid the time may be running out. My ship is faster.”
“Very well. I’m Manam, by the way.” He looked around the bridge of the ship and grinned. “Actually, I suppose I’m Captain Manam now.”
Three hours later, with the assistance of Manam’s computer skills and a little intimidation from Varga, the ownership of the Derian ship had changed hands. Any sentient captives had been given the choice of staying in port or leaving with the ship. Not surprisingly, only one chose to take his chances on the notorious space station. The two males stood on the landing field.
“May the gods smile on you,” Manam said solemnly. “I hope that your trip goes well.”
“I hope the same for yours. I would hate to have to track you down.”
“My friend, what you lack in subtlety you make up for with intimidation. Do not worry. I will do my best.” A brief smile twisted his lips. “Perhaps we will all end up on that farming planet. You would be welcome to join us—I’m sure we could put you