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That will be awhile, though, she said, her heart aching at his continued insistence on leaving her. We can t go to
Lyask, not with the Sarza Command searching for you.
We ll find a frontier planet and wait for a few weeks, he said softly. Someplace safe enough that you won t have to
get mad at me for trying to keep you out of trouble.
She laughed. Okay, I ll stay with you, until it is time for me to go home.
Dena breathed deeply of his masculine scent, pleased that the soap he chose in the cleanser reminded her of the sea, of
home. She forced her breath to match his, and soon her senses calmed enough and she fell into a deep sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
When the Jurate came out of hyperspace, the viewscreen was dominated by a white, sparkling world that made Dena s
eyes water. As they entered the atmosphere, their descent brought them over an icebound bay. Dena saw ice crumble at
the mercy of a powerful tidal current, revealing a blue-green patch of open water--evidence that the planet s nickname,
Absolute Zero, wasn t entirely true.
Krys banked to the right, avoiding the cloud of steam that formed over the newly open water. He flew them over a
haphazard band of gigantic blue-tinged icebergs rammed up against the coastline. Off in the distance, snow-capped
mountains were dark against a vast white plain. She gazed at Krys, speaking quietly, Zackson X is beautiful.
It is Tahn Ror frozen over, he muttered. You ll see why it s called Absolute Zero when you start walking around.
She smiled, watching him for a moment. Just the same, thanks for showing me the sights before we touch down.
He threw her a leary glance, but said nothing more. She sighed. That meant he was back to giving her the silent
treatment, Jaret s description of his behavior after the argument that ended with even Jaret insisting that she could
travel here with them. The night before, Krys had made her promise to stay with him, but morning had arrived and
file:///D|/Pub%20Folders/NCP%20Publishing/Text%20an%20HTML%20bks/AnnaleeBlysse%20StarlitDestiny%20NCP.htm[2/5/2009 4:21:20 PM]
Starlit Destiny
he d wanted to leave her on Rheno. But it wasn t like he had a choice. Gaddis had wired the credits for the Tahn
Rorian s rescue to a bank here, placing the account in her name--a fact that disturbed both Krys and Jaret.
Krys was upset she was with them. They hadn t wanted to bring her with them because a handful of residents on this
icebound world dealt in illegal products that helped criminals evade the complex computer systems surrounding
Federation worlds. Of course, that meant this planet was one of the most dangerous destinations for them too. They
didn t have a choice. This was where they could purchase a new electronic signature for the Jurate. The way Dena saw
it, she didn t have any choice either and had refused to stay on Rheno.
In truth, she had been thankful for the silence. It had saved her from having to talk with Krys, who had disappeared
into an icy shell and allowed Darian to return. It bothered her too much that he was so desperate to be rid of her
company, and the silence had given her the chance to try to figure out her own mixed up feelings.
Sub-zero temperatures forced Dena to wait onboard the ship while Jaret purchased suitable clothing for her. When
Krys started complaining about her presence again, she screamed, Enough! Face the facts, you are stuck with me.
Krys glowered at her, his stare as cold and menacing as the world outside. I can t keep running you around the
galaxy, putting you in dangerous situations. After this, I ll bring you home.
You can t, she insisted. After we left, the Sarza Command stepped up patrols. They are expecting incoming
spacecraft.
How do you know so much anyway?
Krys, she said, dizzy with the constant arguing. I have the perfect solution. You want to be rid of me. As soon as I
get you your credits, just go. I ll find my own way home when it is safe.
I m not trying to get rid of you, he insisted. I m trying to save your life.
She sighed again. Same difference.
Finally, bundled in thick clothing, she followed the two men as they trudged toward the bank. The chill reached her
bones. This planet really was Tahn Ror frozen over.
Teeth chattering, Dena told the bank teller her access code. With a generous smile, he asked, How much of your two
million do you want?
Krys asked, Two million?
Half, she told the teller, and handed Krys the credits she was given.
As they left the bank, Krys asked, What s the other million for? Why is Gaddis giving you that many credits?
He knows where I m from. It s there so I can get home safely. Since you can t go back to Lyask, I ll need to
eventually hire transportation.
Krys turned and started walking down the street. Dena stopped and watched the men plodding through the snow. A
lump grew in her throat, making it hard to swallow. She considered that it would be for the best if they parted
company. Krys obviously didn t want her around, despite his insistence that he was trying to keep her safe. But she
didn t think he d return to Lyask without her.
She studied the small town around her, covering her nose and using her breath to melt her freezing eyelashes. Thanks
to Zane, she had an ID that gave her the freedom to use public transportation, and this town, small as it was, had a
spaceport. From here, she could return to Rheno.
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