LightofBattle by Leandros Page A

not, the negotiator will have to part with some of his genetic material. We need fresh blood, and he seems an attractive specimen.”
    Blink narrowed her eyes and sat across from the woman, leaving Deskin to take the seat next to her. She lifted the cup and downed it in one drag. With a nod, she slammed the cup down on the table.
    The headwoman followed suit and the game was on.

Chapter Eleven
    Blink breathed slowly and deeply, swaying ever so slightly as the Alliance team was shepherded back into their landing craft, and they took off.
    Negotiator Fewnor was next to her, giving her unobtrusive support. The headwoman was in bed with a bucket nearby. Her guards witnessed the last half of the contest and agreed that as Blink was still standing and the headwoman was face down in her own wine, Blink was the winner.
    Deskin hadn’t even joined the contest.
    The trading party was released, and Blink relaxed slightly as their ship disappeared into the night sky.
    Deskin offered her his arm, and she took it, lowering her heels until her boots were flat and stable.
    The captain was standing nearby. “You did well, Blink. You are welcome here anytime. It takes quite a woman to out drink our headwoman.”
    Blink smiled. “I did my best—now if you will excuse me, I plan on being very ill.”
    The captain laughed and clapped her on the shoulder. “Be well, daughter of the stars. Correnor is open to you always.”
    Blink tugged at Deskin’s arm, and he led her to their shuttle. She maintained her decorum and posture until they were aboard the Coming Storm . “Is there a guest room?”
    He shook his head. “No, only the one set of quarters, why?”
    “Because I wasn’t kidding about being sick. Urgat don’t metabolise alcohol the same as other species.”
    “Do what you have to do—I will come in to check on you once the autopilot has taken over.” He helped her into their quarters and boosted her into the lav. “There you go. We will be on our way in a few minutes.”
    Jiska dismissed her mask and closed the door to the lav. She was going to purge her system, and it was not for the faint of heart.
    Her Masuo caught the hint, and it formed an anklet on her left leg. She stepped into the shower and in two minutes, the wine had left her system via her pores. Every pore on her body excreted the wine, and after the wine was clear, she was left exceptionally thirsty.
    A quick towelling and her Masuo turned into a long wrap gown that exposed the inner curve of her breasts.
    She fingers fluffed her hair, got two water packs and joined Deskin at the controls.
    He was startled as she sat down. “You aren’t sick?”
    “I was. Now I am not. Did you think I was going to throw up?”
    He nodded absently.
    “Urgat bleed alcohol through their pores. I just needed a shower to wash it away. It looks revolting and burns a lot.”
    “Oh. I see.” He chuckled, and they lifted off the surface of Jurk Six. “I was looking forward to nursing you back to health. After all, you went above and beyond in the line of duty.”
    She grimaced. “I wasn’t keen on their idea to use you as a genetic donor.”
    His smile was smug. “I hadn’t noticed.”
    Jiska sighed. “Fine. It was rather obvious.”
    “It’s all right. I was not too happy with the captain’s offer for you to take up residence with the Correnor. I am glad you didn’t accept.”
    “Why?”
    He pulled them out of the atmosphere and set the controls to return them to Udell.
    “Come with me, Jiska.”
    She followed him, her curiosity hammering at her skull.
    He took her into the bedroom and through it to the lav. He stood behind her and stared into the mirror. “What do you see when you look in this mirror?”
    She shrugged. “I see you standing behind me. Why?”
    His eyes were dark and intense as he stared into her face via the mirror. “I see truth. You are the truth that I have been seeking in the face of every woman I have ever met. They were all lacking this. This