Shock at seeing his mother meant it took him a moment to process the crazy turn of events, and then the meaning of his mother's words penetrated. She wanted to take him back to the enclave. Back to that hellacious wheel that spun slowly between three suns.
"I am not going back to the clan. If you want the contract payment, then you will deposit us on Aldorea." Rafe owned property on a bluff by the ocean there. Plus, the tropical planet was a good place to buy a ship.
Buy? Snicker. Who was he kidding? Aldorea had a thriving gambling trade, which meant Rafe would either cheat the owner out of his vessel or steal it. Not that any other craft could ever replace the Annabelle.
"I didn't come for payment, chykny." Son. She always called him and Mikhail that, as if she saw no difference between them. As if she didn't see them as people but things. "I am here to help you in your time of need."
No. This isn't happening.