40. Shifting Loyalties

The Wraith cruised through a nebula's edge, its hull refracted in shimmering pinks and violets. The crew was tense. Valen's confession still echoed in the silent corridors.

In the cockpit, Elara stared at the navigation chart but wasn't seeing it. Damien entered, the door hissing shut behind him.

"You sure about keeping him aboard?" he asked, arms crossed.

"No," she admitted. "But I know betrayal when I see it. And his eyes didn't lie."

Damien sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You trust too easily."

"And you don't trust at all," she countered. "That's what makes us work."

Nova sat alone in the galley, the encrypted offer from Republic Command still tucked away in her personal files. She stirred a cup of synth-tea, watching steam curl like smoke signals.

Her datapad buzzed. Another message. Urgent.

We need confirmation. Deliver the target. Deadline approaching.