Chapter 35

Zeke grinned at Dusty’s reaction.

He added, “My entity’s human hosts were often considered Gods by the people they ruled over. He likes to think he chose worthy hosts. I must admit that he finds me a bit soft-hearted.”

“My main advantage in keeping him in check is that modern technology both fascinates and frightens him. So does our space fairing culture. He has indicated that he doesn’t remember a time before being on Earth.”

“I’m hoping he has mellowed a bit with age. He hated being abandoned on Mars for at least three thousand years, and he doesn’t wish to lose me. So far, he hasn’t tried to push me.”

“It will not end well for either of us if he does. Knowing of Lee’s existence has also dampened his enthusiasm to take over the solar system. She frightened the hell out of him.”

“So, you are not constrained by the same codes that most magical people are?”

Zeke shook his head slightly. “No. Only my own. He repulsed Lee’s subtle attempts to read him or put spells on his items. I’m sure she will keep an eye on us and rein us in if required. He knows that she can and will destroy my items if he and I don’t behave.”

“Well, that is some relief anyway. However, it doesn’t solve my problem, Zeke. I have to find more concrete evidence that Captain Baker and Yarram were in cahoots with the pirates. My suspicions and words are not enough, even with your support.”

“That I understand,” Zeke replied and then sighed. “In how much of a hurry are you to get this information?”

She grinned at him.

Zeke sighed.

He asked Dusty, “Can Rod fly a ship?”

“I believe so, but I have no idea if he has much experience flying in Earth’s orbit.”

“Hum, it may not be a problem. Can Rod be trusted around a magic user?”

“I believe he knows about James and me. However, he has never said anything outright. I’m certain that he trusts us. To my knowledge, he has never discussed with anyone, anything he may have seen us do that can’t be easily explained.”

“That will have to do. I can always put a spell on him to stop him from talking. Not that I’ve got that vibe from him. In fact, I think he may have some potential of his own. It could be why he keeps your secret.”

“It’s a shame you can’t give him an item in that case. The more, the merrier, I say. James and I and the other couple we work with find many good uses for magic in our line of work.”

“I bet you do. Look, I will need a couple more days to get this processing done. I’ll fix up Baraz’s ship, so it’s liveable for Rod. He can use that time to go over it. The hold that is pressurised will give him a base.”

“By then, my other people should be up to speed. He and Tean Connors can follow me in ... let’s call her Louisa. Once Rod has gone over the derelict ship, he and Tean can fly back to Armstrong. I’ll make a decision about the derelict ship. She may not be repairable.”

“Thanks, Zeke. I know we are putting you out, but as you said yourself, someone has to do something about the pirates in the Sol System. And despite what you said, you are one of the good guys. I think your moral compass is set right.”

“Get out of here before I change my mind,” Zeke groused.

Dusty chuckled, got up and went over to Zeke. She kissed him on his cheek and then sauntered out of his workshop.

Zeke watched her walk away. He had a nasty feeling that this little adventure was not over with. He truly wondered if it was worth all the trouble, it had caused him.

Sighing, he returned to the R&R unit to remove the next pallet.

Zeke watched the screen as a small ship approached his port side.

Tean had already hailed him that she was coming in. Fortunately, Dusty’s ship had left an hour before, freeing up space beside his ship. Once Dusty had confirmation that Zeke would help Rod look for any missing evidence, she and her people didn’t hang around.

At least she took the missiles and all of the prisoners with her. She still had to get them processed on Luna and start doing deep background checks and chasing down any other leads to determine how they were tied together.

Zeke was more than happy he didn’t have to worry about them anymore.

Rod was busy prowling around Zeke’s ship.

His fascination for Hercules had taken him in that direction. He was temporarily set up in the medical bay as his cabin. Zeke knew he needed to get at least part of Louisa habitable for him.

“So, what do you think about Rod?” Zeke asked his ship.

“Good people,” Freya replied cryptically.

The thing was, Zeke got what she meant. He did get good vibes from Rod. Not like those weird ones he got from Yarram. That man creeped him out. Even his entity found something about him disturbing.

As to Rod, he was dedicated to his job and a good Detective. Like Dusty and James, he had signed on for a second round as an UNSEC MP. However, he had been reassigned to Armstrong SS, while they stayed on Luna.

“Tean Connors has successfully docked, Captain,” Freya intoned.