Chapter 94
Drug DealersTwo months later.
The Queen of Hearts arrived precisely on time.
Augustus opened the terrace doors as the Doorman’s door slid into existence, reality folding to reveal the woman who’d become their unlikely ally. She stepped through with her usual grace, wine-colored dress catching the Mediterranean sun, and surveyed the island with obvious approval.
“Lovely,” she said. “Much better than hiding underground. And you’ve really cleaned the place up.”
“Thank you,” Augustus replied, gesturing her inside. “The others are waiting.”
The team had gathered in the living room. Alexander stood near the windows, arms crossed. Talia occupied the kitchen island, tablet beside her. Annie sprawled on the couch, attempting to look casual and failing. Through the terrace doors, several of the aliens watched from a distance, curious but wary.
The Queen settled into an armchair like she owned it. “Have you heard the news?”
“The UEG announcement?” Talia asked. “Yes.”
“Thoughts?”
Alexander moved away from the window. “Diplomatic success with the Galactic Council. Travel restrictions lifted. The System classified as ‘manageable, not an existential threat.’ And a very polite suggestion that powered individuals return to human-controlled space.”
“Very polite,” the Queen agreed, amusement in her voice. “Almost voluntary.”
“Almost,” Augustus said dryly.
The Queen crossed her legs, considering them. “The timing is interesting, don’t you think? The Galactic Council spent years treating superhumans like an infection. Then the tournament broadcasts across the galaxy, and suddenly they’re tolerant. Cooperative, even.”
“They see value in it now,” Talia said.
“They see opportunity.” The Queen’s smile sharpened. “I’d wager half of the Galactic Council is already trying to figure out how to obtain powers themselves. Can’t let humanity have all the advantages.”
The Queen waved a hand. “But I’m pleased regardless. Trade routes reopened. Communication restored. It’s very good for business.”
“I’m sure,” Alexander said.
The Queen’s expression shifted. “Speaking of business. Santiago Systems withdrew their continental bounty. Three days after the UEG announcement.”
The room went still.
“Publicly,” she continued. “The official statement mentioned ‘recovered diplomats’ and ‘focusing on future growth.’ Very diplomatic. Very corporate.”
“But?” Augustus prompted.
“But Gabriel Santiago is not a forgiving man. He withdrew the public bounty because the UEG investigation left him no choice. Too much scrutiny. Too many questions about alien experimentation. He needed to appear cooperative.”
“And privately?” Alexander asked, though he already knew.
“Privately, he’s dipped into his personal fortune. Hired professionals. Expensive ones.” She paused. “I’ve already eliminated three contracts targeting you. Top-tier mercenaries, the kind with impeccable records.”
Talia’s fingers tightened around her tablet. “You eliminated them?”
The Queen smiled. “Made them disappear, yes. Consider it an investment in our future working relationship. The good news is that professional hunters can be tracked. Anticipated. Sometimes redirected, if one has the right connections.”
“You’ll keep us informed,” Alexander said.
“As much as I can. Though eventually they’ll realize that Astra Omnia is no longer a safe place to recruit for this particular contract. Which brings me to another matter. The footage from your raid. The evidence.”
Alexander met her eyes. “We have it.”
“But you haven’t released it.”
“No.”
“Smart.” The Queen nodded with approval. “Given the current galactic tensions, releasing that footage would create complications. Especially for them.” She gestured toward the aliens watching from outside.
“That’s why we’re holding onto it,” Talia said. “Primarily to protect them. Cutting the footage makes us look guilty of hiding something. The full footage endangers the aliens and risks galactic backlash against humanity. And we can’t trust anyone else with it.”
Alexander’s expression didn’t change. “The right moment will come.”
“Strategic patience. I respect that. Evidence is most valuable when used at the right moment, not squandered on emotional impulse.”
The Queen shifted topics smoothly. “Now, shall we get to why I’m actually here? I’d like to meet your guests properly. Hear their stories, if they’re willing.”
Augustus stood. “We discussed it with them. Most declined. Three agreed.”
“That’s all I ask. We should never force someone to relive trauma.” The Queen rose. “Lead the way.”
***
They moved to the terrace. Three aliens waited near the railing, nervous but determined. Gilly’s gills fluttered rapidly. The alien with iridescent scales shifted its weight repeatedly. And Felix, in golden retriever form, sat quietly patient.
The Queen approached slowly. “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I know this isn’t easy.”
Gilly spoke first, words still halting but improving. “Queen helps Grimnir. Grimnir helps us. So... we help Queen. Is fair.”
“More than fair. I’m grateful.” The Queen settled onto a terrace chair. “Take your time. Tell me what you’re comfortable sharing.”
Gilly’s story came in fragments. He described an abduction from his water homeworld, confused and terrified. The facility. The cold. The experiments that hurt but never killed. Being studied like a specimen, not a person. Months of imprisonment. Then the rescue.
The Queen kept her expression carefully neutral. Only her hands betrayed her, interlocked fingers tightening.
The scaled one went next, its story similar. Abducted from a trade station. The serum that burned but produced no power. Miller declaring them a failure and moving on. The darkness of the cell. Feedings growing rarer. Hunger and thirst settling in with the slow certainty of death. Until rescue.
By the time they finished, the Queen’s neutrality had cracked. Anger showed through, cold and controlled.
“What was done to you was monstrous,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry you endured it. But I’m happy you survived.”
The scaled alien dipped their head in acknowledgment.