Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(12)

He and Vintor were one-step closer to achieving their mission. However, as Cyprian looked at the display, he realized this was going to be more complicated than expected. The sheer number of vessels crowding around the large asteroid, was daunting.

This isn’t a small operation, he growled.

“I heard we were close,” Adeoda commented to Mave, ignoring Cyprian, as he entered the control room.

Of all the smugglers, Adeoda was causing him the most trouble. The warrior had his tail in a knot over Cyprian’s involvement in a particularly brutal battle during the war. Cyprian looked forward to telling Adeoda his distrust was warranted, as he gutted the traitor.

All in good time.

“Yes. We’re approaching the asteroid now,” Mave replied.

“The Jurou Biljana auction is on an asteroid?” Adeoda asked, looking impressed.

“It’s not run by the reptiles. It’s supposedly owned by a race called the Topus. They’re a strange tentacled people, from what I understand.”

Cyprian noted the information, wondering if the Topus were allied with the Jurou Biljana, or just opportunists.

The asteroid loomed larger in the viewscreen. The massive hunk of rock had a vaulted structure at its center, with dozens of tunnels branching out, worming their way over and through the rock. It was larger than any fortress Cyprian had ever seen, rivaling a small city. Countless ships were anchored on, or hovering near the asteroid, with more arriving by the minute.

Cyprian glanced at Vintor, who nodded subtly. Vintor didn’t need to be told to look for the missing Miran Sona vessel among the mass of ships.

“Looks like a popular place,” Adeoda commented.

“We need to dock wherever we can, then check-in. My Jurou Biljana contact, Jyk, said there are quarters waiting for us,” Mave informed everyone.

“It’ll be good to get off this ship,” Cyprian replied.

Vintor was an exceptional pilot, but even he had a hard time threading between the other vessels, to anchor the cruiser in one of the remaining spaces.

“Nice maneuvering,” Adeoda slapped Vintor on the back, as they exited the control room.

Cyprian grabbed his palladium credits and stashed them in his bag, along with several other items. He made sure he had two disrupters along with a bevy of knives strapped to his chest. The general didn’t know what he was walking into and wanted to be prepared. When Cyprian exited his quarters, he noted he wasn’t the only one armed to the teeth.

“This is the first time I’ve been off Cadi,” Gio said excitedly.

“Keep your wits and it won’t be the last,” Mave informed the young smuggler.

Cyprian shared the muted excitement that was coursing through the entire group, as the airlock tunnel snaked toward their cruiser. It latched onto the hull, and they exited the ship.

The first and last time he went off-world, was the mass Toufik rescue. Retrieving the hairy people from their dying planet, had been an exhilarating get in, get out, while avoiding killer storms, operation. This covert mission was proving to be just as thrilling.

And I thought life was going to be dull after the war.

Cyprian was surprised by the sight that greeted him, when they emerged from the other end of the tunnel. The massive auction house looked more like a luxury resort than the seedy flesh market he expected.

“Wow,” Pacen commented as he gaped at the grand vestibule.

“Greetings. Is this your first-time visiting Distraho?”

Cyprian looked at the hostess that greeted them. The unusual female had gray fur, pointed ears atop her head, a narrow whiskered snout, and hairless tail. The humanoid Verrater was one of many species that he’d never seen before, as he panned the vaulted plaza.

The personable hostess wasn’t just a chipper employee. She was armed with a plasma weapon, like the disrupter he carried. Cyprian noted similarly garbed and equipped personnel positioned near all the visible exits.

Subtle, his brow arched.

The station security was made up mostly of the gray furry creatures, and a bald species with bulging eyes and broad mouths. The slimy spotted beasts reminded Cyprian of a creature that hopped around the ponds on Cadi.

Cyprian’s eyes roamed the ornate walls, and noted decorative tiles positioned at regular intervals. He was certain they held surveillance equipment.

The auction house is well protected.

“Yes, this is our first time here. We have merchandise that should already be registered. We need to check-in and meet our Jurou Biljana companions,” Mave replied.

“Very good. The primary registration desk for all suites is located through the portico. If you wish to bid on anything during the auction, you will also want to register for a card, when you check-in to your suite. There are map consoles located everywhere.” The glorified hostess pointed to a kiosk nearby. “You can also download the auction catalog there. I hope you have a pleasurable and profitable stay at Distraho.” The female nodded pleasantly then turned to greet another arriving group.