An Apocalyptic Need by Sam Cheever

part of our training now. She evaded us time and again. The epoch mages are determined not to allow another witch to gain such power again.” Despite her good intentions, Cari couldn’t help giving the other woman a speculative look. Though Yeira was obviously unwilling to admit it, Edwige’s blood ran through her veins, making her a dangerous creature indeed.
    “Shall we get started?” The big hunter, Kord wrapped an arm protectively around his lover, his gaze sliding warmly over her.
    She nodded, pointing to the table, where Cari noted for the first time the large chart spread across its surface. “I don’t know if you’re aware, Cari, but the reborn have an accord with the Authority.”
    Cari had known of the bargain but didn’t have the details. “I’ve heard something about that, yes.”
    Grimm looked surprised. Cari avoided his questioning gaze by turning to the star chart Yeira was perusing.
    “It’s a virgin accord, barely fleshed out and far from impermeable,” Kord told Cari.
    “Unfortunately not all the Sorceri trust the reborn.” Yeira sighed. “But we were making good progress with the agreement, gaining support, when the first attack came.”
    “Attack?”
    “Hunters took out a reborn lair in the epoch you came from.” Yeira’s gaze snapped with anger.
    “Rogues,” Audie was quick to add. “The Authority didn’t command the attack and doesn’t support it.” He seemed to be reassuring his lover as much as informing Grimm and Cari.
    “It doesn’t matter, Kord,” Yeira said, wearily. “There are plenty of hunters who support the action. Even if the Huntsman doesn’t.”
    “The Egress Sentinel is on our side. He told me many of the hunters are.”
    Cari noted the skimming away of Yeira’s gaze—the quick surge of doubt. It was clear the other woman wasn’t quite in agreement with her lover. “What does this have to do with me?”
    Grimm spoke for the first time. “Not you, captain. Us.” He fixed Audie with an intense gaze. “Am I right, Kord?”
    To his credit, the big hunter didn’t back away from the challenge in Grimm’s gaze. “The Huntsman is concerned about your presence on the Morte Stellam , Grimm.”
    Grimm made a noise of disgust. “The Huntsman? Or you?”
    Audie shrugged. “I’d like to know what you were doing there too, Grimm. And why you brought her captain back with you.” Audie’s dark blue gaze burned into Cari, making her stomach twirl with alarm.
    “I’m not your enemy, hunter.” She glanced toward Yeira. “Or hers. I wasn’t on the Stellam to get between the reborn and the Authority.”
    “Then what were you doing there, Captain Pascale?”
    Grimm turned to her at Yeira’s softly spoken question, obviously wanting to hear the answer himself.
    Audie also piled on before she could respond. “And if you meant no harm why did you destroy the Avenging Angel ?”
    Understanding lit. Cari fixed Yeira with a questioning look. “The Angel was a reborn ship?”
    Fire sparked in the other woman’s gaze. “They were allies. I counted some aboard the Angel as my personal friends.”
    Cari closed her eyes, feeling Yeira’s pain throbbing across the space between them. “I’m sorry.”
    Yeira explained. “We were tracking the Stellam because we had intelligence that there were rogue Sorceri aboard.” She glanced at Grimm, speculation clear in her expression.
    Cari sat as her knees weakened beneath her. “I was told the Angel was a ghost merchant ship. The ghosts have been attacking us throughout the galaxy under a neutral flag.” She saw the look of confusion on Yeira’s face and explained. “Ghost merchants are vigilantes who are tired of being stolen from. They’ve grown in numbers over the last few years and in many ways they’re no better than the pirates. Their kill count is nearly as high, including innocents.” She glanced toward the space chart. “The Directory sent down orders to destroy all we encountered.”
    Grimm frowned.