Inherit the Stars by Tony Peak

she lurched from the cryopod. Her cheeks burned so much, she feared they’d ignite.
    Cheseia exited the cryopod on her left, stretching her supple form. The Ascali’s near nudity made her cheeks hotter, and Kivita checked her own body. Blue medical tape covered the cut on her left leg, and the burns on her back only stung now.
    â€œMove aside.” Cheseia took up the beam rifle and aimed it at the third cryopod.
    On Kivita’s right, a hatch opened and frost crystals puffed into the air. An Aldaakian female wearing a tight uniform exited and regarded them all with caution. Shestretched, then ran in place. Her defined, muscular litheness didn’t jiggle as she exercised.
    Sar pushed past Kivita and stood on the floor.
Frevyx
’s gravity had already activated, but the heating system had yet to raise the temperature fast enough. Though Kivita shivered, the Aldaakian seemed unaffected as she balanced on one foot and stretched again.
    â€œSeems like you’ve got a harem here, Sar. Why couldn’t you have shared her pod?” She gestured at Cheseia. “And what the hell is this one doing here?” She pointed at the Aldaakian.
    Sar glowered at Kivita, then looked at the Aldaakian. “I’m setting you off where we’re headed. Remember, Seul—I have an offer to make you.”
    â€œSeul?” Kivita snorted. “So you’re on first-name terms with one who tried to kill us?”
    Seul stopped stretching and looked straight at Kivita. “Too many Aldaakians have died to retrieve that gem. It’s the right color. The shade of blood.”
    Cheseia hefted the rifle. “I will guard Seul. Surely a check on our location might be advisable, rather than this measly arguing?”
    Sar muttered under his breath, then smirked at Kivita. “Better play nice, sweetness. Don’t have too many clothes on board that will fit you. Can’t let you go out like that.” He exited the chamber.
    â€œDamn him.” Kivita shoved the Juxj Star into her pouch. Why had Sar let her keep it? “So, where are we supposed to be? You seem to be on the uptake more than the rest of us, Cheseia.”
    The Ascali remained focused on Seul. “The Ecrol system.”
    â€œEcrol? But that means we were in cryo for another year! I have a contract with the Rector of the Inheritors himself!”
    To hell with the Rector, too. As soon as she could, Kivita would escape and sell the Juxj Star to whomever. Sar didn’t need to know that, though. Let him squirm afterward.
    Sar neared the doorway, buckling on a polycuirass. Polygreaves and vambraces protected his shins and forearms. “Hate to end your whining, Kiv, but time’s short. I found some things you can wear. They’re in the toilet. You get first use of the mist ionizer.”
    â€œYou certainly do reek.” Cheseia grinned without humor.
    Kivita stormed from the cryopod chamber.
Terredyn Narbas
had been stolen, maybe even towed to one of those cold Aldaakian worlds. Rector Thev might null her contract or even execute her, like Sar claimed. Aldaakian warships had appeared over Vstrunn, and Sar had offered to pay double for the gem.
    Oh, but he hated to end her whining? What a jerk.
    Once inside the toilet, Kivita shut the door. Like
Frevyx
’s other cabins, the walls, floor, and bathing pod were well maintained. A pile of clothes lay on the counter. Three full-length mirrors displayed an alter ego who made her frown: dirty hair, smudged face, ripped bodyglove.
    â€œShit the cryopod. I do stink.”
    Kivita stripped and entered the bathing pod. Collection vents opened above; drains below. Five sprinklers misted her with hot water, while three vaporizers extended from the ceiling. The mist became steam. Scrubbing herself with a pumice sponge, she sighed with relief.
    So, options for escaping? Cheseia could fight, and socould Sar. Seul was a prisoner, too, no matter what Sar mentioned about some offer.