32
WHEN SHE SIGNED OFF, Melati leaned back in the chair, wiping sweat from her face. That had been a very close thing.
Only then did she notice that two of the Allion women crouched next to Sep Kerakis. He had collapsed on the floor.
Milo and Majoa, who had been guarding them, were watching with puzzled expressions. Majoa, who was closest, cast Melati a puzzled look. Could it be some kind of trick? Maybe.
Melati pushed herself up and went to have a look, her hand on her gun, but the women were too busy with their leader to take notice of her. Kerakis’ eyes were shut and the way his arms had gone slack convinced Melati that this was real. His skin looked really pale, and now that she paid attention to it, all the Allion people looked thin, sick and worn out.
She called the team to her.
