Danger on Xy-One

An Excerpt From: DANGER ON XY-ONE

She hurried to the practice arena. On her way there, she realized she didn’t know anything about Jason beyond his name. She paused as she thought about him. He had an air about him that both attracted and repelled her. For years she’d avoided people, especially men. Now that she was on her own, she could no longer afford to be afraid. It had taken this latest disaster for her to find her backbone again. Maybe something good could come out of this mess after all.

She arrived at the arena and signed in. The courts were almost empty. Only a few players stood around waiting their turns at various activities. She palmed open the door to the weapons arena.

“You’re late, Miss Matthews.” A low, mellow voice came from the shadows, stopping her.

Ali jumped and then reined in her momentary panic. Her old life and the fears that went with it was over. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Jason’s outfit, identical to hers, blended with the flat black walls of the court. Their gazes touched and locked. Lust—that’s all this is, the rational part of her mind screamed. He’s an incredibly good-looking man and what you’re experiencing is pure animal lust—nothing more.

From the smoldering expression on his face, the sentiment was mutual. That one look was enough to make her toes tingle, the feeling traveling all the way up to her shoulders. She took a deep breath and gathered her scattered wits and glanced at her watch. “Actually, I’m exactly on time. Are you in a hurry?”

“Not at all. Shall we?”

Confused, Ali broke her gaze from his. “What?” She blushed as he pointed to the laser pistols in the cabinet by the door.

“Oh. Yes.” For some unfathomable reason, she was disappointed. She had to be careful. If she had any hope of hiring him, he had to take her seriously. She had to regain control of the situation. Somehow she had allowed her emotions to get carried away—something she couldn’t afford if this was going to work.

“I hope you’re qualified for the job and willing to take it because time is of the essence,” Ali said.

Jason grinned. “The Commander implied I was less than welcome here, but your mission intrigued me enough to risk his displeasure. I enjoy a good challenge.”

Ali noted the way he moved with a natural ease, not an act meant to impress. So far, she liked what she saw, but she needed more. Unfortunately, he probably wouldn’t be forthcoming with personal information. She knew almost nothing about him, but instinct told her she could trust him. She picked out one of the weapons from the rack. Like the others, the piece was lightweight and well balanced and shielded for safety. She watched as Jason picked out a second pistol and tested it.

“Computer, half-lights,” Ali called out. The arena dimmed. “Run program Practice Weapons, Level Five, Random Pattern.” The mid-level program would help her judge his skills. “You’re red, I’m blue. Ready?”

Jason nodded and took up his stance. “Begin,” he said.

Floating targets appeared and darted around the room as both Ali and Jason fired at them. A short fifteen minutes later, Ali hit the winning shot a fraction of a second before Jason.

He acknowledged her win with a short bow. “Now that we’re warmed up, do you have anything harder?”

She’d watched him move during the match. He knew his stuff, but how would he be in the field with her in charge?

“Computer, next level,” Ali called out. Again, they hit almost every target, but this time Jason edged out Ali. She didn’t even bother to ask before calling out “Computer, next level.”

Ali enjoyed herself more than she was willing to admit. It had been a long time since anyone had given her a contest in the practice arena. She was very much aware of the man next to her—the way he moved and his skills told her more than words could. He moved with confidence and cunning skill. She began to admire him as an opponent.

By this time, they had a small audience in the viewing area above the arena. Their third game ended in a dead heat, something never done in station history. A round of applause startled them, but they took the kudos in stride and bowed to the gathering.

“What’s the top level?” Jason asked.

“Ten. Are you up to a little challenge?”

He raised his eyebrow and nodded.

“Computer, level ten, random pattern, maximum speed.” She heard a concerted gasp from the audience. As far as she knew, she was the only person to have ever attempted this level at maximum speed. “Begin.”

Thirty minutes later Jason squeezed off his final target a millisecond before Ali hit her target. The significantly larger crowd roared its approval.

“Game goes to red,” the computer intoned. “High score will be amended.”

“High score?” Jason asked as he looked at Ali. “Computer, identify previous high score holder.”

“Previous high score holder was Aleksia Matthews.”

“Seems like I’ve toppled you off your tower, Miss Matthews.” Jason replaced his weapon in the rack and grinned at her.

“Actually I should thank you. It’s such a chore being on top all the time.” Ali wiped a film of sweat from her face and grinned back at him.

He looked her over slowly from head to toe and back up again. “I do some of my best work from the top.” He left no doubt as to his meaning.

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