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better.”
    Bits sighed. “Right. I will keep an open mind. So, which suit do I run back to the Citadel?”
    Mala waved her hand over to the new suit and grinned. “Take her for a spin. I have loaded it with sweat from your original suit. Keep that in mind if you decide to purge the lines.”
    Bits grinned. “I will. See you soon.”
    She got into her suit, settled her body in a comfortable position, and before she left, she asked, “Is there any way to get a set of night-vision lenses? The wind can get a little tear-inducing.”
    Mala clicked her tongue. “Of course. Here, you can attach this to your ears, and it will generate a protective shield. It should enable you to run, breathe and see at the same time.”
    Two ear clips were put on the upper curve of her ear, and when she tapped the right one, the breeze from the open hangar ceased to tease her lashes. “Nice. I will see you soon, Mala.”
    “See you soon, Bits. Take care.” Mala waved her off.
    Behind her, Bits heard the hangar door closing. She sprinted off into the night with the feeling of being completely alone. It was not a bad way to run.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    Bits sat in the shuttle and watched as they circled in for a landing. Her first assignment was as a companion to an ambassador during trade negotiations.
    She sat next to Ambassador Suak as he checked his documents.
    “So, Specialist Kenharm, are you ready?”
    “Yes, Ambassador. I keep everyone calm and watch out for attackers.”
    “Including me. You must keep me calm as unobtrusive as possible.”
    “I will. You may rely on me, Ambassador.”
    She had been briefed as to the serpentine ambassador’s venomous nature, and she was prepared to keep him calm. They had worked out a casual contact that would be passed off as her species’ peculiarity. She would stay next to him at all times just to make sure that he didn’t flare his hood or rattle his spines. Those things tended to turn off other species.
    When they had clearance, they got up and left the shuttle together, her hand on his arm as if they were courting. It was a four-day assignment, and she was going to make sure that everything stayed calm.
     
    “Suak, I can’t accept this.” Bits was looking at the wide gem-studded necklace that filled the jewel box in her hands. It would cover her from neck to the edge of her breasts.
    “You must. The Citadel has been paid, but your services enabled me to work effectively for the first time ever. I am indebted to you, and this necklace is a small token of thanks.” Suak’s glowing yellow eyes were earnest, his flat lips compressed together.
    They were on the final approach to Morganti station where Suak would leave her.
    “This is not a small token. This necklace is expensive and beautiful.”
    “I would shower you with more if I were able.” His serious face made her uncomfortable. When his tongue flicked out, she fought a flinch and won.
    “I did my job, Ambassador Suak. You did your job. Neither of us needs anything more.”
    He reached out and took one of her hands. “I have enjoyed this time with you.”
    She tried to put some cool distance into the contact, but it didn’t work on Suak. She would literally have to spray him in the face with the mist from her suit, but that might not even work as he seemed to be keyed onto her body chemistry.
    “Ambassador, thank you for making this first assignment easy, I cannot tell you how happy I am to be going home to my fiancé.”
    He blinked. “Fiancé? You have not mentioned him.”
    “I have spoken to him every night since we came out. His existence was not integral to this assignment.” She hoped he couldn’t smell a lie. She was about to throw a friend on the fire.
    “Who is this mysterious male? Is he worthy of you?” Suak leaned in.
    She leaned back. “Administrator Turnari abin Depkor. He is the head of Citadel Morganti.”
    Suak looked at her with narrowed eyes. “I see. Well, keep the necklace in case your male