The carrier came to rest. Its hatch swung open. A burly dau leaped out.
Instantly, the Federation crewmen came to their feet and crowded round.
But the dau ignored them. Turning, he gestured to someone still inside the carrier.
Another figure dropped down ... a figure with shimmering golden hair and a scarlet tunic that emphasized the slim, ripening womanhood of the one who wore it.
Ylana—!
Jarl caught his breath. His palms were suddenly slick with sweat, the muscles of his chest constricted.
While he watched, the girl moved calmly to the Federation flagship.
The dau swung back aboard the carrier. The hatch clanged shut. A moment later, the craft was in the air again, lancing out of the ancient hull and away.
Ylana disappeared into the flagship.
Jarl sank back, trembling. Brow furrowed, lips dry, he tried to make sense of this new maneuver.