"Dr. Y has agreed to the meeting," Brooks said.

He could hear how pleased the voice on the other end of the line was. "Very good, Captain. I was skeptical that you would keep your word, but our mutual friend was certain. I am glad to know that she was right and I was wrong."

The smugness in his voice irked Brooks.

"I'll be sure to congratulate her when I see her," he replied. "We will be leaving within the hour, but we do not have a destination yet."

"You are not invited, Captain," the voice returned.

"It was never a condition that I not come, and so I am coming," Brooks said. "It is already arranged."

"Plans will have to change then," the man replied. "Your absence would be noted, after all. Haven't you a parade to be leading?"

Brooks felt his anger rise, and he fought it down. "I am coming."

"Then the meeting is off," the man said. "And our mutual friend will be most displeased to find out."

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"I must be sure of the safety of my crew," Brooks replied shortly, struggling to keep calm. "Therefore-"

"Therefore you are simply going to have to trust your old friend," the man replied, his voice suddenly cold. "You do not get a say in this. You are repaying a debt you incurred willingly. Will it be said that you attempted to put conditions on it? You do not have that right."

Brooks wanted to argue it; insist. But the ramifications would be heavy. If Dawn truly did not want him to be there this badly, then going anyway would do no good.

And they both knew that his presence would not be a protection for Y. He would be far easier to neutralize than the Ehni; even his lowest-quality bodies were faster and stronger than any human, and resilient against far more dangers.

"Fine," Brooks finally said. "I trust that all of you understand the reality of this situation; I will pay the debt. Your conduct with the doctor will determine if there is anything else that needs settling."

"Good, good," the man replied, sounding once again pleased, Brooks's veiled threat seemingly having no effect upon him. "You will send the Doctor in a shuttle and through a dashgate to these coordinates. There he will find a ship that he will dock with. And there the meeting will take place."

Brooks felt his impotent anger burning, but he kept his voice calm as he replied. "Very well."

"And Captain?" the man said.

Brooks braced himself for whatever taunt the man would sling, but he was surprised.

"She sends her regards," the man said. Then the call was ended.