A large group of men and women—over a dozen at first glance—sat around a table, eating and laughing. The fine clothes they wore betrayed their wealth, as did the lavish dishes and the servants.

Kaine had no time to wonder about the mountains he saw in the background. Barely noticed the sky above his head or the water under his feet. He spun when he heard the roar and shot at the fang-covered hand that came through the gateway. The creature shrieked but did not stop. Screams from behind, and the sound of clattering silverware.

The monstrosity lunged at him. He jerked back, but bumped into something hard that knocked the wind out of him. A claw slashed across his chest, and pain shot through him. He lifted the phaser and shot again.

The sound of breaking glass rang in his ears as shards rained down on him. The beast’s head exploded, projecting green slime and brain matter across the floor.

Covering his head with his arm, he wondered at his aim, as he had gone for the chest, then heard running footsteps. Turning his bleeding head, he saw armed guards surrounding him and Ondine, who was on the floor, rolled in a ball, bleeding from a dozen wounds, and covered with glass shards.

It was then he realized where he was. This was not some sort of open-sky platform. It was a house. All made of glass. His back had hit against a wall, and the guards had shot through another to kill the alien.

He crawled over to Ondine to check on her, noticed she was crying.

“It’s okay,” he muttered as he took her in his arms and rocked her. “We’re alive. It’s over. The monster is dead.”

She buried her head in his chest, sobbing.

“You, sir, have much to explain.”

The voice was unpleasant. Shrill and arrogant.

He jerked his head up and looked at the gateway. Pointed at it with one hand, still holding the girl with the other.

“You have to destroy that!”

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“Most certainly not!” said the annoying man.

He stepped between Kaine and the portal, a scowl on his face. He was tall and bearded, with small black eyes that squinted at him.

“Fine. Then don’t be surprised if more of those things come through.” Kaine pointed at the dead creature.

The man shuddered as he glanced at the alien.

“We can just disable it.” He nodded at a servant, who hurried toward the console. “I’ll double the guards, too, just to be safe. No need to be rash. Gateways are expensive, and I still have a use for this one. Now enough about that nonsense. Who are you and what are you doing in my home?”

“Escaping hell, that’s what. Ovkan is overrun by those things. You must have missed that while you were partying.”

The other made a dismissive gesture. “A minor inconvenience, is all. I’m sure the Emperor will clean that mess up soon enough. As for you, sir, I do not like your tone. And you have yet to give me your name.”

“You haven’t earned it.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t like your tone either, sir. I’m not yours to order around. I—”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, you are an intruder on private property. A most serious offense.”

“Look, mister, this was our only way out of that hellhole, so I took it.”

“And brought a most unwelcome guest with you. I hold you responsible for the damage this has caused. You will pay for all of it, of course.”

Kaine glanced at the guards who still surrounded him. Though they had turned their weapons away, they still stood at the ready.

He grunted as he looked back at the man.

“Sure. Whatever you say. Now, if you don’t mind, we’ll get out of your hair and let you continue your little party.”

“I don’t think so. My men will escort you to a room. You will stay with us until we’ve settled this matter to my complete satisfaction.”

Oh, great! Just what I needed.

One of the guards leaned to grab his arm and pulled him.

“Hey! Watch it now. Can’t you see my friend is hurt?”

The guard grunted.

“So are you,” he said. “We’ll get you a healer. Follow me.”

Kaine decided to carry the girl, as she seemed to be in shock and still too dazed to walk.

As they went through the glass house, he saw the guests were all staring at him, some whispering to each other.

After a moment, he felt uneven ground under his feet and realized they had stepped outside.

“How can you tell where you’re going with all that glass?”

The guard shrugged. “You get used to it.”

They headed toward some trees, and Kaine could see a roof behind them.

“I guess keeping me back there would have been a bad idea. Too much of a distraction for the guests with all that glass.”

The guard only grunted. He opened the door when they reached the structure and he motioned for Kaine to go in.

“There will be four men posted around the hut at any time, so don’t try anything stupid.”

“What about that healer?”

“I’ll have one sent to you. Shouldn’t be too long.”

“Thanks.”

The man shut the door and they were alone again.