S161

“Why are you asking me about my recruitment methods?” says Ambassador Drake Ekard. He’s talking just loud enough to be heard above the crash of the waterfall.

“Is my family in danger because you stole a bunch of high-performance athletes from dictators?”

Drake seems annoyed. “I wouldn’t worry about your family. The people guarding you and yours are a solid crew. A frightening crew, if you want to know. Also, I hope we agree that stealing slaves from dictators is a valid hobby.”

I sigh and mentally take a step back. “So what am I supposed to do with my family?”

He turns to walk away, apparently no longer interested in talking to me. “You have a job. I’d suggest you pour every drop of sweat into that team of yours—not standing here asking useless questions.”