***
Spook, still disguised in Kyrena’s form, shook hands with Odjub, the head of the weapons smuggling gang which practically owned half of Berengi Dome. The bodies of the mercenaries were so dismembered from the gunfire that they were almost unrecognizable.
"Thanks for the assist," Spook said sweetly, giving the gang leader a peck on the cheek. "I guess that should teach my father not to send his muscle into your territory to try to disrupt your business."
Odjub gave her a quick nod. "And I presume our deal is still intact? I wouldn’t mind extending my operations to Jeylani Dome. You might slide me a little privileged information when you can spare it, yes?"
Kyrena-who-was-really-Spook gave the criminal overlord a solemn nod. "Consider it a promise."
Spook walked back to his command center. The moment he stepped through the door to his lair, Kyrena was there to squeeze him in a death-grip hug, crying tears of relief.
It took a while, but the waterworks finally died down. "It worked?" she asked.
Spook gave her a thumbs-up. "It more than worked. It was brilliant. It kind of scares me though, that you knew about Odjub from watching that reality show about underworld gang leaders. He may seem like a nice guy, but he’s ruthless. Trust me."
"But did he buy the story I told you to give him," Kyrena asked.
Spook nodded.
"I knew he would," Kyrena said, clapping her hands with enthusiasm. "Our deal is perfect; I help him get access to Jeylani Dome and stay under Dad’s radar. In return he has his people help me slip into Berengi Dome whenever I want."
"Only after your Dad figures out who was behind your attempted kidnapping, Kyrena!"
Spook sighed. He wasn’t sure that getting his potential human girlfriend involved with a criminal organization was the best idea. But at least they’d traded an immediate problem for one which they could hopefully solve on the horizon.
"Look Kyrena, let’s play it safe. I’ll come to you. Let’s just stay in Jeylani Dome. I’ll even buy a place there so that you can stay with me whenever you want."
"I doubt you can afford it. It’s supposed to be a resort for white collar criminals, silly!" she scoffed.
Spook smiled. "Don’t underestimate me. Besides, even a resort has to have its support staff. You’re dad’s going to have more modest housing, whether he wants it or not."
"Speaking of which, if you plan to meet my dad, you are not sporting that ridiculous green mohawk, and that nose ring? It has to go!" When she saw Spook frown, Kyrena relented just a little.
"On second thought, keep the nose ring. I want to see Dad’s reaction!" She said it with barely contained glee.