Page 1 of Thick as Thieves
Chapter One
Ines
The first thing I notice when I materialize on Timbur and step off the transporter station disk is the rumble of deep voices from the nearby Xylan attendants.
A strange, giddy energy courses through my veins. I’ve never used a transporter before, they’re so freaking expensive I’ve just always taken a berth on commercial transport ships. But my editor approved the enormous expense to quickly send me to Timbur so this story can get finished sooner.
I’m here to write a feel-good piece, “Love Among the Stars: Human Women Find Happiness on Remote Mining Planet.” It’ll sell great on my home world and I’m really going to enjoy writing it, but… that’s not the only reason why I’m here. But my editor doesn’t need to know that. Not yet.
I smooth down my hair. It springs right back up.
Of course it does.
I’ve never been off New Earth before, but recently, I’ve been working on more consequential investigative work, whichsometimes leads to wanting to make contacts off planet. And here I am.
The Xylan are a tall, imposing species, with ridged foreheads and clawed hands. And all of them gaze at me with curiosity, probably surprised to see a random human arriving in their midst. Beings don’t vacation on Timbur, they only arrive when approved for some kind of temporary visa. Timbur is a mining colony on the edge of the Four Sectors, home to the only known deposits of Illibrium crystals in the universe. Illibrium, the most powerful source of clean energy in the known universe. And also home to the Fever Brothers, the infamous mining crew whose parents were murdered in their beds over a decade ago. A case that was never solved. A family that was blamed, shattered, and forgotten.
This is the real reason I’m here.
A bored-looking Xylan official scans my press credentials and then pauses. “You’ll need to be tested for Illibrium compatibility before proceeding.”
I blink with surprise. “I do?”
“Yes. Everyone who arrives must do this test before stepping out into our colony.” He gestures for me to follow another official to a small side chamber. Inside, there’s a pedestal with a small, glowing crystal resting on it. The crystal pulses with soft blue light, like a tiny heartbeat.
“Hold this,” the technician instructs. “Keep it in your palm until I tell you to release it.”
I reach out and wrap my fingers around the small, precious crystal.
Oh.
How lucky am I, to be allowed the honor of touching an actual Illibrium? It’s warm. Not hot, just... pleasant, like holding captured sunlight. And there’s a vibration, a hum that resonatesin my chest, almost like the crystal is singing to me. I stand there, waiting, feeling oddly peaceful. Which is weird, right?
The technician checks her readings and looks up with mild surprise. “You’re strongly compatible.”
“Is that unusual?”
“For humans?” She tilts her head. “Somewhat. You can enter the mines without issue. In fact, with readings like these, you could probably work there if you wanted.”
I file that away. Another detail for my story.
She takes back the crystal and I immediately miss its warmth. Strange.
After the Illibrium test, the technician hands me a pair of thin, green gloves. “Put these on and wear these at all times when interacting with unmated Xylan males. It prevents... complications. Someone from the Fever Brothers crew is coming to collect you,” she says, already turning to the next person in line. “Wait in the arrivals area.”
I grab my bag, find a spot to stand and try not to look as nervous as I feel.
I slip on the green gloves which I know are truly important because Xylan find their mates by clasping bare hands. And I still can’t quite believe I’m here. I’ve taken a transporter, traveling across the universe in a moment and now I’m on this mysterious planet. When I submitted my credentials to interview these women, I expected rejection and bureaucratic runaround. Instead, my approval came through in record time—signed off by the CEO of Timbur Minecorp himself.
Soon, an imposing Xylan male approaches, dressed in work clothes and boots. “Ines Vieira?”
I lift my chin. “That’s me.”
“I am Bayzon. You may call me Chief.” He inclines his head slightly. “I lead the Fever Brothers mining crew you’ll be... visiting.”
“Thank you,” I say, keeping my voice pleasant and professional. “I appreciate your family taking the time to speak with me.”
“You’re the journalist investigating our parents’ deaths.”
