“He merely seeks to establish a position of strength before sitting down to negotiate the terms of his assistance,” Jalea explained. “It is to be expected.”

“He’s coming around again, more slowly this time,” Jessica reported. “Looks like he’s doing just what he said. He’s going to land.”

“Get down there and meet him, Jess,” Nathan ordered. “Then bring him to the briefing room.”

“Yes, sir,” she acknowledged as she departed.

Nathan turned to Jalea. “You’re sure about this guy?”

“As I said before, this is not the first time we have utilized his services.”

“Well he sure likes to make an entrance,” Cameron added.

Jessica came to the bottom of the ramp to find her partner from special operations, Enrique Mendez, waiting for her. He carried a standard issue close-quarters automatic weapon slung over his shoulder and a hand gun holstered on his belt.

“Miss me?” Enrique held out a weapon for Jessica, smiling at her as she approached. It was the standard Mister Charming smile that he always tried on the ladies. She had always told him that it didn’t work, but he never listened.

“Medical already cleared you for duty?” She looked at his hip, noticing the abnormal bulge from the bandage under his trousers.

“I didn’t ask,” he admitted. Jessica shot him a disapproving glance as she took the weapon from him. “Hey, I’m good to go, baby.”

“Is that right?” Jessica patted the bulge on his thigh where he had been wounded a few days ago as she passed by, causing him to wince slightly.

“Damn, Jess. Play nice, now,” he scolded as he fell in behind her.

They continued down the corridor, entering the main hatch to the hangar bay. Inside there were two marines, Sergeants Weatherly and Holmes. Thus far, other than Enrique, Weatherly and Holmes were the only other people on board she was sure could shoot straight.