Several hours passed. Jinx and Nala exchanged phone contacts and continued talking. Jinx learned more about Nala's business empire, which included trade routes, contracts, and event hosting that connected the most powerful people in the sector.
She also learned more about Flynn. He was not just a starfighter pilot. He was the commander of the Scalebane Reapers, a squadron that answered only to the highest levels of government. His family owned mining rights across three systems, and his personal wealth surpassed that of some small nations. Nala spoke of him the way people spoke of natural disasters—with respect and fear in equal measure.
Nala gave Jinx a change of clothes, a simple cream dress that fit well enough. She handed over a bag containing Jinx's blood-stained sapphire gown and the rare necklace. "You will want these cleaned properly," Nala said. "The gown can be saved. The necklace is too valuable to leave behind."
