“I don’t think it’s the Ginarigons. They’re greedy, but not this kind of sadistic. They prefer to do the gritty stuff themselves. It’s a power trip for them,” he says, leaning back against my bed.
“Then, who?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know. It could be anyone now that the entire universe knows you’re in the races. I wish there was a way to prove that you don’t have access to whatever it is your father had, just so everyone would leave you alone.”
“I’ve tried. But it’s pointless.” I look down at my shredded race suit beneath the blanket and wish I’d never used my ticket. It was a gift given in good faith. But looking back, I realize how little my mother knew about my father’s capabilities, how far his rein would eventually reach, and how his legacy would corrupt others just for a portion of what he had when he was alive.
“MONA, what is our status?” Elix asks.
I scan the room but don’t see anyone with us.
The speakers in the room reply, “We’re about an hour away from dropping out of space.”
“MONA?” I ask Elix.
“Hello, Zariah,” a voice says, somewhere nearby. “I am the Medical Operations Neuromorphic Assistant for this Scintilla. I am happy to assist with whatever you need.”
“The storm’s causing a lot of trouble back at the complex,” Elix cuts in. “So ABR has us going in reverse order through the tour. Normally, they would do this rest time last, but this got us a safe distance away much faster.”
“Do we have to continue the tour?” I ask. “I’d really just like to forget the whole thing. I don’t really feel up to much. And joining the races feels like a big mistake.”
“That’s up to you. I do think we’re safer with the group for now.”
I don’t want to waste the gift, but I know now that ABR isn’t as secure as I hoped, not for me. Yet I’m still at Elix’s mercy. “Alright. Let’s see how the tour goes.”
He gets up and turns to me. “What can I get you? Are you hungry?”
“Maybe a hydrolyte packet if you’ve got one and a shower. Something else to wear, too.”
Elix touches a panel in the wall. Lights dance around his fingers and the tall, slender drawer opens. He collects a packet and hands it to me. “As for clean clothes, all we’ve got is my stuff and your jacket. Seems we left some of your clothes behind during the escape.”
I drag my heavy legs to the edge of the bed and move the blanket aside. Elix rushes to me as I try to set my feet down. He’s quick to catch me when my body gives out. Desire surges through my tired limbs when he collects me and leans me against his chest.
Concern fills his gaze. I look up at him in admiration and a bit of embarrassment. Elix cracks open the hydrolyte packet and helps me put the nozzle to my lips, then swallow the fruity liquid.
“You aren’t going to be able to clean yourself in this condition,” he says. “I did wipe you down as I checked for injuries.”
“Hot water usually helps wake up tired muscles.” It’s all I can think about. A shower has always been the place where I wash away the past, cry where no one will notice, and step out feeling like I’m up for tackling one more day.
Elix frowns. “I would rather you sleep the remainder of the trip, since you don’t really need to get familiarized with space. This tour is more for the women who have never left Earth.”
Studying the dried splits still on his face, I ask, “When are you going to take care of yourself?”
“Whenever I have time.” Elix disconnects my nutrient tube and snaps in a vial filled with gold liquid.
“What’s that?”
“My serum.”
I reach up to try and stop him from wasting it all on me, but Elix is too strong. He guides my hand away.
“I’m fine. You need this more than I do right now.” He sighs through his nose, tilts his head, and watches the vial discharge.
The fluid spreads warmth through my body. I can’t say I hate the strength it gives me. And while I don’t like his answer, I’m still not strong enough to get my way. I just have to take it.
“Who’s flying the ship?” I ask.
“MONA.”
