“We are blood brothers by mistake, from a battle in our youth when we served together,” Aurelius rests a warm hand on my shoulder, and Elix’s, then gives us some space.
Elix blinks, and his eyes focus on mine. “MONA, clarify Zariah’s diagnosis.”
“Zariah is carrying twins. My analysis suggests she is developing a gland as a result of her pregnancy. I infer that the volume of your serum she has accepted coupled with carrying your DNA has altered hers significantly.”
Elix frees himself from the straps and scoots toward me. He touches my face as though I am made of sand and I will crumble before him. “I should’ve protected you better back there. I didn’t know. I sensed something, but I didn’t really have the capacity to think about much except for getting us out alive.”
I brace his hands, glad he’s still here, and my father is gone. “We are together. That’s what matters.”
“Docking in five,” MONA says.
Elix shakes his head. “We don’t have to do this. You should stay on the Scintilla, let us go.”
I lick my lips, wishing the words I had to say weren’t true. “I have to go. I’m the only one who can negotiate with the parties involved.”
“I don’t believe that,” Elix says. “I know what you’re transporting is illegal. It can’t be safe.”
Resting my head to his, I quell my frustration. “It shouldn’t be illegal.”
“We are going to save children,” MONA informs him. “Children are not a threat.”
“Children?” Teol asks, peaking into the room, “Wicked cool ship by the way.”
A loud thump resounds through the hull.
MONA gives us an update. “Seventy-two reside in Ihna’s care on Denji. Reports show multiple vessels at war with automated defense systems active on the surface.”
“The camp defense measures won’t attack my ship.” I kiss Elix then slip from his grasp to enter the hallway where the others wait.
Gashnaar grumbles as he broods against a wall, arms crossed. “Illegal children sssmuggling? I didn’t figure yooou the type.”
I sigh and shake my head. “They’re all orphans. They’re from all over. All different species bring them to us. I find them homes. Trouble is, many of them are not welcomed into the Sol Federation orphan program. But they still need care and safe places to grow up. So sometimes I pick them up and carry them to their new families.”
“But you ship munitions parts,” Elix remarks.
“That’s a cover. It gets me to dangerous places legally. I never transport munitions and children at the same time. I’m not an idiot.”
Teol adjusts her ponytail and tightens her armored vest. “So why are they being attacked?”
“Not the first time I’ve had to move a refugee camp. It’s a warzone out here. The Nebulous Empire attacks planets and ships that return fire. Sometimes, they find refugee camps and think they’re easy targets. They steal supplies, take workers, or simply kill children of their enemies.”
Elix runs a hand down my back. “You grew up in a camp. That’s why you’re doing this?”
“Yes. Because I know how scared and alone those kids can feel. I was lucky to still have my mother back then. Most of these kids have no one but the camp leaders. Ihna is just medical outreach. She has her own ship and stops by to help with vaccinations and treat illnesses and injuries.”
Keo reloads his rifle. “Alright, Zariah. I’ll follow your lead. What’s the plan?”
I peer up at Elix’s bandage and then inspect his face.
There’s still a touch of pain narrowing his eyes, but he gives me a terse nod. “Your serum is healing me. I can and will do whatever you ask.”
33: Zariah
I slide into the pilot’s seat of my StarBuster, Gashnaar in the co-pilot’s seat beside me. Elix remains on his ship, alone, with MONA. They are our primary defense system. And as MONA has picked up a bit of a defiant attitude, Elix feels it’s important to make sure they clear up a few things.
Gashnaar muses at my modifications while Teol and Keo strap in behind us. “We used tooo have a fleet of StarBustersss when I was a youngling. They had ooonly hooover and tow-haul capacities. Nooo deep ssspace thrusters or hyperspace enginesss.”
“Have to move fast to evade the enemy.” I warm the engines and guide my cargo ship out of the asteroid field.
