Celise entered the ship, shooting Torian a skeptical look. As Torian closed the cargo bay doors, sealing them inside, Celise ventured to say, “Ah, hello, Moss.”
“Hello, Celise. It is an elementary decision for you to remain on Vaesa, given your medical condition.”
Torian almost face-palmed. “Moss,” she hissed.
Moss replayed a clip over the speakers of Torian’s voice: “‘Try tellingherthat.’” After it ended, Moss inserted, “You requested I tell her.”
Torian might die.
Celise, on the other hand, cocked one hip. “Considering I wasn’t convinced of its existence ten minutes ago, I’m already liking your life support system. Moss, can we gang up on Torian about her reckless behavior next?”
“I am already partnered with Captain Amelia Perrosk on such matters. We would be happy to welcome you into our pact.”
“What pact?” Torian demanded, her face heating dangerously. She shouldn’t have been surprised that Moss talked to Amelia without her knowledge—Moss was absolutely the kind to do due diligence—but embarrassment still settled over her shoulders.
“Do not be perturbed, Torian. Life-threatening behavior disrupts my programming. It is natural I have taken steps to mitigate your unsavory actions,” Moss said.
“Wonderful,” Celise replied with a broad smile.
Torian groaned. “I’m rethinking this.”
“Too late.” Her sister winked and climbed the staircase. As she assessed the living area, its potted plants and moss carpet, the kitchenette with a warm meal cooking, the comfy couch and Torian’s half-unfurled bedding, a smile tilted her lips.
“This is surprisingly cozy.”
Torian relaxed. She hadn’t realized how desperately she wanted Celise to like her starship until that moment. Vaesa was the most important impression, but… it was nice to know her sister finally understood theDestitute.
“I have been told I am cozy.” Moss sounded pleased.
“Are you the ship, or just life support?” Celise tilted her head, setting her backpack on the floor.
Moss cheerfully replied, “I am the moss colony, so my main function is life support. However, I have recently obtained control of theDestitute’s subsystems.” Moss paused, but it was barely enough to separate the two conversations. “If you wish to research a cure for your condition, Vaesa is a perfect location for that. The nylarians were a very advanced species. I received confirmation that Dutch will help you however he can.”
Celise had stepped up the stairs to the flight deck, peering through the big windows there. Absently, she repeated, “Ah, Dutch?”
“He’s the last remaining nylarian.” Torian grinned. “Moss is right, you know. They were incredible.”
Celise hummed, but it was the placating hum ofI still don’t really believe you, but sure. I’ll play along. “I see.” Her expression turned wry. “Since the air is so pure here, you won’t mind if I set up an air sample analysis, would you?”
Torian narrowed her eyes. “Do you seriously still think I’m hallucinating?”
“I haven’t ruled anything out.” Celise patted Torian’s shoulder.
Luckily, Moss intervened: “An air sample would be redundant. TheDestitute’s oxygen is analyzed every three seconds. I can transmit the data to your datapad, if you’d like.”
That, finally, caught Celise off guard. She raised an eyebrow.“Actually, that would be helpful. Can I run a side-by-side sample to verify those numbers?”
“That is only appropriate for true scientific study.” Moss didn’t seem offended at all about that, which was both a shock and a blessing.
No harm in any of this, Torian supposed. Celise was clearly impressed with Moss, and soon she’d be impressed with everything else, too. But before air sampling, Torian had something else to prove. “Hang on. Don’t leave the flight deck yet; I want you to watch us depart.”
“Why?” Celise raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
Torian snorted at her suspicion. “Because you think I’m lying about wormholes, and I’m here to prove you wrong. It’s my favorite pastime, after all.”
Celise glared at Torian and said, “Sure. Best case, wormholes do exist. Worst case, I get to laugh at you for eternity for thinking they do.”
“Bring it on.” Torian glared back.
