Page 306 of Commander’s Mate

She touched my jaw.

“If Earth is found, I go.”

“I know.”

“And you?”

The question surprised me.

“What?”

“You.”

“I take you.”

“Then what?”

“I return to Farseek operations.”

Her eyebrows rose.

“No.”

“Harper—”

“No. We did this already. Stop deciding the ending before we reach it.”

Anger moved.

Fear beneath it.

“What would you have me do? Remain on Earth?”

“Maybe.”

“I command Farseek forces.”

“I know.”

“My people—”

“I know.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“I’m asking you to admit there are choices we haven’t seen yet.”

The anger faded.

She continued.

“Maybe Earth wants nothing to do with aliens. Maybe they arrest us. Maybe they worship you. God help us. Maybe we visit for a week. Maybe I stay for a year. Maybe my parents come with us, which would be hilarious because my mother would reorganize your entire ship.”

I almost smiled.

“She would attempt this?”

“She would succeed.”