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She smiled, warmth blooming inside her. Even though this was a small, furry creature whose interest in her was most likely because he hoped she’d feed him, it felt good to be wanted.
“Even if you have formed a bond with Blaze, it won’t be a problem. I see him every day, which means you will too. Although he won’t like it if you bite him again or hump his arm, leg, or any part of his body. You got that?”
The doggo continued to grumble sing.
“Yeah, this’ll work. I have a good feeling about this new relationship. This is the kind of commitment I can handle.”
“Incoming message from Cleo Newman,” the comm system said.
“Great. Thanks. Put her through,” Eden said.
Cleo’s image appeared on the screen on the wall. “Hey! How are things going?”
Eden had already updated Cleo on their unwelcome visitors. “We’re getting back to normal. All the animals have been unloaded.”
“Any news on your military escort?”
“They took a lot of damage. The medical team is working on them. They won’t be good for active duty for a while. I’m hoping they’ll all pull through.”
Cleo nodded, her expression tight. “I had another update from Jendar. The Pecket must have been tracking your ship.”
“Ranger and his team really came through for us. The animals would be long gone if it wasn’t for them.”
“And we won’t forget it.” Cleo’s forehead wrinkled. “What have you got hanging off your arm?”
Eden grinned. “My new friend. He’s called... I haven’t decided yet. He got in a fight with Blaze.”
“A fight?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure how it started. Blaze got bitten.”
“By a doggo? They’re poisonous. They inject venom that can send you crazy if you get a big enough dose. How’s Blaze doing?”
“He’s getting treatment. He’ll be fine.”
“You can’t keep that animal. He’s wild.”
“He’s not so wild. We’re getting to know each other. He’s a softie.”
“Hold on. You’re thinking about bringing him back to the ship?”
“I’ll take full responsibility. You won’t even know he’s there. He’ll be like Daisy’s kittens.”
“I definitely know they’re on-board. One of them snuck into my room and slept on my pillow. I woke with a mouthful of fur the next day.”
“That’s probably Rexx’s cat’s bad influence on them.”
“No doubt.” Cleo shook her head. “You know the rules with animals. He must be chipped so you don’t lose him. And you’re responsible for his care and feeding. If he gets sick, you pay the bill. If he destroys anything, you pay for it to be fixed or replaced. Got it?”
“Loud and clear, boss.”
“Then he’s welcome on the Apocalypse. You need to give him a name, though.”
“Thanks, Cleo. I’ll figure out what to call him.”
“How long will your ship repairs take?”
“There won’t be any delays getting back,” Eden said. “We’re returning as scheduled.”
