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Chapter Ten
Taly wasn’t happy with the situation but knew it was the best they could do for the colonists. At least for now. Looking at Ranvir, she asked, “Ready to be shown your quarters?”
Ranvir had forgotten that was why she had come to the bridge in the first place. “The colonists are settled?”
“They are,” she confirmed.
“Tane, anything on navigation?”
“No, Major.”
“Then leave the ship on auto-pilot. Talyani’s going to show us where we can rest.” Extending his arm, he gestured for her to lead the way.
Taly led them to the door of the first suite and pressed a panel. “It’s currently set so anyone can enter but can be changed if you want.”
She waited until everyone had followed her in and gave them time to take in the two oversized couches, desk, chairs, and table before moving deeper into the suite.
“There is a food replicator next to the desk, but it contains mostly snack items and drinks. If you want a full meal, you’ll want to use the ones in the dining hall. This door leads to the sleeping quarters.” She led them into another room, smaller than the outer one but not by much. It contained a large bed and a small communications console. “There’s a closet through that door,” she pointed across the room, “and the bathroom is behind this one.”
Taly stepped back to let them look into the bathroom. After they had, Ganesha finally spoke, “This will be more than adequate.”
“Great.” She clapped her hands together happily. “So, which one of you wants it?” She suddenly wanted to take a step back as four sets of intense eyes focused on her. “What?”
“Whichoneof us?” Ganesha asked carefully.
“Well, yes. Three other suites are available, along with the captain’s quarters.” She gave each one a disbelieving look. “You didn’t think I expected all of you to sleep in the same room, did you?”
“This room alone is twice the size of what a pod normally shares,” Ranvir told her.
“Seriously?” They didn’t need to answer. She could see it in their eyes. “Well, it doesn’t have to be that way now unless you want it to be. The other three suites are the same as this one, only done in different colors. The captain’s quarters has a smaller bedroom and living area, but the bathroom is the same size.”
“I prefer smaller rooms,” Ganesha commented quietly.
“Okay, great, it’s settled then. The rest of you can decide between this and the other suites.”
It didn’t take long after that for the rooms to be assigned. Pike took the one she’d shown them as it was the closest to the bridge. Tane chose the one across the corridor from it, which left the two closest to her suite.
“So which one do you want?” she asked, gesturing to doors on either side of the corridor.
Ranvir looked from them to the door behind her. “Where does that go?”
“That’s my suite,” she murmured, her voice suddenly husky as he took a step closer to her.
“Major.”
Ranvir spun around, ready to protect Taly, before realizing it was only Tane coming out of his suite. “What is it?”
Tane’s gaze traveled back and forth between Ranvir and Taly before answering. “I was wondering who you wanted on duty.”
“You and Pike off for twelve,” Ranvir told him.
“Yes, Major.” He gave them a final look and reentered his suite, the door closing behind him.
“I assume that means you plan on taking the first twelve,” she said quietly.
Ranvir turned back to face her. “Yes, Tane and Pike need rest.”
“So do you.” She reached up and placed a hand on his chest.
