AllFreeNovel
Share Us
J'avet looked furious and his face was redder than ever. That was saying something, since he was red anyway.
I got another surprise when he said, "You could escort us part of the way there."
E'rel scowled at him. I was starting to realise that was his default expression in response to everything. He was even less cheerful than J'avet.
I'd probably be pissed too if my whole planet treated me like I was a lesser being, just because I wanted to go to space.
"It would save fuel if we spent some of the journey in their pod bay," Brinley said.
J'avet gave the smallest of nods. The corners of his eyes crinkled as though he was in pain. When had he taken pain relief last?
I glanced at my watch. Long enough. He was due for more.
"Gamma does have an infirmary," I said. "That would satisfy Doctor Barek. We might not even get in too much trouble when we get back." Maybe.
If we get back. There was always a chance we wouldn't. Okay, a big chance.
"Thanks for the offer," Gamma's captain said, "But I prefer not to be court martialed."
"Scared to take Gamma near Iri space?" J'avet asked, his chin raised in challenge.
"That too," she agreed. "Now hurry up and evade me before I change my mind."
"Evading," Brinley confirmed. "Edie, buckle up."
I hurried to do as she said. I'd witnessed enough for her evasive flying to know I might get thrown around again.
Hard pass.
"Good luck," Gamma's captain said before the screen went black.
"We'll need it," I muttered.
"Any damage from her warning shot?" J'avet addressed the question to E'rel.
The other Parvoran shook his head. "No. It was calculated to rattle the pod, not do us any harm."
I rubbed my shoulder again. "She did us some harm," I pointed out.
"Any significant harm," E'rel said without looking at me.
J'avet glanced back and gave me a questioning look. He actually seemed worried.
Well of course he did, we both knew he cared about me, even if he wouldn't let on too much.
"I'm fine," I said. "Just bruised. Nothing broken."
His mouth turned up at the corners in the tiniest of smiles.
"Good. Stay belted in until we're clear of the station, and Gamma." Something in his eyes suggested he'd like to see me restrained for a while longer, and not in a pod harness. Okay, maybe in a pod harness, but not with clothes on.
I smiled knowingly. "I'm not going anywhere," I told him. "Except to get you painkillers when we're clear. And to make you lie down."
"I could use a lie down," he said.
"Alone," I added.
He scowled, but I was used to him by now and just smiled again.
