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“Oh, yes. How are the others doing physically?”
“Well, the older one, who is doing excellently, has asked for access to the gym, but none of the others want to accompany her.”
Heboren shrugged. “We are here for a few more days, so why not assign a guard to her.”
Na’ith sighed. “They are afraid of her. She has implants.”
Heboren stared. “Really?”
“Both arms elbow to fingertip. I don’t blame her for wanting to use it.”
“So? You take her.”
Na’ith blinked. “What?”
“You aren’t afraid of her. Take her to the gym.”
“I can?”
“Certainly. You have gotten soft doing admin for the last few years. You could use the workout as well.”
“I have been fighting raiders and pirates and helping stranded vessels.” Na’ith snorted.
“From inside the warship. You should take a tour planet-side and enjoy your estates.” He pulled Nova closer, and she leaned against his chest, her breath moving across his skin. She was limp. Resting. He wanted her to recover her strength and energy. He had plans for her.
* * * *
Nova stretched, and there was something warm in bed with her. There was also light tapping on her lids. She opened her eyes. She was draped over Heboren, and he was holding up a tablet and thumbing through it at a rapid pace.
She lifted her head and looked down. Yeah, she felt naked.
“Hello, Nova. Glad you could join me.”
She looked around, but there was no way of telling time. “How long was I out?”
“Twelve hours. You were very tired and very hungry.” His free hand was slowly stroking her back.
“Oh. Right. How embarrassing.” She looked at him. “Did you have something?”
He chuckled. “Not yet. I prefer you be awake and aware.”
“Thanks for that. Are you sure you want to have sex with a rat?”
Heboren rubbed her back. “May I be frank?”
“Sure. Nice to meet you, Frank.”
He cocked his head. “A name on your world?”
“Yeah. It was a bit of a joke. Apparently, a very small one.”
“Hm. Well, what I was going to say is that all species are not mine and therefore do not have the social status of a Hmrain. We are designed to find partners to remind us that those beings are sentient and need care. You will provide me with what I need, and I will take care of you, which will remind me to watch over others.”
Nova blinked. “So, I am a reminder that sentients live, think, love, and die.”
“Correct.”
“And you are going to eat me?”
