I feel Neela tense behind me as we cross this invisible line. I drive another 150 feet past a cluster of pine trees and stop.
“We’ll camp here. Tomorrow morning, I’ll scout the site a few miles out. I think that’s where Bully lands his ship when he comes to see Vassili.”
“What about me?” she asks, worried.
“You’ll stay in the pod—safe. I’ll leave you a weapon. Don’t argue. You won’t have to use it, just wave it if someone finds you—which I doubt. I’ll move faster and quieter on my own.”
“But I…”
“Purrsong, even if this place is slightly warmer, we’re still in the snowy zone. Let’s get set up and we’ll talk once we’re out of this freezing wind.”
She watches me unfold the sleeping pod, puzzled. Clearly, she’s never camped outside a climate-controlled habitat. The material is incredible—thermoregulating, waterproof. It’ll shield us from damp and cold and keep our body heat inside, whilefiltering out stale air and bringing in fresh. As long as no beast bothers us, we’ll sleep great.
Technically, the pod should be suspended in the air to avoid predators. But I’m cold, lazy, and a predator myself. I don’t know how effective that’ll be against bigger threats, but I’ll mark the area to warn them off.
I settle it near a large tree and motion for her to climb in.
“Um… like this?” she asks.
“Of course like this. What, you planning to sleep standing up?”
“No, obviously not. But… are we sleeping fully dressed?”
“Purrsong, I’ll be honest. Nothing would please me more than sliding in here naked with you. But this place isn’t safe. I need to be able to spring out and fight off whatever comes—man or beast. And I’d rather not do that with my assets swinging in the breeze. So yes, we’re staying dressed. Don’t worry, though—I’m definitely keeping your suggestion in mind for later.”
“I didn’t suggest any—”
“Shh!” I cut her off. “Let’s not advertise our position to the local wildlife.”
Like a good girl, she obeys and lies down without a word. No need to tell her that I fully intend to make her mine when the time’s right. I want it. She wants it—even if she denies it. Her eyes, her scent, her heartbeat, her whole body whispers anticipation. But now’s not the time.
After scent-marking the perimeter, I slip into the pod and seal it. The fabric responds to pressure, thickening and stiffening beneath us, smoothing out bumps in the ground.
She falls asleep instantly. I drift in and out, listening.
A feline came sniffing the area where I marked. It left without me needing to growl, which is good—my growl might’ve woken her.
I wake to nature stirring. Birds chirp, sunlight filters through the branches. I hear small rodents nearby. My eyes fall on Neela, still asleep.
Her hair spills around her face like Sadjim forest vines, deep brown waves framing delicate features that beg to be kissed. Long lashes brush her cheeks, lips parted like they’re whispering secrets. She's stunning. And somehow, she makes my heart pound harder than Ileana ever did. Neela’s innocent, but not naïve. Her world collapsed, yet she’s facing it all with strength—without giving up her ideals.
Reluctantly, I ease out of the pod, making sure she’s secure, then renew my scent marks before heading off.
I move fast and silent. I don’t want to leave her alone too long. In minutes, I reach my target.
No surprise—it’s a hangar built from cheap composite panels. Definitely Coalition work. The Confed wouldn’t touch this stuff. The clearing next to it can fit at least two six-person ships.
Inside are two ground vehicles—fully Confed-made. Opaque cabins, four seats, and cargo space. Perfect for a more comfortable ride.
I scout the rest of the hangar and grab anything useful: a water container, some Coalition ration packs. No comm wall to reach Kiran, unfortunately. He’ll have to wait.
I check the solar charge—full. Excellent. I head back.
When I pull up, Neela’s just waking. Her eyes widen at the vehicle. I give her the rundown.
“You think we can take this?” she asks.
“My dear, no one will miss it—except maybe Bully’s buddies. Clearly, he doesn’t come here alone, and Vassili probably gave him these. They might be slower than your snowmobile, but they’ll shelter us better. That said, help me load the snowmobile. Never know what’ll happen—I like having options. Eat something. We’re moving out.”
