Sasha shrugs. “I’m cool with it. However, there’s no way in hell I’m cleaning up animal poop, period. I’m happy to help with other, less gross things though.”
Luna chuckles. “Count me in. You know how much I love our furry friends, and if we can help others and give them a shot at a new life with folks who will love and care for them, I say, why not?”
I beam at her and then give Felix a double thumbs-up. “It’s a perfect fit for you. Congrats.”
Najar nods decisively. “Excellent. I’ve already started forming a plan of action and have begun mapping out different space stations we will want to visit, as well as finding contactinformation for establishing partnerships with appropriate shelters on nearby planets within reasonable travel distance. There is also plenty of space in our cargo hold to create a segregated kennel zone, a small exercise area, a bathing station, and a mini clinic for Felix to scan and treat rescues while they’re being transported.”
Luna whispers to me. “Thank the galactic gods, but Najar knows how to strategize and get shit done. He’ll totally help Felix make this happen.”
I’m thrilled for my brother, but his newfound purpose in life has me suddenly questioning what I’m going to do with mine.
Sure, I’m here to fill the role of chief medical officer on the ship, but quite frankly, a lot of their advanced technology can take the place of a physician in handling the most common types of injuries or ailments. Besides, with such a small crew, it’s not like there’s going to be any kind of frequent or consistent need for my expertise.
So what the hell am I going to do in the meantime?
“You’re awfully quiet,” Luna says, breaking into my thoughts.
“Noticed that, did you?” I say wryly.
She smirks. “We share a lot in common. Both of us are talkative bitches, so when you get quiet, I have to wonder what’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours.”
I’m secretly happy that she’s already reading me so well.
“Felix got me thinking about what I’m going to do now that I’m part of the Sleigh Belle’s crew. Serving as our medical officer isn’t going to keep me busy on a regular basis, and I’m not really cut out for early retirement,” I admit. “I need to find my new purpose here, something that keeps me mentally engaged and personally fulfilled.”
Easy-peasy, right?
I sigh.
Luna nods slowly. “I hear what you’re saying. You’re a super fucking smart and highly educated woman who needs to make use of her talents. Feeling that way is why I left Draveth with Khephren to explore the galaxy. I love what I do as the main mechanic and engineer on this ship, but that role keeps me a lot busier than serving as medical officer would.” She smiles. “Don’t worry though, you have plenty of time to figure all of this out. Consider right now a short sabbatical while you decide your next course of action.” She takes hold of my hand and squeezes it gently. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you all the way, so take your time. If you need me to help you brainstorm some ideas, I’m here for you.”
I lean closer and rest my head on her shoulder, enjoying it when one of her tentacles wraps itself around my waist in a warm, comforting hug. “Cool. I don’t want you to get any false ideas that I intend to be some kind of lesbian housewife.”
Luna throws her head back and laughs. “Don’t worry, gorgeous. I’ve never entertained such a notion about you and never will. I like my women smart, sassy, and fiercely independent. Also, I have every confidence that, much like your brother, you’ll come up with a plan for how you can put your expertise to best use that will blow us all away.”
I bite my bottom lip, fighting back unexpected tears. Dammit, but I’ve been a lot more emotional about everything since joining the Sleigh Belle. Granted, a lot has happened in a very short amount of time. I mean, I’ve embarked on a massive life-altering change that could throw anyone for a loop. However, at this moment, what truly touches me is the fact that Luna gets me on a fundamental level.
I’ve dated other women who didn’t understand my passion for saving lives. They were impressed by my credentials and enthusiastic about my salary, but not many of them deeply respected what I do or understood what it means to me. Theyalso weren’t fans of my hectic schedule and the demands of the job, namely when it interfered with what they wanted to do. Right now, I don’t know how my training and experience may be applicable in the vast regions of outer space, but I’m game to find out. Like Luna said, there isn’t any kind of immediate rush to figure out the answer.
All I know is that I want to do this. I’m at the beginning of a new path in my life, and I need to make smart choices about my future so that staying on this ship is sustainable for the long term.
Felix regards me with serious eyes. “Open yourself up to new experiences, Gemsy. I know you’ll figure out what it is you want to do, much the same way I have. The chips will all fall into place when the time is ready.”
I snicker softly. “Who are you, Yoda? That sounds a bit woo-woo for you, big brother.”
He shrugs a little awkwardly, his cheeks pinking with embarrassment. “Perhaps, but meeting Najar and traveling the universe, I’ve been able to see and experience what most humans can only dream of. Even in such a short time, it’s given me a new perspective on everything. I’m not saying I believe in destiny exactly, but I do think the universe has a way of putting opportunities in our path that we shouldn’t ignore.”
I ruminate on his words for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER 12
Gemma:Please tell me you’re going to let me watch you work sometime.
Luna:Like in the engine room?
Gemma:Yep. PLEASE tell me you wear a sexy tank top and cargo pants or overalls while you do your thing.
Luna:Heh. You’ve clearly been imagining this.
