“We’ll meet you on the dock of the Delight with med tech,” Nerin said. “I know the ship has at least one.”
“That’s not possible,” Miran said. “We’re grounded by a storm.”
Both Nerin’s and Lazil’s expressions turned worried, although Lazil’s was mixed with frustration.
“We’ll come to you,” Lazil declared.
Miran frowned at his teammate. “I don’t think you should attempt to land until it blows over.”
Nerin was looking at another screen as he spoke. “The weather prediction says it’ll last at least a few days. We'll land in another city and make our way to you on the ground.”
“Land and stay,” Miran commanded. “Don’t risk traveling in this. We’ll connect when the storm is over.”
Lazil’s expression turned dark. “Is that wise? You have to sleep at some point, and she’s a flight risk. She’s already hurt herself. What if she kills herself on the next escape attempt?”
“You guys know I can hear everything you’re saying, right?” Nova said with a frown. She shook a finger at Lazil. “I’m more than a flight risk, I’m deadly!”
Lazil laughed but stopped laughing when he saw Miran’s face. “She’s joking, right?”
“Do you remember what Mara did to Woken?”
Lazil looked doubtful, but Nerin made a surprised sound in the background.
“She’s like Mara?” Nerin asks.
“She’s Mara and Deena combined,” he said, enjoying the way Nerin winced. Those two women were smart, fierce, and formidable. It was important that his team didn’t think Nova’s escape was luck.
“I doubt that,” Lazil mumbled. He wasn’t one to believe anything unless he witnessed it firsthand. It was his best and worst trait. “She can’t possibly be that skilled.”
“Then let me show you!” Nova challenged. She looked ready to fight.
Lazil snorted derisively. “Scurrying away inside a vent isn’t proof of fierceness, only desperation. Don’t worry, you’ll never have to deal with the people on that ship ever again.”
Nova was practically vibrating with aggression. This wasn’t like her, but then again, she was used to pretending to be something and not being questioned. Lazil’s dismissal probablyinsulted her both as a performer and as a capable human woman.
This interaction was more proof that Lazil was probably the most politically inept warrior Miran had ever met. They got along well because Lazil was quick to follow orders, but he wasn’t helping convince Nova of their good intentions.
“Lazil,” Miran said with warning. “Don’t disparage Nova.”
His teammate was quick to take on a more neutral expression. He heard the unspoken reminder in Miran’s words: Don’t piss off a woman who could be one of their future mates.
“I’m sure you have many talents, Nova,” he said. “You can tell me all about them when we meet.”
“As if,” she mumbled.
“You should probably shackle her to you tonight,” Nerin said with a completely innocent expression. He must've realized what that sounded like because his face and scale pattern flushed a darker green with embarrassment. “I don’t mean that in a kinky way or anything, Nova. We’re only trying to keep you safe and take you to a place where you can be free and happy. I swear.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure.”
Nerin looked disappointed that she didn’t believe him but also resigned. She wouldn’t be the first slave they’d found that didn’t believe them at first.
“I’ll figure something out,” he said. “Contact me when you land. Our communicators should work once you're planetside.”
“Of course, sir,” Lazil responded.
“Try to stay awake until we get there,” Nerin suggested, then the screen blanked out.
“Look at the bright side,” Nova said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You don't have to share me with those guys yet.”
