“I am researching this as we speak. Currently, I only have his word for it.”
“Does he realize that his actions have made him a fugitive?”
“I told him I was going to throw him out of the airlock.”
“How did he get past SCOUT and onto the shuttle?”
“This Falon has a set of skills that we have never seen. He can physically merge into circuitry; he successfully hid his heat signature on the shuttle until his comm unit notified SCOUT of his position.”
“Why did SCOUT not take care of the issue?”
“He said I needed the experience and trusted me to take care of the issue myself.”
My sensors pick up the smirk on Captain EvO’s lips before he walks closer to the main screen.
“Show me where he is residing.”
I project Falon’s location.
“Can he cause any real harm from there?”
“A male with his skill set could cause havoc in most systems, but I have locked down the majority of outgoing circuitry. I plan on only giving him access to things that I feel like he should know.”
“I need time to think on this. Keep me updated and monitor him at all times.”
“Confirmed, Captain.”
I wait until the captain has left the area before heading to the main communal area, where I have put the girls who just came aboard. Finding them sitting together on the couches, I announce my presence.
“Good rising, Mistresses. I am Destiny, your host for the remainder of your trip, and I am thrilled to have you on board. SAGE often hosts gatherings like this, and I hope you’ll allow me to join as well. How are your accommodations and the refreshments?”
“Oh wow! Look, it’s a floating girl. How stinking cute is that?”
“Thank you for not screaming. Who might you be?”
“I’m Tracy, the sulking, dark-haired one is Edie, and these other two overly opinionated gals are Kristen and Laura. Ginger has not made an appearance yet, so she is probably still soaking in that huge tub in the bathroom. It’s been so long since I’ve experienced these simple pleasures that I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“I take it your previous accommodations were not up to your standards?”
“Sweet thing, we were living in grass huts full of bugs and dirt before we moved into the high-rise rock house, where it was cold, damp, and a little scary at times, like when the walls started shaking.”
“Please let me know what I can provide for you. I know you need clothing and other personal items. In each of your rooms, there is a personal holopad that you can use to choose designs and quantities. Once you place your order, I will have CIP begin work on it immediately. My goal is to make you as comfortable as possible while also providing you with the items you will need in the future.
I am always available. All you have to do is say my name, and I will respond unless we are under attack. Is the food acceptable? I have done my best to integrate some of the dishes you wouldhave had on your homeworld as I already house four other human females on board full-time.”
“What? Wait a minute … there are more of us here, and like what do you mean ‘you house’?”
“I am the ship, Destiny.”
“Totally badass! Not only are you adorable, but you’re the one getting us from one location to another. See girls, even the ships are straight out of a good sci-fi movie. Just when I think I’m finally figuring things out, here we go again.”
I see a tear leave Tracy’s eye and I am suddenly concerned.
“Mistress Tracy, why are you crying? Have I done something to upset you?”
“No, but damn if I’m not sick of the constant brain scrambles that have been my life since the day I woke up in another world, missing half my memories and the life I was happily leading before it was taken.”
“Do you all know how you came to be on Deapra?”
