Ryker may have sought me for assistance, but my focus belonged to Maddy. Ryker attempted explaining human ways to Galya, although I was fairly certain she had read up on us. Her species lived for centuries and had a multitude of very informed interests. She likely wanted to hear from Ryker for fun.
Seeing as Maddy didn’t plan to talk, I had a stupid idea to message her through the commlink.
Lucky:Your boss talks a lot.
Maddy glanced at her commlink and stood, tray mostly empty. “I’m finished. Take your time, Galya. I’ll handle the specimens for you.”
“Oh, thank you, thank you, Maddy. I am quite enjoying myself with this Ryker fellow. He’s very informative, so it may be a while.”
Ryker whimpered.
“Elado made such a brilliant decision in bringing on a second assistant. You’ve been doing wonders for us. Soon, I can see you going on tour with a few assistants of your own.”
“I don’t know about soon, but thank you for the vote of confidence.”
“Is that how it works?” I asked, bringing Maddy and Galya’s attention to me. That was the only way I could think of keeping her near for amoment longer. “The survey team — if you’re hired as an assistant, then you can become a geologist or something?”
“Not entirely. Maddy here,” Galya waved in a manner that said she wanted Maddy to sit. Maddy sat down, maintaining a calm expression while refusing to look at me. “Joined us three years ago under a reputable recommendation. While we rarely take on assistants who haven’t obtained a degree from a formal academy, Maddy more than proved her worth after a couple of tests.”
Maddy offered an amicable smile, certainly not directed at me.
This had been pointless. I must have imagined her outside of the cradle. A dream.
“In another two years, she will have finished up schooling and can apply for a researcher position rather than an assistant, which you certainly deserve.” Galya floated over the table to pat Maddy’s shoulder before returning to her seat. “Oh, she is quite marvelous indeed! We are ever so grateful to have you on our team.”
“I’m glad to be here,” Maddy said. “Why don’t you tell Private Katlan a little more about our work, Galya? He seems very interested.”
Shit.
“But of course!” Galya cheered.
When her attention fell on me, Maddy and Ryker escaped. Maddy dropped her tray off on the counter for the droids. They stacked them in the back, meaning Zavir was still expected to clean them. Maddy sought sanctuary in the lab.
Apparently, threatening my life was the only time it was acceptable for her to speak with me. Didn’t matter, not like talking to her would change anything. Whatever I thought I saw at the cradle hadn’t happened. My mind fabricated what a naïve child desired, what teenage mewanted even after what he had done. We’d never be what we once were because I made it abundantly clear that I could, and would, break any promise.
Galya could talk all she wanted. I wasn’t listening, too overrun by my own issues. At some point, I escaped by telling her I had my daily training to do. Galya fluttered off, remembering she had a job, too.
Roys never joined us in the yard. I contemplated messaging him, but why would I? I didn’t care where he went off to. Zavir finished long before I did and left muttering about all the chores he had to finish. Arana, Lilea, and Iylene returned from their outing with the mineralogists, who went out further to investigate a mountain on the horizon. They were discussing using the shuttle to go over for daily trips when my commlink went off.
Madlyn:She’s not my boss.
I dropped onto the grass, refusing to admit that one message had made my legs weak.
I didn’t know what to say, how to keep the conversation going without mucking it up, but making her wait might be worse. My body vibrated with nerves as I replied.
Lucky:Then who is? Elado?
Madlyn:Yes.
Lucky:He’s not as talkative.
Madlyn:How observant.
Lucky:I am a man of many skills.
Madlyn:Doubtful.
I sat there, considering asking all the questions I had. She was messaging me. I thought that was a sign. She accepted the opening for conversation. Maybe we could be on speaking terms. After this tour ended, we could call each other from time to time. I would be happy with that.
