“She might be hungry,” Myrum said, concerned for the lizard and human. “Are you hungry? You’re wearing your coat; are you cold? You should both eat and turn the heat up in the room. Don’t worry if the captain complains, I can pay the extra energy cost.”
He forgot for a moment that he was bound to the bed and tried to get up. “I’m afraid you’ll have to see to yourself and Ruby.”
“Hey, I’m sorry about the restraining thing,” Amina said. “Helmen was worried you’d wake up and go crazy again. I’m sure she’ll release you after you two talk and she can see that you’re fine now.”
“No, she shouldn’t let me go,” he argued. “Take care of Ruby for me and end me before I hurt someone.”
“Myrum!” Amina exclaimed at his words. “That’s not happening.”
“Don’t be sad for me. It’s been a long time coming,” he murmured, feeling at peace with the idea of no longer existing. Peace and relief.
She stepped close and set Ruby on his chest. “If you keep talking like that, I’m going to get pissed. Trust me, you don’t want to see me angry. Things get broken.”
If he wasn’t secured on his back he would’ve let out a startled rattle.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever been threatened with violence for wanting my life to be over,” he said.
She barked out a laugh. “I wouldn’t kill you. I’d make you eat frisht.”
He didn’t know what that was, but judging by the look on her face he could only assume it wasn’t a pleasant food.
Ruby decided she didn’t like the chill in the room and scurried up his chest to snuggle against his neck.
“Ruby is adorable,” Amina said, grabbing a small blanket and draping it over his neck and Ruby. He felt the lizard wiggle around a little before settling again. It was comforting to have her nestled against him again. Most Talins would mock him, but he felt a great deal of affection for the lizard. Probably as much as he felt for anyone.
“She might want to sleep a little longer,” Amina said, sitting back down. “I’ll try feeding her later.”
“Yes, please do that,” he said.
Amina leaned forward, resting her forearms on her thighs and pinning him with her gaze. “Talk to me. Explain what happened.”
He’d never thought such authority could radiate from a small human. She reminded him of his first commander, a terrifying female who’d commanded a massive ship without once raising her voice.
His first reaction was to deflect with humor and point out that he didn’t remember what happened. It was clear by the look on her face that particular strategy wouldn’t work.
He owed her and the rest of the crew honesty, even if it wasn’t comfortable.
“As many adultlettes do, I joined the military. I only planned to serve for a few solars, but I found I enjoyed it. I felt close to those I served with.” He paused, searching for a way to explain how important his time with the military had been. “I felt like I belonged. As if I was with family.”
She nodded her head. “I can understand that. Everyone on this ship is a cousin. I can’t imagine not working with my family.”
“You’re cousins?” he asked.
“Yeah, my dad married into a big Ugarian family. It was the best thing he ever did because they’re the best.” She gave him a wry smile. “Actually, I don’t think there’s any such thing as a small Ugarian family.”
That explained so much about her presence on the ship. He felt an almost overwhelming sense of relief at knowing she was surrounded by family, even if they made the mistake of letting her work on this ship.
“Don’t,” she said.
“Don’t what?” he asked, confused.
“I don’t need another lecture on how I shouldn’t be working on this ship or something like that,” she said.
“How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”
She snorted. “It was pretty obvious. Don’t you remember when we met on Polkor Station? You were all about buying me a ticket to an Ilgorian Federation station or planet for my safety. By that logic, I shouldn’t be working this job.”
“You shouldn’t,” he confirmed.
