It seemed he was so excited about getting to tinker with a new invention that he wasn’t afraid of Myrum, which was good. These Ugarian’s were important to Amina, so Myrum needed them to at least be willing to tolerate him. Liking him would be even better.
In an effort to win Desur over, he asked questions about the collar, even though he didn’t understand much of what the Ugarian said. Honestly he mostly wished the Ugarian hadn't shown up, but that collar meant freedom from the bed and the ability to touch Amina.
He wanted that so badly. It filled his mind to the point he’d momentarily forgotten he was trapped on a ship.
His thoughts kept circling back to the same thing: she liked the way he smelled.
He heard other humans talking about how most Talins smelled like scented soap to them. But he didn’t smell like soap to Amina.
She perceived his scent to be something she liked. Something familiar, sweet, and edible. Even more important: she kissed him.
Back on Kalor the human picked the Talin. Could this ship be a place where Amina picked him? He could only hope.
Desur’s in-depth explanation of the trigger mechanism was interrupted when the cabin door slid open and Helmen walked into the room carrying some kind of large tool that looked like it could be used as an effective blunt weapon. The door didn’t close because the rest of the small crew all huddled in the opening, also holding similar items. Several of them were wearing items that looked like panels pulled off walls and strapped around their chests.
It was clearly meant to be armor, and it looked a little adorable. Against a well-trained warrior like him, they didn’t stand much of a chance, but he had to admire their willingness to face him again.
“Greetings,” he said to the crew in the doorway. Even Teshor looked nervous despite appearing fine earlier when delivering the food. “I’m honored to be in your presence.”
The crew in the doorway murmured words of greeting back, but Helmen ignored him and addressed Desur.
“Are you sure this will work?”
Desur’s excitement diminished. “Mostly, I think. I tested it a lot without a loaded lancer, and in the last round of tests it worked every time. I could test it some more because I’m sure there’s a fail rate, I just don’t know what it is. Actually, maybe I should—”
Helmen made a gentle sound in the back of her throat that wasn’t dissimilar to a Talin rumble of comfort. “I know you did your best, Desur. You’re not to blame if anything happens.”
She looked down at Myrum. "This is your only chance to redeem yourself. If you hurt anyone, I will not hesitate to kill you. These people aren’t simply my crew, they’re my family. I refuse to return home and have to explain to anyone why one of their children, siblings, parents, or spouses didn’t come back with me.”
He’d felt a strong sense of community with his crewmates when he’d served on the diplomatic ship. It was devastating to find out he was the only one who survived. How much worse would it have been if they’d all been the family he was raised with and he’d been allowed to love them?
What would it even be like to have a loving family?
“I want to be part of your crew. I want to be part of your family.”
The words came out without him realizing it. He could tell his statements had surprised both Helmen and Amina.
The human’s expression turned soft, and she opened her mouth, probably to assure him he belonged with them.
Helmen’s reaction was more appropriate of a captain. “Neither of those are options at the moment. But being allowed to move around the ship is possible.”
Amina frowned at Helmen. “That was cold.”
Helmen didn’t take her eyes off Myrum even as she answered Amina. “It’s practical. I’m here to keep yours and Desur’s soft hearts from getting us into a situation we can’t get out of.”
Amina snorted. “As if we were the ones that decided to do the sketchy pickup on that brimon mining station.”
That got Helmen to turn her head and fix her gaze on Amina. “That was a calculated risk.” She pointed at Myrum. “With acollar on, he’s a calculated risk. That’s as far as I’m willing to go right now.”
Amina still looked annoyed but kept quiet.
“Go on, Desur,” Helmen ordered.
Now that he was tasked with actually putting his invention on Myrum, he hesitated. Crouching down next to the bed, he looked up at Myrum.
“This won't hurt. Even if you get lanced, you’ll probably barely feel it. You need to tell me if it’s uncomfortable anywhere. I’m sure I can add padding.”
“Desur, put it on!” Helmen ordered, making Desur sigh.
