He pressed on that bed. "This amazing bed? It's filmo. Compressed and molded filmo, turned into mattresses for the medical beds in all the facilities."
"But isn't it flammable? That's what they told us at the terraforming locations--that we couldn't wear our long dresses because it could make the grit-the filmo-spark."
He shrugged. "I think if it was exposed to a great deal of heat, then yes, it could spark and possibly explode."
"You think?"
"Well, it might happen. Not sure."
She shook her head. "You're funny."
"Why?"
She giggled. "I don't really know. You just are." She leaned into him and hugged him. "I'm glad you're here with me, Jedriek."
He stroked her hair. "I am glad to be here with you as well, Eleanor."
He patted her back, and it felt so safe to be wrapped up in his arms.
It wouldn't stay like this, but at least for now, it was something.
So she was going to savor it.
She rocked her hips into his.
He growled. "You are starting things, princess."
"Think I need to," she replied.
He kissed her neck, and his breath was warm on her ear. "And I thought I had a strong Craving."
"Never underestimate a female."
"I will not," he replied as he pulled her on top of him, and they started to make love again.
11
Jedriek bolted awake, his system on high alert.
A sound had jarred him awake, one he shouldn't be hearing.
Not down here, anyway.
They should be alone.
Immediately, he leaped out of bed, clothing materializing over him, and he held out his hands. A blade poured out of the gauntlets for one hand and a small mace in the other hand, the chain dangling and carrying a giant spiked ball. One of Jedriek's favorite toys for any hand-to-hand combat.
"Jedriek?"
He paused and turned back to Princess Eleanor. Pressed his finger over his lips.
She quietly slipped off the table. Crouched down, she picked up the bag she'd brought and started digging in it.
He gestured for her to stay back as he moved to the doorway.
Scanning
Ahead,he read that there were four lifesigns.
