“No, not at all. I just was trying to understand the way things worked. It’s honestly not that dissimilar to some of the apartments on my world.”
“There are residences for families in another section. For those of us without little ones, we have these.”
“That makes sense. I’m sure space is a premium here on the ship.”
“Yes. We must use the space as efficiently as possible. Find a balance between comfort and efficiency.” He crossed to a black glass-looking panel on the wall, and when he touched it, it lit up. From a distance, it looked like he was checking his email and stuff.
If that’s what it would be called.
From what he’d told her about the ship and the accident, he probably had a great deal of work he needed to do. Or stuff he needed to catch up on, considering the situation.
Which was fine by her.
It gave her time to really figure this out.
Jana walked around the apartment. While it was simple in design, there were small personal touches. Tools were in a container, placed against the wall. There were some long ones that were neatly stood next to the toolbox. Everything seemed relatively clean. She didn’t see any photos or anything that might have displayed family, but maybe that wasn’t something they did here.
She’d have to ask about that later.
The kitchen area was clean and tidy as well.
At least he wasn’t one of those messy guys with stuff everywhere and—
“I shouldn’t be surprised,” snarled a male from the doorway.
Immediately, the hairs on the back of Jana’s neck stood up. She took a few steps back, away from the door, where the figure stood.
He had purple skin, like Phares, but it was a bit faded. And he had more than just one shoulder of bones sticking out.
He seemed meaner than Phares.
And Jana did not like him.
Not at all.
“What do you want?” Phares fired back, not looking at him.
“Of course, you come running. You can’t handle that I fixed your problemsagain.”
Phares spun and faced him. “I was literally gone a day, and you blew up an asteroid!”
“I didn’t blow it up!”
“Then what would you call it? You were in charge while I was gone, and everything was stable.”
“Nothing that was my fault,” he answered back. “You’re the one who left an unstable—”
“Hey!” Jana yelled. She didn’t know why, or who this guy was, but what the hell? How dare he come in here and start yelling at Phares!
The male turned and looked at her. “Oh, company. I didn’t know you brought back a companion,” he said. He tipped his head to the side. “She looks rather plain, though, for a sex worker.”
Jana blinked.
Phares growled. “You would do to shut your mouth.”
“Or what?”
“Or I will shut it for you,” Phares snarled.
