T’arq
Just what they needed right now. T’arq cursed as he moved the shuttle into a defensive position, angled to make best use of the heavy guns manned by Domik.
They were meant to get in and out quickly; blow up the Xakul base and get back to the Zataras. They did not have time, or the firepower, to get into a battle with a fleet of Xakul fighters. T’arq was a superb pilot, but he knew the extent of his abilities, and trying to outgun an entire fleet of the enemy? Definitely not something he would do.
Especially not with Krystal on board.
She had improved significantly since their last trip, but she was still nervous. T’arq wasn’t sure that anyone else could tell, but she was jiggling her knee up and down as she worked and humming under her breath quietly.
She always hummed when she was nervous.
“We have one chance to get this right,” Zac said. “And we are not going home without destroying that base. I don’t need to remind you all of what’s at stake.”
Murmured agreements came from the crew as Zac looked around at everyone.
“How much longer on the charges, Domik?”
“Done.”
“Good. T’arq, get us to the first location and make it quick.”
“On it,” he replied, the shuttle shooting from where he had hidden them, tucked away under an overhand on a large asteroid. Now they were heading into the open. He felt eerily exposed, like he’d walked out in public with no clothes on.
“Do you trust this cloak?” Zac asked T’arq.
T’arq looked from his friend and commander to Krystal, her worried face making his chest tighten. “I do.” He smiled reassuringly, and Krystal’s lips turned upwards ever so slightly, as if she was trying to put on a brave face.
It was in that moment that he realized that he never wanted to let her go. His eyes widened and his breath caught.
“What’s wrong?” Krystal asked, reaching out a hand to touch his arm.
He looked down at her fingers, so small on his arm, and back up at her. “Nothing. Everything is perfect.”
Her face scrunched up as she spoke. “Are you kidding me? We’re all alone, away from the Zataras, about to blow up a Xakul base, with no backup and,” she stopped pulling her hand back and spluttering as if trying to find the words, “the Zataras itself was being attacked by the same bugs who actually eat people, so who knows if it will even exist when we try to go back.”
T’arq nodded. All of that was correct. He couldn’t argue with her. “That’s true.”
She continued, “And you think this is perfect?” Her voice had risen in volume as she spoke, her eyebrows shot up and she squeaked the last few words.
Despite the considerable issues in their situation, T’arq was calm. He didn’t reply, just smiled, taking in her flushed face and bright eyes.
“You’re insane.” She turned away with a dismissive wave of her hand.
“You said we.” He reached out and placed her hand back on his arm, his fingers on the back of her hand making soothing strokes over her skin.
That’s better.
“What?” She glanced up from where she was watching his hand on hers.
“You said we’re all alone, but we’re not. We’re together. So everything is perfect.” He turned away to focus on bringing the shuttle to the first location where they would lay their charges, releasing her arm.
He pretended not to notice as Krystal’s mouth dropped open, blinking at him in surprise.
“Let’s get in close then and cause some chaos!” Laila called out.
CJ let out a whoop, shouting, “Let’s kick some ass!”
T’arq turned around in time to see Domik barely lift an eyebrow at the enthusiastic medic, before grumbling something under his breath.
