Page 158 of Reaper Said Mine

"My future?"

"Yeah."

She gestures vaguely toward the stars.

"Five years from now. Ten. Assuming nobody starts a war."

I stare through the glass.

The answer arrives unexpectedly quickly.

I don't picture fleets, battles, or revenge.

I picture a station that survives. Children who grow up without learning casualty statistics. Markets. Families. Laughter. Life.

And her.

Always her.

"I don't know exactly."

Ursa waits.

"But I know what isn't in it anymore."

"What?"

"I don't want revenge deciding every choice."

The admission feels important.

Like stepping across a line.

Ursa lifts her head enough to look at me.

Pride shines in her eyes.

Not admiration.

Something deeper.

Trust.

"I think that's the smartest thing you've said since I met you."

"That seems unlikely."

"You set a low bar initially."

"I was charming."

"You threatened me repeatedly."

"You seemed durable."

Her laughter fills the room.

I could listen to that sound forever.