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Dallin shook his head. “She doesn’t know about this.”

“Because you knew she wouldn’t let you come out here alone.” Sloane leaned forward and reached for his hand, but he shrunk away from her. “Dallin, none of us want you to get hurt.”

He scowled. “None of you think I’m capable of doing this.”

“It’s not that. But you’re different. And you don’t have to pretend this isn’t a big deal for you. I could see how tense you were in the briefing room when you made the suggestion to investigate the waystation. And while everyone appreciates this, you’re not in a position to handle this mission. Especially not alone.”

“I’m doing this, and you can’t come with me. There could still be Siblet poison on the waystation.”

“Which doesn’t matter, since I’ve already got some of that delicious treat inside me. But you could be in trouble if you get a dose.”

“I’ll be fine. As we’ve discovered, this poison is slow acting. Even if I come into contact with it, there will be time to find an antidote.”

“I still want to help you. We can figure out the antidote faster if we work together.”

Doubt wavered in his eyes. “You’re sick. You need to rest.”

“I just slept for three hours with your head in my lap. I’ve had plenty of rest. And although I’ve felt better, my brain is working just fine.”

Dallin’s gaze flicked over her. “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

“I wanted to. Just like I want to help you on the waystation.”

“I should take you back to the Apocalypse.” His hands moved to the controls.

Sloane grabbed his hand. “We’re going nowhere but that waystation. If you’re doing this, then so am I. Where you go, I go, partner.”

“At least let me tell Cleo where you are,” he said. “She must have noticed you’re missing. She’ll be concerned about you.”

“Are you sure you want to do that? Cleo won’t be happy. She could order you to return to the ship. Are you prepared for that?”

“She’ll understand that this needs to be done.”

“I’m not sure I do.” Sloane crossed her arms over her chest and gave him her fiercest look. “No more sneaking off and doing things on your own. We’re in this together. You got that?”

He grunted, but then nodded. “Understood.”

Sloane leaned forward and kissed his cheek before Dallin swerved her. “Besides, if I’m going to die, I want to have a final adventure with you by my side.”