Page 90 of Meteor Storm

It seemed like an impossible pairing and yet there they were, showing affection. Traveling space together. Negotiating with other alien species about important future plans.

I wished that could be me, with Thilar. I wished I could be a first step toward something like Innifer was a first step to deeper relationships with valerians.

But my alien could very likely be receiving a judgement that would send him away forever all because he protected me, avenged me, and desired me.

“We’ll send a message to the Nexus once we get to the ship,” Innifer said. “Anyone who might be missing you will know you’re alive very soon.”

I shook my head, feeling drained.

“No one is going to be missing me,” I muttered softly.

No one would be looking for me. No one even really knew who I was.

I grumbled, rubbing my temples. “I’m just tired.”

“Of course, you are. And you’ll have to tell me everything that happened once you’re rested. I’m still reeling at the fact that you’re here.”

“Me, too.”

When we arrived back at the hangar, we made our way to the valerian vessel across the bay, but my eyes kept wandering toward the monrian ship that I’d come on. It was so uncomfortable there. So cold. The food was so bland.

And yet I already missed it.

Innifer escorted me up the ramp into the Deimos and immediately, I was glad that the interior wasn’t unbearably chilly. Almost instantly, the suit I’d been wearing was making me sweat.

“I’ll show you where you’re sleeping. There’s one room left that has already been outfitted for a human. We planned ahead in case Sam and Saleuk ever traveled with us. It has a private shower, too. And you can borrow some of my clothes. Don’t worry. Not everything I wear is a suit like this. This is just for when we meet important alien diplomats.”

“How often do you do that?”

She chuckled. “Not often. This was actually a pretty big deal for me. Does it show? I’m trying to seem professional. I want to be a good example for humans, but sometimes I get so excited and overwhelmed being in new places across the galaxy.”

“You and me both. I’ve been chased by giant apes, shocked, sold, and starved since I woke up. Being overwhelmed is an understatement.”

“Apes, huh? I’m assuming you’re talking about nozun. I’ve only seen a couple in holo-vids, but Vahko says they usually stick to deep space where they can be menaces without consequence.”

“They’re definitely a menace. You don’t want to meet one.”

I shivered at the mere memory of how they chased me in the arena, their heavy steps galloping in my wake. But that was behind me now and I was glad for it.

I didn’t take in the ship’s details as we walked. Usually, I would, but I was too distracted. Too worried. Innifer took me up a set of narrow stairs to a hallway lined with closed doors that I assumed were dorms or living quarters. We stopped at a door at the very end and when Innifer tapped the control panel, it slid open to reveal a space bigger than any I’d stayed in since before the freighter attack. There was a large bed near the wall, a shelf, a desk, and even a small, cylindrical shower with a glass barrier near the back, just like Innifer promised.

“I’ll get you everything you need while you get settled in. And I have a few human things you might like, too. Might make you feel more at home.”

“Like what?”

“T-shirts. A hairbrush or two. Deodorant,” she chuckled. “Those fuzzy blankets. Shampoo.”

The things she listed shouldn’t have had such an impact, but even thinking about them excited me. Simple luxuries and familiarity seemed foreign after everything. A good shower. A thick blanket. I wanted that so badly.

“I hope the room is big enough.”

“Big enough?” I snorted. “I went from a prison cell to a storage room. I think this is plenty big for me.”

“Perfect. I’ll let you take a moment while I get some stuff for you. We should be leaving the Edda as soon as the launch path is clear.”

I nodded as she turned to leave and then immediately sauntered into the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. A bed large enough for two…

Then again, she mentioned it was designated for Sam and Saleuk. I felt a little strange taking a room so big all to myself. Sleeping on a mattress that I could stretch out on with my limbs out and still have room was going to take some getting used to, but I suppose I earned it.