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Opal pointed at me. “That's Tolly. The guy next to him is Lexarit, and the next one is Narmuna. Guys, this is my sister-in-law and best friend, Cleo."

“Cleo,” Lexarit whispered with deep reverence in his voice. “You're absolutely beautiful.”

“You’re pregnant,” Narmuna said, sinking to his knees. “I’m going to protect you and the child. Nothing bad will ever happen to either of you.”

“Whoa,” Cleo said. “You guys are intense."

“I told you,” Opal said with a smirk.

“Sister-in-law?” I said, finally processing Opal's words “Does that mean you're married to Opal's brother?”

How many humans were tucked away on this little, out-of-the-way station?

“Yes, I married Opal's brother, Jasper,” Cleo said, then her smile disappeared. “He died about half a year ago.”

I understood Opal's actions so much better now.

“You ran away to talk to Cleo without us,” I said, watching Opal's face closely.

She frowned and nodded. “I knew you guys would insist she come with us once you knew about her. It was important for me that she had options.”

I could see why she did it. There was no way I would've let her go anywhere alone. It would've been nearly impossible for her to have any conversation with Cleo without me seeing the new human. I didn't like it, but I understood.

“What did she say?” Lexarit asked.

I was confused by Lexarit’s question, but Cleo chuckled.

“She can speak for herself,” Cleo responded. “I've decided I want to stay with Opal, so I guess you guys get a new shipmate.” Then she looked down at her stomach. “Or two.”

“We'll do everything to the ship that you need to be comfortable,” Lexarit said.

“Are you eating enough?” Narmuna asked. “It's important you consume enough nutrients for you and the growing pup.”

“You don't look well,” Lexarit said. “Is it because you were alone after we took Opal away? We promise you'll never need to be separated again.”

I watched Cleo's expression go from a confused frown to amusement. She turned her head to address Opal. “You weren't exaggerating.”

Before Opal could answer, an expression of pain furrowed Cleo's face.

“What's wrong?” Lexarit asked, his voice frantic.

Narmuna looked at the Massoc. “Get her to the station's medic or whatever passes for a healer here!”

The Massoc moved away from the wall and stood next to Cleo.

“Do you need me to get you a chair bot?” he asked gently.

Cleo puffed up her cheeks then blew the air out with force. “I'm fine; it was an uncomfortable moment.”

“Only uncomfortable?” Lexarit asked.

“Baby boy is doing backflips,” she said, rubbing her stomach. “It's nothing.”

Opal was rubbing Cleo's back, concern making her frown. “It was a long walk here, and I made her walk too fast. I'm sorry, Cleo. Let Eegruf call for a chair.”

Very much like Opal, Cleo was stubborn.

“It's silly to pay for a chair bot when I can walk,” she said.