“Is it possible for us to leave the ship and look around the space station?” asked Riley smiling at the warrior.
I walked past them and back into the room. I didn’t want any part in their plans to escape.
Ending up stranded on an alien Outpost was the last thing I wanted.
What would happen if I got kidnapped a second time? Yeah. Thanks, but no thanks.
I strolled to where Olivia was standing.
The curvaceous woman glanced at me before shifting her attention to the doorway and the young warrior standing there.
She rubbed her stomach in small circles. Her gaze softened as she eyed him, and the corners of her lips curved into a smile.
Orin uttered a grunt. “Javar is an Outpost. Not a Space Station. They are very different. You won’t find any safe transportation options available to you there. And it is up to the Captain whether you can leave the ship.”
Riley walked back into the room, letting the door close behind her.
While she paced again, I hugged myself.
She paused and observed Avery, who seemed lost in thought.
“I still say if we reach this Javar place we might come across a vacant ship.” Avery’s lip twisted to the side. “I’m open to flying.”
Of course she was. I rolled my eyes.
A chuckle escaped from Riley. “Given how successful we were on that planet I think it would be safer to stow away on a ship.”
Riley received a disapproving look from Avery. “How isthatsafer? Remember what Joele said about pirates and slavers? There’s no guarantee we would end up with anyone good. We don’t know which races to trust.”
I couldn’t help but remind myself that our current circumstances weren’t so terrible. The warriors, although annoyed by our questions, showed us respect and didn’t hurt us.
Olivia verbalized my thoughts. “Why can’t we just stay here?”
Riley and Avery’s surprise was evident as they looked at Olivia.
“I agree with Olivia. I think we are safe here,” I added.
“Suit yourselves.” Avery declared, “I’m getting off this ship and finding my own way home.”
After a few more minutes of pacing, Riley spoke again. She halted and held up a finger. “How about we ask to speak with Joele? I’m sure she’d help us.”
“Just because she spoke to us on that planet doesn’t mean she is our friend,” Avery whined.
“Avery, are you always so suspicious?” I accused.
Her actions were wearing down my patience.
She seemed oblivious to the fact that we were much better off on this ship with the Protectorate warriors.
Then again, I had no inclination to return to Earth. Butshedid.
Avery squinted her eyes. “Aren’t you? Oh, that’s right, you are too busy getting close to the piece of hot alien ass. While you should be wondering why they are so keen to keep us with them.”
My cheeks burned, and I fisted my hands before walking away.
“What do you mean want to keep us? Is there something I missed?” Olivia asked, her expression filled with worry.
Avery jutted her chin forward. “This Orin guy claims he doesn’t know where Earth is and doesn’t know how long it will take to get there. That sounds suspiciously like an excuse to not take us home.”
