I squared my broad shoulders. “She did. I intercepted her before she accessed or breached any critical systems.”
“And what do you propose we do with our flight-risk doctor?” Helix rested a protective hand on her swollen abdomen. “We need her skills, Aeon. More desperately than ever.”
“I have a suggestion,” I said, stepping forward. “Allow her freedom during daylight hours, with me as her guard. Let her see the colony, meet the pregnant women, and understand more fully why she’s here.”
Sage leaned against the wall, her blonde hair falling over her shoulder. “You want to play tour guide to the woman who tried to sabotage our ship?”
“I want her to see us as people, not captors.” The words came out more harshly than I meant. “She’s a doctor. Helping is in her nature. If she connects with our community, sees the need firsthand...”
Helix studied me intently. “And at night?”
I swallowed hard. “Secured quarters. For now. Until we’re certain she won’t try to leave again.”
“You feel guilty,” Helix observed, her voice softening marginally.
“I feel practical,” I countered. “Continuing to treat her like a prisoner all day long won’t gain her cooperation.”
Sage pushed off from the wall. “He’s not wrong, Helix. The doctor’s skills are useless if she’s plotting an escape rather than focusing on medicine.”
Helix considered this, one hand absently tracing circles on her belly. After a moment, she nodded. “Fine. Daytime freedom, nighttime security. But, Aeon, she’s your responsibility. Every moment, every move.”
“Understood.”
“And don’t let those pretty green eyes cloud your judgment,” Sage murmured as we left the office.
I shot her a glare that would have silenced most people. Sage just laughed.
Early the next morning, I stood outside Olivia’s quarters gathering my thoughts before entering. The knot in my stomach tightened as I considered how she might react to the new arrangement. While it was an improvement over complete confinement, I knew her well enough already to anticipate her response.
I took a steadying breath and pressed my hand against the access panel. Her door gently slid open.
She sat on her bed, her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She looked up, those piercing green eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of me.
“Good morning,” I said, my voice sounding rougher than I wanted.
She folded her arms over her chest. “Is it? Hard to tell when you’re being held captive.”
I stepped inside, letting the door close behind me. “I have news that might improve your outlook.”
“Let me guess. You’ve decided to send me home?” Her tone was sharp, but I caught the flicker of hope in her eyes.
“Not exactly.” I leaned against the nearest wall, maintaining some distance between us. “Commander Helix and I have agreed you can have freedom of movement during daylight hours. With me as your guide.”
Olivia’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s your big improvement? A leash instead of a cage?”
The comment stung more than I expected. “At night, you’ll return to secured quarters. This arrangement continues until you prove you won’t attempt to escape again.”
“So basically, I’m still a prisoner,” she muttered, standing and pacing the small room. “Just with a change of scenery.”
“You can see the colony more. Meet our people. Understand why we brought you here.”
She stopped pacing and faced me directly. “You know, for someone supposedly so advanced, you’re remarkably obtuse. My understanding isn’t the issue. My consent is.”
Her words hit their mark. I pushed off from the wall, closing the distance between us in two strides. “This is better than the alternative, Olivia. Would you prefer to remain locked in here indefinitely, only coming out to go to the medical bay?”
We stood there, inches apart, tension crackling between us. I was suddenly, acutely aware of her scent—something clean and faintly floral that made my heart rate accelerate.
“Fine,” she finally conceded, throwing up her hands. “Show me more of this paradise you’ve dragged me to.”
