“As much as I crave some sort of affection, even transient, I couldn’t bear to be alone in the unknown.”She cleared her throat, dropped the uneaten tulsig, and drew the jar nearer.
Her concerns were valid.
“Then you must get to know the crew.Should anything happen to me, none of them, excluding Ulvus, would abandon you.”
She flinched and lowered her gaze but too late.He’d caught the sadness tugging down her lips.
“What is it, Tiny?”
She sniffed.“Out of obligation like I’m a chore?I don’t need pity.”She raised her chin, revealing her stubbornness and pride.“I refuse to let my blindness dictate my life.Well, within my control.”
“Fair enough,” he said.“The only thing that would take me from your side is if Kreta herself climbed out of her hell to take me.In that case, you will return to Lunar Base.”
He didn’t have the authority to promise Tiny that, but he could talk to Aehort and the Q.C.C.His armor flickered on and off, making his skin itch.His symbiotes didn’t like the idea of no future between them.
“I will not forsake you,” he gritted out, willing his symbiotes to calm.“No matter what.I insisted you come with me.You are my responsibility: a cherished chore if you like.”
“I…didn’t have much of a choice.I could’ve traveled to Europa for who knows how long or remained on theMula Pesadawith its uncertain future.Neither is what I signed up for.”She flashed a tentative smile.“You offered me an exciting alternative with the possibility of regaining my sight.”
He frowned.She’d given his offer thought.Not that he’d been aware she’d had other options.“Why didn’t you make Europa your new home?”
“It’s a medical facility with loads of doctors.I’d be as useless there as everywhere else.”Her top lip wobbled.
“You could be an anomaly in Ivoy,” Vaen said, sitting beside Tiny.“You going to eat that?”
She slid her half-empty plate across to him.“Do you think they’d want to dissect me?”
“No, but they would study you.After all, your kind killed the Senate.”
Nenn glared at Vaen, who met his glower without concern.
Tiny’s chuckle wasn’t joy-filled.“I suppose I could endure a few tests in the name of science.”
Nenn stiffened, his armor forming in an instant.“No.I will not allow that.”
Vaen snorted then said around a full mouth, “You against the full might of the Ivoyans and the Q.C.C.?”
“We will not reveal she is onboard.”He grimaced.Deceiving anyone was dishonorable and a sure way to a harsher outcome.
“That would work if the entire crew had your back.”Vaen pointed a greasy finger at Nenn.
“Ulvus,” Nenn growled.
“Indeed,” Vaen said.
“At least we have a plan of sorts,” Tiny said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.“Tell me, what do you do for entertainment?”
“Juunn plays the reed.Gusin likes to spar and tinkle, creating useless objects he calls inventions.Nenn climbs walls and idles away his time on teyor.”
“I suppose I could learn to play a musical instrument.Do you think Juunn would teach me if I asked?”She flicked her thumb nail like a nervous tick.
“I cannot speak for the male.”Vaen slapped the table and stood, his gaze on Nenn.“Oh, Gusin hurt himself.You are needed.”
Nenn scowled.“And you tell me now?”He leaped to his feet, then paused beside Tiny.
“Go.I will stay.”Vaen sank onto the bench.“Tell me, Tiny, what do you for entertainment?”
She faced him.“I dance, listen to audiobooks, and play chess.”
