“Really depends on where you’re standing. See, on Earth, us humans pretty much agree that any violence committed in the act of protecting your child is not only justified, but expected. You’re the one who would be harming them by taking them fromme. And for throwing out your son when he’s done nothing to you.”
“I have no son but the one you might be carrying in your belly,” Veesway said, voice hard and icy cold.
“If there is a baby in my belly, the only thing I can guarantee you is that you will never be able to hold them in your arms. If Sway is no son of yours, then his son is a stranger to you too.”
“Get on the bed.”
“Screw off!”
“Get on the bed.”
“I won’t!”
“Veesway.”
“What?” He turned with a sharp whistle.
The domini mercenary that interrupted remained unimpressed by his short temper. He gave him a serious look. “We have a problem.”
“This is more important. There is an innocent youngling’s life at stake.”
“Yes, but-”
A loud explosion ripped through the air, shaking the glass in the windows. Grace, still poised and ready to run, didn’t flinch, but others in the room jumped. The medical officer cried out. Grace whipped her head around, looking out the window, but there was nothing to see.
“What wasthat?!” Veesway yelled even as he was running to the door.
The mercenaries followed after him, so Grace didn’t get to hear the answer.
Vweet and the medical officer were the only ones left in the room and, after a moment’s hesitation, the healer left too. The blatant curiosity on his face told her what he was up to without him even needing to say anything.
Vweet, however, remained focused on her. She stood straight slowly, giving him a harsh look. Though she was abandoning her position, she was still ready. And it would be easier to get away from one farasie.
“Are you okay?” He asked, stopped to grab her shoe. He dusted it off with his hand, making sure no glass remained on the slipper. He held it out to her and, after a moment, she snatched it back, moving quickly like she was afraid he might try to grab her.
But he didn’t. His eyes looked hurt, but it was only for a second before it vanished and he was giving her a calm, understanding smile.
“Why are you trying to be nice to me?” Grace asked, stepping further away from him so she could crouch and put the shoe back on her foot. It wrapped around her ankle a few times, but it was actually held on with a seal, only appearing to be tied. She activated it, letting it adhere together, before she stood, all the while, keeping her gaze on Vweet.
He allowed the distance to remain between them. Even increased it a bit. It seemed like he left his combot for her before, but she couldn’t be sure. Maybe he had just been acting like a weirdo.
“He’s here,” Vweet said softly.
Grace frowned. “What?”
“He’s come for you.”
She started. Sway…?
No. It couldn’t be. Her pacifistic mate was out in the forest somewhere, probably struggling to survive against the wilds. Did he mean Tanin? The crew? Were they here?
Vweet deliberately took a step to the side. Getting out of her way. Clearing the path to the door that remained opened and waiting. Everyone was gone. Off to deal with that explosion. There was no one to stop her from getting away.
She took one step. Then another.
Vweet just kept smiling at her, making no attempt to stop her or even ask what she was doing. He remained calm and composed. Just standing there.
Outside, another explosion boomed like thunder.
