She’d admitted she couldn’t do her job without help.
“That was smart. I had no idea you planned to inspect the ducts. Definitely not a job that should be done solo.”
Blaize tilted her head. Not the response she’d expected.
“I appreciate the care you’ve taken with our engine and all our life-support systems,” Cyra added. “Can we order the replacement part now, so it’ll be waiting for you?”
Blaize nodded, not trusting her voice. Cyra was happy with the work. A weight lifted off her chest.
“If you get the information to me, I’ll be happy to help with the order,” Bodi said.
Blaize acknowledged the offer with a smile and nod.
“My captain?” Dez filled the silence with his deep voice. Cyra stroked his arm and gazed at him. “Our stowaway has become more of a crew member, and he’s planning to not only pay for his transportation from Kolben but would like to contract transportation to Hiargus.”
Cyra’s face showed no surprise, as if they were staging this conversation for the benefit of the crew. “You believe he’s no longer a security risk?”
“Correct.”
Cyra glanced around the table. “Has anyone had a different experience?”
“Nope,” Rhysa replied.
Bodi shook her head the tiniest bit.
“Can we please at least invite him to meals so we don’t have to keep carting trays back and forth?” Veda leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms. “Anyone who objects can take over that chore.”
Blaize gaped at Veda. She never spoke so adamantly.
Dez chuckled.
“I think that makes sense.” Cyra smiled at Veda. “We should spend a bit more time with him before we commit to an extended trip. How far is Hiargus, anyway?”
“Depends.” Rhysa pointed at Cyra with her fork. “Wormholes or no wormholes?”
“Plot it both ways, but we’ll probably have to use them.” Cyra sighed.
“I’ll have answers by next cycle.” Rhysa scraped up the last of her meal and filled her mouth.
Thank goodness the woman had something to focus on besides making Blaize blush.
“Why does he need to go all the way to Hiargus? What’s there?”
“He’s returning a stolen item,” Dez answered.
“What is it?” Rhysa leaned forward, eyes wide.
“An orb owned by the Hiargus royalty.”
“If he’s having meals with us and is a paying guest, he should get his own quarters.” Blaize regretted the words the moment she spoke them, but it was only right.
“A room next to yours, or are you sharing?” Rhysa grinned at her.
Blaize bit her tongue before she requested a room as far from Rhysa as possible.
“Dez will handle the room assignment, but yes, he should have a room instead of the cage in the cargo bay,” Cyra acknowledged.
The rest of the meal was mostly silent. Veda and Bodi had clean-up duty.
