Her expression cleared and she made the face he’d learned meant she was feeling positive emotions toward him.
“I know you’ve got my back, Zeph.”
“Of course I do,” he said, then added. “Don’t forget, Zeph is an honorable male.”
For some reason, that made her laugh. “Yes. Zeph is the best guy I know,” she agreed.
Satisfied she wasn’t going to wallow in fear or anxiety over visiting Yormun, he focused on the ship’s controls. The sooner they docked and loaded the supplies, the sooner they could leave and be alone together again.
Chapter 6
Zephrum
“I still think you should see the med techs here. They wouldn’t be as good as a Talin healer, but they’re still better than risking any complications from being pierced by a quill.”
As he expected, Han moved her head back and forth, a sign he’d learned indicated a negative response.
“Neither of us has any wealth to spare right now,” she said as they made their way off his small ship. “Buying more supplies for the med box is enough. It’s been a few days and neither my arm or leg are showing any signs of infection. And I’ve got full range of motion, see?”
She lifted her arm and moved her hand around to show her dexterity, but he wasn’t really paying attention. He was distracted by her comment about both of them lacking wealth.
She had a point. He had wealth but no access to it any longer. It struck him for the first time that he’d barely had enough to refuel the ship on Filsin Station. After delivering everything toMisorm, he might not have enough fuel to get to another planet or station. Even if he could, he wouldn’t be able to refuel.
He’d been so focused on fulfilling his last obligation he hadn’t considered what he would do afterward.
He might end up stranding them somewhere.
He stopped walking and guided her to spot out of the way of other pedestrians. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
She grabbed his hand in both of hers. “What’s wrong? You’re making that worried sound.”
“It’s true I don’t have much,” he said, not meeting her gaze. “But it’s worse than not having much wealth.”
“Did you murder someone?” she asked. Her tone was light, and he thought she might be teasing him.
Despite the way she spoke, he took her question seriously. Lifting his eyes, he spoke with all the same conviction that had gotten him into the current situation. “I’ve never killed anyone. I’ve given up a lot to keep others from being hurt or killed.”
Her mouth opened a little, as if he’d surprised her. “Oh, um, that wasn’t the answer I expected.”
“Obviously,” he said wryly. It was hard, but he got the next words out. “I know my ship can reach the planet Misorm, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to get anywhere after that. I don’t want you to be stuck there, especially if you have a family you want to return to. I have enough wealth left that I might be able to buy you passage to your home, if it’s not too far. The only important thing is that you don’t travel any further away from the Ilgorian Federation. It’s not safe for you or any human.”
“That’s really…” Her voice trailed off and she shook her head and gripped his hand tighter. “Damn it, why would you offer that? That’s so dumb!”
He blinked at her outraged response. “Why are you upset? I’m only trying to care for you.”
“I know, and it’s damn aggravating!" she said, loud enough to draw some curious gazes from those passing by. “Don’t you have any sense of self-preservation?”
“I don’t understand what you mean,” he admitted. Of course he had a strong sense of self-preservation, that’s why he’d run. But obligation to his sister overrode the need to escape. Who was he if he didn’t help his sibling when she asked?
“That’s clear,” she retorted with a laugh. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be trying to give me the last of your credits.”
A negative rumble bubbled out of him. “I’m trying to act honorably.”
“Yeah, I know,” she murmured with a little shake of her head. “I'm hungry; let’s get some food. I think better on a full stomach.”
He was thrown by her sudden change in topic, but he reacted instinctively. “Do you feel faint from hunger? Should I carry you?”
She tangled her fingers with his and used her other hand to hitch her bag higher on her shoulder. He’d tried to carry it for her, but she’d refused. She claimed the bag never left her side.
