Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Someone coughs behind us.
Grr. I pull my mouth from Farli’s soft one reluctantly and glare over at Trakan. “What?”
He gives us a dopey grin as he saunters past, a lumpy sack slung over his shoulder. “Don’t mind me. Don’t wanna interrupt snuggle time. I’ll just be heading back to my chambers.”
I put a hand out and flick my fingers toward him. “Let me see what’s in the bag, first.”
Trakan sighs heavily, as if I’m being completely unreasonable. He holds the bag out and gives me a cross glare, which I ignore.
“Come on,” I tell him, indicating he should head out. “Time for you to go back to the ship.”
“You staying out here?” He frowns. “You’re not going to take anything while I’m gone, are you?” My glare silences him. “Right. Because you’re so noble and brave. Big hero of the savage people. Go you. Can I have my damned bag back now?”
I pick through it, but it’s small, useless junk and nothing worth worrying over. Rusted utensils and little mementos of an old age that aren’t worth anything to anyone except collectors. I hand back the bag, but when he reaches for it, I prompt him, “And where did you find this stuff if anyone asks?”
“Salvaged it off a wreck floating in space. Don’t know the coordinates. Pretty sure it flew into the nearest gas giant. Luckily I managed to get there just in time.” He gives me a smirk. “Will that do?”
“Yeah.” I release the bag. “Buy something nice for your girl back at the station.”
His sneaky expression softens, and a genuine smile creases his face in what feels like the first time. “Blantah? Yeah, she deserves something nice. Gonna buy her something shiny and watch her eyes light up. That’s the best thing, you know? Making your girl happy.” He glances back behind me. Farli’s moved off to one side and is busy making a fire. She crouches low, blowing on a tiny flame, and her features are lit up by the orange flickers. Any other girl would look ghoulish, but Farli just looks…well, she looks keffing perfect.
But then, she’s always perfect in my eyes.
“She’s a good girl and deserves better than a long-haul crewman,” Trakan continues, and for a moment, I think he’s talking about Farli. I narrow my eyes at him only to realize he’s still got that faraway look on his face, thinking about his lover. “Which is why,” he says, “I’m quitting.”
I’m surprised to hear this. We’ve all been crew on the Lady for years now, and even though we’re not close, Trakan’s a fixture in my life. “You are?”
He nods. “Gonna give her the life she deserves, you know? Settle down, have a few kids, get a place. Talked to a buddy of mine and we’re going to do local deliveries. Planet hops in the same system. Not much of a stretch for a navigator, but I’ll be home more. This haul’s my last one.” He glances back at Farli again and then over to me. “Can I give you a piece of advice?”
Uh oh. “Is it going to piss me off?”
Trakan chuckles. “Nah, man. Just gonna tell you that when you find the right girl, don’t let her get away. This job’s just a job, you know? The moment I leave, Chatav’ll have me replaced and won’t give it a second thought. Won’t think about it again. Niri won’t give a shit. I know you won’t care. It’s a job, but it’s not a home. My home’s with my girl. I’m a big kef-up a lot of the time, but I know that me being home is going to make her happiest, and that’s what I’m going to do. If you like the barbarian girl, let her know. That’s all I’m saying. We’re not gonna be here for much longer, and regrets are a shitty thing to sleep with at night.”
“Thanks,” I say dryly. I think he means well, but the advice isn’t necessary. I know I want Farli with me. I just have to convince her that she needs to leave with The Tranquil Lady when I do. And tonight, I need to work hard on convincing her. I don’t know what I’m going to say, only that I have no choice. Leaving her isn’t an option. She’s got to come with me. I need her.
“Yeah, well, it’s just good advice, you know? I could crude it up, but I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t listen.” The smirk returns to his face, and he slings the bag over his shoulder. “Well, I’m heading out. I’ll let Chatav know you’re hanging out here tonight. Wouldn’t want you to be left behind.” He leaves.
And I’m frozen on the spot.
His words send a bolt of cold fear through my gut. Left. Behind.
12
FARLI
“Mardok? What is it?”
He stands frozen in the doorway, a bleak look in his eyes. I recognize that look. He’s gone to the dark place in his mind. I move to his side and gently touch his arm, letting him know I am here.