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“I do not!” Abby retorted.

“You sound jealous, Nadzia,” Aculus barked with a hearty laugh. “I would be happy to remedy that.” The male cocked one bony brow as he opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.

“Shut it, bonehead, or I’ll find a way to shove my size seven tennis shoe up your ass. Those kinds of come-ons might work on an oversexed girl with five boobs from Rigel Nine, but not me. I’m not interested in some space playboy.” Hope cast Aculus a huffy stare. The armored warrior just grinned back.

Abby gripped Hope’s shoulders, capturing her attention.

“I’m going with Ash when all this is over. We’re really good together.”

“But, Abby…” Hope’s chin trembled.

“I know. I love you.” Abby hugged her sister tight.

Ashtoret grabbed food from the galley, letting Abby have a moment with her sister. He was happy to have Abby, but that also meant her family would be losing her, and Abby would miss them in return. The only thing that kept him from feeling like a total bastard was that Providence waited on Cadi. He returned and set two platters on the table. Abby was sitting next to Hope, and they were both trying valiantly not to cry. Aculus handed the females some napkins.

“Thanks,” Hope sniffed and mopped her eyes.

“My pleasure.” Aculus placed a gentle hand on Hope’s shoulder, casting her a concerned look before stepping back. The bony warrior was as considerate as he was antagonistic.

Abby smiled sadly at him when he pushed a plate her way.

“Those are good,” Hope sniffled, pointing to the Osivoire dried legume.

Hope leaned against Abby as she ate in silence, both soaking up their time together.

“Did you want to attempt to contact the male you spoke of?” Aculus eventually broke the silence.

Hope nodded.

“Do you feel all right about this?” Ashtoret asked Abby. They’d barely had time to rest from their ordeal.

“Yes, of course. We need to find Dad and Vintor as soon as possible.”

Once they were done eating, they followed Aculus to a small meeting room.

“After we connect, just speak and he’ll be able to hear you,” Aculus instructed.

“All right, let’s do this.” Abby nodded and sat at the oval table.

One of Aculus’ crewman tapped on the console. A staticky sound was followed by a repetitive tone.

“Hello,” a male answered.

“Frank, it’s Abby and Hope,” Abby replied.

“Abby! Where are you girls?” Frank sounded concerned, almost frantic, which pleased Ashtoret. Although the females knew Frank well, he couldn’t say the same.

“We’re safe. Did you know Ops trashed our house and took Dad?”

“I learned. Girls, I’m catching wind of some real disturbing intel and you’ve stepped right into the thick of it.”

“That’s an understatement. Frank, do you know where they’re keeping Dad?” Hope inquired, cutting to the chase.

“I have my suspicions. Look, girls, I’m worried about you. Where can I come get you?”

He watched Aculus bring up a map of the coastline on the screen. The bony warrior silently pointed to a few areas where they could land. Abby gestured to a spot and Hope nodded.

“We can meet at the zoo,” Abby suggested.