Page 27

I woke up with a start. The screen was showing a random image of a babbling creek in some rural part of America, Frank was snoring softly, and our empty ice cream bowls were still sitting on his coffee table.

We’d fallen asleep. Obviously.

After The Quiet Man , Frank had put on another Wayne movie, with my blessing. Rooster Cogburn, which he thought I’d like because it also starred Katharine Hepburn. I did like it, but I couldn’t even remember during which part I’d fallen asleep.

We both must have conked out around the same time. I was leaning against him and could have easily gone back to sleep, but I could already feel my body rebelling at the unusual position.

For that reason, I moved slowly. I didn’t want to wake him either. As soon as I was upright, I checked my wristband for the time. Almost 3a.m.

I frowned. Still nothing from Zanya.

Frank shifted. “I guess we fell asleep.”

I laughed. “Yes, we did.”

He yawned. “Doesn’t matter that the life expectancy has changed. We might be technically middle-aged now, but sadly, we are still old.”

“Hey, speak for yourself.”

He nodded. “I am.” He smiled sleepily. “I should walk you home.”

“It’s sweet of you to offer, but you don’t need to do that. You need your sleep as much as I do.”

“No arguments, I’m doing it.”

“Frank—”

“I mean it, Els. We have a relatively unknown alien race aboard the Athos right now. I don’t think it’s a good idea to go by yourself.”

I stared at him a moment, letting his words sink in. “You think the Ohuli could be dangerous?”

“Anyone could be dangerous given the right circumstances. I just think a bit of caution isn’t unwarranted.”

“But they’re up on one of the cruiser decks.”

He gave me a look. “But they aren’t confined to those quarters. They come and go as they please.”

I don’t know why I was arguing. Having him with me wouldn’t exactly be a hardship. “All right. Thank you. I appreciate your willingness and your chivalry.”

He stood up and stretched, tipping his head back and forth like his neck needed loosening. “I can’t lose you now, not when I’ve just begun your indoctrination into the Duke.”

I snorted, shaking my head at his silliness. I turned and gave Harry a little pat on the butt. “Harry. Time to go home.”

He woke up, stretched, and sat down before looking at me. “Righto.”

Gracie was still asleep in her tiny vest. I let her be.

Frank accompanied Harry and me all the way to our door. Without incident, I might add, although we saw two other people out despite the hour. The Athos never really slept.

“Thanks. It was a great evening.” I put my hand on his chest as he pulled me closer.

“It was pretty much perfect.” He kissed me.

I kissed him back, smiling when it was over. “Just so you know, I’m going to do everything in my power to talk to Zanya tomorrow. Regardless of what’s going on with her, this silent treatment doesn’t work for me. It’s not how friends should be.”

He nodded. “I’ll make another attempt to reach Sten. We don’t have the kind of friendship you and Zanya have, but it is odd that he’s gone silent.”

“Agreed.”

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow then. Maybe we can have lunch?”

“Are you off, too?”

“Half-day. I’ll text you.”

“Sounds good.” I pressed my hand to the printlock, and Harry and I went inside. I gave Frank one last smile as the door slid shut.

Then I brushed my teeth, cleaned my face, and changed into my nightshirt in record time. Harry was already asleep on the bed when I got to it. I wasn’t sure about him sleeping in his sweater.

“Harry,” I whispered, checking to see if he was really out or just had his eyes shut.

“Hmm.” That was it. No slitting of the eyes, no twitch of the whiskers, just a barely audible noise of acknowledgment.

“We need to take your jumper off.”

With a sigh, he looked up at me. “I don’t mind it.”

“I still think we should.” I quickly wiggled it off him.

By the time I’d folded it and set it on the nightstand, he was out again.

I got under the covers and joined him a few minutes later.

The next time I woke up it was because I’d forgotten to tell the computer I didn’t need the alarm today and it was chiming for me to wake up.

“Computer, off,” I mumbled.

“Alarm off. Would you like me to cancel the coffee as well?”

I sighed. I could already smell the coffee. But if I drank it, I’d never go back to sleep. Harry rolled over onto his back and stretched his back legs out, toes spreading apart.

Such a goof. I shook my head. “No, don’t cancel the coffee.”

I lay there for a few more seconds, then flipped the covers back, padded out to the kitchen, and got the coffee. I took it back to bed. I almost never drank my coffee in bed, but today, I would.

Yes, I was going to check on Zanya again, but first, I’d have a leisurely morning. How often did that happen on a Friday? Pretty much never. I set the coffee on the nightstand, got back into bed, and turned on the Morning News Report .

Claire and Kent looked bright and chipper, as usual. I sipped my coffee, savoring the moment. It felt odd and wonderful to be having my coffee without any rush. Harry got up, walked two steps closer, and flopped back down, his spine pressed against my thigh.

“The Ashwarian star cluster will be visible on the port side of the Athos for the next three days,” Kent announced. “The cluster features an M-type or red dwarf star. Look for the dimmest of the stars, the one with the faint red hue, and you’ll have located Glesiel 189f.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Claire said.

“Me, too, Claire. But I might be even more excited to see tonight’s performance of the Cosmical Acrobats in the Galaxy Amphitheater. Have you been to one of their shows yet?”

“I have,” she replied, “and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had on board. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t gone yet. Due to the fallow phase, ticket prices have been reduced, so spend some credits and treat yourself.” She looked at him again. “What’s new in agriculture, Kent?”

“A whole hill of beans, Claire.” He laughed at his own joke.

“That’s right, a new crop of pinto beans has just been planted.

The beans are rich in fiber and protein and will be ready to harvest in approximately three months.

From what we’ve been told, refried beans and bean soup recipes are already being worked on in the Athos ’s kitchens. ”

I rolled my eyes and looked at Harry. “And the ship’s air filters will be working overtime.”

My coffee was about gone. I set the cup aside and checked my messages to be sure I hadn’t missed one from Zanya. I hadn’t, and that made me a little sad. What was going on with her?

I sent another message to the new group I’d created for myself, Benni, and Vashti. Still no word from Zanya. How about either of you?

I hit Send, then got out of bed and took my cup back to the Instachef for a refill. I pushed the button to start the machine, and my wristband, still on silent mode, vibrated twice.

I checked it. Vashti hadn’t heard from Zanya yet either, and Frank wanted to know if I’d slept all right.

That made me smile. I answered him that I had and asked how his morning was. As I was sending that reply, Benni responded that she hadn’t had any contact with Zanya.

Frank’s reply came in after that. Going all right. You want to hit the gym with me today? I need it after that ice cream.

So did I. I answered, Yes. When?

I’ll be done around noon. Quick workout then lunch? My treat.

It’s a date. Meet you there.

Lunch at Galactic Grill ok? In the mood for a burger.

Perfect.

My coffee was finished brewing, so I grabbed the cup and took it to the shower with me. My leisurely morning was over. Time to get moving.

As soon as I was ready, I gave Harry a smooch and was out the door, headed to Zanya’s. I hadn’t texted I was coming. I didn’t see any point in that. She hadn’t answered any of my other messages.

The corridors were busier than they’d been last night but not bad. Most people were already at their job or, if they were off today like I was, were probably enjoying a leisurely morning in their quarters, like I had been.

They could still be at the dining hall, too. Breakfast didn’t end for another thirty minutes. I thought about that as I walked.

If Zanya had work today, there was a good chance she wouldn’t be home again. I should have asked Frank to pull the duty rosters and check. That would be easy for him and his computer skills.

But he was at work, and I wasn’t going to bother him for that.

I continued on my way and soon found myself in front of her door. I pushed the button. I could just hear the muted sounds of the door chiming on the other side. I waited, hoping and praying she’d open that door and greet me with a smile.

She’d explain how things between her and Sten had gone better than expected and they’d lost themselves in the moment, losing all track of time and … well, something like that.

But the door didn’t open.

And I had to make a decision.