Page 3 of Stealing the Star Stone
“When I say we return, we do so immediately,” she said to Thorne, clipping her feet to her board. “Velis’ clouds contain droplets of sulfuric acid so we can’t stay out too long.”
He balanced on his board with surprising agility as he too locked his boots in place. The click-click confirmed him good-to-go. “Acknowledged,” he said.
She gritted her teeth. That wasn’t an agreement. But if the ass wanted to get himself killed, she wouldn’t stop him.
While they waited for the airlock to depressurize, marked by the flickering red lights, he angled his head at her. “Don’t like me much, I see.”
She stiffened. “After your last stunt? Who would?”
The light flashed green, and she shot through the parting doors, micro-jets on the board’s tail-end propelling her.
Puffs of white engulfed her. She’d parked the Valiance close enough as to limit the amount of time it would take to catch the first cloud.
Aiming for Velis, she flicked out her legs to change direction.
He whizzed past her, the wall of rolling clouds heading toward them.
Two bright plumes of his jets trailed him with every flick of his board.
She followed, catching a cloud a little distant from him.
His whoops and cheers sparked an answering bloom of excitement.
Her breathing became ragged, a perpetual smile spreading her lips.
The adrenaline rush was unparallel. She hadn’t done this in ages.
Maybe they should add this to their itinerary?
They had the equipment so it wouldn’t be an additional expense.
What else could they do? Climb the peaks on Scatheon?
Add the nightlife which had been such a draw for Thorne.
Ice farming on Nyxara? Maybe some unique shopping stops?
The ideas had merit, but Captain had the final say.
As she caught another cloud, she had to admit she’d been playing it safe these past years.
But never would she thank Thorne for making her realize this.
Laughing, she switched off her board’s jets and glided back, content to watch him ride cloud after cloud while she caught her breath.
Movement to the side caught her attention. She stilled, blinked, then gasped.
That shape was unmistakable. A mining scout.
“ Valiance ,” she whispered. “Confirm identification of unknown shuttle between Velis and Auralis.”
“What is it?” Thorne asked, heading toward her.
“I’m not sure,” she said, lying through her teeth. “Might be trouble. We’re sitting ducks out here, and you, Thorne, are worth a fortune…to someone.”
“Undocumented Warden Mining Corp scout,” Computer droned.
“Shit.” She pressed her controller and blasted toward the nearby Valiance gleaming like a juicy target. “Thorne,” she called, not bothering to check if he followed.
“But—”
“Stay then,” she snapped. “Your decision. I can’t force you. Computer, note time of passenger’s death.”
“Sheesh, dramatic much,” he said, falling in beside her.
“Mining scouts are notoriously hardy. Which is why they’re stolen for nefarious deeds.” She waved him past. “Only a heavy antimatter missile can destroy it.”
She touched down on the airlock’s floor, yanked open a panel, and withdrew a rocket launcher.
“What’s that?” he asked.
She gave him a look, vaulted into space, and aimed at the scout.
“Wait!” he called, floating toward her. “There could be—”
“Scouts are drone operated,” she said and fired.
The recoil shot her back. She tumbled, head over board, traveling out to space. Usually she wasn’t wearing the board and she kept the controller clutched in her hand. This time, she hadn’t done either.
“Target hit,” Computer said. “Noted in the ship’s manifests.”
She wanted to scream at it, that now wasn’t the time for protocol when she was on the verge of being lost in space. While scrambling for the controller she’d shoved into her pocket, she kept her grip on the launcher. As she closed her fingers around it, she came to an abrupt halt.
“Got you,” Thorne said, drawing her into his arms.
Relief burned bright then hit her with the urge to kiss him in gratitude. Fuck, that’s never going to happen.
With his arm wrapped around her waist, he propelled them to the airlock.
She bristled, wiggling to be set free. He only tightened his hold.
It didn’t help that she was ‘upside down’ with her ass in his face.
The launcher dragged on the airlock’s floor when they glided in.
The doors sealed, lights flashing red. All the while she fought him, trying to right herself.
“Dammit, Thorne. When gravity’s returned, I’m going to hit the floor with my head.”
He relented then, letting her struggle on her own. Seconds ticked by. Tension slowed her actions. Screaming, she released the launcher, grabbed the nearest bulkhead, and spun, just as the lights bloomed white. She hit the floor… Hard.
A splutter of curses slipped out, agony spiking along the outside of her knee. “Why is everything with you a pain in my ass?”
She staggered to her feet, gingerly putting weight on her leg.
Petr ran into the airlock, buzzing around them while he removed the oxygen tanks, helmets, and boards. Once he’d left them and nothing obstructed Thorne’s face, he cornered her, forcing her to limp backward until her back hit the bulkhead.
“I’m waiting,” he said, his voice low, his green eyes more beautiful than the rolling hills on Tarnis.
“For what?” she snapped, squaring her shoulders.
“I saved your life.”
“And I saved yours. You’re welcome.” She shoved past him.
He gaped, but she shut the maintenance closet door on his Adonis-like face. Changing took moments, used to the fastenings of the boots and suit. When she emerged, once more in her comfortable pilot’s uniform in burgundy, it was to Petr helping Thorne undress.
Flashes of his well-honed body weren’t for her eyes or spank bank. Those days were behind her. She marched off, intent on a steaming cup of Lady Grey.
“Fifty-seven scouts destroyed. Warden Mining Corp has filed a complaint.”
Nova settled in her seat, swiveled it to order a tea from the kitchen, then faced the ‘music.’ “Computer, record this: Undocumented ships of any sort are considered an immediate threat as per the Combined Planetary Alliance treaty. End recording.”
She checked the fuel tanks and smiled. “Let’s head home,” she said, pushing on the big lever at the center of the console.
“Recording communicated,” Computer said. “Tea is en route.”
She settled back, gazing at the stars and planets in her screens. If it wasn’t for that scout, she’d have considered today the worst she’d had since Seth was murdered. With a kiss to her forefinger and middle finger, she pressed them to his digital image. “For you, my love.”