#cedroc

“It’s beautiful, but it’s so empty.” “No, it’s not. We just feel empty when we look at it. Deep space is its own ecosystem. Just like any living body, it has life teeming in it at all times. Just because it’s life we don’t understand doesn’t mean it isn’t life.”

“How many went up against you?” He raised an eyebrow. “Were there more hidden on that ship?” “Just the five, sir.” “And here you stand, ripped to shreds. It’s unacceptable.” I could tell from the glint in his eye that he was making fun of me. “You better get tended, soldier.” He poked my ribs. “It looks like your playmates got a bit rough.”

It was a strange feeling, tearing out my own heart to save someone else’s. I knew the ache would get worse every day of my life, but that didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered to me was her. If leaving me was what she needed, I wouldn’t stand in her way. I couldn’t.

Now that the fighting was over, my mind found time to idle, thoughts of Coralie returning. What I’d promised her. I had told her she could go home. What an idiot.

“I still don’t like this,” Cedroc said, folding his muscular arms across his chest. “I don’t want to let you do it.” I arched a brow. “Let me?” His gaze flickered to mine. “You know what I mean,” he shrugged. “I’m not sure I do.” I tilted my head to one side and narrowed my eyes. “Do you not think I’m capable of pulling it off?” “It’s not that,” he said quickly. “Are you sure?” I pursed my lips. “It sounds like you don’t think I can handle this. Do you still think I’m just a prissy little heiress who can’t do anything?” “No!” Cedroc’s eyes went wide. He opened his mouth to say something else, then a spark of realization lighted in his eyes. “I see what you’re doing.”

Coralie screamed in terror, and it was the worst sound I’d ever heard. Then it stopped and I realized there was something worse. Silence.

“I guess I’m going in after her,” I said, turning in the direction Jarvik and I had emerged only moments ago. “I thought you said you didn’t care what she did,” Kyre said. “I don’t.” “Well you must, or else you’d just let her go and be done with it. If she gets herself lost underground and you leave her there, your problem is solved,” Kyre said. “I may be an asshole sometimes, Kyre, but I’m not a murderer,” I told him. Kyre and Jarvik just stared at me. “I’m not a murderer unless someone’s trying to murder me first,” I corrected.

We started making our way through the swamp. I’d taken no more than three steps before my heel sank into a damp patch of earth with a sickening squelch. When I tried to yank my foot free, I felt like the earth was trying to tug me in closer. “Trouble?” The alien who had earlier referred to me as a grain sack stopped at my side. “Oh, no,” I rolled my eyes. “I’m just enjoying the texture of muck.” “It’s lovely. I suggest wiggling your toes to really get a feel for it.” With that, he started to walk away. “Wait!” He stopped and turned his head, not quite looking at me. “I’m stuck.” “No shit.” “Oh, bite me,” I muttered. “I will but only if you ask nicely.”