The lighting in the room dimmed, and Storm’s voice came through the intercom. “Ice, we’re superluminal in one minute.”
He should get Alana to the bridge and the pods soon. Usually they entered suspended animation within an hour or two of top speed to save on resources. Alana, however, would likely lose consciousness.
“Wait, what do you mean you might not make it back?” She dropped her spoon into the bowl and stood. “It’s bad enough you’re forcing me to go, but sending me there without you—”
“You won’t be in danger, Alana. I assure you of that. If the ship dies in space, you will be sent to safety. And I hope that when you wake on Crimea, you do choose to help us so that those of us aboard haven’t died for nothing.”
She approached him and stumbled forward as the ship lurched, preparing for superluminal speed. Ice caught her, an arm around her waist, another on her arm. Her body pressed against his. It was a curious feeling, and he found himself surprised by the warmth.
“Look, Ice, I’m not happy with you, and I want to go home, but I don’t want you to die.”
“Nor do I, but there may be no choice in the matter.”
She shook her head, “But I—”
The lights dimmed again. Ice put a hand on her cheek, just to feel the warmth seep into his own skin. He sincerely hoped they all made it alive, so he could convince her to help them. But also because, to his surprise, he wanted to see her again.
She hadn’t left yet but he was already missing her.
Alana glanced around in confusion. “What’s going on, Ice?”
“We are preparing to detach excess weights. We must fly lean in order to conserve fuel. Finish your meal and let us head back to the sickbay. You need another dose of nanoserum before we enter superluminal speed.”
“I’m not hungry anymore.” She grabbed him. “I don’t want to go alone. You took me from my home and now you’re responsible for my well-being. That’s how things work where I come from. Got it?”
He wanted to lie so she wouldn’t worry about him. “In case we don’t make it, Alana, please know how grateful I am for what you’re about to do for my people. Thank you. And I hope you can be safely returned to earth when you’re finished. I’ll make them aware that is your wish—and mine.”
He stroked his thumb across her cheek, and marveled at how strong his sense of gratitude was—at how strong the unfamiliar feeling could be.
She shifted uncomfortably. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I have this strong feeling to kiss you.”
She clearly didn’t expect that answer. Her eyes widened and her face reddened. She opened and closed her mouth but no words were spoken.
“What I don’t understand is why I have this feeling,” added Ice, confessing truthfully. Alana made him feel at ease. He didn’t have to put up his shield in front of her. But that was the oddest thing. Putting up a shield was the first thing they taught in the caches to a child. The world was a treacherous place, and if one didn’t maintain constant vigilances, one’s recklessness would get one killed.
Or a stab in the back.
Her expression changed from blushing to…irritated? “This is why your people are dying out. Do you always over think stuff?”
“I’ve always followed my logic, Alana.”
“Logics don’t get you laid, Ice.”
The light dimmed again and the ship shook. The door slid open and Rain glided through it. She inclined her head at them. “Sir, I’ve been looking all over for you. You too, Lana.”
Alana drunkenly swayed.
Ice caught her in time before she fell.
Her eyes glazed. She looked sick. “Ice, I don’t feel good.”
“Rain, she needs that second injection,” he said as he lifted her in his arms.
“Right away, sir.”
They both strode back to the sickbay. He placed her on the gurney then checked her vitals. Heartbeat, normal. Blood pressure was a little low for a normal human adult. Body temperature was also a little low. Rain administered the second dose of the nanoenhancive serum. Alana squirmed a little but she continued to sleep.