Page 28 of Star Mates

He stressed the term.

“What happened?”

“The Durians stepped in, went to war with them on the other side, then low and behold, the Merloni bring back humans, who are inherently a weaker race. Then the war is over because fuck humans. And now the Durians are hesitant to start something back up.”

“So, we have their protection but it’s a fragile truce.”

Pikon nodded as he took another swallow. “Hey, are you and Emmarie together?”

“No,” Logan replied. “In fact, we just met.”

“Oh, ‘cause I was getting that vibe.”

“What vibe?”

“That, I like you vibe. You were staring at her-”

“Yeah, well, she doesn’t reciprocate anything.”

“I see.”

Logan handed him back the glass. “Nothing to see. Thanks for the drink.”

He left Pikon and the ship behind as fast as he could, wanting away from the world of science fiction turned fact. Resentment clawed at his gut.