Page 13 of Saving Lauren

And there goes another wall inside of me. This time it’s not even cracking, it is crashing down like it’s been hit with a giant wrecking ball.

“You can move me, when I fall asleep on you,” I assure him. “You don’t have to be tied down by me sleeping.”

“I like being tied down when you are sleeping,” he says.

I blush. “You um… You can hold me if I sleep... If you want to.” My eyes dart through the room, looking anywhere but at him, and then I feel his finger under my chin again as he pulls my head up so our eyes meet.

“I would want that very much,” he says.

We stare at each other after that declaration. Neither of us move a muscle or do anything. Then D’Var gets a strange look on his face and cocks his head, as if he is listening intently to someone. He sighs and then he extends his hand to me.

“Time to report to the Command Center, we are nearing the Space Station.”

CHAPTER 7

D’Var

Centauri IV is an old, ugly station. It is not heavily visited, since it is on the outskirts of this part of the galaxy. The only thing close is an obscure Asteroid belt that does not have a name. Not many venture into the belt, because there is always debris flying around crashing into ships, which causes even more debris. We have used this belt as a hideout on multiple occasions. Always making sure to use a different spot and not to stock up too often on Centauri IV.

Our trip today, however, may cause some people to remember us. L’Ren and I walk into the Command Center and find T’Rak and O’Rec arguing.

“What is wrong?” I ask and they turn towards us.

“O’Rec does not want me to go onto the Station,” T’Rak says. I lift an eyebrow. T’Rak is our captain. If he wishes to visit the Station, he will. I don’t see why O’Rec is so against it.

“I do not want to draw any more attention to us than absolutely necessary. T’Rak is not able to go unnoticeable. He is too big and too growly. He will stand out like a sore spot.”

I nod, that is true. People remember T’Rak wherever he goes. He does not have it in him to blend. “What do you suggest?” I ask O’Rec. T’Rak gives me a foul look, but O’Rec continues.

“I think you and I should go to the station. We should hide L’Ren in a safe place and T’Rak should stay on the ship and guard it from intruders.”

I feel L’Ren stiffen at my side, I can smell her fear.

“That is not a good idea,” I say.

“It is the only idea,” O’Rec says. “You cannot take her onto the station. If you stay on the ship, you will not be able to care for her, to select the things you need. You need to do those things to strengthen the bond. Also, you need back-up, because we cannot let any of us go on to that station by ourselves.”

T’Rak snorts. “You are quick to leave me alone on the ship.”

“That is different, and you know it,” O’Rec says simply before looking at me. I sigh. I know he is right, logically. But I do not like it. I really do not want to leave L’Ren, but I also really need to select items that will strengthen the bond between her and myself. I turn towards L’Ren and I see she is shaking like a leaf.

I take both her hands in mine and lead her towards the couch. I set her onto it and kneel before her. Then I take her head in my hands and stroke her cheek. “It will be alright L’Ren,” I say. T’Rak will protect you, he is the fiercest of Warriors, remember?”

She nods hesitantly and I continue.

“We have a secret hiding place. Normally we put items there that are …. not so legal. There is plenty of room for a tiny human like you.”

“I am not tiny,” she says with a wobbly voice, immediately blowing me away by her strength. Pride surges through me and I wish she could see herself as I see her.

“You can do this,” I say, and she nods.

“I can do this,” she whispers as she straightens her shoulders and lifts her chin.

I give her hands a squeeze, then turn around to my crew mates and we quickly settle on O’Rec’s plan. T’Rak does not like it, but he also knows O’Rec is right, so we map out the visit and then it is time to go.

I walk L’Ren towards the hiding spot in the cargo bay. It is a secret compartment behind some crates and big enough for her to sit comfortably. We have a light with us, some blankets and tea. Once I install her in the hiding spot, I promise I will be back soon. She has not said anything, but she gives me a fierce nod before I close the door.

The Space Station is exactly how I remember it. It smells of too many people, food, booze and impersonal sex. I love living in space, but in my opinion, the space stations are a necessary evil.

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