Page 52 of My Alien Sunshine

“Since I’m unable to determine the creature’s exact species, I can’t say whether it’s dangerous with certainty,” Cai replies. “However, it displays behavioral patterns documented in domesticated felines, canines, and primates. It seems to have a good understanding of social structures and recognizes Nala and Ellen as a part of its pack. Therefore, I can only conclude that it’s unlikely to deliberately harm them.”

I rub my forehead, trying to extract anything remotely useful from Cai’s words. “So, you’re basically saying that they’re probably safe, but you’re only guessing based on a handful of traits exhibited by other species? Great.” I’d much rather get rid of the animal altogether and guarantee both of my females remain completely safe, not just “probably”, but seeing how attached Ellen is to the creature already, I immediately give up on the idea. I’ll just have to watch Fluffy closely and make sure he never hurts either of them.

“I am sorry that I cannot give you a more precise answer, Faelin. I do believe that the reason the animal isn’t in my database is that it’s an artificially created hybrid. The gene splicing technology—”

“Fluffy is a high bird too?” Ellen asks, smooching the poor animal. “Mama, look! The computer said Fluffy is a high bird!”

Nala smiles at her warmly. “I heard her, chipmunk. Now, please, stop squeezing Fluffy so hard. He doesn’t like it and you could hurt him.”

“Oh.” Ellen drops the animal like it’s a piece of hot metal. It bounces off the floor and jumps straight back into the girl’s arms. Even though it looks like a furry lizard with an extra set of short legs, it’s surprisingly agile. Ellen hugs him again. “See? He’s okay!”

A soft chime announces someone is at the door. I don’t miss how Nala tenses up and moves to sit closer to Ellen. “It’s alright,” I reassure her before opening the door.

Astra peeks inside, smiling at us. “Hey guys! Cai told me you were awake. I brought some extra clothes, a hairbrush, and some other things girls might need that Faelin probably doesn’t have in this lair of his.”

“Thank you. That’s incredibly kind of you,” Nala responds, her smile a little stiff. I wonder what she’s worried about?

“No problem.” Astra sets the package on the cabinet by the door and waves her hand dismissively. “As you’ve probably noticed, we don’t have any child-sized clothing, but we’ll get some the next time we stop at a station.”

Nala shifts uncomfortably, avoiding Astra’s look. “Thank you,” she repeats quietly.

“I was thinking I could show Ellen around the ship,” Astra says, then winks. “So you guys could…you know, ‘talk’. I’m sure we can find something fun to do.”

Nala puts her arm around Ellen’s shoulders and pulls the girl closer to her. “I…I’m not sure…”

Her panic tears at my heart. I crouch before her, taking her free hand into mine. “It’s alright, Nala. We can all just stay here until you feel more comfortable.”

“But I want to go,” Ellen says, trying to squirm out of Nala’s grip. “Can I, Mama? I want to see the ship! Pleaaase.”

Torn, Nala looks between Astra and I, tears welling in her eyes. “Ellen is safe here,” I reassure her.

“Yep,” Astra chimes in. “With six Voidstalkers on board, this ship is the safest place in the entire galaxy. And I did some babysitting in high school. I know how to keep a four-year-old alive.”

“I know, I know,” Nala whispers, squeezing her eyes shut. “I’m just…”

“Mama,” Ellen whines. “You’re squeezing me.”

With a grimace, Nala lets go of Ellen. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. You can go and have fun. Just please, be careful, okay?”

With a cheerful yippee, Ellen rushes toward the door wearing one of Lyriana’s spare shirts. It hangs off her body like an oversized sack but it was the best I could find on such short notice. I vow to buy her a whole wardrobe the next time we stop somewhere civilized.

Astra squeezes Nala’s hand. “She’ll be fine, I promise. I’ll take her to the infirmary so Nikolai can check everything is alright with her and then we’ll have some fun. I’ll have my comm with me. You can call whenever you want, okay?”

“Thank you.” This time, Nala’s smile is sincere, even if it is still teary. “I know I can’t keep her with me forever, but after everything…”

“I understand completely. Like I said, call me. Even if you just want to make sure she’s okay. I’m not trying to lure her away from you, I just figured you two might need some alone time. I’ll bring her back in a couple of hours, tops.”

The moment the door closes, Nala bursts into tears. I pull her into my arms, holding her trembling body close to mine. “Do you want me to call them back?” I ask, desperate to help but not knowing how.

“N-no. No. Ellen wanted to go and I know she’ll be safe, I’m just…” She wipes away her tears. “I’m sorry, I don’t normally cry this much. I just feel like…I don’t know. Stretched too thin? That doesn’t make sense, does it? It’s just too much. Overwhelming. Anyway.” She moves away and I let go of her, albeit reluctantly. “We do need to talk.”

I smile, mustering up every ounce of my confidence to remain calm. If Nala says she doesn’t want to be with me, I’ll respect her decision, even if it crushes my very soul. “Say what you need to say, Nala. Just know that I’m always here for you, no matter what.”

More tears roll down her cheeks. “You’re like a dream come true,” she chuckles through the tears. “I want to be with you, Faelin. I do.”

“But?” I ask, unsure whether I want to hear the rest.

“But I need you to know what you’re getting into,” Nala sighs. “I have a daughter and she will always come first. Always. I like you a lot, but you will never be the most important person in my life. Having a child is not easy. There will be more wet beds and sleepless nights and tantrums about food and clothes and toys and…well, pretty much about anything. It’s a responsibility that lasts an entire life.

---