Page 3 of Obsessed

A proximity alert blares, and I bank hard to port, narrowly missing a chunk of rock the size of a small moon. My heart races, but I keep my cool. This is what I live for.

"Incoming transmission," Navi announces. "It's your favorite criminal mastermind."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Put him through."

Freynal's gravelly voice fills the cockpit. "Davrik, my boy. How's my package?"

"Safe and sound, boss. We're making good time through the belt. Should be at the rendezvous point in about three days."

"Excellent. I knew I could count on you. You've never let me down."

I feel a twinge of pride at his words, even though I know I shouldn't. "Just doing my job, Freynal. You know me."

"That I do. And that's why you're the best. Keep it up, and there might be a bonus in it for you."

The transmission cuts out, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Aw, isn't that sweet?" Navi teases. "He likes you. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we take a peek at whatever's got him paying extra for a rush job? You know you're curious."

I roll my eyes. "Can it, Navi. I don't need to know what's in that cargo hold, and I don't want to know. Let's just get this job done."

"Whatever you say, boss. But maybe next time, try delivering flowers or puppies instead of mysterious packages for dangerous criminals. Just a thought."

"Keep it up, I'll use that bonus to reprogram whatever weird personality your last owner gave you," I say, half joking.

I ignore her jab and focus on the task at hand. The payload sits heavy in my ship's hold, a constant reminder of the precarious line I walk. But as I weave through another cluster ofasteroids, I can't deny the thrill that courses through me. This is what I'm good at, what I was born to do.

And as long as I keep my wits about me and my mouth shut, I'll keep flying high above the law, just out of reach.

As I navigate the last stretch of the asteroid belt, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of my mind. Better safe than sorry.

"Hey Navi, do me a favor and run a scan for lifeforms before we exit this rock party," I say, my fingers still dancing across the controls.

"Oh sure, because that's not ominous at all," Navi quips. "Scanning now. Try not to hold your breath, it might take a minute."

I roll my eyes. "Just do it, smartass."

The ship hums as Navi runs the scan. I take the moment to stretch, my muscles protesting after hours of tense piloting. The vastness of space stretches out before me, a canvas of infinite possibilities—and dangers.

"Scan complete," Navi announces. "And drumroll please... absolutely nothing. Not even a space amoeba. Congratulations, you're officially the loneliest Kaleidian in this sector."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Perfect. Let's get out of this asteroid field and into some open space. I need a break."

"Aw, is the big bad smuggler tired?" Navi teases as I maneuver us out of the last cluster of rocks.

"Even the best need to refuel sometimes," I retort, finally relaxing as we enter clearer space.

I engage the autopilot and push away from the console. My stomach growls, reminding me it's been hours since my last meal. I float towards the small galley, my movements graceful in the artificial gravity.

"You know," Navi's voice follows me, "most people would find this life unbearably lonely. Just you, me, and the endless void of space."

I snort as I rummage through the food storage. "Most people aren't cut out for this life. But me? I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Oh please, regale me with tales of your smuggling prowess while you eat your sad, rehydrated dinner," Navi says dryly.

I chuckle, warming up a packet of what passes for food out here. "Mock all you want, but I'm the best at what I do. Freynal doesn't trust just anyone with jobs like this."

"Yes, I'm sure your parents are so proud. Their son, the galaxy's premier delivery boy for criminals."

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