Page 40 of Alien's Love Child

"You need anything – anything at all – you call. Got it?"

"Got it. Now go captain your ship."

I watch her walk down the station's corridor until she disappears around the corner. Only then do I let my hands shake.

My hands won't stop trembling as I lock the front door. Three times. Then check it again. The familiar click-hiss should be reassuring, but it's not enough. Nothing feels like enough right now.

I press my forehead against the cool metal. A merc asking questions. Could be anyone from my past – that botched run on Imas, the classified data we "relocated" from the military base, or hell, even something from Mom and Dad's old jobs. Ghosts have long memories in this business.

Leo's delighted laugh echoes down the hallway, pulling me back to the present. Right. Focus on what matters.

I find him sprawled on his bed, eyes wide as luminescent space whales dance across his ceiling. He's already changed into his favorite pajamas – the ones with little spaceships that match his toy collection.

"Room for one more?"

"Mama, look!" He points at a particularly massive whale gliding overhead. "It's bigger than our whole house!"

"Sure is." I settle beside him, and he immediately curls into my side. His hair tickles my chin. "Did you know real space whales can swallow entire ships?"

"Really?" He's so smart for his age. I figured it must be the Kaleidian in him, human children don't grow up and speak so maturely this young.

"Mmhmm. Your grandpa once had to outrun one. Way, way out past charted space"

"Tell that story!"

"Another time, sweetie. Let's watch these ones first."

The holo casts soft blue light across his room as the whales swim through star clusters. Leo's breathing slowly evens out, but his grip on his ship stays firm. Just like his father – always alert, even in sleep.

I run my fingers through his hair, memorizing the weight of him against me. Whatever's coming, whoever's asking questions, they're not getting anywhere near my son.

The largest whale passes directly overhead, its bioluminescent patterns pulsing like a heartbeat. Leo mumbles something about flying with them someday.

"Maybe you will, little one," I whisper. "But for now, you're staying right here with me."

CHAPTER 15

JESSE

"Taking some time off," I say, dropping the wrench into the toolbox with a clang. "Family emergency."

Mako wipes his hands on an already-grimy cloth. "How long we talking here?"

"Couple weeks, maybe less."

His antennae twitch – never a good sign. "You're my best mechanic, Jesse. That freighter's coming in next week, and-"

"And Sira can handle it. She's been shadowing me for months."

"She's green."

"She'll do fine." I shoulder my bag. "Unless you're planning to chain me to the shop?"

He sighs, antennae drooping. "You know I wouldn't. Just... come back, okay? Station's not exactly swimming in mechanics who can rewire a hyperdrive blindfolded."

The walk home takes longer than usual. Something prickles at the back of my neck – that old familiar sensation from my smuggling days. I duck into Vendor's Row, weaving between the market stalls. The scent of spiced meat and engine oil mingles in the recycled air.

A quick glance in a polished display panel shows nothing but the usual crowd behind me. Still, the feeling persists.

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