Page 67 of Alien's Love Child

Before I can respond, Paraxan's furry arm reaches between us with a steaming plate. "Taste this. Need opinion on seasoning."

I grab the offered fork, grateful for the interruption. The meat melts on my tongue, perfectly spiced despite the few stray hairs.

"It's good," I say, but Taluk's already wandered off to join the others, his usual clumsy act back in place as he trips over his own feet.

I watch him interact with Leo, making exaggerated faces that send my son into fits of giggles. Maybe I'm being paranoid. After months years of living like this, seeing threats in every shadow, it's hard to trust anyone. Even old crew mates.

Still, something about his questions nags at me.

I glance at my PerComm again. The nearest store's only an hour away. I could grab some milk, make a detour to those coordinates, handle this mess before it reaches our doorstep.

"We're out of milk," I announce, pushing away from the counter.

Jesse looks up from where she's helping Leo stack blocks. "Already? I just bought some yesterday."

"Papa, look!" Leo holds up his creation. "It's a tower!"

My throat tightens. The tower of blocks wobbles precariously, nothing like a real building, but his face beams with pride.

Three years ago, I disappeared. Jesse thought I was dead. Leo spent the first years of his life without a father. If I slip out now, if something goes wrong...

The memory of my own childhood floods back. My father died in service when I was still young. Mother always said he'd return someday, drowning in denial. I spent years watching the landing pads, hoping each incoming ship would bring him home.

"Actually," I say, "the milk can wait."

Leo tugs at my pants. "Help me make it bigger?"

I sink to the floor beside him, my joints creaking. "Sure, buddy. Let's build the fastest ship in the galaxy."

The message on my PerComm feels like a weight pressing against my chest, but watching Leo's small hands stack blocks with fierce concentration grounds me in what matters. I won't let him grow up wondering if his father abandoned him. Whatever comes next, we face it together.

After dinner is over and the adults are sufficiently tipsy, I lead Jesse to our small balcony. The night air carries the scent of rain-soaked pavement and distant engine exhaust.

"Something's been eating at you all evening," Jesse says, leaning against the railing. "Spill it."

I pull up the messages on my PerComm, holding it out to her. "They found us."

Her eyes scan the screen, freckles standing out against her paling skin. "The Lightyear gang?"

"Yeah. They want the data we destroyed."

"Which doesn't exist anymore." She pushes away from the railing, pacing the small space. "Perfect timing, showing up on Leo's birthday."

"There's more." I tap through to show her my failed trace attempts. "Their tech's better than before. Military grade, maybe higher. They were watching my every move when I tried to track them."

My fingers brush against the burn scars on my arm, a reminder of the last time I underestimated these people. "We can't run. Not with Leo."

"And we can't fight them alone." She steps closer, resting her hand on my arm. "But we're not alone anymore. The crew-"

"No. I won't put them in danger."

"They're already in danger just by being here today." Her grip tightens. "We need help, Davin. And they're the only ones we can trust."

The truth of her words settles heavy in my gut. "You're right. But we do this smart. No half-measures, no noble sacrifices."

"Agreed." She slides her arms around my waist, pressing close. "Together this time."

"Together," I echo, holding her tight.

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