Page 93 of Alien's Love Child

"What's Cen-tau-rian?" Leo sounds out the word carefully.

"It's wine from a very special place," I explain, still stunned by the gesture. "And your Uncle Par must have saved up for months to afford this."

"Or won big at cards again," Davin suggests, accepting the waiter's offer to uncork the bottle.

"He doesn't gamble anymore. Not since that incident with the twins. Well, we'll need to save this for dinner tonight," I say, placing the bottle aside. For now, I need some water. With lemon. "I'll tell him he's crazy later."

"And thank him," Davin adds with a knowing look.

"And thank him," I agree, raising my bread. "To old friends who spoil us rotten."

Leo lifts his water glass. "To Uncle Par Par!"

After lunch, we head to the observation deck. It bustles with passengers eager to watch the departure. Leo perches on Davin's shoulders, his tiny hands gripping his father's silver hair.

"Higher, Papa! I want to see everything!"

"Any higher and you'll bump the oxygen shield," I say, reaching up to steady Leo as he wobbles.

A shimmer of blue energy ripples above us, keeping the artificial atmosphere contained while allowing an unobstructed view of space. The shield hums with a soft vibration I can feel in my teeth.

"Look, there goes the docking arm!" Leo points as the massive mechanical structure retracts from the ship's hull.

"Watch this part carefully," Davin says. "The initial thrust is quite something."

The deck trembles beneath our feet as the engines power up. Stars streak past us, first slowly, then faster as we pick up speed. Leo gasps, his grip tightening on Davin's hair.

"Ow, easy there, kiddo."

"Sorry Papa! But look! The stars are dancing!"

He's right. Through the shield, the stars blur into ribbons of light as we accelerate. Other passengers crowd the railing, snapping photos and recording videos. A small girl nearby waves goodbye to the space station we're leaving, even though it's already disappeared from view.

"Remember when we used to do this kind of thing for a living?" I nudge Davin's side.

"Slightly different circumstances." He shifts Leo to a more comfortable position. "Less luxury, more cargo holds."

"And more running from authorities."

"Mama, what's authorities?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," Davin and I say in unison.

The ship's horn sounds, deep and resonant, signaling we've reached cruising speed. The star trails stabilize into a steady stream of light, creating a tunnel effect through space.

"Pretty," Leo whispers, reaching up as if he could touch the shield. His attention is then quickly grabbed by the large pool a few feet away. "Can we play in there?!" he cries with glee.

"I don't see why not," I say, wrapping my arms around both my boys. "Then it's dinner time."

The pool's climate-controlled environment feels perfect against my skin as I dangle my feet in the water. Leo splasheswith two other children his age, their laughter echoing off the curved ceiling.

"Look at me!" Leo calls out, doggy-paddling toward a floating toy spaceship.

"I see you, baby." I wave, then turn to Davin stretched out on a lounger behind me. I stand, stretch, and take my place on the one next to his. "Remember when the most exciting part of our day was dodging Alliance patrols?"

"Well, for me, it was tracking down marks across three systems." Davin's fingers trace lazy patterns on my arm. "Though I have to admit, watching him learn to swim is more satisfying than any bounty I've caught."

"Even that one drug lord who tried to bribe you with his yacht?"

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