Page 64 of Alien's Love Child

Paraxan's massive form shifts as he serves another slice of cake. "The Old Ways teach us that family gatherings strengthen the spirit. The risk of coming together is always worth the reward."

Leo climbs into my lap, smearing frosting on my shirt. "Mama, can Uncle Para tell the story about the time you saved his ship from the pirates?"

"That's not exactly a birthday story, sweetheart."

"Please?" His silver hair tickles my chin as he looks up at me. "Uncle Taluk says it's the best one!"

Watching my old crew - my family - gathered around this tiny table in our hidden home, I realize something. We might be fugitives, but we're fugitives together. The warmth in my heart grows, melting away the ice of paranoia.

"Well," I say, hugging Leo close. "It all started when Uncle Para's navigation system went dark..."

While the othersfuss over Leo and a game of Pin the Tail on the Dronkai, Davin and I slip onto the back porch. The mountain air nips at my skin, carrying the sweet scent of night-blooming flowers.

"Mom would've loved this." I lean against the railing. "She always said birthdays needed proper celebrating. Dad would've smuggled in some ridiculously expensive toy from Earth."

"They sound like good people."

"They are. Were. I don't even know anymore." My throat tightens. "Last I heard, they were running cargo through the Badlands. But that was before..." I wave my hand vaguely. "Everything."

Davin's blue fingers cover mine on the railing. "My father died thinking I was just another military drone. Mother remarried, moved to some Ataxian world. Haven't spoken to her in years."

"We're quite the pair, aren't we?" The sounds of laughter drift through the open window - Rena's bright giggle, Leo's squeal of delight, Taluk's deeper chuckle. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm being selfish, keeping them all tied to us like this."

"They chose to be here."

"Did they? Or did I drag them into this mess?"

"The way I remember it," Davin's thumb traces circles on my hand, "you tried to talk them out of coming. Rena threatened to steal your ship if you didn't let her visit."

"True." I can't help smiling. "And Paraxan said something about the Old Ways demanding family bonds transcend physical distance."

"See? They're here because they want to be. Because this-" He gestures toward the window where Taluk is apparently doing some kind of interpretive dance that has Leo howling with laughter. "This is family. Different species, different worlds, but family all the same."

"When did you get so wise?"

"Must be all that purple frosting. Goes straight to the brain."

I snort, leaning into his solid warmth. Inside, our strange, wonderful family continues celebrating, and for now, that's enough.

Leo tears into the wrapping of his first present, purple frosting still smeared across one cheek. My fingers twitch with the urge to wipe it clean, but I force myself to stay put on the couch.

"A pilot's jacket!" He holds up the miniature leather coat, practically vibrating with excitement. "Like Aunt Rena's!"

"Try it on, squirt." Rena helps him slip his arms through the sleeves. The jacket's a bit big, but he'll grow into it.

"Now you look like a proper spacer," Taluk says, his scales catching the light as he hands Leo another package.

My eyes dart to the windows. The sun's setting, casting long shadows across our living room. Perfect cover for anyone watching-

Davin's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. Right. Focus on the present.

"Mama, look!" Leo brandishes a toy blaster, complete with flashing lights. "Uncle Para made it!"

Paraxan's whiskers twitch with pride. "Carved from mountain oak. The lights run on solar power."

"What do we say?" I prompt.

"Thank you!" Leo launches himself at Paraxan's massive frame, barely reaching the Odex's waist.

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