Page 42 of Ava Stargazer

“There are other positions. I have put out a notice for work with other species. My sister will be joining me as well to learn. Now that I have experience in navigation, better offers are materializing.”

Nuor’s eyes narrowed on Ava’s midsection. “Do you have some of the biologics in a jar on your chest? Like a necklace?”

Ava's hand splayed around the container as she looked away from the feed and down to lift the biologics up for Nuor to see better. They swirled as if in a greeting. “Yes. I took some when I went on Torga because I was afraid we would get separated from the ship during the mission. I promised Rhutg I would bring some to Xai to study.”

“And they are now just with you?”

“It’s a . . . long story.”

Nuor leaned forward, her aqua eyes intent. “Ava, my friend, I have nowhere else to be. Start at the beginning. Tell me everything since we parted. I’ve been worried so much about you.”

Ava’s heart felt lighter after speaking with Nuor that morning, enough so that she went about the tasks for the house and ship in higher spirits.

Nuor can really talk.Ava was starving by the time the call ended. She had been spending so much time with Sai, who communicated more with jokes and was happier with silence, that she had forgotten how it was with Nuor.

Communication with Vox had been restored as well. It felt good to have the com around her wrist again, functioning. He messaged her after she fell back asleep following the early morning call from Nuor.“The meeting is complete. It went as well as it could. We will be returning in two days. The shuttle is leaving in the next morning.”

As she cleared the sleep from her eyes, she typed back, “Oh good. I’m so happy it went well. I was able to talk with Nuor when you were gone.”

“That’s good Nuor responded. Iryl has updated that he is in contact with those who have Joy, she is still there. They are working out an agreement but he will leave soon to get her.”

Ava’s heart skipped a beat.“Really?”

“Yes.”

Ava clutched the communicator to her chest and let out a shriek of delight. She pulled her arm away a second later to see another question from Vox.“Did you visit with the women? I hope you have not stayed the entire time alone.”

“I did, with Sai. It was nice.”Ava held the communicator a second before adding, “I miss you though.”

His response came quickly.“It will be good to be home with you soon. I miss your mind. This place feels soulless. I am going to gather more data now. Stay busy today.”

“Are you sure just my mind?”Ava wrote, feeling flutters in her stomach.

“Bold, Ava? You’re right. It’s been too long since I’ve beaten you at cards, or watched you dance in the rain.”

Ava snorted, looking at the communicator with a smile.That’s not what I meant.

But Vox followed up a second later.“And too long since being inside of you.”

Ava flushed and responded,“Soon.”

She looked at the communicator a bit longer than usual after saying goodbye, happiness in her veins from both Nuor and Vox. And from the news that Joy was still alive, that hope could have a place within her for real.She’s going to be coming soon! Iryl found her!

The ship buzzed with activity, the Spry and other Vorbax males coming to help, but Ava did not leave to escape. Instead, feeling good after talking with both Vox and Nuor, Ava steeled herself and went to navigation, wanting to see the changes. She hesitated on the threshold, seeing Zeed and a few other unfamiliar males in the room working with the Spry, Fijjak, on the weaponry upgrades. “I’m sorry.” She gave a quick sign of deference before exiting.I should have done that later tonight, when I was sure it was empty.

“Ava,” she heard behind her.

Ava turned around to see Zeed following, his tone gentle as he walked toward her. “Did you need anything?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t know you were in there. I just wanted to see what was different.”

Zeed tilted his head, appraising her, before turning back and saying, “Come.” Ava shuffled her feet, wanting to retreat, but he looked over his shoulder at her and said, “I will show you the changes.”

He took her back into navigation, watching her the entire way as Ava looked with a practiced eye at what was different from what she remembered. Despite the unknown males and work being done, Ava found herself ignoring them, fascinated by the changes to her ship.

The Spry, Fijjak, rushed to help explain, his antennas slowly moving to emphasize his thoughts as he stood next to Ava and pointed with his many limbs.

Ava tapped on the control panel. “You worked fast.”

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