Page 49 of Ava Stargazer

Zeed’s eyes flitted up to meet hers over the steering wheel before he focused again on Erox being placed next to him.

Ava turned to Vox as the hover carried both Erox and Orla away, back to their house on the lake. “Yes, let’s go.” She rubbedher face in his chest, wishing the fabric of the jumpsuit he wore was not in between them and he was whole again. “You’re okay, I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“I'm fine, Ava,” he murmured into her hair, grounding her with the pressure from his arms.

Rhutg watched, detachment in his gaze. “Other than the parting shot, we did learn a lot. We should go to Cipra sooner rather than later. Not only because of Ava, but there’s too many strings now being tugged in that direction.”

Vox pressed his head onto the top of Ava’s before turning and meeting Rhutg’s eyes. “I agree. After a few days’ rest.”

Rhutg stretched his arms out to the side. “I’m ready to leave whenever. I want to be back before the next peace meeting in a month, especially after this attack.”

Ava’s heart fluttered with uncertainty. “So soon?”

Vox looked sidelong at her. “Yes, now is the time to go. That is, if you still are wanting to...”

“Yes,” Ava immediately answered, despite the unease in her stomach.I will do this.“But I don’t think the Spry finished everything on the ship yet.”

“Fijjak has messaged that everything external is completed. It’s just hookups now to the weapon add-ons and further software changes. He will come with us to continue working on the way. The Spry want to see what happened at Cipra as well. Knowing there was something covered up as big as Humans has piqued their interest.” Vox paused and added, “Not to mention, by coming they can see the biologics in action.”

Ava thought of Fijjak and the conversation in the solarium. “Yes, Fijjak. He has been very kind. I think the Spry do want to help.”

Vox squeezed her close with his non-injured arm. “That is why they are our allies. Luckily, the Phor ship is even faster and has more defensive capabilities than this shuttle.”

Ava bit her lip as she watched Rhutg leave before angling Vox down to kiss his brow. He let out a low thrum in his throat at her touch, and she looked deep into his amber eyes. They softened as she stared at them intensely. “I missed you,”

Vox touched his forehead to hers again as he ran his hands down her arms, at a practiced angle to not scratch. “Ah, yes. But you knew I would return.” His voice deepened with his sincerity. “I will always return for you.”

“I know. But . . .”

He hummed, calming her down. Ava leaned into his touch. “Shh, Ava. Your mind doesn’t stop. I know. Erox will be alright.” He pointed at his wound. “And I will just wear a new scar.”

A new scar, I’mso glad that's all there is.She leaned against him after they climbed in the cart, making sure to sit on his non-injured side.I just want it to be us again. I missed him so much.

“You are affectionate.”Vox held her close, rubbing down her side while she leaned closer. Her body began to shake once they were out of sight, the adrenaline of seeing him and Erox injured wearing off. Vox stopped the cart and turned to hold her, humming until her tears flowed and she calmed.

She choked out, “You’re the one hurt and I'm the one crying?”

At that, he chuckled. “That salt water just lets me know you care. It’s alright. Now we are better prepared knowing the tricks the Tuxa will still pull.’

Ava’s breathing finally slowed as they sat there in the shade of a large tree, the coar standing without a care as it waited.

Vox angled her head up to his, kissing her deeply. “I missed you too,” he said heavily, breaking apart from kissing her to touch foreheads. He opened his connection as he met her eyes, and Ava felt his words deep in her bones.“I have missed you.”

When they exited next toCelestial, Ava hopped out and retrieved the stronger heat seal from the med bay. She handed it to Vox, who took it with the cart to Erox’s house while Avastayed behind, pacing a moment before walking to look at Vox’s birds. She stood next to the gift she made him, already attached to the side of the bird’s pen.This seems so small now, after such a close call.

“What is that, Ava?”

Ava pulled away from the device and saw Vox behind her. “Is Erox alright?”

“Yes, but he will have even more scars than me. Some have all the luck.” He knocked her elbow as he came to look into the bird pen with her. “What are you looking at?”

Ava fumbled her words, her back to her creation. “It’s ah . . . silly. Especially after . . .”

“Hmm?” He craned his neck to try to look around her.

“It's not big. You've given me so much, I just thought . . .”

Vox looked closer. “Is it a bird feeder?”

---