Page 35 of Stranded with the Alien

“Why did thegrekelcross the hyperpath?”

She stared.

“Oh come on. Seriously? Even on Earth that’s the lamest joke in the book.”

“You havegrekelson Earth?”

She gave up.

“I’m going to bed. Um…” she looked at the tent. “I’ll sleep out here.”

“I advise against it. The nanomaterial of the shelter is designed to withstand most animal attacks. It will also protect against the nocturnal drop in temperature.”

“It looks a little small for the both of us.”

Vahn paused. The human was right. In a confined space, her scent would be harder to ignore.

“I will sleep outside. I do not feel the cold and animals are unlikely to come close to the fire.”

“That’s not right. It’s your tent.”

“And I am giving it to you.”

“I don’t want it.”

“You are more vulnerable than I.”

“Are you suggesting I can’t hack it out here at night?”

“I am suggesting it is safer inside.”

“Fuck you, snake-boy. I can take care of myself.”

Vahn was starting to get angry. Could the small human not see he was trying to protect her?

“By Vannla’s Sword, do you argue abouteverything?”

“Only about matters of sexism and misogyny.”

“Take the tent or by the Fountain of Zandarr I will put you in there myself.”

She drew her weapon.

“Try it. Go on, try it, I dare you.”

“Ayanlesh give me strength.” He sighed in exasperation. “We are supposed to have a truce. Put the gun down.”

Reluctantly, she lowered her weapon. He held out his hand.

“We will compromise. I will stay out here tonight with the gun for protection. You take the tent.” She started to protest again and he stopped her. “My reasoning is purely logical. I was unconscious for a long time last night while you remained awake. Therefore you need more rest. Tomorrow, we will reverse places andIwill take the tent. Agreed?”

When he put it like that…

“Fine. But we take it in turns, okay?”

She gave him the gun.

Vahn opened a flap and Kara crawled in. The inside of the tent had cushioning on the floor and gentle illumination in the roof, enough so she could see to take off her boots. She removed her jacket and bundled it into a pillow. It was warm and snug.

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