Page 57 of Warrior's Purpose

“You doing okay?”

“Just thinking about the meeting today.” He stroked her back.

“I know,” she replied quietly at the reminder.

The thought of returning to Earth filled her with paralyzing fear. Her government could imprison her, but the things they’d do to Ash were too horrific to dwell on.

“I guess we better get ready.” Before I lose my nerve.

She kissed his stubbled chin and dragged herself out of bed. They bathed in the bathroom connected to their quarters then dressed. Abby smirked noticing the Seminole logo on the giant maroon hoodie Ash slipped over his head.

“What?” he asked, seeing her expression.

“This is Hope’s doing. It was a nice addition making you look like a center on a basketball team, but my sister picked this logo just to screw with me.” She tapped the logo on his chest.

“How so?” Ash tilted his head.

“They’re a rival sports team of the university I go to.”

“Ah,” he chuckled. “Perhaps she’s getting back at you for leaving her with Aculus last night.”

“No doubt. Ornery bitch.”

“Here’s the salve one of the crewman delivered.” Ash held up a jar containing the creamy foundation.

“All right. Have a seat and I’ll put it on you.”

“Thank you, Peanut.”

Ash sat, but he was still obscenely tall, putting her face to face with him. She concentrated as she dabbed make-up to the bridge on his nose. Ash crinkled and wiggled his nose, making her job impossible. It was becoming a habit.

“You are rotten. Stop making faces at me,” she laughed and gently swatted his cheek. The man had a way of getting her mind off things.

“All right, I’ll behave,” he said while chuckling.

Once done with Ash’s disguise, they found everyone going planet side in the ship’s dining room, all dressed in hooded sweatshirts and slathered in make-up. They looked pretty good unless you stared too long. It was closer to lunch than breakfast, so she and Ash had to eat quickly so they could get going.

“You remember Payim.” Ash pointed to another Cadi man as they headed toward the loading bay. “He’s on our team.”

“Nice to meet you again.” She nodded to the man.

The two teams loaded onto the smaller ships. She held Ash’s hand and followed Aculus, Hope and Payim to the bridge. Ash squeezed her hand then attempted to release it, so they could get strapped into their seats. She realized she was tense when she had to consciously tell her fingers to release him. He smiled encouragement. She smiled back, but doubted it was convincing.

“A once in a life time view,” Hope declared as Payim maneuvered the ship out of the hangar.

It certainly was, and an amazing distraction. Millions of stars twinkled beyond the massive cratered moon. Space was so vast, but it wasn’t empty like she always thought. Her sister, Ash’s people and countless others lived out there. It was exciting and frightening to think she was going to experience such wonders. Earth emerged with its soothing blue oceans and green land masses as they circled the moon. Wispy clouds swirled in the atmosphere, lighting up with electric borealis along the North Pole. It was absolutely breathtaking.

Abby glanced at her sister and noticed Hope wasn’t just staring at the sight. Hope was looking at her silhouetted against their home. It was a poignant reminder.

“I know.” She reached over and gripped her sister’s hand. “I’ll miss you, too.”

Hope nodded quietly.

“Be ready to depart quickly. We’ll touch down in the field, then Payim, you wait in the nearby lake,” Aculus instructed as they hit the atmosphere and picked up speed.

“Jesus,” Hope hissed, staring wide-eyed at the screen.

“Fucking hell! This is the worst roller coaster ever.”

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