Page 57 of Aries

“Why don’t you go practice your ‘proper protocols’ somewhere else while I catch up with my people?” Captain Beast suggests with dangerous cheer.

As Zorath stalks away with wounded dignity, his moving tattoos swirling in agitated patterns, Captain Beast shakes his head. “Two months of that. I’m seriously considering spacing him.”

“He can’t be that bad,” I say, watching the prince’s retreating figure.

“Give it five minutes,” Aerie mutters. “He’ll try to reorganize your breathing technique.”

The crew’s laughter follows us as we continue toward the dining area, though I catch a few sympathetic glances aimed at wherever Zorath disappeared to. Despite his insufferable attitude, he’s one of them now—a rescued soul trying to find his place.

Captain “And this little light show?”

“A companion creature,” I explain. “Spark responds to emotional energy and helped us navigate the trials when physical touch was prohibited.”

Theshimmerlingperforms increasingly elaborate displays for Captain Beast, completely enchanting crew membersfrom both ships. Dr. Drayke seems particularly intrigued, his blue fingers carefully tracing patterns in the air that Spark enthusiastically mimics.

“Fascinating,” he murmurs. “The neural pathways required for such responsiveness to emotional stimuli…”

“Later, Doc,” Captain Beast interrupts with amusement. “Right now, I believe congratulations are in order.”

The dining room has been transformed with colorful streamers and a celebratory spread that could feed both crews twice over. Maddie stands proudly behind a massive cake decorated with Sanctorii symbols for redemption and new beginnings.

“I’ve been baking like mad since we got word that you were released early… and that two of you would be returning,” she explains, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

My throat tightens at this tangible proof of how much a part of their lives we are.

The celebration flows around us—toasts and stories, laughter mixing with the underlying current of profound relief. As the evening progresses, I find myself studying the faces of our chosen family, marveling at how they’ve supported us through everything.

“So,” Shadow drawls once we’re all settled with generous slices of cake, “are we going to address the obvious? You two are actually touching now. Voluntarily. After fiveannumsof elaborate avoidance maneuvers that would impress professional dancers.”

Heat blooms on my cheeks, but Aries’ hand remains steady in mine. “The trials required us to face our shared past,” he says simply. “To understand what happened during our captivity, and why we both withdrew afterward.”

“Memory Reconciliation Sessions,” I elaborate, seeing understanding dawn on several faces. They all know our history—that we were paired during the forced mating program.None of them ever knew why we so carefully avoided each other afterward.

“Healing,” Dr. Drayke says softly, his blue eyes warm with professional and personal satisfaction. “True healing requires facing trauma, not hiding from it.”

“Speaking of which,” Captain Beast interjects, his massive frame settling more comfortably in his chair, “I have a proposition.”

All eyes turn to him expectantly.

“TheDevil’s Playgroundcould use a head of security.” His attention focuses on Aries. “If you’re interested in a change of pace from combat missions.”

Captain Zar-Rynn nods approvingly. “TheGalaxy Warriorwill always be your home if you want, Aries, but Captain Beast’s right. After what you’ve been through, perhaps some time focusing on transport and trade—and… relationships—rather than rescue operations would be beneficial.”

“I’d love to accept,” Aries says, looking at me for confirmation. My answering smile is all he needs to see. We’ve gotten an engraved invitation to build our life together without constant danger, while still serving our extended family.

“I have my eye on an unused storage area on B deck. We could remodel it, make it comfortable for a couple. Roomier than Callie’s quarters. But for now, you’ll have to make do in her room.” Captain Beast’s eyebrow actually waggles, which makes me giggle. “I imagine you won’t mind sharing a small bed for a while.”

“We’ll… manage,” Aries says, accompanied by his own eyebrow waggle.

The celebration continues around us—more toasts, shared stories, and the comfortable chaos of two crews reuniting. I catch Aries’ eye across the room as Petra launches into an animated tale about their latest trading mishap, and something passes between us. A shared understanding that whilewe love these people, while we’re grateful to be home, what we need most right now is each other.

“Think anyone would notice if we disappeared?” he murmurs after moving closer under the pretense of helping clear empty glasses.

“They’re family,” I reply softly, watching Shadow demonstrate some elaborate fighting technique while one of the new rescues takes notes. “They’ll understand.”

His smile is warm and private, meant only for me. “Then let’s go home.”

As we slip quietly from the dining hall, Spark trailing behind us with sleepy pulses of contentment, I hear Petra’s voice rise in mock outrage: “And they’re gone! Called it! Captain Beast, you owe me ten credits.”

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