Page 173 of Seven Oars
The conversation that had followed played again in her mind.
“What way?” she had grasped his shirt, begging for answers, but getting nothing except his usual blank slate.
“Not an easy way.”
“That’s fine! We’ll manage. Will you go with me?”
He had smiled slightly.“Someone has to take you there.”
“To Priss?”
“If that’s where your brother is.”
Ren! To see him again, to get his energy… The thought alone had made her giddy.
“But you can’t go to Priss,” she reminded him.“You’re wanted.”
“I’ll take the risk.” He had caressed her face.“I’m done here.”
“What about the others?” she had wanted to know.
“What about them?”
“Will they go with us?”
That’s where her hope train had jumped the tracks.
Rosamma chewed and swallowed, washing down the jerky with stale water.
Fincros’plan was not without risks, but it was a real, tangible shot—for the two of them. She could chance a daring escape with the man she loved, leaving the rest of the station inhabitants to their fate, or she could stay and share that fate.
Eze said something, making Gro laugh, a familiar sound.
Rosamma’s heart hitched. How could she leave and not take her friends with her? How could she doom them on Seven Oars?
She chewed harder and choked, coughing up a storm.
Fawn rushed in, all windblown hair and reddened cheeks.“Jeez, what are you, sick? Stop coughing, Phex needs you!”
“Phe… Phex?” Rosamma figured her face was about as red as Fawn’s.“What’s wrong with him?”
“He tried to disable Tutti!”
Gro’s eyes widened.“I take it Tutti disabled him.”
“No joke! Come quick, Rosamma.”
Rosamma was already on her feet.
Nud leaned heavily against the console in the Command Center.
Phex, his shift mate, lay on the floor with blood seeping from his nostrils and ears. His eyes were open, half-covered by the inner lid, weirdly moist and unfocused.
“Here she is!” Fawn announced.“She can help. I’ve seen her do some mojo to help him recover. Right, Rosamma?”
All the other pirates crammed inside the Command Center focused on her, especially Fincros.
His black eyes flattened.“Stand back, pixie dust brigade.”
