“Is it true you can fly through space without a suit?” she asked, recalling a fact from the Embassy packet.

“Yes. We evolved in the vacuum of space, and our bodies adapted to survive in it. We’re the only ones of the Faction who have that ability, and your genetic modification to bear my offspring won’t confer that.”

“That’s a relief,” she joked weakly.

Sarko chuckled. “You should rest. I know you must be exhausted after everything that’s happened. The ship will be parked here until we leave for Baxa in ten days.”

Rana shook her head. “I’m actually hungry. Do you have a synthicator?”

“Of course.” He led her through the narrow hallway and into a bigger room. “This is the galley, and the synthicator works like the one in your POD, though in Tarkisian rather than English.”

Rana studied the glowing symbols on the screen. “What does this one mean?”

“Duschtak and hornid—a frog and beetle-type dish is the closest translation.”

Rana wrinkled her nose. “Not exactly what I had in mind.”

“Try this one.”

She tapped the symbol he’d indicated, and a plate of fragrant curry and rice appeared. “Thank you.”

He gestured for her to sit at the small table as he synthicated his own meal. She eyed it with a hint of wariness when he sat the gelatinous green blob on the table. Seeing her look, he said, “It’s a traditional Tark dish called mehyk and similar to your sushi.”

She took a bite of the spicy chicken curry, watching as he ate his meal with apparent enjoyment. “How long have you been part of the Faction?”

“Since I was a child. My people were among the first to join after our planet was destroyed. It was either that or die out.”

“Your parents survived the Vorathan invasion of your homeworld?”

His expression flickered with grief. “Only my mother. She died a few years ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

He looked brooding for a moment before he returned to eating. “I’ve learned to accept it.”

Rana finished her food, feeling more relaxed. “Where will I sleep?”

Sarko showed her the sleeping quarters, which contained a bed and storage compartments. “I’ll sleep on the bridge. If you need anything, I’ll be there.”

Rana nodded, suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion. “I think I’ll try to sleep.”

“Good night, Rana.”

A short time later, she laid down. The bed was surprisingly comfortable and far better than the thin cot in her POD. She let her mind wander as she listened to the soft hum of the engine while she drifted into sleep.