Karen sank warmly into her gaze and even with the events that were unfolding she felt safe and …loved. She clasped Lorleii’s hand a little tighter.
“You won’t and yeah I did… in many ways, he’s … he was a good man and it would be my pleasure to tell you all I know, I’m sure you have lots of questions. But your right, that’s for another time, we have more pressing matters to attend to”
Karen released her grip and picked up her belongings.
“yeah we need to get her ship somewhere safe... and umm... somehow get to the cargo hanger… where the hell even is it?...” Lorleii paced a few steps, tapping at her datapad.
“Lor…LOR”
Lorleii looked up and stopped her frantic button pressing “yeah?”
“It’s all sorted, don’t worry, whilst you were taking some time to yourself on the way back, I organised some things. Your mother’s ship is being taken to an OSC Security Wing depot, I’ve contacted Peter, he’ll make sure it’s looked after”
“Peter, as in my …nephew Peter?”
“Yep, who saw that coming? Though I did not break the news to him, I think that’s a conversation you two should have…I think he might have some umm hormonal feelings for you” Karen smirked and struggled to stop a little giggle from surfacing.
“Oh great, I’ll add it to the list of awkward conversations I need to have, thanks K!”
The conversation was interrupted by the hum of a landing AutoTaxi touching down on the marina landing pad.
“Ah that will be for us, I also had time to book one in to take us to the cargo hanger, it’s on the other side of the island and this is the quickest way to get there… come on grab your stuff”
Karen gestured at Lorleii’s bags as she turned and took off at a slight jog towards the landing pad. By the time Lorleii had reached the AutoTaxi Karen was already inside and beginning the destination confirmation sequence. She climbed aboard and joined her.
“One last thing K before we go, have you ever used a gun? … In anger so to say”
Karen looked up from the screen, a little shocked to see Lorleii holding out a pistol and holster towards her. “Have I ever used a gun? Christ I’ve never held one!” Karen thought to herself, but not wanting to seem prudish she attempted to hide her shock.
“I’ve um never had to shoot anyone, if that’s what you’re asking?”
Lorleii tightened her lips, frowned and nodded slightly evidently deciding on what to do.
“Well I want you to take this just in case” She placed the pistol next to Karen’s side but rested her hand on it.
“You were being serious about this being dangerous weren’t you?” Karen’s voice betrayed her inner feelings of fear and doubt. She looked down at Lorleii’s hand and the pistol beneath.
“I’m not sure what to expect, I just don’t want to put you in harm’s way, you’ve done so much for me already and I just... want you to be safe … if you don’t want to come I would understand, truly I would”
Karen took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, without saying a word she completed the confirmation. The doors hissed shut and the craft whirred into life, as it took off into the evening sky Karen placed her hand on top of Lorleii’s. She did not have to say anything for Lorleii to know that this was more than just an assignment for Karen now, this meant something.
