Page 80 of Rogue Starfighter

“One high,” I called. “Second committing low. Stay on course.”

“They’re going to shoot us.”

“No, they're going to fire at us. You're going to dodge."

She laughed. “I liked your plans better before all the blood loss.”

The two Scythes fired.

“Roll now.”

Priya rolled. Their shots crossed in the lane where we should have been and struck each other’s shields. Jamie came through behind us and finished both ships. “You owe me,” she said over the comm.

“Tacos,” Priya promised. What was the deal with Earth women and these damn tacos?

“Deal.”

We reached the Gate. Entered. Blue light filled the cockpit. The instant we crossed into Velerion space, Priya released the controls and turned toward me. She took my face in both hands and kissed me. Hard. Angry. Alive. I kissed her back with everything I had left. When she pulled away, tears ran down her face.

“Don’t ever do that to me again or I will kill you myself.”

“I saved your life. I'd do it again..”

“No. You made the decision alone. You locked me in a pod. You don’t get to decide which one of us matters more.”

“There is no decision to be made. It's you. It will always be you.”

“God damn it. You're not listening to me.”

I cupped her cheek in my good hand and kissed her gently. "I am listening. It will always be you."

She closed her eyes. "You're impossible."

"I'm a man in love."

She grinned at me. "Is there a difference?"

I kissed her palm without answering. There was nothing I could say that wouldn't be a lie. If I had to choose, I'd choose her, every time. She might was well learn to accept it.

Outside the viewport, Velerion rose blue and green beneath us. Our entire wing came through the Gate and formed around the scout. Every ship accounted for. Priya took my hand and turned us toward Arturri. This time, we flew home together.

16

Priya, Private Quarters, Moon Base Arturri

The medics kept Vesh for two days. He complained for forty-eight hours straight.

“My arm is healing.”

“Your arm is broken.”

“The regeneration brace has fused the bone.”

“The doctor said another six hours.”

“The doctor is overly cautious.”

“You flew an unarmed ship straight into twelve Scythe interceptors. Your ability to reason has obviously been compromised.”