Page 52 of Maar's Girl

"Hey, I didn't start that dance. You boys cut in."

A younger Marine approaches, whispering something to Scarface. He nods, then turns back to me.

I raise an eyebrow as the cell door slides open with a soft hiss. A young Marine, barely old enough to shave, stands at attention.

"Your shuttle's ready, sir," he says, his voice cracking slightly.

I glance at Scarface, who nods curtly. "Let's go. Your going offworld."

My muscles protest as I stand, but I'll be damned if I show any weakness. We walk through sterile corridors, the youngMarine leading the way while Scarface brings up the rear. The spaceport bustles with activity, a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of the holding cell.

As we approach the shuttle, my heart rate quickens. Something's off. This isn't standard procedure for a prisoner transfer.

The shuttle door slides open, and my breath catches in my throat. Alyssa sits inside, cradling our son. She looks up, a smile lighting her face that makes my knees weak.

"Are you ready to go?" she asks, her voice a balm to my battered soul.

CHAPTER 36

ALYSSA

Ican't help but smile as Maar's eyes widen, taking in the sight of us. Our son, nestled in my arms, babbles happily, reaching out towards his father.

"Well, are you just gonna stand there catching flies?" I tease, my heart racing. "Come on, we've got a galaxy to explore."

Maar stumbles forward, his usual grace momentarily forgotten. "Alyssa, I... how did you...?"

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from a place of pure joy. "Let's just say I learned a thing or two about negotiation from my dear old dad. Turns out, even Admirals can be persuaded when their grandkids are involved."

As Maar settles in beside us, I catch a whiff of his familiar scent – earthy and warm, with a hint of something alien that always set my pulse racing. Our son squeals, tiny hands grasping at Maar's shirt.

"Hey there, little warrior," Maar murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm your Dad."

I watch them, drinking in the sight I'd only dreamed of for so long. "He takes after his father," I say softly. "Strong, stubborn, and with a heart bigger than he lets on."

Maar's eyes meet mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths. "Alyssa, I'm so sorry for everything. I never meant to-"

I cut him off with a kiss, pouring all my love and forgiveness into it. When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his. "We've got a lifetime to talk about it. Right now, let's focus on our future."

The shuttle hums to life around us, and I feel a thrill of excitement. "So, Mr. Big Bad Vakutan Warrior," I grin, "ready for our next adventure?"

Maar's answering smile is brighter than any star I've ever seen. "With you two by my side? Always. Where are we going?"

"We're headed to the Frontier," I say.

I can't help but grin as I watch Maar's face, a mixture of confusion and awe playing across his features. "You didn't think I'd just sit around twiddling my thumbs, did you?" I tease, shifting our son to my hip.

"The bank accounts," Maar breathes, realization dawning. "You found them."

"Bingo," I nod, feeling a swell of pride. "Turns out, you're not the only one who can play detective. Once I knew where to look, well... let's just say your little nest egg came in handy."

Maar's brow furrows. "But the IHC, your father-"

I wave a hand dismissively. "Oh, they're still around. Just... at a more comfortable distance. Turns out, when you're the Admiral's daughter and you've got a cute little half-alien baby, you can negotiate some breathing room."

Our son chooses that moment to let out a happy squeal, reaching for Maar again. I pass him over, watching as Maar's strong arms cradle our child with surprising gentleness.

"New Verdan," I continue, leaning back in my seat. "That's where we're headed. Got ourselves a nice little farmstead there. Plenty of space, fresh air... perfect place to raise a family."

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