Page 94 of Warrior Rescued

“It may be a little tight, but we won’t leave anyone behind,” Payim encouraged them.

SIXTEEN

RESCUED

Elena

“How can you be so certain we’re safe?” Karen whispered to her.

Elena cringed at how bony the woman’s hand felt as she helped her out of the cruiser.

“Because I’m married to the big red guy, Payim.”

Her voice trailed off when she realized Karen was no longer listening, but was instead staring at the Osivoire crew ready to assist them in the hangar.

“It’s okay. You’re going to see that not everyone is like the Jurou Biljana.” She gently squeezed the woman’s shoulder.

Elena surveyed the bewildered humans as they gravitated toward the survivors getting off the other cruiser. She smiled wistfully as people hugged with tears in their eyes. She could only imagine what they’d been through, but now there was hope. Her gaze shifted to find Payim.

“Food, baths and clothing are available. The crew will assist you.” Payim pointed toward the Osivoire.

“What will it cost us?” one man demanded suspiciously.

“It’s free,” Elena replied, wrapping her arm around Payim’s waist.

The man still looked dubious as he joined his friends and shared what was said.

“I need to go tell Thorac about Scala.” Payim glanced toward Thorac, who was trying to talk to some of the reticent people.

Payim’s expression was grim. She hated that Scala hadn’t returned with them, but understood why. There was more at risk than the few dozen people they’d rescued.

“Okay. I’ll spread the word about food and such.” She squeezed Payim’s hand.

He nodded and had taken several steps when she recalled what else she wanted to say.

“Payim.” He paused and looked back at her. “Thank you for this. I know it was a big risk. Tell Thorac that, too, please.”

“For you, anything.” Payim gave her that smile that never failed to make her weak in the knees before heading to Thorac.

How did I get so lucky?she sighed.

“Elena?!” a familiar voice shouted.

She spun, certain she was hearing things and her eyes widened.

“Tia…Tia Camila?” she cried in disbelief.

Her eyes had to be playing tricks on her, but as she waded through the crowd, it was apparent this wasn’t a daydream. The woman standing in front of her was skinnier, but it was definitely her Aunt Camila. She must’ve been picked up by the other cruiser.

“I always knew,” Elena murmured as tears streamed down her cheeks, recalling all those times she stared into the chasm.

“How is this possible?” Camila cupped her cheeks with trembling fingers.

“My stasis pod didn’t fall into the chasm.” She gripped her aunt’s hands.

“Elena!” a deep, reverent voice whispered.

Her gaze landed on an older man she was certain she recognized, except his cheeks were much too hollow and the gray had spread through his beard and up his temples, but the eyes were exactly like she remembered.

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