Page 63 of Grulen

“I brought you something to eat.Don’t neglect to rehydrate.”

“Thanks.I’m sorry for my meltdown.”

Abby waved a hand.

“No need.It’s normal after the shit we’ve been through.Are you feeling better?Can I get you anything?”She placed the tray on the table in front of Morgan.

“I’ve calmed down a lot thanks to Stalad.He’s a good listener.”Only because everything you say is interesting to me, ciebala.

“If you want to talk to any of us to vent or work through stuff, just comm and we’ll be here.Or if you decide you want something to help sleep later, Lezon or I can bring something by for you.”

“I appreciate it, but I think I’ll be okay.I might even make it to evening meal tonight if I can handle facing Niksen after all that.”

“She seemed pretty shaken that her behavior triggered a PTSD response in you.Maybe she’s not as big a bitch as we’ve thought.”Abby grinned.“One can only hope.”

A small laugh escaped Morgan.

“Thanks, Abby.I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d survive, girl, because that’s what we do.”Abby fist bumped Morgan.

“Maybe.”

“Definitely.”Abby headed for the door but turned halfway back.“Oh, Yaz says we’ll reach Ladorta in the morning.Makai says he’ll brief everyone on the plan to split up so we can handle the Svesti mission concurrently.Not sure when he’s going to do that, though.”

“We’ll be ready.”Stalad watched the human female leave before locating the cooling unit and pulling out some water pouches.He sat next to Morgan.“Let’s see what she brought.”He divided the food and between the two of them.

After swallowing a bite, Morgan said, “Thank you for being here with me, Stalad.I feel much better than I did an hour ago.”

“Any time you need me,ciebala, I will do my best to be there for you.”I only hope I can be there for you after I regain my memories.

Chapter 18

Aftereating,MorganleftStalad on the couch and took a shower.Crying always took a lot out of her, which was one reason she hated to do it.Gazing in the mirror after getting dressed, pink still rimmed her eyes, but it was fading.She brushed her hair and left it down.The weight pulling on her scalp would only exacerbate her residual headache.I can’t believe I had such a massive panic attack.

When she returned to the living area, Stalad looked up as he closed his comm.

“You look refreshed.Do you feel better?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I just spoke with Makai.There’s a meeting on the bridge in an hour.Should I call Abby to sit with you?”

“No, I’m good to attend.”

His brown eyes softened.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.I’ll be fine.”She spied a deck of cards Kara synthesized for her during her recuperation.“Do you know any card games?”

“Earth ones?I don’t think so.”

“Why don’t I teach you a couple before the meeting?We can pass the time without any more of my drama.”

He frowned.

“Don’t do that.”

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