Page 41 of Seven Oars
“I’m sorry,” she said, switching to Universal.
Phex’s eyebrows twitched.“Not your fault.”
“I was so afraid for you. I’m glad they didn’t… well, hurt you worse.” As in, kill him. She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.
He got it.“If they wanted me dead, I’d be dead. Like my crew.”
There was nothing Rosamma could do to ease that pain. Riel, Silo, even the unfriendly Aris—they stood so vividly in her memory.
“I’m sorry they died,” she said in a low voice.
“It’s better to be dead than captured,” he said through his busted lips.
“No, Phex!” It was the first time she’d contradicted him.“If you’re alive, you can escape. There’s hope. We can’t lose you. Please, stay with us.”
He didn’t move, but Rosamma knew he was looking at her. Seeing her.
Only recently, she’d pined for his attention. The irony of the timing left her saddened.
She scooted closer and picked up his limp wrist, sending a small burst of energy into him.
A frown formed between his expressive eyebrows, but he didn’t withdraw.“How do you do that?” he asked.
“Because I’m only half-Tana-Tana, my energy circle isn’t fully closed,” Rosamma explained.“Of course, it’s not normal to have a hole in your energy system. But as fate has it, mine’s got this nifty benefit: I can share energy with the species that are receptive to it. Rix happen to be one of them. It’s restorative. Does it help?”
She sent another controlled pulse.
He sighed in contentment.“It does. I am very grateful to you.”
Her heart full, Rosamma removed her hand, careful to ration her limited reserves. She had a feeling Phex would need her again soon.
Revived by Rosamma’s ministrations, Phex sat up and eyed the heap of supplies.
“They gave you all of this?”
“Yes. They won’t eat any of it. I know you won’t, either, so let me find you something.”
She rummaged through the cans as the women watched. Their regard was accusing, but they didn’t say anything to her.
After he ate, he carefully replaced the lid and stashed the unfinished can behind him.
“I appreciate it,” he said slowly. He must be hurting everywhere.
Gro ventured forward and stopped a respectful distance from Phex.
“What is your opinion on where this is going, Defender Phex?” she asked.
He thought before answering.“The pirates want to keep us alive; otherwise, they would have already killed us.”
“Keep us for what purpose?”
Phex winced, trying to find a more comfortable position.“Amusement? They’ve been alone at this place for a long time.”
“Do you mean… this is our home now? Forever?” Trepidation made Sassa stutter.
Phex lowered his head.“While your supplies last. Don’t expect the pirates to provide for you.”
Everyone turned to look at the food pile, mentally calculating how long they could subsist on it.
