Page 59 of Alien Attachment
“So,” she says once the initial setup is complete, her voice now coming from speakers throughout the ship rather than just the cockpit, “shall I begin compiling a list of potentially lucrative and minimally legal courier opportunities in our destination sector?”
I exchange a glance with Jhorn, feeling his amusement through our bond. “You know what, Lila? That sounds perfect.”
“Excellent. I’ve already identified several promising contracts. There’s a medical supply run to a quarantined colony that’s offering triple rates, a discrete cargo transfer in the Proxima system, and—” She pauses. “Oh. This is interesting.”
“What?” I ask, noting the change in her tone.
“I’m detecting a priority message in the encrypted channels. It’s addressed to... Karly Dorian.”
My blood runs cold. Only a handful of people know that identity, and most of them shouldn’t be trying to contact us. “Can you trace the source?”
“Working on it... Source identified. It’s from Vex.”
I relax slightly. Vex is paranoid enough to have multiple ways of tracking their clients, and professional enough to keep quiet about it. Still, unsolicited contact from an information broker is never a good sign.
“What’s the message?” I ask.
“Forwarding to your display now.”
The text appears on my screen, short and to the point in typical Vex fashion:
K.D. - Your former employers have become more aggressive in their search efforts. Suggest immediate relocation to secondary markets. New opportunities await in the Helix Nebula if you’reinterested in specialized transport work. Discretion guaranteed. - V
“ApexCorp,” Jhorn observes grimly, reading over my shoulder. “They have not abandoned their pursuit.”
“Did we really think they would?” I sigh, studying the message. “They invested too much in you to just write it off as a loss.”
“The Helix Nebula is a good suggestion,” Lila interjects. “It’s largely uncharted, minimal corporate presence, and the natural phenomena would make tracking us significantly more difficult.”
“Plus it’s about as far from ApexCorp territory as we can get without leaving the galaxy entirely,” I add. “What kind of specialized transport work is Vex talking about?”
“Unknown,” Lila admits. “But given their reputation, I would assume it involves moving things that other people don’t want moved.”
“Our specialty,” I say with dark humor. “Alright, set course for the Helix Nebula. We’ll rendezvous with Vex at whatever coordinates they specify.”
“Already plotting the course,” Lila confirms. “ETA: six days at maximum stealth velocity.”
As the ship’s engines engage and we slip into hyperspace, I find myself looking forward to whatever comes next. For the first time since this whole adventure began, I feel like we’re not just running from something—we’re running toward something. New opportunities, new challenges, new ways to build the life we’ve chosen together.
“Are you concerned about continuing this lifestyle?” Jhorn asks, settling into the co-pilot’s seat beside me. “The constant movement, the need for secrecy?”
I consider the question, watching the stars streak past our viewport. A few months ago, the answer would have been yes.The idea of never being able to settle down, never having a permanent home, would have terrified me. But now...
“Home isn’t a place,” I say finally. “It’s the people you choose to be with. And as long as I have you two, I think I can handle whatever the galaxy throws at us.”
“Sentimental,” Lila observes, but there’s warmth in her voice. “Though I concur with the assessment. We make an effective team.”
“The most effective,” Jhorn agrees, his tendril finding my hand and squeezing gently. “Whatever challenges await us in the Helix Nebula, we will face them together.”
“Together,” I repeat, and for once the word doesn’t feel overwhelming. It feels like a promise, like a choice freely made and gladly embraced.
Through our bond, I feel Jhorn’s deep contentment, his unwavering love, his excitement about our uncertain future. Around us, Lila’s presence hums through the ship’s systems, a constant reminder that family isn’t just about blood or programming—it’s about the bonds we choose to forge and the loyalty we offer freely.
“So,” I say, settling back in my chair with a satisfied sigh, “what’s our first order of business once we reach the Helix Nebula?”
“I suggest we establish a base of operations,” Lila replies. “Somewhere with good sensor coverage and multiple escape routes.”
“And then we find Vex and see what kind of specialized transport work they have in mind,” I add. “Hopefully something that pays well and doesn’t involve too much shooting.”
