Page 93 of Star Claimed Omega
She downloaded the files into her commtab and sent them as demanded to an anonymous link off the ship.
Now, the disgrace of her actions burned, shame dousing her soul.
Now, her subterfuge hit harder.
Especially after last night.
When Santi held her, kissed her, and treated her like a precious treasure.
The thought got her stomach churning.
She shut her eyes, exhaled, and muttered, ‘No more self-indulgence.’
No more running either. She’d have to face what came. She had no choice.
She peeled off her gloves, stuffed them into her utility belt, straightened her coveralls as best she could, and made her way to the elevator bay.
A passing hauler gave her a nod and a wink; she scarcely noticed.
At the lifts, she hesitated, pulse hammering, before holding her wrist to the access panel.
The moment her XO pass registered, the interface shimmered green, and a gentle tone rang out.
The lift slid open with a whoosh.
She stepped inside and hit the button for the Executive Deck.
The ascent was swift and silent.
The elevator stopped at various floors as crew members entered and exited.
Most shot her curious glances, wondering what a maintenance peon was doing heading up to the top floor.
By the time the lift reached the summit and the doors opened, Soleil’s palms were slick with sweat, and her jumpsuit was clinging beneath her arms and chest.
Her heart jumped at the sight of Miral waiting outside the doors in her usual shimmering holographic projection.
Today, she was clad in a crisp sleeveless blazer over a collared shirt and slacks, her hair pinned into an elegant twist.
‘Santefor coming on such short notice, Soleil,’ she intoned.
Soleil’s breath hitched in her throat, and she covered it up with a slight cough. ‘Why am I here?’
‘Santi will explain soon enough.’ Miral offered a smile. ‘We’re going to see him now.’
Her heart thudded. ‘We are?’
Miral nodded but didn’t elaborate.
Instead, she gestured toward the long corridor leading away from the lifts. ‘But first, you must tell me, how’s the weather holding up on Deck 27? I do miss the lake.’
Thrown by the sudden shift, Soleil fell in step beside her, trying not to brush up against the ghostly projection. ‘Warm today. Muggy.’
She tugged her collar. ‘Feels like a storm wants to roll through, but it’s lazy.’
‘I love a squall,’ Miral replied with a hint of amusement. ‘We designed that biome to mimic Earth’s seasons, from summer to freezing winter, tempests and all.’
They walked through corridors that felt like another world, with polished light-wood floors beneath their feet and softly angled walls of glass and steel.
