The lift doors opened and I practically fell through the doorway onto Eshami, both of us desperate to escape the now-awkward confines of the cramped elevator that brought us speeding up the shaft to the Control Room.

“Uh, sorry, Eshami,” I whispered, embarrassed.

“I hope you guys had a good honeymoon,” Olear laughed while waving a high-tech wrench at me teasingly. “We’ve still got work to do, so rest up and then get back out there!”

Olear had been kind enough to prepare a corner of the room just for us two to rest. Our bedrolls were already laid out and extra rations neatly piled.

“Thanks, Olear Dom,” I said, crawling into my bed for a quick nap before pressing onward. “You’re a good man.”

“Please,” he dismissed my words with a wave, turning and walking away. My suspicions about him could wait; Olear was on my side for now, at least.

Eshami lay down in her bedroll beside me, and I wished her a good night.

I awoke after a short rest feeling more energized than before. I rolled over — Eshami was still asleep, curled up beside me.

“Eshami,” I whispered, gently nudging her.

She slowly roused, stretching her arms as she sat up. “Good morning, Devon. I admit I fell asleep quickly with you at my side. Let me gather my things, and I’ll be ready to join you in a moment…”

I smiled knowing that I’d get to adventure with her for a while longer yet.