Kari’s P.O.V.

On The Ship, The Privacy Room

I held Nylah’s bracelet in my hand and stared at the daisy. This trip has been harder than I thought. My memories of Nylah have been coming to me every night, and when I wake up, my heart breaks because she is not here with me. I thought bringing people along would numb this lonely feeling, but I seem to be wrong.

I miss her so much. I want to at least hear her voice one more time. My fingers moved towards the daisy.

“We plan to stop soon. Is there anything you want to eat?” I jumped and looked at Alonso, who was at the door. “I must have shocked you.”

I shook my head.

“No, um...What did I want to eat? Whatever you are eating is fine.” He nodded and left.

I should try to bond with Alonso and Claire. If Nylah saw my actions, she would feel so disappointed. I forced myself up and walked down the hall to the living area. In the large windows, I saw a gas station and a few shops, and restaurants nearby.

Claire came out and looked at me.

“Another exhausting night?” She asked. I nodded. “Maybe you should fly more during the day. I feel bad that you are the one flying all night.” I shook my head.

“I am fine with it. You two fly during the day and often fill up the gas. Not to mention the food. Flying during the night is not enough compared to what you two do.”

“Then you should join me in getting the food. You may find something you like.” Alonso said.

Maybe this can help with bonding.

“Sure,” The three of us got off the ship and stretched.

“I will be filling up the tank if you need me,” Claire said.

Alonso and I made our way next door to the small diner. We walked inside. The people inside looked at us. I felt myself become uncomfortable.

"He's handsome."

"Do you think that woman is his girlfriend or something?"

"Hopefully not."

"Do you want to ask him?"

"No, you should do it?"

“Welcome!” A waiter said to us, We nodded. “Will this be for here or to go?”

“To go,” Alonso said. The waiter came from behind the counter with two menus and handed them to us.

“Let me know when you two are ready to order.” We nodded and sat in a chair.

“The Speedy Diner?” I questioned as I read the name.

“There are a few on different planets. I heard great reviews, so when I saw it, I thought it would fit what everyone would like.”

“Oh, but it's name. Why is it named that?”

“They can cook your food in under fifteen minutes, and it will be cooked all the way. Rumor has it, it is because of their robot.” He said, eyeing the robot on the grill. My eyes lit up.

“An actual robot.” He chuckled.

“I figured you would like it.” My eyes went back to the menu.

Parfaits, fruit bowls, oatmeals, crepes, steaks, burgers, so many foods. My mouth is nearly watering at this point.

“I was thinking of getting an egg sandwich with blueberry oatmeal and a muffin. Is that okay with you?” I looked at Alonso in confusion.

“Why does my opinion matter?” I asked.

“You wanted the same as me, right?”

I forgot I said that. Alonso’s food sounds delicious, but my eyes keep landing on the tart special. The tarts back on Planet 273 were always the best. That is nearly one of the few things I miss about that planet.

“The tart special, huh?” I turn to face Alonso. The moment I did, I felt my face heat up.

We are close. So close that our lips are nearly touching, and yet I am the only one blushing. Was there something wrong with me?

His eyes went away from me and to what I assumed had been the menu. Perhaps I am more out of touch with reality than I thought. I looked at the menu. Alonso pointed at the tart special.

“It comes with eggs, a parfait, and your choice of waffles. Wow, I never thought I would see tarts in a diner before.”

“Yeah”

That’s right, I am just imagining everything.

Claire’s P.O.V

I filled the gas tank in exhaustion. I have been flying for hours. The only thing that is stopping me from sleeping is hunger. I yawned. During the next stop we have, I am going to finish up the bedrooms and add a kitchen. We will be able to save money and only have to use a hotel once. Well, that is unless something happens to the ship. I mean, I can always prepare the ship more. The little defense it has now is terrifying.

Kari and Alonso came back with containers of food in their hands. I felt my lips perk up.

My breakfast is here.

Kari walked inside while Alonso stood next to me.

“You got the parfait and pancakes?” I asked. He nodded. “Yeah, did you know they have tarts there?” I looked at Alonso with surprise.

“Tarts at a diner?”

“That is what I was saying. Kari ended up getting it. She is letting me get a small piece when we are inside.”

“Speaking of Kari, is she the same as usual?” I asked him. He nodded. “Did we mess up somewhere? I mean, Kari was open before, but now she has been short of words.”

I put up the pump and closed the fuel cap.

“I hardly know anything. I believe she was married at some point, but she does not speak about it. Perhaps it has something to do with that."

Married? The polished look she has. She has to have been a woman who came from money. The two of us walked on the ship.

This is something I should focus on. The last experience with the rich and married I had was with one of Alonso's 'invitees'.

"Do you think everything will end up like before-" I stopped when Kari rushed down the hall and stopped in front of us with fear in her eyes.

“We have to go.” She said,

“We finished fueling, but why are you so focused on leaving now? It is best to eat before taking off.” I said. Her eyes looked out the window behind me.

“Claire, please,”

“Kari, you have barely rested these past few days. It may be best to-” She interrupted Alonso.

“Please, just-” Kari stopped her sentence. I followed her eyes to see two men who appeared to be some type of guards. The most noticeable thing is the blue and gold crest stitched on the back of their jackets. The men were speaking to a few people at the gas station, and I knew we were next on their list.

Alonso closed the doors and looked at us.

“I will start up the ship, but I want you to explain who those people are as soon as we leave this planet.” He said.