The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 6: Lthos

Sabrina felt like herself again after a quick shower and change into the dress Khediva had provided. It was a thin, silky slip dress that reminded her a little of the flapper style in Earth's past.

"Is this what people are wearing on Lthos? Really?" she asked Ford as she joined him on the control deck.

"For where we're going, yes."

"And where is that?"

"A club."

"Ah. I wasn't cool enough to hang out at clubs in my former life."

"Well, I was," Ford grinned.

Sabrina grinned back. "I believe you. Well, you'll have to tell me what to do."

"A nice change of pace." He ducked her half-hearted swat. "It's just loud music, dancing, drinking, and eating."

"No alcohol for Sabrina," Khediva interjected. "And only judicious dancing, please."

Sabrina sighed. "Yes, Khediva."

"I know you feel better, Sabrina, but that is in relation to your previous state. Your stamina is still impaired."

"I'll bring her back at the first sign of exhaustion," Ford promised.

——————————

They made a round of some clubs in the Lthosyenne capital city, varying from the expensive and exclusive to bordering on seedy. Sabrina's head began to pound from the loud music, energetic dancing, and the few sips she'd sneaked from Ford's drinks. She was relieved when Ford directed their steps toward a quieter part of town.

"What's this?" she asked as they went through a tall metal gate, its bars carved into intricate shapes.

"A park. I've never really worked out whether this is supposed to be sculptural or natural," he said, "but it was one of my favorite places to go when I could sneak out of school. Ah. Here it is." He gestured to a slab of petrified wood leaning against a boulder. "Come on. Sit with me."

He sat down on the soft grass and extended a hand. Sabrina, mindful of her short skirt, took a minute to lower and arrange herself beside him. "It's good to sit," she sighed, kicking off her shoes.

"Look." Ford pointed upward. "You can see Praxera. Just there."

Sabrina obediently directed her gaze to the breathtaking starscape. The star to which Ford pointed was a little brighter than its neighbors, and it twinkled at her invitingly.

"I used to come here and look at it when I was homesick," Ford said.

"You, homesick? It's hard to picture."

"Well, I was just a kid then."

"Mm." Sabrina leaned against his shoulder, and he shifted to put his arm around her. "I wish I'd known you when you were younger."

Ford gave a snort. "You'd have turned and run in the opposite direction. Or else tried to reform me."

Sabrina considered her younger self. "Well, yes, probably. I didn't really mean that. I guess I just...I know you used to have a lot more fun. You've been so serious lately. Almost grim at times. I know I'm to blame for that, and I hate it."

"It's not your fault," Ford said after a moment. "We live in serious times, that's all. This whole Miah plan—what's happening to you—to us—it would make anybody more sober."

"And I really hate that you're resigned to settling down. That was never what I wanted."

"Do we have any choice?"