In the Wake of Stars

Chapter 16: A New Course

The sound of metal clanking echoed through the ship as Nora wiped the sweat from her brow, surveying the progress they had made in the lower levels. The catacombs, once a derelict maze of rust and shadows, now gleamed with the faintest hint of life, a testament to their relentless work.

“Didn’t think I’d see the day when you’d actually know how to operate a power conduit without blowing us up,” Cal’s voice teased from behind her, rich with that dark, playful edge that always left her on edge. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a cocky grin plastered across his face.

“Just because you were too busy flexing those muscles doesn’t mean I wasn’t working,” she shot back, an eye roll punctuating her words as she returned to her terminal, fingers flying over the controls. “Now, can you help me with the trajectory course? I need to make sure we’re still on track for the new planet.”

“Sure, Captain,” he replied, striding over with an exaggerated swagger. “But don’t get too comfortable. I might have to take over this ship if you keep messing up.”

Nora huffed a laugh, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened when he stood so close. “You’re hilarious, Cal. Maybe if you focused more on the controls and less on your reflection, we’d be in better shape.”

He leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear. “You know, you should be more careful with that sharp tongue of yours. It might get you into trouble someday.”

“Right, because you’re so concerned about my well-being,” she shot back, her cheeks warming despite herself. “Just help me with the calculations.”

He smirked but stepped back, pulling up a chair beside her. “Fine, but only because I can’t let you screw this up and drag us into a black hole or something.”

As they worked side by side, Cal’s presence loomed over her. He would occasionally lean in, brushing his arm against hers as he pointed out adjustments or offered corrections. Nora tried to focus on the task at hand, but the dark undercurrent in his teasing kept her heart racing.

“You know,” he said, casually glancing at the trajectory readouts, “we could probably make a pit stop at a few of those nearby asteroids. Might find some interesting minerals. I hear they’ve got a few nice views.”

“Great. An asteroid belt. Just what I always wanted,” Nora replied dryly, but the hint of a smile tugged at her lips. “And what? You want to play tourist while we’re at it?”

Cal chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Maybe I do. You should try it sometime. You might actually have fun.”

Nora turned to face him, the challenge in her eyes. “I have fun, just not with you.”

“Is that so?” He raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint sparking in his gaze. “I guess we’ll have to change that. Maybe I can take you out, show you how the universe really works.”

“Are you always this cocky?” she shot back, half-amused and half-annoyed.

“Only when I’m around someone who can keep up,” he replied smoothly. “And believe me, you’re not as tough as you think.”

She opened her mouth to retort but hesitated, something in the intensity of his gaze making her falter. “What makes you think that?”

“Because you’re still here, working on a ship that nearly fell apart around us,” he said, his tone dropping slightly. “You’ve got grit, but I see how you hesitate sometimes. Like you’re waiting for someone to step in and take charge.”

Nora glared, annoyed at his insight. “I’m not waiting for anyone, Cal. I can handle myself.”

“Can you?” he challenged, leaning closer again, his voice low and almost intimate. “Then why don’t you let me take care of you for a change? You’re pushing yourself too hard.”

She met his gaze, heart pounding at the sudden shift in atmosphere. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Maybe not, but everyone needs a partner,” he replied, his tone growing darker, more possessive. “And whether you like it or not, we’re in this together. I’m not going anywhere.”

Nora swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. She wanted to scoff at his arrogance, but there was something in the way he looked at her—like he meant every word.

“Fine. Just help me check this course trajectory,” she said, shaking off the moment’s tension. “Once we’re on the new planet, then we can figure out what’s next.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Cal said, his smirk returning, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness in his tone. “But you know I’ll be right by your side the whole time. Whether you like it or not.”

As they resumed their work, the air between them crackled with unspoken promises and lingering tension, the reality of their situation settling in. They were bound together by the trials they had faced and the unknowns that lay ahead, each challenge pushing them closer to a connection that neither had fully acknowledged yet.

The trajectory map blinked green as Nora hit the final key, confirming their course to the new planet. “There. We’re set,” she said, glancing at Cal. “Now we just have to make sure we don’t screw it up.”

“Trust me,” he replied, that dark glimmer returning to his eyes, “I’ll make sure you don’t.”

And as they exchanged charged glances, Nora couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something monumental—both for the ship and for them.