In the Wake of Stars

Chapter 22: The Descent Module's Test

The tension from that brief, unplanned encounter lingered over the next few days. Nora did her best to stay busy, diving headfirst into the final tests on the descent module, but every now and then, Cal’s smug smile and knowing gaze seemed to pop into her thoughts, making her grit her teeth.

Meanwhile, Cal kept himself occupied, fine-tuning the navigation systems, and double-checking the life support modules. Though he stayed mostly quiet and professional, Nora could feel the subtle shift in his behavior. His teasing took on a darker edge, his comments laced with flirtation and something else she couldn’t quite name. And every time he left her alone with her work, she half expected him to surprise her somehow, to throw another one of his offhand comments just to see her react.

As they worked through the final stages of preparation, Nora noticed a strange sensation building—a reluctant sense of dependence on him. Much as he irked her, she was slowly realizing that Cal was good at his job. When she needed a second set of hands, he was there, guiding the heavier pieces into place with ease, his presence solid and infuriatingly competent.

By the time they reached the final checklist for the descent module, the air between them was charged. The checklist itself was long, filled with intricate steps and last-minute details to ensure their equipment was ready to deploy. Nora ran down each item, calling out tasks while Cal checked them off on his side, both of them maintaining an unspoken truce as they worked.

“Life support unit calibrated?” she asked, her voice echoing slightly in the module.

“Check,” he confirmed, his tone neutral. But when she glanced over, he was watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip.

She cleared her throat, struggling to ignore the way his gaze seemed to follow her. “Propulsion system?”

“Checked and rechecked. This thing could lift us straight out of a black hole.”

“Cocky as always,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Just confident,” he countered, his voice low and teasing, that familiar smirk creeping back. “Besides, you’re the one who keeps making sure I don’t mess up. Guess that makes us a team, doesn’t it?”

She gave him a withering look, but he just chuckled, unbothered, and went back to his own work.

Finally, after what felt like hours of meticulous work, they finished the checklist. Nora leaned against the side of the module, exhausted but satisfied, glancing at Cal as he set down his tools with a sigh.

“Well, that’s it,” she said, crossing her arms. “All systems are ready.”

Cal nodded, his expression softer, even almost respectful as he looked back at her. “You did good, Nora.”

She blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks… I guess.”

He smirked, but this time, it was gentler. “Guess I’m saying I’ll trust you not to kill us when we finally make it planet-side.”

“Gee, thanks. I’ll sleep so much better with your trust,” she said, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

For a second, silence filled the space, a rare moment of peace between them. But Cal broke it, stepping closer, and she felt that familiar tug in her chest as his gaze held hers.

“Guess that means we’re ready,” he murmured. His voice was soft, almost thoughtful.

“Guess so.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but the moment felt heavier than words could convey.

And for just a heartbeat, she thought maybe—just maybe—things between them were changing.

Then, with a smirk, he raised an eyebrow and stepped back. “Better get some sleep. I wouldn’t want you falling asleep at the controls.”

Just like that, the spell was broken. But as she turned and left the module, Nora couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead, Cal would be right there—pushing her limits, testing her patience, and somehow, against all odds, watching her back.