Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 34: Resolutions

Captain Zarra stood in the open stone streets as cherry blossom petals gently soared with the wind, the morning suns illuminating half of her stern expression in an apricot tone.

In the distance, heading down the narrow winding town streets, marched a single insignificant group: two guards and a human. She smiled as they approached her, avoiding a mob of reporters and photographers as they headed down the barricaded path.

The guards stopped as they reached the spaceport, leaving Holloway at the ship's cargo bay ramps. He eagerly rushed inside, not looking back.

Zarra handed him his confiscated camera. He gingerly took it along with his weapon, placing his pistol back in his holster.

Zarra turned on her heels, walking at his side. "How was last night?"

"I don't want to talk about it. . . . Where's Polla?"

"She. . . didn't feel like seeing you."

Harris let out a deep sigh.

"Just give her time, Holloway, things will work out. Don't worry."

"That's fine, Captain. I think I need some time too. . . . It was not the best experience."

* * *

Hersta's eyes narrowed as she watched the figure sit down at the opposite end of the mess hall. Prill noticed her gaze.

"You don't trust him, do you?"

"I feel as if have seen him before. He is not who he seems to be."

"Wait, what? Where did you-"

The astronaut glanced up from his plate, catching their stares. He gave them a brief friendly smile before returning to his meal.

"Where did you see him?"

"Kotara. I was on a drug run when I saw him in the settlement of Davit."

"Davit? It was just a small town when we arrived."

"Fifty-six percent of the population died from diseases brought by Sloan."

"And you do not trust him because he brought diseases?"

"It is just a gut feeling. I do not like him. He looks suspicious."

They turned as the man stood up, grabbing his meal and handing it to Toasty. He turned and left the room. Prill shifted his gaze back to her.

"Hersta, at first, I did not trust him at all. Yet as I got to know him, I did. He seems fairly lonely, but he is talkative and annoying at times. I still have hesitations about him. He just seems. . . out of place."

"I agree." Hersta gazed out the window. "Would you trust him with your life?"

Prill hesitated. "No, I would not. Though keep in mind as assistant commander, he outranks me, even if he is technically not one of my superiors. If he gave me an order, I would have to obey it."

"Is he not still stripped of rank from the captain?"

"He is."

Hersta nodded, staring off. She still didn't trust the human. He had a rogue and dangerous look, even now, rescued and part of the crew. Sloan didn't fit in, not in the slightest.

* * *

Zarra glanced up at the Nevran. She smiled, but it soon faded as she noted her visitor's scowl. "What is it, Hersta?"

"I want Sloan off this ship."

"What? Why?"

"I do not trust him. He is what you would call. . . shady."

"Look, he's from a different time. He's been through a lot and has been stranded for years. Of course he will seem to be out of place, but that doesn't mean you can't trust him."

"He is creepy."

"Like I said he might seem untrustworthy, but he has good intentions. Sloan is a hardworking and kind crew member. He's proven his use and worth many times before. You may have your doubts about him at first, but you will learn to trust him like everyone else does, even if he makes you feel uncomfortable."

"Did everyone feel the same way?"

"Everyone. This even happened with Roger, Tevra, your husband. . . hell even Holloway when he joined the crew, and even you right now. Everyone keeps their distance at first. . . just give it some time, Hersta, you'll get used to him."

The Nevran nodded. Perhaps it was a bit harsh to complain to the captain. Yet the thought of the astronaut remained unsettling. Her gut instincts were usually right with first impressions. Could they fail her now?

"Will that be all?"

Hersta's eyes returned to the captian. "Yes."

"You may leave."

* * *

Holloway glanced out the window, the bright snowball planet illuminating his face. He admired the beauty in its streaks of zumthor and cyan, deep ravines in the icy crust. It was peaceful, unlike his thoughts, centered on Polla. She said she wanted to talk. That wasn't good.

A knock on the door filled him with dread. He sighed, composing himself.

"Come in."

She slowly walked to him in silence, deafening silence-definitely not good. He watched her through the window's reflection, bracing for the worst, yet keeping his outward appearance.

"I've thought on it all day and I think it's best if we break things off."

Harris turned. "What? Why?"

"Because I felt betrayed. While you got married to that. . . cunt of a princess, I was sent to a dungeon and poisoned."

"You know I would never harm you. I didn't have a choice in the matter. Either you and everyone else would die, and I would be a prisoner sex slave forever, or I would marry her and leave. I tried everything in my power to stop the marriage without jeopardizing the crew's safety, but that bitch still wanted to fuck me."

"You still had sex with-"

"Excuse me? I didn't want it and I never agreed to it. I got raped and sexually assaulted, Polla! I was fucking raped! Don't act like I had a choice in the matter and don't you dare say I enjoyed it!"

That shut her up. They both kept their gaze in silence, eyes locked, expecting another retort from the other side, yet neither said anything.

Polla turned her eyes away. "Harris, I'm sorry. I-maybe it's best if I leave. You should try your luck with Heather."

Holloway gently grabbed her arm. "Hey, don't leave, babe. Let's talk. Let's work things out. I don't want to lose you."

Polla faced him, taking a seat at the foot of his bed. She sighed, slumping over. "I'm sorry for distancing myself and avoiding you. I know it was rough for you, but I had my doubts it was forced. I was angry and jealous and hurt, and I took it out on you, and I'm sorry, but. . . I don't feel as if I deserve you."

"Look. . . I don't expect us to get back to where we were right away. We both need time and that's fine, but don't discredit yourself for how you felt. That's normal, Polla. I'd feel that way too. Don't give up on your dreams with me. Don't beat yourself up for assuming the worst. We all get emotional. That's what makes us human."

She looked at him with a smile, a sparkle in her eyes. He was right. She shouldn't leave, not now, not ever.