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“You don’t have to be so deferential to me You’re not a slave any as you like, and I expect ood to the Arrow You can talk to me as you would anyone else” She continued to eat Xan reflected on that for a moment He wasn’t sure how to be around others any his turmoil, Sloan placed a hand over his

“I know it can be difficult I know the nightht I know because I’ve been there, but trust ht around more people”

Xan gripped his fork tightly in his other hand as he thought about the weakness he was exhibiting at that moment He exhaled deeply to try to relax

“It will get easier, trusthis hand a squeeze Xan azed into her eyes

“I believe you Thank you for sitting with me”

“No probleed “How are your quarters?”

“They are beautiful I appreciate it, and I’h for me to have my own”

“The Arrow is quite a provider, and I won her in a game of chance I have to say inally a private luxury transport, hence the actual water, not enzyme powder in the showers and all the quarters We even have a sarden on board She’s provided well for us over the years I’lad you enjoy the ship”

“It’s an impressive ship”

“I’ve put her through a lot, but she’s strong She keeps pulling through”

They spent lunch discussing their trip to Halkon Station and their shortstop at the Gru Asteroid Belt as well as positions on the ship thatSloan received a coe, and that was the end of their lunch

“I’ll see you later, Xan” She walked over to the waste disposal and dumped her refuse into the unit

“See you later, Sloan” He was rooted to the floor as he watched her leave

Xan spent the next couple of days working in the cargo bay With his strength restored and body healed, o was an excellent way to keep busy He had frequent visits from Sloan, who checked on hiether in the mess Sometimes they ate on their own; other times they were joined by other crewto Xan Xan tried not to let it go to his head and told himself that she would have done that for anyone

Dev infor at the Gru Asteroid Belt soon and that he should prepare for additional cargo The ship landed directly on the surface of one of the small moons beyond the asteroid belt Most of the crew asse bay and were ready to head out to Gru Sloan ca on with their time there