Chapter : Emma

Emma strode into the hangar bay and noted Rafe suiting up for a planet-side visit. The fact that Rafe wasn't gone yet proved cold comfort because Emma knew as soon as she saw his face he meant to leave her behind.

He held off putting on his helmet to frown. As frowns went, she'd seen better. Taking long strides toward Emma, he jabbed a finger in her direction. "No. Turn around right now. You heard my speech. No one is going but me."

"And me."

"No, not you because you are not coming."

"Why not?" She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him the look. It was a look that existed pretty much across the universe.

"You can't come because it's dangerous."

"So is this ship," she remarked. "Or have you forgotten the lady who tried to kill me in the hall the other day? If you ask me, I'm safer with you out there than here."