Chapter 42

The threat lingered, as did her scent. Even after pushing away from Nema, Ray couldn't escape it, or her. She followed by his side, asking random questions about the ship that he answered in monosyllables.

"You rely on robots instead of a crew?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you worried about an uprising?"

"These are dumb models. Programmed for a single task. Too simple for any upgrades."

"If you say so." Suspicion filled her gaze as she glanced over her shoulder at the unit they passed.

They entered an elevator, and he said, "Three."

As it began to move, she asked, "How many levels?"

"A couple." Although one contained more machinery than anything else.

"Is this vessel for pleasure or work?"

"Both."

As the elevator stopped and the doors slid open, Ray ignored Nema as he exited.

She threw her next question at his back. "Are you armed?"