Chapter 16: A Matter of Choice

Vesta slept well.

When she cracked her eyes open, she cautiously turned her head and surveyed the room. The commander was not on the first floor. Vesta pulled back the covers and stood up. She stretched and looked up. Rycer was still at his desk. His head was resting on his folded hands, and his eyes were closed. Vesta looked at him closely. Condra Tae’s normally tight, angular jaw was relaxed, though his lips were still firm. His long fingers folded elegantly together.

Rycer looked tired. He was so very human, but still had a strangeness about him. Vesta felt her heart warm. Although Condra Tae was somewhat distant, he had a kindness about him. Vesta realized there was so much to learn about her new world, although it had always been there, it was new for her to experience. Rycer Tae took a deep breath.