The science officer took the device and moved over to the holo-table. She set the device down on the surface and tapped in some commands. After a moment, the table made a chime and the woman shook her head. “It’s not working. There are a few other things I can try, but the tech might just be too old to work with ours. Leave it with me.”
Honor and Dr. Lev’nan returned to pulling the final weapons out of the box.
Colm leaned against the holo-table and watched the two of them work. Well, to be fair, he watched Honor work. It appeared he wasn’t tiring of watching this fascinating woman.
A woman who could never be his.
Finally, Agent Abora shook her head. “I’m sorry, nothing I’ve tried is working.”
“Take a break, Agent Abora,” Dr. Lev’nan said. “I think we all need a break and I’d like to head to the med bay to check on Dr. Behati.”
Agent Abora nodded. “I’ve set the holo-table to try a few other things, but it will take some time.”
After the others had left, Honor leaned two hands against the table.
Colm saw the tension in her. “Honor.”
“Still no word on Dr. Behati.”
“Not your fault.”
“My mission, and he’s lying in the med bay, torn up by some giant creature I should have protected him from.” She raised her head. “I should have listened to you. This is your world—”
“Ansar is a location I’ve never stepped foot on before, Honor. It was a new place for all of us. The only thing at fault here is the wolf that attacked him, not you.”
“I was security—”
He spun her to face him. “New worlds, new adventures. As I said before, it is a dangerous job you all do.” Colm reached out and touched her face. “From what I can see, you do a fine job, Honor. No one can question your dedication.”
Her eyes fluttered closed. He stroked along her cheekbone, marveling at her smooth skin.
Suddenly, the holo-table beeped. They both turned their heads, and Colm saw text flooding the surface of the table.
“God.” Honor leaned over, scanning the text. “Ship’s logs. Yes.” She scrolled through it. “There’s a record of the crash. They were hit by a meteor, the cargo bay was breached.” She looked up. “That’s how the box ended up where it was. It fell out of the ship when the meteor tore a hole in the side of it. Oh…!”
“What?” he demanded.
She grinned. “The ship’s comp recorded their entry path details. We can use it to determine the exact location where the ship hit.” She leaned over and started tapping and swiping her finger on the table. It was like she’d forgotten Colm was even there. She muttered to herself, tapping in more commands.
Colm just watched her. He’d always known he would never claim a woman as his own, and he’d never wanted to. But watching Honor, entranced by her, he wished things were different.
“I’ve got it.” Her eyes were wide with excitement. “Right near the third location we’d detected.”
“So, we head back down?”
She nodded and her mouth firmed into a hard line. “But this time, I’m going prepared for those creatures. I’m taking the electro-deterrent system. We can drop it from the marlins, and once it’s operational, the system will generate an electrical field that should deter the wolves.”
“Should?”
“There are never any guarantees. Besides, I’m planning to take more guns this time.”
Colm stroked a finger down her arm. “Can I fly the marlin?”
“No.”
“Not even if I promise to put my mouth on you again?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Quiet.”
He smiled. He saw the memory in her eyes. He remembered the sounds she’d made under his hands.
“Suit up, barbarian, and let’s go and find this ship.”
“You know you call me barbarian when you’re angry…or flustered.”
“I don’t get flustered, barb—Colm.”
He touched her hair. “You call me warrior when you’re not angry.”
“Get your gear. I’ll meet you at the marlins. I want to find that ship…for Dr. Behati. Something for him to study once he’s back on his feet.”
At that moment, Dr. Lev’nan reappeared, holding a mug of some steaming drink in his hand.
Honor took a quick step back from Colm and cleared her throat. “How’s Dr. Behati?”
“He’s not conscious, but the medical team believe he’ll make a full recovery.”
Honor released a breath. “We cracked the Sync from the lockbox, and got the Valhalla’s records. We’re heading out again. We found the exact location of where the ship crashed. We’ll need another archeologist to join us.”