Page 5 of Fool's Gold

Kaelith seemed to sense my confusion. "Eat," he ordered, his brow furrowing. "You require sustenance."

I stared at the ration bars, my stomach churning. Kaelith's apparent concern for my well being seemed so at odds with his fearsome reputation and the circumstances under which he'd taken me.

"I..." I took a breath, tried again. "I can't eat more right now."

Kaelith's brow furrowed, his red eyes narrowing slightly. "You must keep up your strength."

"It's not that," I said quickly, not wanting to risk angering him. "It's just...you rescued me from Landar's compound only a few hours ago. I ate one of those bars you gave me back there, remember?"

His nostrils flared as if scenting the truth in my words. "Of course I do. I was there."

"I'm not used to eating so much," I explained, my gaze dropping to the table.

Tentatively, I picked up one of the bars and took a small bite. The dense bar felt heavy in my stomach, and I struggled to force down another bite. Kaelith watched me intently, his jaw clenched, and I realized he was angry – but I couldn't fathom why.

He turned away abruptly, pacing the small space like a caged predator. Then, just as suddenly, he whirled back to face me.

"Eat what you can," he said, his tone softer now. "Do not force yourself."

With a few taps on a console, he pulled up a detailed schematic. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized the schematics Landar had pored over, raving about his lost "biggest score."

Kaelith leaned over me, his body heat enveloping me, and I caught a whiff of his scent again. He was so close, I could have reached out and traced the whorling markings on his cheek.

"Show me," he commanded, his breath stirring the fine hairs at my nape. "Where is this treasure you spoke of?"

My heart stuttered as panic gripped me. I had no idea where Landar's mythical treasure trove was located.

Frantically, I scanned the schematic, searching for anything that might seem plausible, might buy me enough time to find a real clue. My gaze landed on a section labeled "Maintenance Access Tunnels," and I tapped it with a trembling finger.

Kaelith studied the area I'd indicated, his brow furrowed in thought. For a long, agonizing moment, I held my breath, certain he would see through my deception.

But then, to my surprise, he nodded. "Very well. I will find the nearest docking access to that sector."

He leaned in even closer, his lips mere inches from mine, and I could see the faint glow of his red eyes, like twin embers in the dimness.

"Do not attempt to deceive me, little one," he snarled, his tone laced with dark promise. "Or there will be consequences."

I nodded, hyper aware of his overwhelming presence. For now, all I could do was nod mutely and hope an opportunity for escape would present itself soon.

KAELITH

Stanica Maglina Station loomed before us, its fractured metal hull reflecting the distant stars. Parts of the station gaped open to the vacuum, debris fields frozen in space. But other sections seemed intact, their reinforced habitation rings still holding atmosphere.

I studied the scans intently, ignoring the flashing warnings about radiation leaks and failing life support in some sectors. There - the power readings spiked in one of the maintenance junctions Gemma had indicated. Strange energy signatures pulsed in the abandoned station's guts.

I looked over at the human female. She wore the reinforced bodysuit I'd created in the replicator, black fabric clinging to her too slender form.

The high collar had a recessed ring that could project a force field helmet over her head if atmosphere failed. A simple outfit, but the sight of her in it stirred an unexpected heat in my gut.

Gemma caught my gaze and quickly averted her eyes, shifting nervously. Fear radiated from her like a beacon to my senses. Foolish little prey, trapped with her predator. I felt the corners of my mouth twitch upwards at her unease.

I broke off a piece of a ration bar and popped it between her lips. "Eat."

As she chewed, I slipped the remaining portion into one of the suit's utility pouches before she could object.

The docking umbilical extended with a hiss and a clunk, locking us to the station. I rose, checking that my weapons were ready, and gestured for her to follow. Gemma trailed behind warily as we moved through the airlock and into the Maglina's shadows.

The place reeked of abandonment - stale air, scorched electronics, the faint tang of spilled coolant. Dim emergency lighting flickered, throwing the empty corridors into stark relief. We passed rows of vacant living quarters, the personal effects of their former occupants gathering dust.