The galley was empty when I arrived. It was a large space, with seating for twenty around two big tables and a food prep area tucked away in the back. If the ship was running with a full crew, at least two full-time chefs would be aboard to cook for multiple shifts. With just the three of us, I usually cooked dinner, and everyone fended for themselves for breakfast and lunch. We ate a lot of leftovers and meal replacement bars.

I should probably hire a chef now that our numbers were going to more than double, but a mechanic was the more pressing need. If Torran and company didn’t like my food, they could cook for themselves. Or they could starve. Either way was fine with me. I ignored the twinge of sympathy I felt at the thought of someone suffering.

My heart was a damn nuisance.

Chapter Four

Both Kee and Eli showed up just as I was putting the large skillet of paella on the table. I laughed at their impeccable timing. Sometimes I thought they were part bloodhound.

“Oooh, smells good,” Kee said. “New recipe?”

“Veggie paella, but I tried some new spices this time. It was good when I tasted it, but you’ll have to let me know if I overseasoned it.”

She waved a hand at me. “I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”

Eli went to get plates and silverware while Kee filled glasses with water. We usually ate family style and the simple domesticity filled me with peace. Even Luna was curled into a content ball on her high platform, watching us with sleepy violet eyes.

But tomorrow, everything would change.

I slid into my usual seat and Kee and Eli sat across from me. Kee closed her eyes after the first bite and declared, “Divine!”

“Thank you. Did you get the new processing unit?”

She nodded. “And I persuaded the seller to throw in a few extras, since I was doing them a favor.”

“Weren’t you already getting a huge discount?” Eli asked between bites.

Kee smiled. “I’m an excellent negotiator.”

Eli huffed out a laugh and nudged her with his elbow. “Did you blackmail them?”

“Not everyone has to be blackmailed into being nice, you know.”

“That’s not a no,” I said.

Kee pointed her fork at me. “Quiet, you.”

Eli and I nodded at each other. “She totally blackmailed them,” we agreed.

Kee sniffed. “I merely pointed out that I was a good customer and that I hadn’t asked any inconvenient questions. A little kindness goes a long way.”

She managed to keep a straight face until Eli burst into gales of laughter. Then she smiled, winked at us, and kept eating.