Eli dipped his head in understanding. He knew I really meant for him to keep an eye on Kee until she was done with the tour.

That sorted, I turned to Anja. “You’re welcome to take the day to familiarize yourself with the ship. If Kee doesn’t need you, then I’d appreciate an inventory of what you think needs fixing and a priority for each task.”

She nodded. “I’ve already started a mental list, but I’ll head down to maintenance and make you a formal list.”

“The initial list doesn’t need to be exhaustive. You won’t have time for a full accounting before Kee needs your help. Focus on the highest priority issues and note any tasks that you could use help with. I’ll work it into the roster.”

“Will do.”

I took one last look at my terminal, then waved for Torran to follow me out of the bridge. He did so with an unreadable expression. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or bored or happy, but I doubted it was that last one.

I turned left and headed for the garden. I needed some fresh basil. Torran followed me, a nearly silent shadow. He moved quietly, even in boots. My body was apparently fresh out of adrenaline because having him at my back barely gave me a twitch.

The door to the garden slid open, and Torran made a soft sound of surprise. “This is the garden,” I said. “Keep an eye out for Luna. She likes to hang out in the corner.” I waved to the back corner with the little green arbor.

When Torran didn’t say anything, I turned around. His face was alight with something like longing before he caught me looking and wiped the expression away. “This reminds me of home,” he said simply.

I wavered, torn, then my damn traitorous heart made the decision for me. I knew longing. “Come on, it gets better.”

I led him to the arbor and gently swept aside the hanging vines. Luna was on her perch, curled into a ball with her nose tucked under her tail. Apparently she thought a nap in the greenery was better than a tour with Kee. The burbu opened one sleepy eye and chirped at me. “Go back to sleep,” I said softly. “We’re just going to be here for a minute.”

Torran stood frozen behind me, so I pointed at one of the chairs. “Sit there and relax while I gather some herbs. It helps.”

He folded his long frame into the low chair and for the first time, I saw some of the tension drain out of him. He tipped his head back and closed his eyes. When he wasn’t busy glaring at everything, he really was beautifully built. I let the vine curtain fall closed before my wayward thoughts got me in trouble.