It had been that simple. Leox accepted her as crew and expected her to keep up. Affie always had. Over the next two years and change, they’d developed more than a working rapport. If she had a best friend, it was Leox.

Which was why she couldn’t stay mad at him forever.

Geode had evened out their path somewhat, to the point where they had only a mildly bumpy ride. Affie ventured, “I hope Scover’s there to meet us.” It was easier to say that than, I hope Scover’s still alive.

Leox understood without her saying it. “I’m sure your momma’s just fine.” He acted like nothing had gone wrong between them at all. Maybe for him, nothing had. “Except for worrying about you, that is.”

This was trickier, but she wanted to say it. “I’m going to report everything I found on the station. Scover will know how to interpret it.”

“No doubt.”

He said it easily enough, but…did Leox look worried? He never looked worried. Ever. Except now.

Affie refused to think of reasons why he wouldn’t want her to report a smuggling operation. She focused on keeping the ship steady and put everything else out of mind.