“But you didn’t give me that opportunity. When others entered the equation, you removed yourself from my calculations. Already, you speak of leaving. You don’t fear harming me but rather, the probability that I may decide that you are not a viable option. Logically speaking, you’ve chosen to protect yourself. You’re not keeping me safe in any regard, as losing your emotional warmth is already an injury. Do you not see me as an equal, Qalu?”

“That’s…” Her hesitation indicated that she was processing his words. “…an accurate appraisal. I wouldn’t have realized it without prompting, but you’re correct. I do see you as someone I need to protect.”

“That may have been true in the beginning,” he allowed, “but the situation has changed. Neither of us is familiar with our current circumstances.”

“True enough, and I apologize. I should trust you to make your own decisions.” Her head tendrils fluttered, giving away her internal conflict.

While Helix lacked a certain intuitive grasp of Tiralan body language, he had studied it extensively enough to understand Qalu better, and right now, her posture revealed that she was intensively ambivalent. “Tell me what’s troubling you.”

“I’m afraid of what I feel for you,” she whispered.

“Clarify.”

“From what I’ve seen of the relationship between my mothers, I shouldn’t feel so proprietary over you. I should be happy at the prospect of you finding others who will cherish you, but that idea makes me feel fearful instead. This is one reason I’ve always chosen to be alone. I’m afraid that my psyche is malformed—that I don’t have the generous nature required to form a healthy love group.”

“Would it not be acceptable for us to be together first? Perhaps those feelings will fade, once we forge a strong bond.”

“What if they don’t?”

“Then you choose solitude out of fear? That is…disappointing. I thought you were an intrepid scientist, yet you refuse data that would allow you to frame an informed hypothesis.”

Qalu made a soft sound in amusement. “You appeal to my scholarly nature to chivy me toward an intimate relationship? There is no arguing how well you understand me.”

Helix took another step. “Has that impetus worked? You’re ready to—”

“It would be precipitous for us to make any decisions while we’re fleeing for our lives. Though you’ve never experienced it before, I’m sure you’re familiar with the adrenal response.”

“Will you at least stop talking about your inevitable departure? And cease avoiding me? I…miss you.” A bold statement, without qualifications or rationalizations.

“As do I.” For the first time since they’d come on board, she moved toward him, watching his features to make sure he wanted this.