He gave that slight shrug that hinted at diminished interest. “I intend to be the last one standing. When it comes down to absolutes, leaving you alive won’t diminish my chances for long-term survival. Nor will my continued existence hinder yours. Rather, working together, we can definitely eliminate Grunnel and Radcek. And, of course, Soukup and his Four. Then take the ship as ours, keeping only those of your staff and mine that might be of continued service, as well as essential personnel from the crew.”

“What expectation do I have that, once the ship is ours, you won’t take the first opportunity to shoot me in the back when I’m not looking?” She arched an eyebrow, hating the sinking feeling in her gut.

Cinque gestured out at the stars. “That’s our future. We both know that Turalon doesn’t have enough fuel to reinvert symmetry and run the math backwards. If we’re lost out in the black, it’s for a minimum of decades, if not eternity.” His thick black brow lifted. “I’ve given this a lot of consideration. Since with every passing second it looks like we’re stranded out here, I thought I’d see if you would work with me. Quite frankly, Falise, if I’m to spend the rest of my life floating in the trackless black between the stars, you are the only person on this doomed ship who might make those endless years bearable.”

“Is that a joke? I don’t even like you.”

His opaque black eyes didn’t convey the same humor his bent lips did. “Like has nothing to do with it. I don’t expect us to be lovers, not even friends. But if I’m locked in this bucket of air for the rest of my life, I want someone around who’s interesting. Get it?”

Interesting? Well, there was an amusing compliment if she’d ever heard one.

She gave him a slight nod, feeling sick to her stomach. The worst nightmare was unfolding before her. “That being the case, we should probably find our way to the AC. If Abibi’s taking action to secure the ship, euthanize the transportees, and prepare for disaster, that will be the safest place for us. Assuming that Abibi doesn’t do our work for us, we’ll need to take down good old Chad and Bartolome after she’s secured the rest of the ship.”

“You take Chad, I’ll deal with Bartolome. Never liked the Radceks. Arrogant pricks, all of them.”

She considered the extent of the disaster. Shit. It was real. With a feeling of desolation, she took a deep breath. “Deal.” Then a humorless chuckle. “Knowing what we’re in for? I should feel a lot worse than I do.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Sucks toilet water, doesn’t it? Come on. There’s nothing like mass murder to keep your mind from dwelling on how fucked you are.”