Her Alien Protector: A Sci-fi Romance

Part 36

Ava

Tarak guides the Firefly onto the surface of planet XO259, a planet in the same solar system as planet X044. "The planet's magnetic atmosphere will help us avoid detection from any Hydra ships."

While disembarking from the Firefly, Kayla hands me a backpack in addition to what looks like a rappelling harness used for climbing. I turn over the harness in my hands, inspecting it.

"It is your new safety harness for flying," says Kayla.

Suddenly Rigel is before us, his piercing blue eyes flicking between the new harness and Kayla. "These strings will not do. Where is Ava's old safety harness?"

"Rigel, this is an improvement. Look, it even has straps so you can hold onto Ava when you fly," says Kayla.

While Rigel and Kayla argue, I slip it on. Unlike everything else on Hydra, this harness feels like it was made for someone my size and snug. Not being bundled by the constrictive sleeping bag makes me feel free.

Rigel's eyes flick to my safety harness and they flash with anger. "Ava could fall. Those strings will not help."

"Do you think Tarak and I are idiots? We did weight calculations and everything. Come on, I will show you both how it works," she says, going outside with us.

A new planet. I gaze around us. The same blue star is in the sky, as are many moons (I can see five right now). It looks like we are in the mountains with the Firefly on one of the taller mountaintops.

Kayla leads us to a rock outcrop. "Ava, you stand here, and Rigel, you go here."

I dutifully stand on the rock outcrop she points to while Rigel sheepishly stands behind me. Kayla tugs on some straps so that Rigel and I press together, with Rigel's frontside tight against my backside.

"How does that feel," Kayla asks me.

Rigel growls. "This is not safe. Ava could fall and—"

Kayla yanks at the harness. "No, what you had before wasn't safe, Rigel. Why would you think that cushions from a height would help? It is likely more dangerous to have loose bulky cloth and loose straps that can catch on things."

"I don't like it!"

I stay silent while Rigel and Kayla argue, but I love wearing this new harness. Instead of having my limbs trapped by something hot and stifling, I can move freely. Not only that, but I feel the wind, the warmth of the star on my arms, and Rigel's firm body behind me.

Very firm body. Suddenly, I am certain he is also aware of me because um...

Does Rigel think this way about me? I mean, to him, I'm only a pet, so maybe I bumped into his hand, not his, um...

"Walk, Rigel, I need to double-check all the straps and if everything fits right," says Kayla.

Kayla walks with us, inspecting while I dangle in the air. There is no doubt. Rigel's bulge presses against my backside. Heat creeps into my cheeks. I'm so embarrassed but the good thing about this arrangement is that I am so close to Rigel that Kayla doesn't notice.

She's now telling us about safety procedures. "On our last trip, we later realized that the atmosphere disrupted our communication. For that reason, in the backpack, you will also find a flare gun. If you experience an emergency, use it. So, unless you have any questions, we'll expect you back tomorrow, all right?"

"Yep."

Kayla steps away. Glow Ball flies straight into my arms and I put the rahoni into my backpack.