Serix studied the human’s face. He was tempted to ask more about this possible human-sympathetic Lunairan, but her guarded expression told him she wasn’t going to give him any answers. Instead he just nodded and rose to his feet. He was still a little shaky, but he ignored it as he found a more comfortable place to rest in one of the cushioned chairs.

When he sat down again he realized just how tired he was. At least the anxiety he was feeling from the Storm would help keep him awake to guard the human. He didn’t want her slipping off into the night while he slept. Serix leaned into the soft chair and let out his breath in a quiet sigh. He still had to figure out how to take care of the human before the following night, when he was supposed to return to the ship to report his findings and replenish his supplies. His eyelids felt heavy with sleep. There was still so much thinking to do, but he was too weary to plan rationally.

Another flash lit up the vessel, accompanied by the usual boom. This time, however, Serix was too exhausted to feel the usual leap of his heart. That wasn’t good. He couldn’t afford to fall asleep now.

“I guess it’s my turn,” Serix said, stifling a yawn. Talking to the human might help keep him awake. “I heard that your people created machines that could fight without a driver. Is that true?”