Elpis Nova - a serial sci-fi novel

Part 21

Her finger movements stilled. "What any of the rest of us are hoping for, I suppose. A new life. A new chance."

Prahm shook his head. "I don't buy that." At her startled look, he grinned. "Or, at least, I don't think that's the whole story. You're not the kind of person to run off without one heck of a reason."

Dovenka raised an eyebrow, then went back to her work. "You should probably save those kinds of assessments for the mission psychologist.'

"I could say the same about you."

Still focused on the tablet, she nodded. "Fair enough." She sighed, then put the device down beside her on the table. Her eyes traveled to the window where the clouds of Elpis drifted against the seas below them.

"It's beautiful."

Prahm raised an eyebrow. "Yes...but I think you're avoiding my question."

"I never intended to answer it." She locked eyes with him for a moment, then turned back to the window. "I'm the acting commanding officer of this mission, Mr. Donal. I don't have the luxury of personal discussions. Not right now."

"Yeah." He stepped toward the door, but stopped as it slid open for him. "Just be careful, Commander. If you're too cold, too impersonal...well, it impairs leadership."

She cocked her head way from him, glancing sidelong. He put a hand over his heart.

"Honest. Scientifically proven." He chuckled at his own joke, but then the smile disappeared. "But seriously, this isn't all on you. We'll work together and get it done. I promise."