"My earlier offer will likely remain open," she says, "If you end up deciding you don't want to return."

"Maybe. We'll see."

Small smile. "You shouldn't be bound."

Smile.

"Thank you."

Broader smile. "You're welcome, lovely."

"I'll call the shuttle, then."

"Alright."

She uses her wrist comm to do so.

"Shouldn't take long. Not like there are many obstacles for the autopilot to handle."

Snicker. "I'd be disappointed if there were. It'd ruin the view."

"It is very... enticing."

"Almost as lovely as you."

"You say the sweetest things."

"Would you prefer sweeter?"

"I'm not sure my heart could handle it."

"Perhaps I'll have to work you up to it, then."

"That sounds enjoyable."

"Good." Kiss.

Kiss!

The shuttle arrives. It's shaped basically like a flying brick, tapered at both ends. A door opens on the long side as it hovers just above the ground. Eliese offers her hand to help Acererak in.

Not the prettiest thing, but she accepts the hand graciously.

It's slightly roomier than Eliese's tent was, and about as spartan.

"Not the best ship I've ever had, but no one was going to be missing this one."

"Perhaps we can find you a better one."

"Do you want to make that our first destination?"

"I do enjoy traveling in style..."

"Destin Shipyards it is."

"To steal a ship? Or do you have enough authority to requisition one?"