Nomad, swimming pool. Two lovers lounged, savoring eachother's company and rare time off just to themselves.
Anya slithered into Vayne's embrace, her arms wrapped around him as his lips brushed her neck.
She reclined against him, eyes closed, water dripping from her wet bikini body onto his chest.
Pool water reflected galactic lights seeping in through the round window panels.
"So, you'll be able to replicate those Thelerian ships in time?" Vayne asked, massaging her arms.
"Me, Kai, and Dr. Salam are taking shifts developing the prototype. They're still working through the codes."
"Those shields gave me a hard time."
"But you were able to blow the general right out of space."
"It wasn't without her help."
"She's the master commander. She's capable of anything."
Anya moved her back against his chest, feeling warmth of his skin.
"Still feeling tired?"
"Feeling sleepy," she murmured with her eyes still closed, enjoying the moment.
"Hey. What do you think about us?"
"What about us?" Her eyes stayed shut.
"Do you think we should make it official?"
"Official? Everyone knows. What's there to—oh! You mean…" She turned to look at him, smiling, excited.
"I'm talking about settling down, honey."
She wildly hugged and kissed him, then leaned back. "Wait. Do you think it's the right time? We're always on the move and… all these squad missions…"
He put a finger on her lips. "I didn't mean right now. I just wanted to know how you feel about it."
"Mira's got married. We love baby Saph."
"Already thinking about children?"
"I mean… this is exciting to me, but I don't want to hold you back or anything."
"Anya, I'm new at this, babe. So just take my hand and lead the way."
"Alright," she chuckled, taking his hand and leading him into the pool. She slipped off her bikini as they sank in the water and made love.
Anya, an orphan raised by human-likes, left her foster parents to seek a life of her own. She hitchhiked and found small gigs on interplanetary ferries.
Engines and machines attracted her. She eventually learned to work with them, fix them, remake them. That's how she became a gearhead.
On the other hand, Vayne belonged to a star family. His elder brothers were all pilots, and he was the only oddball with no career promise… but he soared.
They were young hearts, careless and free. Perfectly suited for each other. He was the pilot of the ship she was the mechanic of; Soul Drifter had united their souls.