The Space Spoon novel Chapter 92

Even though the Space Spoon was lacking many things, having a second shuttle on board was enough to make Tejeda feel grateful at the moment.

He didn't want to land on Rurar with the ship. If whoever maintained the security system were to discover the flaw before Tejeda settled the matter with Rahul, everyone would be a prisoner on this moon for a long time, if not forever.

Tejeda had already experienced the feeling of having his crew caged on Genoria Prime. He wasn’t going to risk it again. This time, he would go alone. Besides, no one else could help him battle another Nubilae.

“E00, is everything ready?” he asked while inserting the last details on the computer.

“Yes.” E00’s calm voice came through the speakers. “The second shuttle is prepared for departure. I’ve already set the course according to Jakeye’s specifications. Are you sure you don’t want to take anyone else with you?”

"I have to discuss private matters with Rahul. If things get ugly—and there’s a high chance they will—I don’t want anyone near that place. Do you understand?"

“Shayla doesn’t approve.”

"Well, after this one, she can make whatever decisions she wants." Tejeda shook his head before swiping down and closing the screen. "I've sent an encrypted message to the Interplanetary Police. Shayla will take over as captain of the Space Spoon if anything happens to me. I've also submitted an official recommendation for her acceptance into the force. That is, of course, if she agrees."

“Shouldn’t you have asked her that before sending the recommendation?”

“If you’re afraid of her reaction, don’t be. E00, she’s a big girl. Don’t underestimate her.”

“What about C1313 and Cato? You made several promises to your crew which you should keep.”

Tejeda sprung up from his chair. “I know, but this is more important. It’s better for everyone to stop Rahul from meddling in our lives. And I’m sure that Shayla is better suited to help them than I am.”

"Tch!" The sound was as though E00 had a genuine set of lips and a tongue. "You advise me not to underestimate people, yet you undervalue yourself and your value to this team. Everyone has placed their lives and dreams in your hands, not Shayla's."

“That’s because they don’t know the real Tejeda Hajar.” The Nubilae opened the door. “And there’s a high probability they will never know him.”

He marched through the corridors all the way up to the hangar bay, where the second shuttle awaited. When the last set of doors opened, Cato and Hanga were there waiting for him.

Tejeda smirked. “Do I have to repeat myself that I’m going alone?”

“I’m here to wish you good luck,” Cato said, and then she charged forward, hugging Tejeda tightly. Soon after, she stepped back, cheeks blushing. “Come back safe.”

"And I did some last-minute repairs to the shuttle." Hanga pointed toward the rear part of the interior. "This one wasn’t very well maintained and hasn’t been used for a while. Some structural fragments were damaged, and I didn't have spare parts for them. So I sealed off a portion in the back. It shouldn’t pose any issues to your mission."

"I understand. Do not mess with the patchwork in the rear restricted area. Got it!" Tejeda nodded. "Where’s Shayla? Won’t she come to see me off?"

“She said she’s busy when I reached her through the coms,” Cato said, looking at her feet. “Maybe E00 knows more.”