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dreams of leaving Eco. “The bad thing is … ” As I pause for effect, Raid enters the room, toting a canvas bag.
    “Snacks, you monsters.” Before he tosses the bag to Kam, he pulls out a precious bar of chocolate. Someone must’ve traded a bin of produce for that. “Here.” He presses the candy into my hands. “Don’t say I never gave you anything.”
    I tap the bar against my palm. “I was just telling everyone about an opportunity.” I summarize Patel’s offer as I peel the paper from the chocolate then wave the bar under Raid’s nose. “But, the thing is—I think the captain’s lying.”
    “Why’s that?” Emie moves close to Kam, who wraps his arm around her waist. She allows the embrace, but doesn’t lean into him.
    “Yeah, what’s the deal?” Raid asks, leaning in to take a bite of the chocolate. His eyes meet mine as he straightens. Eyes as dark as the chocolate and just as tempting.
    “I overheard him when he didn’t know I was around. Near the ship, with one of his crew, right before I came in here.” I lie without hesitation, my gaze fixed on Raid’s face.
    The other young people in the room all focus on me. This had better be good. “He said he was just conning us. He does want someone to escort his nephew about the planet, but he has no intention of taking anyone with him when he leaves.” I shrug. “Don’t know what excuse he’ll use, or if he’ll just lift off without telling anyone, but I don’t think he plans to keep his word.”
    “So, we shouldn’t bother?” Trent’s blue eyes mist with tears. He looks away, nonchalantly brushing at his face with his sleeve. No, I’m not the only one desperate to leave Eco. Trent has a fascination with science that holodiscs and intermittent access to the ’sphere can’t satisfy.
    “Well, that’s up to you. I thought maybe I’d show the kid around, just to be polite. But don’t expect any favors from Captain Patel.” I break off a piece of the chocolate and pop it in my mouth.
    Without warning, Raid leans in and kisses me. “Mmmm, tasty,” he says, as he pulls away.
    “Gross, Raid.” I wipe my mouth with the heel of my hand.
    “Really?” He steps back, his face blank as a mask. “Way to kill a mood, Ann.”
    “Like sticking your tongue in my mouth when I’m not expecting it?”
    “Some girls would like that.” Raid tugs up his pants, which have slipped down his narrow hips.
    “You need a belt. Or smaller pants,” I say, shoving the rest of the chocolate into my mouth. I know I’m being cruel, and I don’t care. I can’t have Raiden Lin seducing me into staying on Eco. Not when I’m so close to leaving.
    Raid stares at me for a moment before shaking his head. “What a baby.” He turns to Emie and Kam. “Isn’t she a baby?”
    “Now, Raid,” says Emie.
    “Yes,” says Kam.
    “So why don’t you run along, little girl? Back to your mommy and daddy.” Raid’s black eyes flash. “I’m sure they can show you how to behave like a grown-up. Oh wait, maybe not.”
    I step forward and slap Raid hard across the face. All heads in the room swivel to look at us. I stand motionless, cradling one hand with the other. “Sorry,” I mutter. But I’m not sure this is true.
    Emie rushes forward. “Kam, turn the game back on,” she orders, as she steps between Raid and me. “You two settle down. Don’t air your crap in public.”
    “Sorry,” I say again, as holographic images spring to life all around me. I stare into the dead eyes of a shark as it swims near my face. “But really, Raid, you didn’t have to be so freakin’ rude.”
    “I apologize,” he says. “Shouldn’t bring the parents into it. But the smack-down might have been overkill.”
    “I just … I don’t know.” I blow at the imaginary shark and it turns and glides away.
    “You never know, Ann.” There’s a sadness in Raid’s voice that makes me wince.
    I lay my fingers over one of his rigid arms. “You just want more than I can give