The Deviants, part eight

After a week of grueling training, Ava was finally ready to go and retrieve supplies from empty homes with Nash and Galen.

She inspected her reflection in the mirror, smiling. She wore all-black combat gear, which was a lot slimmer than she had expected.

It was like leggings and a form-fitting long-sleeve shirt, only slightly padded, with black combat boots. But it was as flexible as her, and it hugged her curves nicely.

Ava heard a knock at her door, "Come in."

Christine entered, carry her medical kit. "Just came to take your vitals before you leave."

Ava sat on her bed, rolling up her sleeve, "Very well."

"You look good in that," the doctor smiled, "It's nice to see a woman in those clothes."

She shrugged, "They just want to protect us."

"I know," Christine pressed her stethoscope against her chest, "But there have been plenty of times when I should've gone."

"I suppose you have a point." Ava frowned when the blood pressure cuff squeezed around her arm.

"But you are ready to go." She stood. "Good luck."

Ava smiled, "Thank you."

She took a couple of extra moments after the doctor left to mentally prepare herself. She knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park and that anything could happen.

Yet Ava was ready, tying her hair up as she left, locking her door.

As she walked to where the ships rested, Ava get lots of cheers and compliments. Butterflies flew in her stomach, and warmth spread throughout her chest.

She didn't want to let them down. After all, her idea made all of the humans on the base ecstatic. She didn't blame them, but now she felt the pressure every soldier probably did when they went out.

Ava spotted Galen first, who leaned against the Deviant with a piece of fruit in his hand. "Hey, girl."

"Hi." she maneuvered around the other vehicles. "Where's our pilot?"

"Just taking care of some last minutes things," Galen peered over her head. "You got a few spectators."

Ava turned, and many people watched her from the other side of the gate, jumping. "Is that normal?"

"I don't know, is it?"

"Probably, but it's making me nervous?"

Galen tilted his head, "Why?"

"Because I know what they're expecting of me."

Lifting his chin, he pushed off of the ship. "Ah."

"So you understand."

"Yes," Galen walked forward, "Okay, there's nothing to see. Go back to your duties."

The crowd grumbled but dispersed. Ava released the breath she hadn't realized she held in, shoulders dropping. "Thanks."

He grinned, "Well, what are friends for?"

"So we are friends?"

"Why wouldn't we be?"

Ava shrugged, moving closer to the Deviant, "We haven't really spent time together or talked much."

"Life here is busy," Galen looked out, "but yes, I consider you a friend."

She smiled, "Thanks. Right back at you."

He winked at her.

"You are a flirtatious one."

"It's fun, and you females seem to like it." He stretched his arms, "Besides, I've learned English faster because of it."

"Really?" Ava figured the Wanderers were using some type of hyper-advanced translators to communicate. "So you're actually speaking our language?"

"We all do. I just have a knack for linguistics."

"How? you haven't been here long."

"Well, we use special devices that teach us while we sleep."

Ava had more questions, but Nash bounded to them, finally. Took him long enough. Although he carried several duffle bags, so she let his tardiness slide.

"Where were you?" Nash glared at his copilot.

"Getting the Deviant ready," Galen jerked his thumb back, "and making sure she isn't suffocated with human attention."

Nash lifted a brow.

"There was a crowd earlier," Ava crossed her arms. "But I am fine."

Smirking, he set down the bags inside, then tossed a jacket to her, "It gets cold sometimes."

"It's spring, going into summer."

"It also provides extra protection."

Ava slid it on, knowing it had been made for her. It was light, yet she felt how tough the fabric was.

Stepping inside the Deviant, she marveled at how clean and bright it was. Unlike the charcoal and blue outside, the walls were a cream color, black accenting where wires and panels connected.

"Like?" Nash tilted his head.

"Hell yeah." It really did remind her of Star Wars this time. "It's awesome."

Galen pushed a button, and an additional seat rose from the floor. "We had to make some modifications."

She sat in the chair made for her, sighing at the comfort. "You guys are the best."

Nash turned away, Galen chuckling. Did she just cause him to blush? That was a first, and she enjoyed it, strapping herself in.

Galen stepped into the cockpit, starting up the engines as Nash composed himself. He quickly joined him, discussing pilot jargon.

Ava settled in, holding the straps as the Deviant left the ground. Good thing she didn't get motion sick, feeling her stomach drop as if she was on a rollercoaster.

This would be fun.

***

"Looks like she's having fun."

Nash didn't waver his focus from the controls and viewscreen, still feeling the heat in his cheeks and farther down. "How can you tell?"

"She's grinning like a child?"

"Good."

"Really, not speaking English now?"

He didn't feel like speaking in the human language at the moment. It would only distract him. And he needed to be focused.

"Well, fine, but she's gonna want to know what we're saying."

Nash set his jaw, seeing the buildings below them. Then he punched the gas, sending a rush through him as he climbed higher in the atmosphere and turned on the cloaking.

He heard Ava laughed airly behind him, grinning. He'd done the same the first time he flew. The sensation was like nothing else.

"Could've warned me," Galen kept the systems stable as he slowed. "The Deviant is only so durable."

"I know how far to push her." Nash patted the side of his ship.

Galen turned, speaking English, "You doing okay?"

"Yes, I'm very okay," Ava giggled.

Nash stiffened, the heat returning. Dammit. Not now. It was not the time for him to focus on his attraction. He shifted in his seat, trying to find a comfortable sitting position.

Luckily, the viewscreen located a cluster of empty houses below them. Thank goodness. Nash lowered the Deviant quickly, the landing gear cushioning their drop.

He quickly unbuckled, grabbing gear from the duffle bags as Galen shut down most of the systems. He needed some fresh, cool air to refocus.

Ava hopped out of her seat, "Are those all weapons?"

Nash glanced at her, smirking, "Some is food and water."

"Ah, wouldn't want to die from starvation or dehydration."

"This isn't a joke."

"I know, but I'm in a good mood, so don't ruin it."

That was the last thing Nash wanted to do. He loved seeing her smile and laugh, even if it was from the task at hand.

He handed her two water pouches and a blaster. "Remember what I taught you?"

Ava held her blaster strong, "Strong stance, turn off the safety, but don't use unless I'm being attacked."

"Excellent."

Her excitement radiated as she checked her blaster. She looked prepared for a fight, both by her body stance and the spark in her eyes. It was quite alluring.

Turning away, Nash scanned their surroundings, noting all the hollow houses, his chest panging. Again, it reminded him of his homeworld, and now it happened again.

Galen stepped out, the main door closing behind him. "Ready to go, boss?"

Nodding, Nash led them forward.