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who’d be uninterested even if she wasn’t already in a relationship with Caroline, and the fifteen and unders. It’s me by default. Somehow, being the only option doesn’t thrill me.
    Raid pulls an exaggerated yawn. “Yeah, didn’t get much sleep. How ’bout you, Kam?”
    “Me neither. Or Emie.” Kam gives me a wink.
    Of course, there are the older women in the colony, but they’re all matched with someone. Although, as I study Raid’s face—with its heavy-lidded eyes and self-satisfied smile—I wonder.
    “Well, I certainly don’t want to keep you from … food.” I lift my chin and refuse to look away from Raid’s intense gaze. “Dace and I will just get our stuff together and head out while you guys chow down.”
    “See ya later, losers,” says Kam. “Come on, Raid. Let the kiddies go exploring.”
    “Sure.” Raid flashes one of those smiles that always catch me off-guard. “Have fun, Ann. I’m sure it’ll be a blast.” He nods his head toward Dace. “Beautiful scenery, stimulating company, and all that.”
    Dace turns to me, his expression clearly indicating confusion. “I’m sure Ann will be a great guide.”
    “Hell yes.” Raid leans in and pats Dace on the shoulder. “She’ll be terrific. She’s got the proper scientific mindset. Detached and analytical—that’s her.”
    Kam laughs. “You should see your face, Solano.”
    “Hijo de puta,” I mutter, before turning to Dace. “Don’t worry about them. They have nothing better to do than tease. Makes them feel superior, I guess.”
    As I turn to leave, Raid grabs my arm. “Be careful out there,” he says in a very different tone of voice. “Remember what happened to your grandparents.”
    I look back at him. “I’m always careful.” Shaking off Raid’s hand, I stalk away, not bothering to check if Dace is following.
    “What was that all about?” Dace jogs to my side, matching his pace to my furious strides.
    “Oh, nothing.” I glance at him. His face displays concern rather than any prurient interest. “Nothing to worry about. Living on Eco—it’s just like some tiny town in those classic holo books. Everybody knows everyone else and watches everything you do … Sometimes it gets on your nerves, you know?”
    “I see the problem,” says Dace thoughtfully. “It’s not like you can meet new people any day of the week.”
    “No, we don’t have many choices in our friends, or anything else.” I pause at the entrance to the living quarters. “Head to your ship to change and gather those things I suggested, and meet me back here as soon as possible. I’m going to grab bikes, my kit, and some jackets, but that’ll only take a sec.” I study him for a moment. “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing. Just don’t want to waste your time if you have better things to do.”
    I snort. “Better things? On Eco? Hardly. Anyway, it’ll be cool to see what you do. For your research, I mean. And you’ll get some good samples, I promise.”
    “Great.” Dace smiles. The expression lights up his narrow face.
    I can’t help but smile in response. “So—back here in a few. Then off we go, trekking into the unknown like those ancient explorers.”
    “Making great discoveries,” says Dace. “Hey, don’t smirk—you never know. It’s always possible.”
    “Anything’s possible,” I say, and for the first time in many years, I believe it.

 
     
    Dace has no trouble handling the solar bike, zooming ahead and even spinning a few wheelies as we speed over the flat terrain.
    “You’ve done this before,” I yell at him over the hum of the electric engines.
    He just grins at me from behind his helmet visor before zipping away.
    I gun my engine to keep up with him. I’m not comfortable with the speed we’re traveling, but I refuse to allow this tourist to best me.
    “There might be hidden rocks, moron!” I shout. “Keep your eyes open!”
    He nods, but I have the feeling he’s laughing at me.
    Close to the first of the