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Within the halls of the Lodge, Sona was busy, occupying herself with a new book she found. Although her grief was still great, she appreciated the company and home she now had. Had Sarah and her companion not brought her here, she’d be all alone, like she was since her parents died. She hated that crippling loneliness. Although Cassiopeia would always hold a special place in her heart, that was not a chapter she wished to revisit ever again.
Sarah peeked her head around the corner, spotting the young girl in a chair with her book. She scratched the back of her neck before proceeding further in. With her military background and not being around children, she wasn't exactly sure how to approach this situation. Yet somehow, she cared enough to reach out. The poor thing had been through so much, proving to be braver than she was in some aspects.
“Sona, darling? Am I interrupting you?”
When Sona stared up at her from her opened book, her lips curved into a broad grin. “Sarah! Hey! Nah, you're not interrupting me. What's up?”
Mirroring her cordial demeanor, Sarah came inside and took a seat from across her. With her legs crossed, she gestured to her book. “I see you've found one. What are you reading?”
Sona glanced down at its title before showing it to her. “Tales of Time and Space.” If she were to become a member of Constellation someday, she craved every bit of information she could about the galaxy and its secrets. “I think it’ll be a good read.”
Sarah nodded in agreement. “Sounds fascinating. Are you fitting in well?”
She’d chew out anyone who wasn't welcoming toward Sona. But she highly doubted it, since Barrett practically watched over her like a big brother. Sam served as a fatherly figure to her and allowed his daughter, Cora, to play with her. Andreja checked on her from time to time and would talk with her whenever she wasn't occupied with a task. As for Vasco, he was a database full of fun facts. Sona loved asking him an infinite number of questions without worrying that she was bothering him.
“Yeah, I am. This place is so cool!” Sona set her book on a table, copying Sarah’s position. She idealized the captain who knew her parents. Perhaps she’d grow up to be just like Sarah. What a dream that’d be. “Everyone's been nice to me, if that’s what you're wondering.”
Sarah chuckled deeply. “That’s good to know. I was getting ready to fight someone.”
“You?” Sona shot her an astonished and playful look. “The commander fighting someone? I would do anything to see that! Do you like using your fists? How hard can you punch? Could you punch Barrett all the way to the other side of the Lodge?” Not that she wanted her to, but she couldn't help but be mighty curious. Who could blame her? Her hero was right in front of her. She wanted to see some action.
Sarah shook her head. “I don't think my friend would appreciate that. But I will tell you I can hit hard when I need to. If the situation calls for it, I will defend Constellation with my life.”
“I can see that happening,” Sona remarked with stars in her eyes. She then became nervous while maintaining steady eye contact with her. “Sarah? Can I ask you something? This is going to sound dumb, so please don't judge me.”
“I won't judge you,” Sarah promised. “Go ahead. Ask me anything you’d like.”
“When I'm older, and like a member of Constellation, can you and me maybe…I don't know, go on a mission together? Even if it's a small one? I could carry your stuff for you! I'm strong.” She flexed her arms at her to display her strength. “It would be a huge honor to go on a mission with you. Then I'd get to see what my parents saw in you. They said you were the bravest person they knew, and I believe them. So, what do you say? I promise I won't hold you back or get in your way.”
Sarah’s tender side opened up like a flower. Such an innocent request by this dear girl warmed her heart. How her own heart broke for her parents, for she admired them. Working with them was an absolute privilege. “Of course, Sona. I would be honored to have you as my companion someday. I will gladly take you with me on a mission. But until that day…” Sarah rose from her chair, walking over to Sona and picking up her book to hand to her. “You have much studying to do in the meantime, partner.” Giving her a quick wink, Sarah began to head for the door.
She was stopped in her tracks when someone suddenly hooked their arms around her waist, startling her. “You're the best! I’m so excited! Believe me when I say I'll study fast and hard! I'll be the best companion ever. Just you wait!” Sona pulled away from Sarah and darted out of the room, searching for more books. Knowledge was priceless, and she needed everything she could get her hands on. If only she could tell her parents that their captain was going to take her on a mission. If they were alive, surely they'd be happy for their daughter.
With the brightest smile gracing Sarah’s face, she couldn't remember the last time someone hugged her. It was pleasant. Foreign, but nice. Seeing Sona’s exuberant attitude and desire to explore the galaxy reminded her very much of herself. A true adventurer. As rigid as she could be, Sarah had a feeling this girl would bring out the softer parts of her personality.
The realization then dawned on her that she could provide Sona an adventure of a lifetime. She was determined to take her under her wing. No matter what the future held for the both of them, Sarah made a silent vow to always be there for her.