Dr. Odessa held the leash of her new thornhead close.
She hasn't been off this planet in ages, and thinking about leaving felt bitter. She kept looking back the way she came as ship after ship was loaded.
She wanted to run back to the world she's known for so long-

But she knew the right choice wasn't always the one that was most comfortable.

Even if it felt a little too overwhelming.

Gunner approached Odessa. The ships were headed off, and he could see her looking back.
This is a lot to take on your own. After she had been here, what, how long? Years? He wasn't sure he even knew.

"Are you doing alright? I know it's... Likely hard to take the first step forward. First time in forever off planet, I suppose =)"

......
"If its scary to leave, you don't have to take that first step alone. I don't have anywhere to be in the foreseeable ever. I'd be happy to accompany you on your new expedition. =)"

"You...really don't have a place to be? You're a notail so I assumed that you'd just head back to your homeworld. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to follow you there."

While the G-class offered to follow her, it was just in her nature to follow others.
"Our species doesn't have the best of relations...."

"Well. Who says I have to go back just yet? I've still got myself time to explore, and it would be nice to get to make sure you were doing alright after everything. If you need someone, Eukaryote can wait. =)"

"Really? I would love that!"

"But...I don't want to be greedy now. Are you sure you won't get in trouble for this. I don't want to...."

"Bring someone down with me."

"Odessa. You've been dragged down to this planet for so long. It would be an honor to accompany you on your next leg of this mission. =)" Gunner motions to one of the ships, just docked.

"The universe awaits. Are you ready? =)"

"....I'm ready."