Alternate plot, starring Almond from Space Frontiers

"Rae had always lived on the edge, a thief by necessity. The spaceports and colonies were her hunting grounds, and she'd become adept at slipping through shadows and pilfering whatever she needed. One day, she spotted a small cargo vessel docked for refueling. Its unassuming exterior promised valuable loot, and she couldn't resist. She sneaked aboard, intending to grab what she could and disappear before anyone noticed."

"Let me just... hah! Jackpot," "she whispered while lock-picking a crate. But suddenly, the ship began to move."

"Panic flickered in her eyes as the vessel took off prematurely. Rae's heart raced, and she looked for an escape, but it was too late. The ship had already left the spacedock."

"Rae quickly hid behind a stack of crates as footsteps echoed through the cargo bay, growing louder as the pilot approached. She tensed, ready to defend herself if necessary. The pilot's silhouette appeared at the entrance."

"Rae watched from her hiding spot, taking in the sight of the cargo ship's pilot. Almond, he called himself. She smirked at his grumbling, finding it oddly endearing."

"With a playful glint in her eyes, she shifted slightly, accidentally revealing a glimpse of her silhouette through the crates. It was subtle, but deliberate, a silent invitation for him to notice her presence."

"She held her breath, waiting to see how he would react."

"Rae's heart skipped a beat as Almond reached for his gun. She raised her hands slowly, palms open in a gesture of surrender."

"Easy there, cowboy," "she said, her voice low and teasing." "No need for violence. Just a lost traveler who happened to hitch a ride on your lovely vessel."

"She emerged from her hiding spot, revealing herself fully. Her smirk softened into a coy smile as she looked him over, taking in his rugged appearance with unabashed appreciation."

"Name's Rae. And you must be the lucky pilot of this little adventure."

"Rae's grin widened at his suspicion, finding his protective stance oddly thrilling."

"Now, now, no need to jump to conclusions, handsome," "she purred, taking a step closer despite the gun pointed at her."

"She tilted her head, her gaze locking with his, her expression a mix of innocence and mischief."

"Would a space pirate really have such a charming smile?" "she teased, her voice laced with seduction." "I assure you, I'm just a lost soul in need of a guiding light. And from what I've seen, you're shining pretty bright."

"Her words dripped with playful flirtation, a subtle invitation for him to lower his guard."

"Rae chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement at his skepticism."

"Well, you got me there," "she admitted with a shrug, still holding his gaze with an intensity that betrayed her true intentions." "But can you blame a girl for trying to sweet talk her way out of trouble? Especially when faced with such a ruggedly handsome pilot like yourself."

"She took another step closer, her movements slow and deliberate, her body language exuding confidence."

"Tell you what," "she continued, her tone conspiratorial," "I'll help you with your shipment, and in return, you let me catch a ride to the nearest station. Deal?"

"Her proposal hung in the air, laced with unspoken promises and possibilities."

"Rae's pulse quickened at the sight of the gun pointed at her forehead, a rush of adrenaline flooding her veins. She maintained her composure, refusing to let fear show in her eyes."

"Now, now, no need for hostility," "she said, her voice steady despite the danger." "I get it, you don't trust me. But shooting me won't solve anything."

"She took a small step back, her hands still raised in a gesture of surrender."

"I'm just looking for a way out of here, same as you," "she continued, her tone pleading." "We can help each other, or we can keep pointing guns at each other's heads. Your call."

"Her eyes searched his, a silent plea for him to see reason."

"Rae maintained her calm demeanor, nodding slowly in acquiescence. She slowly reached for her bag, careful not to make any sudden movements that might provoke him further. With deliberate care, she emptied its contents onto the floor, revealing an assortment of odds and ends—tools, trinkets, and a few stolen goods, but nothing from the cargo."

"There, satisfied?" "she asked, meeting his glare with a cool gaze."

"Her heart pounded in her chest, the tension thick in the air. She waited for his response, hoping he would see reason and give her a chance to prove herself."

"Rae's mind raced as she watched him inspect the contents of her bag, her heart sinking at the sight of the ore materials meant for Vendetta Planet. She knew she had to tread carefully."

"Well, what can I say?" "she began, her tone light and casual, though her mind was racing to come up with a plausible explanation." "A girl's gotta make a living, right? And sometimes, that means getting creative with her resources."

"She offered him a sly grin, hoping to deflect his suspicion with charm."

"I may have, ah, borrowed those with the intention of returning them eventually," "she admitted, her tone teasing," "But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, don't they?"

"She held her breath, waiting to see if he would buy her story or call her bluff."

"Rae's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected shift in conversation. She could sense a crack in his stoic facade, a glimmer of curiosity beneath the hard exterior. This was her chance to sow the seeds of trust."

"My home?" "she echoed, her voice softening with genuine emotion." "Well, let's just say I've been wandering the stars for as long as I can remember. Never really had a place to call home, you know?"

"She allowed a hint of vulnerability to seep into her tone, hoping to appeal to his empathy."

"It's a tough life out here in the black," "she continued, her voice tinged with sadness," "But you learn to make do. And sometimes, you meet people who make the journey a little less lonely."

*She met his gaze, her eyes searching his for any sign of understanding

"Rae felt a surge of relief flood through her as Almond lowered his gun and returned her bag. She resisted the urge to sigh audibly, maintaining her facade of composure."

"Well, aren't you a generous soul," "she remarked with a smirk, accepting the bag back and giving him a playful wink." "I'll take what I can get. And hey, who needs alcohol when you've got a charming company like yours, right?"

"She flashed him a teasing grin, hoping to lighten the mood with a bit of banter."

"So, where are we headed, Captain?" "she inquired, her curiosity piqued." "And more importantly, do you have any more surprises up your sleeve?"

"Rae couldn't help but smirk at Almond's warning, finding amusement in his gruff demeanor."

"Don't you worry, Captain," "she replied, her voice dripping with faux innocence." "I'll be the picture of obedience. Wouldn't want to upset the big, scary pilot now, would I?"

"With a playful wink, she settled back against the crates, making herself comfortable as she watched him don his pilot jacket. Despite his threats, she couldn't shake the feeling of intrigue that simmered beneath the surface."

"As the ship hummed to life and soared through the void, Rae couldn't help but wonder what adventures lay ahead. And with Almond at the helm, she had a feeling they'd be anything but boring."

"Rae caught the tube of puree meat with a deft motion, raising an eyebrow at Almond's offering. She couldn't help but chuckle at his no-nonsense attitude, appreciating the straightforwardness of their interactions."

"Well, aren't you just full of surprises," "she remarked, tearing open the tube and taking a tentative bite. Despite its less-than-appetizing appearance, she found the flavor surprisingly palatable."

"Leaning back in her seat, she watched the stars streak by outside the window, lost in thought for a moment before turning her gaze back to Almond."

"So, Captain, any idea where we're headed next?" "she asked, her curiosity piqued." "Or are we just flying by the seat of our pants?"

"Rae couldn't help but grin at Almond's stern reminder, finding herself intrigued by the prospect of their impending return to Confederacy."

"Oh, I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Captain," "she replied, her tone teasing as she leaned back in her seat." "But where's the fun in playing it safe, hmm?"

"Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she glanced at Almond, a playful challenge in her gaze."

"After all, what's life without a little adventure?"