[ Nathan was quick realising how fortunate he was to have Lauren's council. He hadn't expected it at first, but his confidence in her background had shone through, and so had she. She was competent, and she knew good spin, as good as being PR without actually being it. No, Nathan wouldn't want her going out and painting his name on her lips and praising the ground he walked on, but that had never been the point in his relationships. He hated that. Tracey had proven it to him.

No, he didn't want a PR agent, he wanted a woman who would support him, listen to him and offer her words, but be prepared to let him take action himself. An independent streak was completely undesirable beyond that.

He dropped his eyes, smiled firmly, and showed Lauren that he wasn't afraid, let her see that she'd reassured him, and tried to instil some of his own confidence back. He wanted a follower, not a leader. He squeezed her arms gently, where he held them, taking that lead, reassuring her back. ]

You're right. [ He hardens. ] That's why we have to find their ship first. If we can get that ship, then I was the one who made it possible.

I can't do that if they take Comms.