"All right! We still need to stay hidden here. Get some rest while you can! I'll keep watch!" Gu Zheng whispered in her ear.
"No! You rest first! I'll keep watch!"
Song Ning lifted her head and pulled out of his embrace, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"You need rest more than I do! I'll still need you to protect me in the fighting ahead!"
Song Ning knew that days of tracking had drained his strength and energy. Willpower alone was keeping him going.
He had slept for less than twenty minutes earlier, nowhere near enough to recover.
Gu Zheng's lips curved slightly, and he lowered his head to kiss her forehead.
"All right! I'll listen to you! I'll sleep for a bit, then we'll switch!"
After days spent tracking outdoors, thick stubble had sprouted across his face, prickling Song Ning's forehead.
"Wait!" Song Ning stopped him. "You took their guns. Will they notice?"
Gu Zheng stroked her head and chuckled softly beside her ear.
"The innermost room in the crew quarters is where they store their weapons and ammunition. There's plenty left in there. They won't notice!"
"Got it!"
Gu Zheng leaned back and soon closed his eyes.
Song Ning shifted outward a little, tilted her head back against the wall panel, and closed her eyes to rest.
The ship kept moving at a steady speed.
The engines were one level below the baggage hold.
The rumble of machinery ran constantly in her ears.
During that time, the people above came down twice to fetch fresh water and other daily necessities.
They stayed near the outside of the cargo hold. No one came all the way in.
Song Ning and Gu Zheng took turns resting.
Gu Zheng found opportunities to go up one level twice.
There were