"Zak!"
Kunta hurried across the room before Rachel had finished opening the door.
Zakthar barely had time to brace himself before she threw her arms around him. He caught her with a quiet grunt, then held her tightly.
It was only their second meeting since he woke.
The first had ended with Kunta crying so hard she could barely speak. Judging by the way she clung to him now, this one might not be much different.
Rachel remained near the doorway, watching with a small smile.
For a few seconds, Kunta said nothing. She simply pressed her face against Zakthar's chest while he rested a hand on the back of her head.
Then they began speaking rapidly in Starakian.
Rachel's smile faded a little.
"In English, please."
Zakthar looked up.
"Right. Sorry."
He touched the translation device at his neck. Kunta reluctantly loosened her hold long enough to do the same.
"Have you eaten?" he asked her.
Kunta nodded.
"Already. Have you?"
"Just before I came."
"What did they give you?"
