These two gals are absolutely catty about what I think are some of the dumbest things. Then again, I’ve worked in hospitals around nurses for nearly fifteen years, so it could be worse. But, I’m here to tell their story, not make one.

Pai’s last line sounds a bit ominous.

In RealLife, I’m slightly worse. Went to bed at 1800, woke up with a mild fever at 0100; barely slept. Dogs went off at 0550 and I damn near died navigating down the steps to let them out and feed them. Finally ate something just now after about 20 hours of nothing. Rather shaky. It makes it hard to “get into” their story when you don’t feel very good.

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

“You did it, her, again?” Alix said, setting down her tablet in the small café.  “Disgusting!  Just sit down and shut up.”

She stood and went to the counter, coming back with two bowls.  “Cheddar Broccoli.  It’s pretty good.  Better than the 10W40 Miss Bot just ate.”

“Alix?  Can we try?” Graf asked, taking his bowl.

“Fine.” She dropped into her chair and clasped her hands together, muttering a prayer he couldn’t make out.  Then she stared at the both of them.  “Neither of y’all is Christian?  I guess you do deserve each other.”

“As my Dad says,” Graf clarified, picking up a spoon, “we’re twice-a-year Lutherans.”

“I am very well informed on a variety of faiths,” Pai added, “and have seen what you people would call miracles.  My uncle, Balthazar, is very Russian Orthodox.  My step-sister considers herself Christian, but is rather private about it.”

“Step-sister?” Alix asked, wiping her mouth.

“Tay.  My dad found her and married my mom to adopt her.” Pai let her eyes drift up for a moment.  “She very nice.  Genius at languages.”

“I don’t have anything by way of your local currency,” Graf began, ever Midwest practical, “but I can…”

“My treat.  You can thank me later when,” a sidelong glance, “she’s not around.”

“And I thought most humans didn’t have a death wish like you do,” Pai smiled, eye back down and flaring red.

“This soup is very good,” he tried again to diffuse the situation.  “Do you work here?  I recall you said you are an officer candidate?”

“Thank you for wanting to know more about me,” Alix said, smiling as she slid her hand over to briefly touch his.  It looked as if Pai was reaching for a knife.  “My dad and older brother work at the Engineering Center, up the road.  I’ve been to the moon a few times and seem to have a knack for astrogation.  As a girl, though, I’m banned from too long in space.”

“Why is that?” he asked.  These people talk about space travel so easily.  But, I guess it’s normal for them.

“Because of cosmic ray damage,” Pai answered, now her reaching to touch Alix’s cheek.  “Even with modern shielding, it builds up.  In all of the Polar Alliance, precious female breeders cannot be put at risk.”

“Breeder.” Alix held the last spoonful of soup before her mouth.  “Something you will never be.”

“You mentioned my distant cousin, Henge.” Pai looked smug.  “Never be surprised what one of us can do.  Are you finished, beloved Graf?  I think we should take a walk before crossing over.”