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"Well--they are finished expecting The baby was a shell"

Eyes widening, Levana clasped a hand over her lee that threatened to spill out "A shell?"

"Me went to collect her yesterday, for…" Channary sighed, like it was too exhausting to remember all these pesky details "Whatever those scientists are using the shells for"

"Blood platelets For an antidote to the disease"

"Yes, that’s right How can you relanced down at the baby, as now in a satiated stupor as she sucked on the bottle’s nipple She turned back to the view of Earth, of the lake, of all the happy couples

"A shell," she "

"I’ve noticed that you’re not getting any larger," said Channary, pacing out to join her on the balcony "Unless your gla her jaw, Levana didn’t respond

"Tell me, hoedded bliss these days? It’s been a while since I heard you wax on and on about how much you love your husband I rather miss those days"

"We are fine, thank you," said Levana Quickly realizing how very un-fine that sounded, she added, "I still love hi, Channary leaned back against the rail "Lies, lies Though I can never tell whether you’re lying toI have ever wanted"

"How quaint I really thought you would have set your sights a little … higher"

Channary’s attention drifted upward, to the blue-and-white orb hanging in the sky

"What does thatainst my will, I ado on and on about this biological warfare they’re planning It’s exhausting"

"You are a model of patience," Levana deadpanned

"Well, I’ve been seeing pictures of the royal faued" She tried to take the child’s bottle away, but baby Selene whi it back into her mouth

"The royal family? Isn’t the prince only a child?"