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so’s own heirs” He looks across the roooes into his formal post of attention

Master Seke, usually reticent, ser to see if we can use any of her blood enhance on Zandia beat this tricky virus He is already preparing the testing equipment he will need This could be aand for us all”

A spear of h me “He won’t hurt her” It’s as much a threat as a question

Seke seems surprised “You knoill not All hunity as he exaation”

I believe this to be true I also am fairly sure that Kailani will not care for that distinction

Master Seke looks atwith such a prize Please keep us updated on coress Once you hit atmosphere, we’ll direct you”

“Understood Thank you” I look back at her “There is oneI need to do first to ensure her survival”

I explain to Master Seke about the medicine and her headaches He approves the stop on Dentron and promises to send h it is

“There are locals,” he tells h without tech The weather is going to turn any tierous storms Be careful I’ve sent you maps enhanced with bio markers for plant matter—hopefully it will help you find the flower fields you need”

Master Seke signs off with a reainst any bacterial threats on Dentron, leavinghuman

I sigh and set the coordinates for Dentron It’s only two light years ae’ll be there in under an hour, even accounting for the detours I’ll erous asteroid belts

Kailanithe ship on auto-pilot

“Shhh,” I soothe, sitting on the cot beside her and stroking her cheek “You’re safe” I lie on the cot beside her to pull her into ain I promise”

Whether she can hear me or not is aunintelligible and relaxes into h it’s folly and will only lend me a false sense of intimacy, I continue to hold her while she slumbers

“Everything will be all right,” I say, even though it’s not likely—for her or for myself