“My nanites.The ones I programmed.Bio Organic System Security.They do what is asked of them and no more.”
Nebel frowned.“You programmed?”
“Sure.My grandfather was the mechanical inventor, and I was the programmer.”
Lily checked her records.“You are not declared as an inventor in the files.”
“I know.I was registered as his caretaker.Now that he is gone, my contract indicates that I need to leave.I am going to find a quiet bit of silence with no people in the middle of somewhere inhospitable.”
Lily frowned.“You can stay here.”
Nebel brought the contract up on his tablet.“No, she can’t.The caretaker requirement means that after her charge no longer needs her, she has no value to our people and must leave the planet within ten days.”
Lily blinked.“You can go to the station and come back.”
“No.I can’t.I don’t want to be here.I don’t like warm weather.I don’t like naked people everywhere, and I don’t like the domes and mandatory housing.Plus, if I stay here, I have to get tested as a new arrival, and the compatibility issue comes into play.”
Lilly looked at Nebel and said, “Oh.”
“Not him, Lily, but he would start to look for a match for me because he thinks it’s fun.And he’s a bit of a jerk.”
Lily snorted.“Ah.You aren’t wrong on all counts.”
Nebel shrugged.“It is fun to tease my brothers with what they cannot have.I would make sure you have a good match, Will.”
“I am sure you would think so, but I need to grieve.Standard time is about a year.I can’t do it here.Too many people look like they escaped the festivities of Mardi Gras.”
Lily grinned.“Okay, there is some resemblance.Do you need help packing?”
“No.I have two suits, and they are already packed.”
“What about your formal outfits?”
“The sparkly tissue paper?Unnecessary.”She waved it off.
Lily sighed.“Take it with you.It doesn’t take up much space.”
“Why?How many trackers are in them?”
Nebel smiled.“Eight per outfit.We will worry.You have suffered a loss and are heading for unknown reaches of space.Take it as a favour.We need to know where you are.”
Lily nodded.“Please.There will be a few other things that you can sell if you get into trouble.”
Will cocked her head.“I don’t need anything.This is a fresh start.I took care of him before the end, took care of him during the time of clouds and shadows.He had a wonderful knack for machinery and kept the power on for our town.I helped him then, and I have legally been with him since I was fifteen, but living with him since I was eight.So, for the last fifteen years.I am tired and need to rest.”
Nebel stiffened.“No.”He was radiating tension, and his gaze looked militant.
Lily patted him.“Sorry, Will.That’s a phrase used by consorts who want to let themselves die.”
Will looked at the Hmrain, who was broadcasting intent to lock her in a room somewhere.“Oh, well, in that case, I want a vacation where I don’t have to look after anyone else.Looking after myself is something I want to try.”
Nebel gradually relaxed.“You will keep in touch?”
“Sure.I will even continue programming for some of your inventors.I am very good with coding.”
Nebel nodded.“Thank you.I liked your grandfather.He was charming and good with people.”
“I am neither.I just want somewhere quiet for me to think about what I want to do next.I have picked a list of ten stations and bases that are automated and silent.I have planned routes to one of them.”
