Lily waved.“Hi.Trin is a friend.If we hesitate, she recently changed her name.Very recently.”
“What was it before?”
“Will.The same as her father and grandfather.”
“But she is female.”
“Hence, the change as soon as the last family member was dead.”
Birun nodded.“So no one to upset.”
“Correct.”Lily smiled.
“Are you sure you are the same species?”
Nebel laughed.“They go beyond compatible.They are malleable.Our nanites work on their biology and physical aspects.They don’t only fit, they change.”
Lily laughed.“And we have little Hmrain hybrids with higher concentration rates and cute little wings.”
Nebel grinned.“Ours is with his nanny.”
Birun blinked.“Really?How long have I been asleep?”
“Three hundred and twenty years.You linked to my systems about fifty years ago.”Nebel smiled.“That is how I know you were waking.”
Birun nodded.“I am still waking up.I wasn’t expecting a guest.”
Lily paused.“Does she still have the program with her?”
“Boss?Yes.”
“So...you have noticed...”
“That he and I share a vocal pattern.Yes.Apparently, Trin enjoys listening to it.”
Nebel snorted.“That is an understatement, but I am sure you will figure it out.”
“Why does Boss keep mentioning that she was a caretaker?”
Lily smiled softly.“She kept her grandfather alive while our world was dying.She stepped up for him and got him on an exit shuttle.She helped him navigate the Education Station and go through testing that astonished the administrators.She helped him adapt to life on Nebel, and she was at his side each and every day until he passed.The moment he was gone, she left.I don’t think she has ever been on her own before, and while it may be exciting for a while, I think she is going to feel alone and vulnerable in very short order.Bear that in mind if she goes a little crazy.”
“So, having had a weight removed, she will jolt suddenly.”
Lily beamed as if he were a child.“Exactly.”
Nebel chuckled.“Based on his expression, you have insulted him.Off you go, love.”
Lily snorted and pointed at the screen.“You had better be nice to her.She’s a good friend.”
When the female had left, showing that her back was covered with nodes for some kind of accessory, Birun looked at her back.“What are those for?”
Nebel grinned in triumph.“Her wings.I designed a set for her, and she flies with me regularly.”
Birun blinked.“So, she truly adapted to you.”
“Yes.Their world suffered a catastrophic asteroid strike.There is no going back.They also were one of Ra’s favoured worlds, so the Education Station had to refund their bonds.”
“So, she is not available for a contract?”
