Skylar looked over.“Those are...”
“Yup.I was nearly one of your collection, but I wrapped myself up and got help.It wasn’t easy, and it was nearly the last thing that I ever did, but here I am with people who tolerate me and a purpose.Fucking hell, I needed a purpose.”
Skylar said softly, “Surviving isn’t enough for you?”
“Not when my past is ruined, and I am the last of my family.Delia and I were the last two.Now she’s gone, and I am the end of the line.She is asking me to extend the line.”
Chloe smiled.“It’s pretty simple.”
“What is?”
“Turning back your body clock.You are pretty fit to start with, so this is easy.”
The warmth filled her completely, and Margo grunted.“I thought I would have more time.”
“I gave you more time.You have an extra century, maybe two.”
“To do what?Well, I guess I can ferry you two around for a while, until you take up with Dytura and Skylar takes up with whatever else is out there that is both bright and scary.”
Skylar inclined her horned head with a grin.
Chloe smiled.“So, your organs have backed up into your twenties now, all of them.You are primed now; you just need to meet the guy who feels like the right fit.”
Margo continued eating and gave her a droll look.
“Emotionally.”
Margo laughed.“Right.Yes.Emotionally.Thank you, Chloe.”
“You are welcome.I am wondering what this is going to look like when it happens.”
“Ah, so I am an experiment.That makes me feel better.I am going to eat, grab a nap, and then workout a little in the gym.”
Skylar perked up.“Can you teach me combat?”
“Oh, sure.”
Chloe raised her hand.“Me, too.”
Cori laughed.“Me, three.”
Geri was sitting there.“I already know how to fight.But I will come along for practice with the new body.”
Margo nodded.“Just give me four hours to get my shit together, and I will be there.”
She got up, bused her tray, and headed for her quarters.The large space allocated to her rank was nice, but taking a shower and tucking herself into bed felt nicer.
* * * *
Chloe stretched inthe bodysuit that the computer had considered appropriate for exercise.The other ladies were wearing something similar.It felt like they were gathering for an aerobics class.
When Margo walked into the room, the warrior was on display.Her bodysuit had no sleeves, her marks were bright, and her hair was up tight in a braid that was reminiscent of a bloody waterfall.
Skylar hopped up and down, clapping.“Teacher’s here.”
Margo smiled.“And I brought backup.”
Arven walked in, and he looked wary.
