EPILOGUE
TWO WEEKS LATER
Engaging in protocol.
3
2
1
Latest Download Complete.
Marcin opened his eyes.The meditation pad he knelt slowly stopped glowing as the system disconnected.
He took a few deep breaths as he centered himself.
The latest data protocols had been transferred, and Marcin’s new duties for the week had been uploaded.
He, Kolvin and Solkan were part of the team of Rhimodians building up a new settlement on Sol-1.This moon was separate from the main Rhimodian population, but it was an important location, because much of their blue grass growing was done there on some of the many islands scattered over the moon.
Master System wanted permanent residence there to protect the asset, but also, it was a good location for the Rhimodians who had mates.
As a new developing protocol, separation from the rest of the Rhimodians felt prudent.
Until more of a baseline of determining the proper way to integrate this emotional aspect into their cybernetic lives.
There was a great deal of practical work to be done on Sol-1.Converting some of the residences into places that couples could thrive topped the list.
Marcin enjoyed the work.
It was hard.
It was busy.
But no one shot at him, nor did he have to shoot anyone.
“Are you going to get up?Solkan will be here soon with the transport,” Gianna said as she came into the bedroom.
He pushed up from the mat.“I am ready, I think.”
He held out his hands and his clothing, a modification of his lysteel flight suit, wrapped around him so he was dressed, and boots covered his feet.
She reached up and touched his cheek.“You’re so cute when you’re silver.”
In his head, he heard Solkan telling him he was running late.
Marcin shrugged.
He wasn’t surprised.
He walked into the kitchen area and saw that Gianna had the latest galactic and sector bulletins on.She said she wanted to know more about how the political scene worked, so she was more understanding of things, so she watched all the time.
She had a little file in her computer with a grid—she called it a spread sheet—that she used to keep track of stuff, so she could figure out the political waves.
Why it mattered so much, he didn’t know, but she said it was important for her next book, so she was trying to figure it out.
He rubbed his head, feeling the protocols get processed.It was so strange, after going so many years without upgrades, to suddenly start getting them again.
