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“Not right away,” he agreed. “But probably by the time you're all healed. It will only be a formality.”
I frowned. “But it means I'm a pet. An owned creature.”
Tolly sounded a negative rattle, then a rumble of agreement.
“That was a confusing mix of sounds,” I said, feeling amused despite the pain.
“All the forms have been filled out and approved,” Tolly said with a purr. “You'll own yourself the moment you're registered as a human pet. If we're ever separated, you'll be able to give instructions for your care through the fake entity that officially owns you but you control.”
“What?” I said. “Explain it as if I'm on drugs that make my brain process slowly.”
He sounded a rumble of amusement and explained a complex ruse that included a shell company and a network of message delivery systems that would eventually lead back to me.
“Clever,” I said.
“It was Narmuna's idea, and he's the one who made it possible,” Tolly said.
“I'll have to think of a way to thank him,” I said, most of my apprehension about being inside the Talin Empire gone. “What’s the name of the company?”
“Precious Mineral,” I said.
It took me a moment then I smiled up at him. “Because my name is Opal?”
He sounded a rumble of agreement.
“What if I can't get my hands on any tech to send a message as Precious Mineral?” she asked. It was a good question that Narmuna had thought of.
“Narmuna set it up so you'll be sent to live with my sister until the company answers,” I explained. “She works as an agriculturalist on Galik Colony. She is kind and honorable. She'll take good care of you. While you're there and able to get your hands on an information square, you'll be able to send a message as if you were the company and guide what happens to you.”
I cupped his cheek. “That better not happen.”
He sounded a questioning rumble. “Being with my sister? I promise, she's a good individual.”
“No. I better not end up separated from you while inside your empire’s borders,” I said.
I felt the ship shake a little and then the familiar sound of docking bots grabbing hold of the ship to shift it into place.
I pulled off the covers and tried to sit up but hissed and fell back as pain shot up my leg. I was still wearing my clothes from yesterday, so pants covered everything but my feet. I looked down at my body to see my injured foot looked as swollen as yesterday, but it had also turned an alarming purple color.
This was the first time I’d ever been injured so severely that I was scared I might end up with permanent damage.
Tolly leaned over me, purring. “The healers will know what to do.”
Like many humans, I grew up hearing horror stories about humans being treated by medical personnel that didn’t know how to deal with us. Most humans traveled with detailed medical information on human physiology, but mine was back on Bright Star Station.
“I’m scared,” I whispered.
His purring got louder. “I can’t take your fear away, but you can borrow my courage if you need it.”
“I don’t think that’s how it works,” I said, but his sweetness made me smile.
The ship made a last thudding movement and then was still. We were docked.
“It’s time,” Tolly said. “I’m going to pick you up. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”
“I know,” I said.
He lifted me up, and I did my best not to react. I couldn’t help the whimper that slipped out of me. It hurt so badly I was ready for them to cut it off if it would only stop the pain.
