Page 16 of Pirate By Parrot

Ves spoke. “It was necessary. She was not rising, and I could not communicate with her. Marko suggested direct intervention, so I downloaded a map of a Terran brain, scaled it up, and put in the filaments. They have mostly absorbed already.”

Annabelle cleared her throat. “Do you think they will let me stay on Rai?”

“They do have a retreat there that the other Reset is working on, and they specialize in getting Guardians the help they need and finding out what their heart needs.”

Annabelle paused. “That is what she does. She helps them open up what their soul wants.”

“That is what they say. So, do you consider Rai a possible destination?”

Annabelle smiled. “I think it’s a good start. I am already wearing the robe.”

They giggled and finished their meals, talking about Earth, changes, and society moving forward as one in slow starts and jerks. Some countries still tried to flail around and impose their will, but that faded quickly when the benefits of the Alliance were withdrawn from all warring nations. Minerva may not be acknowledged by all, but Gaia was making her presence felt. Having a Lunar Base that no government could claim was also a handy thing. It kept the Alliance moving along smoothly.

Ves directed Annabelle to her quarters where a terminal had been set up, and Alyla’s face was bright and smiling, her monochromatic patterns bright and her grin wide.

“Hi, Annabelle. My name is Alyla, and you have met my mother, or maybe her alter ego, Recruiter Norz. She has things to work on, but she asked me to talk to you as long as you need until you are comfortable, no matter the topic.”

Annabelle walked to the chair and took a seat. Mel listened to her start the conversation, and then she left the Terran to her conversation.

Mel went to bed, and Marko came in and chortled on her covered perch. She didn’t need the darkness, but she liked to be close when Mel slept.

Mel had one question for Ves regarding her companion, and the answer was that processed foods became fuel and made Marko a self-contained unit that needed fuel for an input. No messy base of the stands aside from cracked seeds and splashed water.

Mel settled for bed in her bodysuit; a solar shower was fine for the small amount of time Annabelle would be with her.

She muttered, “Whatever kind of vessel you are cooking up, Ves, can you give me instructions on how to fly it?”

“It will not be necessary. I am going with you.”

“What?”

“I am sending myself, bots, and a link to this station with you so that you are not unguarded.”

“Why is that a thing?”

“Because your people are worried about you and wish to make sure that you are protected. I will protect you.”

“You are a space station.”

“Who knows how to fly a ship.”

“Ouch. Mean. So, do you have a robot or something?”

He chuckled. “Or something. Rest. Relax. Tomorrow, you will get to see the stars.”

“I can see them from the station.” She yawned and settled to try and sleep.

“Not like this. The Rai system is particularly beautiful. You and Marko will have fun.”

“Why are you so concerned about us enjoying ourselves?”

“I am concerned that you and your companion have not seen the best of what the heavy worlds have to offer. Rai is not a heavy world, but it is near several. They see your people often.”

“My people?” She yawned again.

“Heavy worlders. Rest now. I have to fit the ship with rations.”

She chuckled and closed her eyes. The light in her room dimmed, and she heard,“Night, you cow.”

---