08:15, February 14, 2295

  St. Elara's Medical Complex, Room 520B, East Wing, 52th Floor, 2450 Riverside Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, Terra Alliance territory

  Gentle beeping sounds and the sterile scent of antiseptics nudged Lorna Weiss from the depths of unconsciousness. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing a dimly lit hospital room bathed in the morning glow. Tubes snaked away from her arm, an IV stand stood beside her bed. She tried to sit up but was met with a wave of dizziness that forced her back onto the pillow.

  In her peripheral vision, Zhi-Xin Wu sat in a steel chair. His slender fingers typed on the holographic interface of his Quantum Watch, green light casting an otherworldly glow on his intent face.

  Despite her blurred sight, Lorna could discern strings of text indicating recent Extranet search terms as they hovered above the watch's face, reflected on a small mirror behind where Xin was seated:

  'Fenris strain cure'

  'How to heal thermal blade cuts'

  'Racial/ethnic differences in body language & eating habits: Valoran, Nordling, Djinno, Imperial, Novian'

  'Valoran female / Imperial male dating: Hurdles to overcome'

  The last strings made her stir in the bed, a faint chuckle escaping her lips.

  And the moment Xin noticed, his eyes widened and the watch was deactivated.

  "Lorna…you're awake," he stammered as he rose from his seat. His hand reached out to touch hers, hesitated in mid-air, and then gently grasped her fingers as if they were the most fragile things in the world. "How do you feel? Are you okay?"

  She noted the contrast between their appearances. She was draped in a plain white hospital gown with her long blonde hair hanging loosely, while Xin looked effortlessly put together in his dark green hoodie clinging to his slender frame and black pants.

  Lorna licked her parched lips, her tongue feeling like sandpaper against the dryness. "Water," she croaked.

  "Of course," Xin rose from his seat with fluid grace. He approached a sleek panel beside her bed, his slender olive fingers moving across its surface. With a whir of machinery, the panel disgorged a svelte glass filled with water, crystalline and pure.

  The technology, she knew, was as much alchemy as science, transmuting air into purified water — modern cold fusion at its most utilitarian and humble.

  "I would add lemon juice, but maybe next time?" His voice was soothing as he handed her the glass.

  "Hmph," Sitting up, she accepted it with a nod, her fingers brushing against his in a fleeting touch. She brought the rim to her lips, the cool liquid cascading down her throat.

  As she drank, she studied him over the rim of the glass, noting the clench of his jaw, the way his gaze lingered on her just a moment too long before averting.

  "Thanks," she murmured, setting the glass aside as she glanced around the hospital room, her voice no longer coarse. "How long was I out?"

  "Well, let's see," Xin leaned back, tapping his leg with his hand. "You've missed exactly two sunrises, one rainy morning, one full moon, and an entire season of 'Galactic Gladiators' reruns." He flashed her a conspiratorial grin as he brandished the glowing green watch on his left wrist. "But don't worry, I recorded the highlights for you."

  Her lips twitched into a smile, despite the weariness that clung to her. "So, four days then?"

  "Yeah," he confirmed with a nod. "And in those four days, Diego has given me the promised compensation — plus a few small things to upgrade my gear and build a small project."

  "What kind of project?" she asked.

  "The kind that'll help with the upcoming mission." he tilted his head.

  "So they let you become one of us without asking me first, huh?" she quipped, careful not to move too much with the IV still attached to her left wrist.

  "Wouldn't want to put too much pressure on you, am I right?" Xin said, leaning back in the chair, his posture relaxed yet attentive.

  "You saying I missed all the fun?" She replied, half-jest, half-challenge.

  "Define 'fun'," Xin countered with a knowing smile.

  "Anything that doesn't involve being hooked to machines," Lorna retorted.

  "Then by that definition," he said, his eyes locking onto hers, "you haven't missed a thing."

  "Right." The remnants of her dream clung to her like morning mist, making the sterile hospital room feel surreal. She found herself studying Xin's face - so different from the Nordic features that had populated her motherland. His olive skin, his dark eyes, the slight accent in his careful English.

  "You seem lost in thought," Xin observed.

  "Just...remembering things," Lorna replied, absently touching the scar on her left cheek. "How old are you, Xin?"

  "I'll be 41 this October." His posture straightened, curious. "Why?"

  "My 29th birthday is coming up soon, but sometimes I feel..." she trailed off, searching for words. "Sometimes I feel ancient. Like I've lived several lives already."

  "Well, life's a rough journey. It's okay to feel exhausted sometimes." Xin managed.

  "Is my face okay, Xin? Does it look...you know," Lorna lowered her gaze and placed a hand on her cheek. Her fingers traced the rough texture of a thin, long scar from the knife wound, memories of the torture she endured from Iron Roach and Kaori still fresh in her mind.

  "Well, you're still the most beautiful woman I've ever known," Xin replied casually, but his tone betrayed his concern.

  Lorna felt vulnerable yet not uncomfortable. She lifted her head, her hand lingering on the scarred wound on her cheek, hiding it from his view. "It's alright, Xin. Tell me the truth."

  "Well, it…it's a thermal blade cut, right? The doctor said it'll take about a week to heal. Said you should take three Medi-Vap doses each day," Xin pursed his lips.

  "Typical combat injury, then," Lorna relaxed as her hand left her cheek.

  "Still…" Xin's voice grew angry as he eyed the scar on her face. "If I ever come across whoever did this to you, I'll make them pay."

  Half-smiling, Lorna looked down again, feeling a slight strain on her cheek. But Xin's shared anger made her feel better somehow.

  The tranquility of the room shattered as Lorna’s bedside table erupted into electronic chimes, assaulting the stillness that had cocooned them. Xin’s hand shot out, pressing the blue panel.

  A hologram flickered into existence — Doctor Nikki Chakraborty, her sharp, intelligent eyes framed by a pair of sleek glasses that glinted with reflection. Her long, dark hair was meticulously braided, draped over her shoulder in a way that complemented the rich tone of her elderly countenance and the blue-white medical robes she wore.

  "Lorna. How are you feeling? Need more time?" Nikki’s voice carried the sharpness of professionalism but not devoid of sympathy.

  Lorna shifted, a hint of defiance glinting in her blue gaze. "I’m okay. It was just another mission ." she replied.

  "Good. Mr. Wu, if you could give us a moment?" Nikki continued, her eyes shifting toward Xin.

  Xin hesitated, his hands fidgeting.

  "It’s alright, Doc," Lorna's fingers traced her bed sheet as she looked at Nikki’s hologram. "Xin can stay."

  Nikki’s eyes narrowed minutely. A pause before she continued. "Very well. Be advised, Mr. Wu, this conversation remains confidential. I trust you know what that means?"

  "I do, Doctor. Thank you," Xin settled back into his seat as Nikki’s hologram dissipated.

  The room’s white entrance door hissed open. Nikki walked in to position herself on the opposite side of Lorna's bed. The subtle click of the IV tubes disconnecting from Lorna's arm echoed ominously in the room.

  "Alright, let’s cut to the chase," Nikki intoned, her even tone threading through.

  "Okay." Lorna's hand stilled as she clutched the edge of her bed. Her eyes, twin pools of oceanic blue reflecting the storm within, locked onto Nikki's gaze, searching for a flicker of hope.

  "Combat-induced injuries aside," Nikki's tone was clinical but not unkind, "you've been infected with the Nucleus Virus. The Fenris variant, stage one."

  Lorna's fingers tightened on the bedsheet. "Am I turning? Into a Radi-Mon?"

  "No. We caught it within the 72-hour window. You'll remain human." Nikki's eyes flickered briefly to Xin before returning to Lorna. "However, the Virus is permanent. Transmissible through any exchange of bodily fluids or Aether."

  The implications hung heavy in the air. Lorna closed her eyes, a bitter smile touching her lips. "So that's it then. No more...connections. Not without risking someone else's life."

  "There are precautions," Nikki said, "but given your line of work and the Virus's ability to transfer through Aether exchange, complete abstinence would be safest. Your aging process will halt, which some consider a benefit, but in the future, you might need medication to manage the psychological effects."

  "Psychological effects?" Xin asked. shifting in his seat.

  "Disrupted sleep patterns. Night terrors. Possible personality changes if left untreated." Nikki disconnected and left the IV stand. "The medical fees have been deducted from your salary."

  "What?" Lorna's eyes snapped open. "I caught this virus for fighting—"

  "An engagement that Diego firmly advised against," Nikki cut her off, though not unkindly. "I'll inform Director Otis of your recovery. Two days until you're cleared for duty."

  After Nikki left, silence filled the room like smoke. Lorna stared at her hands, wondering how many parts of herself she'd have to sacrifice to this job.

  "Hey, it's not — insurmountable," Xin said quietly. "There are ways."

  "To what?" Lorna's laugh held no humor. "To pretend everything's normal? That I'm not poison to anyone I touch?" She met his eyes, saw the concern there, the desire to help. It only made it worse. "This job...physical intimacy was my escape. The one place I could just be...human. And now even that's gone."

  Xin's response was measured. "I understand. With the androids, it was similar. A space where control didn't matter. Where consequences didn't exist."

  Lorna stared at him. "Androids? You're comparing my situation to...using sex bots?"

  "That's not what I—" Xin started, then stopped, pushing his glasses up. "There was someone I had. An android named Ume."

  "Had?"

  "She's…with the Directorate now." A shadow crossed his face. "But before her, I tried the "pay to win" route. Leased Lily contracts. Three of them, actually."

  "Three." Lorna repeated, realization flickering in her eyes.

  "Surprising, I imagine," Xin probed. his posture wavering slightly.

  "No. I know what that's like." Lorna let out a sigh before continuing. "What happened?"

  "I kept breaking the cardinal rule," Xin said with a self-deprecating smile. "Got emotionally attached. Made things awkward. The first one, Annette, requested early termination after I wrote her a love letter. Similar cases for Ying and Megumi…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "Anyway, that's why I switched to androids. At least with them, the boundaries are clear. Or they were."

  "Until this Ume," Lorna finished. She studied him with new interest, seeing past the Imperial programmer's careful exterior.

  "Yeah." Xin met her gaze. "So I'd like to think I understand needing an escape, needing to feel human. Not exactly the same way, but...you know?"

  The confession hung between them, more intimate than anticipated.

  The entrance door hissed open.

  Diego's arrival interrupted whatever might have followed, his swagger a welcome break in the tension.

  "?Oye! Look who's finally awake," Diego grinned, approaching Lorna's bedside. He carried a small holographic tablet in one hand, its screen flickering with data. "Ready to raise hell again, hermana? "

  "Almost," Lorna replied, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "Just need to get out of this damn bed."

  Diego nodded, then turned to Xin. "Got some news for you, amigo. We found that green beauty of yours." He tapped his tablet, bringing up a 3D rendering of Xin's car — or what remained of it. The vehicle was a mangled mess of twisted metal and shattered glass, barely recognizable from the sleek machine that had crashed through Terminal 5 to rescue Lorna.

  Xin's eyes widened behind his glasses, relief and surprise in his voice. "You found it. How?"

  "I have connections in places where official Alliance channels don't reach." Diego winked, holding up a finger.

  "What's left of it, anyway," Lorna observed dryly, studying the hologram.

  "Hey, ramming it through a starport wall then into a cybernetic Golden Serpent wasn't in the user manual," Diego chuckled. "But it's salvageable. Fusion core is intact. Got it moved to a secure garage in Stardust Command."

  Xin leaned forward as he examined the damage. "And the dashboard is alright? The custom modifications I made?"

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  "Memory banks are recoverable. The rest..." Diego made a so-so gesture with his hand. "It'll take time, ese. Couple months, maybe more. Parts for these models aren't exactly lying around. And restoration won't be cheap."

  "SIMU has funds for this kind of thing, right?" Lorna said suddenly, drawing surprised looks from both men. She shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement. "Why not talk to Director Otis?"

  Diego's eyebrows shot up, a knowing smile curling his lips as he glanced between them. "Well, mira esto. You're onto something."

  "Xin's colleagues," Lorna said flatly, though the slight flush creeping up her neck belied her tone.

  "Of course. I'll talk to the Director." Diego tucked the tablet under his arm and headed for the door. "Oh, and — the Atomic Summit's pretty heated up today. Alliance and Imperium delegates nearly came to blows. Might want to check the news?"

  With that cryptic comment, Diego slipped out, leaving Lorna and Xin alone once more.

  "Might as well see what the fuss is about," Lorna sighed, eyeing the television mounted on the opposite wall. "Remote?"

  Xin located the remote on the side table and handed it to her, their fingers brushing momentarily. The slight contact sent an unexpected jolt through Lorna, making her pause before accepting it with a mumbled thanks. She pressed the power button, and the screen flickered to life.

  The Atomic News Network logo spun into view before dissolving to reveal a split screen. Lorna's eyebrows shot up as she recognized Diego on one side, looking formal as usual in a crisp navy suit with the Alliance insignia pinned to his lapel. On the other side was a Djinno woman with heart-shaped face, full lips, and dark brown eyes. With a bindi in the middle of her forehead, the woman's elegant features were framed by lustrous black hair adorned with intricate golden ornaments, and she wore the distinctive red and gold robes of an Imperium official.

  "—is nothing short of an invasion of sovereign territory," the woman was saying, her voice carrying the melodic yet authoritative tone common among high-ranking Imperium diplomats. "The Terra Alliance's unauthorized incursion into Taipei demonstrates a flagrant disregard for international law."

  "Secretary Shazmeen," Diego countered, leaning slightly forward with an intensity Lorna had rarely seen in him outside of missions, "the Imperium's failure to uphold its obligations under the Svalbard Concordat forced our hand. Your government was entrusted with containing Primarch Skarn. Instead, evidence suggests you've been weaponizing this dangerous Radi-Mon for military applications."

  "No wonder!" Xin exclaimed, chuckling.

  "Diego doubles as media spokesperson when asked to, yeah," Lorna muttered with a knowing grin, shifting herself higher against the pillows. "I think that's his favorite part of the job. See how his Novian accent is gone? If the screen was off, I'd have thought it was a local Valoran speaking."

  Shazmeen arranged her features into indignant disbelief. Lorna could tell the expression was feigned. "These accusations are baseless propaganda designed to justify illegal Alliance operations on Imperium soil. We categorically reject—"

  "Is that why multiple witnesses reported seeing Skarn fitted with Imperium cybernetic enhancements?" Diego interrupted, his normally casual demeanor replaced by diplomatic steel. "Technology that bears the unmistakable signature of your military research division?"

  Shazmeen's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Your 'witnesses' are nothing more than paid provocateurs spreading misinformation. The Imperium demands immediate sanctions against the Alliance for this unprovoked aggression!"

  "So that's what Diego meant about the Summit heating up," Xin said, watching the exchange with rapt attention, alive with excitement. "He's calling them out on what they did to Skarn, what they did to us."

  "They're both doing their jobs." Lorna studied the screen, noting the practiced confidence in Diego's posture, the calculated indignation in Shazmeen's gestures. It was theater, she knew—carefully choreographed political performance with real consequences. "Just doing their jobs." she repeated.

  "You don't sound excited," Xin continued, turning to Lorna with unexpected intensity. "The Imperium would use the Moondust Crystal to control everyone if they could. We're on the right side of this."

  Lorna studied him, noting the passionate flush on his cheeks, the earnest set of his jaw.

  "I wish I could be excited like you about these things. You feel...younger, almost naive. I envy that." she shifted uncomfortably against her pillows, one hand absently touching the scar on her cheek.

  "Hey, I'm a lucky Imperial, getting to live outside the iron curtain, right?" Xin scratched his head, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips. "Luck. A sign that the gods have deemed our paths righteous and given us aid."

  "I don't know if gods exist at all." she sighed, looking to the side, memories of her last days in Scandinavia flashing by in her mind. "If they do, it's like they enjoy watching us suffer."

  "Gods or not, the Alliance and the Valorans' positive attitude is much more inspiring than…I don't know…the whole 'Obey your superiors and elders' that we'd teach back home." Xin held up a hand. "But I get it. It's okay to feel down on some days."

  Lorna could almost her heart ache at his comment. If only he knew she was no Valoran. If only she could tell him. But would he even understand? The weight and burden of her heritage?

  "I chose the Alliance because it made the most sense at the time," she said finally, her voice matter-of-fact. "Not because I believe they're the good guys."

  Xin's expression faltered slightly. "Chose? They? I thought you were born here?"

  Evading the questions, Lorna gestured toward the screen, where Diego and Secretary Varma had devolved into thinly veiled accusations. "You think the Alliance officials wouldn't use the Crystal if they got their hands on it? Every faction wants power."

  Xin was quiet for a moment, processing her words. Then he moved from his chair to perch carefully on the edge of her bed.

  "Maybe," he conceded, his voice low. "But isn't it worth fighting for the lesser evil? For a chance to make things better, even if it's not perfect?"

  Lorna turned to face him, suddenly aware of the distance between them. His earnest expression, the subtle furrow of his brow. Something about those made her want to both pull him closer and push him away. Her fingers twisted in the hospital sheets, anchoring herself against the confusing impulse.

  "Maybe," she echoed, her blue eyes dropping briefly to his lips before darting away. "Or maybe I'm just tired of fighting other people's wars."

  Xin leaned back slightly, giving her space, but his eyes remained locked on hers. "What would you fight for, if you could choose?"

  The question hung between them. Lorna opened her mouth to respond. "There's someone I've been wanting to find. My — " Her voice caught, hesitating on the word she hadn't spoken aloud in years.

  The door slid open with a pneumatic hiss, cutting off whatever she might have said. Thomas and Emmanuel stood in the doorway, each carrying brown paper bags that emanated the unmistakable aroma of greasy, delicious fast food. Thomas's cybernetic arms whirred as they reflected the dim lighting, his silver irises taking in the scene with a knowing glint.

  "Hope we're not interrupting anything?" Thomas asked, one metallic hand propped against the doorframe.

  "Because we can come back later if you two need a moment," Emmanuel added with a barely suppressed grin, holding up his paper bag and giving it a tempting shake. "Or we could share these burgers and shakes from Wendell's. Your call."

  "Well, don't just stand there teasing us with those bags," Lorna called out, managing a smile.

  Thomas and Emmanuel exchanged looks before entering, distributing the food.

  The television continued to play in the background, showing the Atomic Accord Summit coverage. A dignified Maridian man stood at the podium, his bald head gleaming under the harsh lights. The caption identified him as 'Chairman Kofi Mensah, Emerald Directorate.'

  "Regarding the allegations concerning android unit U6-M9," a reporter's voice cut through the background murmur, "how does the Directorate respond to claims of unauthorized acquisition?"

  Chairman Mensah's response was measured, his hands resting calmly on the podium. "I'm not certain that designation refers to any android I personally know, but the Directorate maintains diplomatic channels with all nations across the Inner Sol."

  "And the reported confrontation in NIPU territory?" Another reporter pressed.

  "The current climate of interplanetary relations is complex." Mensah's slight smile never wavered. "Just last week, we discussed territorial disputes with the Alliance on Jupiter's moons. The week before, concerns about the Imperium's dominance on Mars. Perhaps we should focus on these broader matters?"

  Lorna noticed Xin's fingers tighten almost imperceptibly on his chair's armrest, though his face remained carefully neutral.

  "The Directorate sure knows how to play both sides," Thomas said between bites of his burger, gesturing at the screen with his metallic hand, "ever think about going back, Manny?"

  Emmanuel snorted, settling into a chair. "Nah, I'm good here." He passed Lorna a vanilla shake. "Besides, Celine's probably taken my old spot by now."

  "Could've been running your own warband by now," Thomas pressed, but his tone was light, teasing.

  "Yeah. Could've been dead in a ditch too," Emmanuel countered. "You know how it gets out there. Especially with these Radi-Mon sightings increasing beyond the Belts."

  Lorna massaged her temple, trying to will away the growing pressure in her skull. The movement didn't go unnoticed by Thomas.

  "We should probably head out," he said, standing. "Got that training session at noon, Xin. Don't forget – Director's orders."

  Xin nodded, checking his watch. "The basics of marksmanship, correct?"

  "Among other things." Thomas gathered the empty wrappers.

  Emmanuel rose, stretching and turning to Lorna with a grin. "Try not to miss us too much, okay?"

  "Just go," Lorna waved them off. "And thanks for the food."

  After they left, Lorna stared down at her half-eaten burger, her stomach growling in protest. "This isn't going to cut it, though," she muttered, pushing the wrapper away. "I feel like I could eat three more of these. At least."

  "How about some additions, then?" Xin replied, voice tinged with subtle confidence. He got up and walked to a nearby table to gather some items.

  Upon returning, he carefully placed several plates of food on her bedside table, arranging them with care. Three plates were set before her: steamed rice, succulent slices of pork coated in soy sauce, and stir-fried cabbage. Next to them were two porcelain bowls, each the size of Lorna's palm.

  "Did you make this?" she whispered, confusion evident on her ivory features.

  "Yeah, we went shopping last night. I decided to buy a rice cooker near Davis Street Station and whip something up." he replied with a small smile as he passed a bowl of rice to her, a pair of chopsticks with it. "Wanted to try the Maglev Train, too, but 'maybe next time' was all Thomas said."

  "Yeah, that sounds like Tom." Lorna's eyes darted between the plates and Xin's face. She hesitated before sheepishly admitting, "I don’t know how to use chopsticks, though."

  "Oops! Give me a minute," setting the chopsticks on the table, he deftly opened a drawer in the bedside table to reveal a neatly arranged selection of utensils. "Here you go." he said, presenting her with a spoon with a flourish.

  "Thanks," she managed, accepting it with a cautious nod.

  Meanwhile, Xin reached for another spoon to scoop up a generous portion of braised pork and pour it over her rice. The dark, glossy meat glistened with sauce, releasing a strong aroma of soy, star anise, and something Lorna couldn't quite identify.

  She glanced down at her half-eaten burger still wrapped in wax paper, then back at the steaming bowl Xin had placed before her. The scent was foreign - sweet yet savory, nothing like the salt-forward Nordic cuisine she'd grown up with.

  "What exactly is this?" she asked, poking at a piece of pork with her spoon. The meat fell apart at her touch, revealing tender layers stained amber by the sauce.

  "Lu rou fan," Xin answered, then caught himself. "Sorry - braised pork rice. It's a comfort food in my hometown. My father used to make it." His fingers fidgeted with his chopsticks. "I thought...maybe you'd like to try something different."

  Lorna hesitated. The scent was strong - almost overwhelming after days of starvation. Part of her wanted to reach for the familiar safety of her half-eaten burger.

  "The, uh, meat is cooked in soy sauce with garlic and..." Xin continued, his words quickening with nervous energy. "There's a bit of five-spice powder too, which might seem strange at first, but— "

  "It's fine," Lorna interrupted, her tone gentler than intended. She set aside the burger wrapper and lifted a small spoonful of rice and pork to her lips.

  The first taste was sweeter than expected, with layers of broth and a hint of cinnamon and clove that reminded her strangely of Christmas in Bj?rgvin. She chewed slowly, letting the unfamiliar flavors settle on her palate.

  Xin watched her reaction with visible apprehension, his own meal forgotten.

  After swallowing, Lorna took another bite, larger this time. "It's different," she admitted. Then, surprising herself with a grin: "I like it."

  "I'm glad." The tension in Xin's shoulders visibly eased as a small smile crept across his face. He picked up his own bowl and began eating, his chopsticks moving with practiced grace.

  The braised pork rice became a tender reprieve with each subsequent bite. The food's comforting fragrance mingled with the scent of linens and disinfectant, somehow making the hospital room feel almost homey.

  They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes.

  Lorna caught Xin sneaking a peek at her, his eyes soft pools of empathy, and she felt something within her uncoil. It was a dangerous thing, vulnerability, yet with Xin, it seemed less so.

  "So..." Lorna traced the rim of her bowl with her spoon, the metal catching light from the window. "This Ume was somebody special to you?"

  Xin's chopsticks paused halfway to his mouth. He set them down with careful precision, adjusting them until they lay perfectly parallel. "ZenFusion gave her to me as a 'reward.' Two years of performance metrics." His fingers drummed once on the table before stilling. "But she wasn't just that. She shouldn't be."

  He trailed off, his gaze distant. Lorna recognized that look - the same one she'd seen in her own mirror after Oslo, when everything familiar had become strange.

  "You tried to make it real," she commented softly.

  "I gave her free will. As much as I could, anyway," Pride and pain mingled in his voice. "Months spent on learning how android programs work. Broke through her programming, so she can make her own choices." A wry smile touched his lips. "I suppose she did."

  "She chose to leave you." Lorna caught the slight tremor in his hand as he reached for his chopsticks again.

  "Thomas was by my side when we saw her with the Directorate. A Scarab pilot who calls himself Jabari." he continued, focusing intently on picking up a piece of pork. "Living the life she wanted. That's what matters, right?"

  "And what about what you wanted?" The words slipped out before Lorna could stop them.

  Xin's eyes met hers, startled. Then he looked away, adjusting his glasses with slightly unsteady fingers.

  "I wanted..." he began, then shook his head. "I wanted to prove that real connection was possible. Even for someone like me."

  The confession hung between them, heavy with implications. Lorna found herself studying the way sunlight played across his olive skin, the subtle tension in his shoulders as he waited for her response. She understood now why he'd stayed by her bedside these four days.

  "Would you mind telling me about what happened?" Xin's voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "At the Starport?"

  Lorna's spoon stilled against her bowl. Through the window, a military shuttle crossed the sky, its shadow briefly darkening the room. Her fingers found their way to her collarbone, tracing an invisible line. Her gaze darted to another bedside table, her mind eased when she saw the Pendant of Mánagrát lying there, its blue jewel glowing faintly.

  "Skarn," she began, then stopped. The name felt like ash in her mouth. She set down her spoon, the metal clicking against porcelain with too-sharp precision.

  Xin waited, his own meal forgotten. His form still - patient, focused.

  "I thought I could take him." A bitter smile touched her lips. "But it was my Psytum Sword against...whatever the Imperium put inside him. Nothing I did could scratch his hide." Her hand moved from her collarbone to her throat, the gesture unconscious. "He made me swallow..."

  The words wouldn't come. Didn't need to. She saw understanding darken Xin's eyes, his fingers curling into a tight fist against his leg.

  "That's how I got infected," she finished, her voice steady even as her hand trembled. "He made sure of it."

  Xin moved with deliberate care, setting his chopsticks across his bowl. "You survived. You got back up. That's what matters."

  "Is it?" The question came out sharper than she intended. "Look at me now. I can't even..." She gestured at the space between them.

  "I see you," Xin said simply. No pity in his gaze, no retreat. Just recognition. "Someone who walked through hell and kept her soul."

  Something in his presence made her chest tight. It was different from Emmanuel's protective hovering or Thomas's careful distance. Xin saw her scars and didn't flinch, didn't try to fix or fade them. Just acknowledged their existence and waited, letting her choose how much else to reveal.

  Lorna picked up her spoon again, focusing on the simple pleasure of warm food. Each bite helped ground her in the present, away from darker memories.

  "Actually," she said suddenly, surprising herself with the lightness in her voice, "I should be asking what you need." She gestured at his green Quantum Watch. "The SIMU — we're like a dysfunctional family, and you're stuck with us now."

  Xin blinked at the shift in tone, chuckling, then matched it with visible relief. "Well, Thomas is teaching me the basics. Though watching recorded sessions on my watch isn't quite the same as actual practice." He lifted his arm, the watch's interface casting emerald reflections across the ambient space. "Especially with a Gauss Rifle."

  "Those are basically artillery pieces, perfect for tough big boys like him," Lorna snorted, some of her usual spark returning. "I'd start with something that won't dislocate your shoulder." She paused, studying his slender frame.

  "Yeah?" Xin quipped. "I was wondering when the recoil would send my arms flying."

  "A 10mm would suit you better. Good stopping power if you know how. Besides, you already have one." she said.

  "You think so?" his eyes lit up. His fingers tapped against his watch's verdant dial.

  "Among other things." Lorna tilted her head, remembering his driving during their escape. "Your driving isn't bad either. Ever tried a Space Rover?"

  "I heard ZenFusion used to make those Rovers. Before the Imperium came and made the company theirs." He adjusted his glasses. "Though after what happened to my car, maybe I should stick to hacking?"

  "No," Lorna said firmly, surprising them both with her vehemence. "You have good instincts. Just need to refine them." She caught his gaze, held it. "I could teach you, if you want."

  Something shifted in Xin's expression, a mix of gratitude and determination. His shoulders straightened almost imperceptibly. "I'd like that. What can I offer in return?"

  "You already have," Lorna said softly, gesturing at the meal he'd prepared. Then she added with a small smirk, "Besides, we need someone who'd care to study the Moondust Crystal when we find it."

  "Assuming it doesn't fry my Quantum Watch first," Xin replied, tapping the device with a wry smile. "Whoever took over that server added new encryption that nearly crashed my QPUs, you know?"

  "Is that what happened back in the Amber Moon Spire?" Lorna raised an eyebrow as she laughed. "No wonder that Bloodtrooper got you!"

  Their laughter mingled in the morning air. Through the window, Evanston's skyline glittered in the sun, catching the blue jewel of her pendant and casting a faint glow across her hospital gown. The path that lay before them would be strewn with challenges. But this time, she wasn't alone with her secrets.

  Act 1: "Enter the Nucleus"

  ), featuring regular updates on factions, military units, settlements, and the various items/weapons our characters use throughout their journey.