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“So, to amuse yourself, you gave her pain.”

“I... was too excited for your visit.”

“Sit. We are going to talk about how to treat a companion. If you are consuming them, the better you treat them, the more energy they output.”

“Oh.”

“She has nothing of an emotional nature in her room. You need to provide her with that. Does she have an account?”

“I keep forgetting to set it up.”

“Make it a priority. She needs to feel free with only the contract holding her here. If she feels bright and free, you will heal rapidly. Now, when you are healed, do you want to go train with the Sisters?”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Yes, yes, please.” She paused. “Can Riley come?”

“Of course. Teddy would enjoy it. She is one of Teddy’s people.” He smiled. “It was Teddy’s eye that spotted Riley’s fatigue.”

“Oh.”

“Yes. It is good that you have taken a companion, but you are wearing her out and not giving her anything in return. She needs experience, laughter, and to be part of the energy, and then she can bring it to you. Is she engaged in education?”

Ranna rustled her wings nervously. “She started upgrading her programming skills, but it changes the way she thinks, and I don’t like it.”

“She is an individual who watched her world collapse and who kept others alive during the months where a once-green world was covered in ash.” Rath said, “Her soul died a thousand times, and she hauled herself to safety. That is a being that deserves respect.”

“Yes, Father.”

Rath sighed. “Now, get your tablet and think of things that can energize your companion. If it were an intimate relationship, you would be able to give and take with sexual gratification. It would energize and satisfy at the same time, but you need to work with experiences and let her educate herself.”

“How do I deal with wanting her attention while she works?”

“Assign her programs that you would like to see. House controls. Distant sensors. A menu generator. Clothing design based on activity and menu planned.”

Ranna smiled and grabbed a tablet to write the suggestions down. “I think I understand. She often speaks of becoming more her. This would do it. So, what happens if she makes the program?”

“She gets an emotional boost for success, she will be happy because you are happy, and you give her a gift of going out or having an event together. Even learning to cook some of the foods from her planet.”

“We could craft things together.”

“You could. You are now thinking the right way. Experiences, not just a steady draw on her.”

Ranna sat and started to write list after list. They talked about Riley for the next few hours, and when he left, Rath was impressed with the progress his daughter had made. She had gone from the emotional maturity of a teen and was moving into adulthood. It was about time she entered the adult world, but they both knew what had stopped her. He had chosen a companion who went mad and tried to sell and butcher his daughter. Keeping in touch with a companion’s motivation was why he had brought two Sisters with him.

He hugged his daughter, kissing her forehead, and she smiled. “Thank you for coming, Father. I am going to try very hard.”

“Good. I am going to keep in touch with Riley to make sure things are moving forward.”

“Are you sure that is why you want to keep in touch with Riley?” She gave him a knowing look.

Rath tried to keep his expression calm when he said, “She is your companion. That is the only interest I have in her.”

Ranna snorted. “Sure. Your vapour tendrils tell a different tale.”

He sighed then smiled. “I will talk to you soon, Ranna. I am very happy with your progress. I am hoping that one day we can fly together again.”