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Did it live?Nell wrote.

Maklr smiled. “It did, and I believe you know one of its offspring, Eos.”

Navil’s faal?

“Eos is the son of the one I raised.”

That’s amazing, but it still doesn’t answer why you went into the military.

Maklr fixed his mohawk. “It’s part of the longer answer. The simple answer is, my family didn’t have enough money for my schooling. The military provided me not only with training, but all the necessary school. As soon as I was eligible, I signed up.”

What was it like traveling in space? Did you see many planets?Nell asked in writing.

“Some. I spent a lot of time aboard my stationed ships patching up injured soldiers. Truth be told, I spent more time on space stations than on different planets. One day, I would like to explore more whenever I’m able.” Maklr’s eyes pierced Nell’s. “Do you ever think about traveling?”

I did once. I think I’ve seen enough of space.Nell wrote.

Maklr tutted. “I think you’ve seen the dregs of society and not some of the beautiful places available.” He paused. “The resort provided us with the holo-room. If you’d like me to program some places I’ve been, or if you want, you can show me where you grew up.” Nell’s eyes widened and Maklr waved his hands back and forth. “Not now. Not tonight. Tonight we talk. Or, I talk, and you listen. What else do you want to know?”

Do you have any siblings?came Nell’s response.

“I did, but it’s just me now. My brother died when he was nine revolutions old.”

You don’t have to tell me about him.

“His name was Olvil. We were inseparable. He was one revolution older than me. We did everything together. One summer, we built an underground tunnel behind our parents house. It had a trap door where we could hide.”

What did you do there?

Maklr laughed. “You won’t believe me.”

I will.

“We read books and scrolls. We were what you humans call Greeks.”

You mean geeks. Greeks are people with a different language.Nell’s handwriting became larger and looser, showing her amusement.

“Yes. That’s the word. Can I ask you a question?” Maklr asked.

It depends. I might not answer.

“How did you learn to sing so well?”

I took lessons. I used to do a lot of singing on Earth. Anytime the radio came on I would sing along. I like everything about music. In school there was a class we could take called chorus. I joined,she wrote.

“You’re very good. I might not have understood all the words to your song, but I felt the meaning and passion you put behind every word. So did everyone there. I meant to thank you earlier. It was such a selfless act.”

You’re welcome. By any chance, do you know if the baby survived?

“The baby’s fine and with his father as far as I know. Charlie knows all the details.”

I would expect nothing less from her. She always knows what’s going on. She meddles in everybody’s business.Nell gestured.I wouldn’t put our situation past her.

Maklr laughed. “She does. Where did you grow up? If that’s a question you're willing to answer, I mean.”

I grew up on the East Coast of a country called the United States. I lived close to a major city called New York. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you, but it was a heavily populated area, like Dorbound, with so many things to do. The only way you could be bored was if you didn’t explore.

“What things did you do?”