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And you have a consortium to demand your time. She knows there is no room for her in your life.

Cadence blinked at the bald statement.

Dr. Amber smiled. Give me your com, child. I need your code. When you get a call, gather enough clothing for two days, and we will do the rest.

Zera spoke up. That wasn t the agreement.

No, but she needs more than being shelved like a book.

She needs to remain in Aksalla.

Dr. Amber smiled. She will. She will be here weekly for the first trimester and then every two weeks for the second and most of the third, returning to weekly for the last three weeks. I just want her comfortable.

Kritz said, She is invited to a family barbecue next weekend.

And she can go. With an escort.

Cadence blinked.

Kritz cleared his throat. I made you a suit that will keep you from having an issue when you touch people.

I don t touch them; they touch me. She saw his expression. But that was thoughtful. Thank you.

Arcady left and came back with a taupe suit. It will be invisible when it s on.

Thank you very much. She pulled the suit on and sealed the side closure. She got dressed over it. Her jeans and sweatshirt felt fine over the snug compression of the suit. She was covered except for her head and fingertips. Whatever it took to make Arcady comfortable.

The appointment ended in a whirlwind, and she was escorted out the same way she entered, with Arcady clinging to her the whole way.

Getting back to her apartment, she petted Mortimer and looked at the reams of songs she had written. She was missing something important.

Toulan. She needed to learn it for some reason. She looked up language studies, put in some ear buds, and began as she took the clues and looked up heroes from Toulan who lived in Aksalla.

There were only three. Two were most definitely dead, and the third was status unknown. That would happen to be the man with the crafty sperm. The Lost Song was his call sign, but that was his Toulan title. She listened to her language lessons until she found the words. Raek Wlar. The Lost Song.

She looked up Raek, and she saw a picture of a serious face with brown hair and dark eyes. He was tall, composed, and to her view, he looked tired. It was good that he was getting some rest in cold sleep.

Her alarm went off, and she quickly changed into a cocktail dress over her bodysuit. She walked down to Klauz s and saw the hostess. She said, Cadence, table for one?

I am sorry, but they beat you here today. You are at the owner s table tonight.

Aw, fuck. Cadence slumped her shoulders.

The hostess chuckled. Folks would give their right eye for a seat at the owner s table.

Well, find them, and they can have my seat.

She followed the hostess to the table overlooking the city down below. Arcady was sitting there with Kritz, Tycho, and Corianne.

Good evening.

Corianne looked at her and frowned. That suit looks horribly warm.

It is.

Kritz sighed. I will try something else tomorrow.

Cadence sat down and smiled. I understand your urge to solve the puzzle, but there is no solving this.

I vibrate at a frequency that will hurt Arcady or anyone with implants.

Metal and flesh move at a different pace.

It isn t my fault; it isn t their fault.

Sometimes a thing just has to be a thing.

Now, I am wearing the suit. Arcady can touch me, though she never had contact with me as a child.

Just because she has changed gears doesn t mean I can.

She shrugged. My gears are spinning in a different direction.

Arcady blushed. I had forgotten about that. You are right. I didn t touch you. No one did.

Cadence nodded. So, you can understand how I am a little unused to it now.

I am constantly bracing for a scream from you or indications of pain.

I don t know how to hug, to touch, and every time you try to be in contact with me, it reminds me how fucking awkward I am.

Now, can I just have food so I can leave?

Klauz came around the corner during her speech and nodded. I can serve all your courses at once, miss.

She looked at him. I am sorry. I am sure you are a spectacular chef, but since I have been involved in this, I am not in the mood to treat myself.

He crouched next to her and looked at her. She calmly looked back. Klauz blinked. That s a first.

What?

I can t sense what you want to eat. This hasn t happened before.

She ticked off on her finger. Bowl of soup, doesn t matter what kind, something akin to meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.

A side of vegetables. For dessert, I am not really a dessert person.

She patted his hand. I am just looking for food that isn t too rich that won t make me throw up.

This last week has been trial and error with that.

Klauz blinked his dark eyes and smiled. Thank you for keeping it simple.

The others had all gotten their orders in already, so she smiled when her soup arrived with their appetizers. It was a nice beef soup and had floaty vegetables. She ate it while the others exclaimed in joy and took part in their meal.

She had a family meal for the first time in over a decade. It was just as uncomfortable for her as she remembered.

Arcady talked animatedly with her consortium, and when Cadence was done, she said, It has been nice having dinner with you. Have a good evening.

She patted her sister on her shoulder, and Arcady gave her a watery smile. Cadence slid out of the booth and said, Maybe after the baby is here, I can speak with you without a split focus. It will be gone, and I will be alone again.

Arcady blinked. Right. But will you still come to the barbecue next weekend?

I suppose I can try.

Kritz paused. Would you prefer to wait?

I would. The first trimester is racked with fears over losing the baby. Once I have a few months under my belt, I will be more confident that bumping into something or slipping won t end the pregnancy.

The blue scientist frowned. You are really worried?

Of course. I don t know how many more samples from him they were able to retrieve, and I don t quite feel like myself yet. I don t have time to feel like myself.

Arcady suddenly seemed to understand. Because you have to go out for your meals and appointments and the gym. Your day is so shattered, you struggle to focus when you get home.

Cadence smiled kindly. You finally remembered. I am available on the com.

She waved farewell to the others and headed for her apartment.