“Alim?”

Alim turned, scrambling papers on the desk in front of him. “Camellia, I was worried you would leave. Everyone has been waiting for Halfmoon to take off.”

“We’re not leaving yet.” Camellia entered his borrowed room and stopped a few feet from him. “I have to ask you something.”

“Anything.”

Camellia nodded. She removed a scroll from her bodice. “First, I have to do this.”

Camellia unfurled the scroll, flattened it, and let it fall to the ground. The spell activated and spread over the room.

Two red pops came from the floor and ceiling, signifying success. Just as Eva had warned, there were listening devices, but now, just as Meladee had promised, the listening devices would be secretly inactive for an at least an hour.

Camellia’s mouth drifted open. “Oh, pretty effective spell.”

“I’ll say.” Alim approached Camellia. “Now, what do you need to ask me?”

“Do you still want to help us?”

“I do, but the Syndicate won’t negotiate with you. Can you go home and speak to someone in authority? I’d come with you.”

Camellia shook her head. “No. Our governments will not agree to join the Finial. And, if they did, they wouldn’t really understand what they were getting into.” Camellia sighed. “It’s important that we don’t join the Finial...right?”

Camellia still doubted that the Finial was all bad. She’d seen some bad things and heard many negative opinions about it. Yet, she wanted Alim’s assurance that Finial membership would be a mistake.

“Don’t join,” he insisted. “Right now, you have freedom. That is priceless.”

Camellia nodded. “But, we still need to do something about Ah’nee’thit and Ul’thetos.”

“I know. Do you have an alternate plan?”

Camellia stared into his eyes. “We do. It might involve more than you’re willing to give.”

“I don’t know about that. I’m willing to give a lot.” Alim smiled. “I’m truly worried about your planet, and if this monster somehow spreads to other planets, it can affect everyone.” Alim rubbed the back of his neck. “I’d probably be dead by then, but I don’t like to think that we could leave Iruedim to suffer and only help when one of our members has the same problem.”

Camellia took a deep breath. “Iruedim is not in your galaxy. We reached here through a wormhole. The wormhole shifts its exit after a few hundred years. That’s why I wasn’t sure if Iruedim could or would want to join the Finial.” Camellia paused and watched Alim’s bewildered expression. “The creatures will never come here. If you help us, you help Iruedim alone, not the Finial. From what I understand, you don’t love your government anyway.”

“No, I don’t. I…”

“Would you want to leave it?” Camellia asked. She realized that her insistence might force Alim into an answer he was not prepared to give. Hastily, she added, “Please, don’t feel pressured to say yes.”

“I would leave it for…” Alim started to take Camellia’s hand.

Camellia pulled free and held up a hand to stop him. “Alim, I can’t promise you that.”

“That’s alright. Let’s just see if it would work.”

Camellia shook her head. “No. I can’t. There is this...other man on Iruedim. I still think about him, and I still want to try to...” She averted her eyes. “I’m very selfish to ask this sacrifice of you. If you come with us, you’ll probably lose your job and your whole life here. In return, I can’t give you my affection.”

“I see.” Alim stood stiff.

Camellia took a deep breath. “What I can offer you is a new home. One that will give you more freedom than you have with the Finial. You would be Iruedim’s leading xenobiologist mostly because you’d start as the only. And, you could be a Lurrien colonist. Once the continent is clear, Eva plans to offer it as a place of your own. You and any others who want to come.” Camellia waited. She wanted to apologize again to Alim. She didn’t return his feelings, but she certainly respected him.

“I’m...really disappointed that you won’t give a relationship with me a chance. Don’t be mad if I tell you I hope this other guy doesn’t want you. Maybe, you’d be interested then.” Alim frowned.

Maybe, I would, Camellia thought. But, Adalhard is interested...I think. I’m the reason he didn’t want me sooner, specifically my mood and what it did to my person. I’m the reason Alim does want me now.

Her worries put to rest, Camellia wanted to reach into Alim’s mind and see what he thought of the offer to escape to Iruedim. She thought she knew what he would say. “You don’t want to come. That’s okay.”

“I didn’t say that. I want to get away from the Finial. You don’t know the half of why I hate it. I’ll come to Iruedim.”

Camellia’s mouth dropped open. She stuttered, “I...I...almost can’t…”

“Believe it? Just because you rejected me doesn’t mean I won’t help.” Alim stared at her. “I guess that’s what you would do.”

Camellia hung her head. “Maybe.”

The two stood in silence. Camellia had no idea what she would do if the roles were reversed – if she wanted Alim and he only wanted her help.

“I’m glad you’re coming, Alim. I don’t know everything about you, and I may regret my decision to...reject you.” Camellia said the words with a reluctant expression. “That may be my loss, but that’s okay.”

Alim listened and waited.

“I know Iruedim will give you more than I ever could. On Iruedim, there are long-lived species, from your myths and legends. Dragons, telepaths, shapeshifters, fairies and...vampires. So much more.”

Alim watched Camellia.

So, she went on, “There are peoples that live in our waters, and people high up in our mountains. People that roam our forests and deserts.” She smiled. “We haven’t even finished rediscovering the cultures of the southern hemisphere.” Camellia looked at Alim. “And, you can be part of that.”

Alim looked hopeful, but still he didn’t answer.

So, Camellia thought of more to say. “Iruedim is like a spaceship, finding new people and taking them aboard. You won’t live long enough to see it, but there will be more people who come through the wormhole...and some who leave. If you help us.”

“Camellia, I still like to hear you talk about the things you love.” Alim gave her a small smile. “I will help, and if you don’t mind, I’ll hold out hope about you.”

“Hey, Benham. What are you up to?” Meladee asked with a smile.

Benham sat on an outside retaining wall, and she leapt into place beside him.

Benham double took. “Where have you been?”

“Well, we all had a good cry at the ship. You wouldn’t believe how many tears three women can generate.”

Benham opened his mouth to speak. Meladee shushed him. So, he put an arm around her.

“Hey, come aboard Halfmoon with me.” Meladee grabbed his arm and led him on to her ship.

They entered the cargo bay, saying nothing. They climbed the ladder and stood in the lounge. Still, they said nothing.

Meladee raised her eyebrows at Benham. He looked toward the living quarters. That was when Meladee cast her spell. Benham jumped at the sudden appearance of magic. No red pops fizzled from anywhere on the ship or Benham’s person.

Benham froze, and his eyes narrowed. “What was that?”

“Just a spell to make sure no one can hear this conversation. Eva says that people use electronic bugs to listen in when they shouldn’t. I think that’s kind of gross, but I guess electronic bugs aren’t as creepy crawly as organic bugs.”

Benham opened his mouth and paused. He crossed his arms. “Why are we having a private conversation?”

“You haven’t told anyone that you know Iruedim is an extragal…” Meladee stopped. She frowned. She struggled with this word. In Ganden, it was too much for her to say. She bet she couldn’t say it in Iruedian either, but she still didn’t know the Iruedian equivalent.

“Extragalactic planet.”

“That. Have you told anyone that?”

“No,” Benham said. “During the meeting, I wondered how you would handle it. I can see how being asked to join the Finial could be a problem. Honestly, I was a bit worried they’d want you to.”

Meladee remembered his assurance that Iruedim had a lot to offer Girandola. He had never voiced his concerns about the Finial and its desire to control others. He said he didn’t want to color her opinion, but now seemed like a good time for that.

Meladee narrowed her eyes. “You hate the Finial. Why?”

Benham froze. “Are you...are you absolutely certain that no one can listen in?”

“Yeah, Eva and I tested the magic with one of her bugs. It’s a simple spell to prevent them from listening.” Meladee nodded at him. “Go on.”

“I’m wanted by the Finial for a lot of things.” Benham started to pace. “I never got a great education, so I made a living by selling ships. I sold a few ships without registering them with the Finial. Usually used ships. As you know, the Finial likes to know every ship that travels within its borders.” Benham paused his pace and shifted his weight from foot to foot. He stayed in one spot only a moment and resumed his back and forth walk. “I sold the first one to a family with about six too many kids, and one to a rich couple, interested in just – not being watched.” Benham shrugged. “I started to do it more. It was good money, and I didn’t see the harm.”

“Got caught?” Meladee asked.

“Yeah.” Benham nodded. “I made matters worse by helping people to hide on far planets. People like me.”

“Just dig that hole deeper,” Meladee said.

“I did. I finally managed to hide again.” He held up his hands. “I had to get my palms and fingerprints rewritten. I can tell you that really hurts.” Benham looked at his hands and sighed.

Slowly, Meladee drew closer. She finally felt she understood his trepidation. She respected him all the more for helping.

Benham dropped his hands to his sides. “I got myself a good job doing work as a tour guide, with fake identification. Plus, my new hands.”

“Sounds like you shouldn’t have helped us,” Meladee said.

“I really took a risk to come here, but it’s been a few years.” He shrugged. “I don’t know. Everything seems fine, but I might leave soon, now that the Finial is getting involved.” Benham took Meladee’s hands. “I did want to help you. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”

Meladee smiled. “Well, don’t leave without us because your problems are over.” She thought for sure Benham would come to Iruedim.

Benham knit his brow.

“Eva is taking colonists for Lurren.” With a smug smile, Meladee held up one finger. “There’s one catch. You’ve got to help get rid of the monster first. That one’s called Ul’thetos, just to remind you.”

“What?” Benham grabbed Meladee’s shoulders. “What about the Syndicate? Who else is coming?”

“We’re going to try to get Commander Rooks to join us and a bunch of other people. People like you.” Meladee gestured towards Benham. “You could help us with that.”

“I could find you plenty of colonists, but I don’t know about Rooks. How are we going to convince Commander Rooks to give up her career and help you without the Syndicate’s permission?” Benham raised his eyebrows. “They’d take her ship before she could ever bring it to Iruedim.”

“See, that’s why we don’t tell the Syndicate about that part. Commander Rooks would help us and just take the ship. All of the ships. The Syndicate doesn’t have to know. As for Commander Rooks, she can be a colonist, or she can be the Iruedian space commander or whatever.” Meladee searched Benham’s face. “Think she’d go for it?”

Benham stroked his chin and set wide eyes on the floor. “Well, if she won’t, someone probably will. She has a good position, and she probably worked hard to get there. On the other hand, she did say she was bored with things, and she tried to help you during the meeting. I don’t know. It’s worth a shot. But, what if she says no and reports you to the Syndicate?”

Meladee sucked in her breath. “Good point. I don’t have a spell for that...yet. That would be a tough one to write.”

“What?”

“Memory erasing. I’d have to test that kind of thing first. Could take out someone’s entire memory if I’m not careful.” Meladee had only dabbled in mind altering magic. If she had stayed under the tutelage of Alastronia, she’d be an expert by now. She hated that she needed so much of Alastronia’s dark magic lately.

“You can’t test it on me.” Benham shook his head.

“It’s got to be someone,” Meladee objected.

She would never test the spell on Benham. She couldn’t think of anyone she wanted to use as a test subject, except spokesperson Chardon. Yet, her friends were the only ones she would have access to. Meladee thought hard. She could minimize the risks by using clear time limiters in her rings. Then, she could test it on...

“Not me.”

Meladee grumbled. “Fine.”

“Meladee.” Benham shook his head and tried not to smile.

Eva searched for Sten, checking for his name in the Syndicate’s directory. She found his office, but when she checked on him that afternoon, Sten was not there.

“Evangeline,” called Mjek. “I’m deeply sorry for the way the meeting went, but you must admit that asking Iruedim to join the Finial is not unreasonable.” She looked at Eva’s position by Sten’s door. “I trust you realize any discussion of Iruedim’s aid is inappropriate at this time.”

“I want to discuss philosophy with him,” Eva half-lied.

Eva felt distaste at Mjek’s seemingly mindless agreement with the organics. Synthetics everywhere were the same. She just hoped Sten wasn’t.

“Oh, philosophy!” Mjek smiled, or at least performed her version of a smile. “I’m sorry to have accused you. You’ll have to discuss philosophy with him later. He’s at the offsite laboratory and will return in three hours.”

“I see.” Eva stood by his door, feeling reluctant to go. She had yet to complete her mission.

Mjek caught the sentiment. “May I ask?”

Eva looked at Mjek, startled at the robot’s curiosity. “Ask what?”

“Are you and Sten creating an intimate attachment?”

Eva straightened. Never had she heard a robot suggest that. A handful of androids, yes. Some organics entertained androids as replacement love interests. What the pathetic organics got out of it was a perceived emotional attachment, despite the problem of their soulless lovers. While many androids participated in these inappropriate affections, robots tended to ignore those relationships between organics and other synthetics. Eva wondered how Mjek came on these ideas, when only half of her could be described as an android.

Eva answered, “No. I have no interest in those kinds of attachments.”

“You don’t need to lie.” Mjek shifted her limbs, and a soft whir emanated from her joints. “But, I am glad to hear that you will not pursue an interest in Sten. If you want aid for Iruedim, you cannot create personal relationships with the aid givers. It’s a policy of the Syndicate.”

“Of course it is,” Eva growled. “Excuse me. I’m going to return to my ship.”

Eva worked on Halfmoon for three hours. During that time, her mind went in circles.

Eva pondered Mjek’s seemingly advanced perceptions and ideas. Eva even wondered if Mjek might be jealous, if the robot wanted Sten’s attentions for herself. The tone of voice Mjek used reminded Eva of catty organic women. Eva struck down those ideas. How could she ever expect a robot to behave so organically?

Eva also observed Mjek’s rigid understanding of the Syndicate’s rules. Mjek had no reason to uphold the rules, and yet, she stuck to them. She paraphrased them for Eva. Even Sten could see that the rules didn’t fit their case. He tried to bargain with the Iruedians before Chardon cut him off. Sten could think for himself.

“What are you doing here?” Meladee descended the ladder. “Did you already get Sten to agree? Oh, no. He won’t do it, will he?”

“He was away today. Apparently, he spends the afternoon in his laboratory, but he will return this evening.” Eva looked at the clock. “I can go now.”

“Alright. Good luck. Benham and Alim have both agreed. And, both are okay with living on Iruedim forever if they have to.” Meladee paused. She cocked her head. “God, I hope Sten is okay with that. You’re going to need the luck.”

Meladee’s words drifted into the background, and Eva waved goodbye. She exited Halfmoon and re-entered the Syndicate’s territory. She traversed the blue halls and followed them to Sten’s office. To her dismay, the door stood open, and Sten saw her approach before she felt prepared to encounter him.

“Evangeline. The entire Syndicate thought you would depart in your ship. I must say I’m glad you didn’t.” Sten smiled. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Eva stepped into his office. She held Meladee’s anti-listening scroll. “May I close the door?”

Sten’s eyes widened slightly. “Yes.” He hit a control, and the door slid closed.

Eva dropped the scroll, and red flashes popped all around Sten’s office. “They like to know what you’re doing.”

Sten approached one of the places that had flashed red. He picked up a slumbering bug. “What’s going on?”

“I need something from you.”

Sten’s eyes narrowed. “Yes?”

“Aid for Iruedim.”

Sten shook his head. “I can’t give you aid – without the authority of the Syndicate.”

“You can,” Eva countered, calm and stone-faced.

“No. I believe I just said that I can’t.” His calm demeanor betrayed a hint of amusement.

That’s unusual. That’s…a bit organic. Eva studied his expression but couldn’t dismiss it as mere show. Focus. Convince him to come.

Eva began again, “What do you think of the Finial? Are you loyal to it?”

“At the moment.” Sten nodded once. His shoulders slumped. He seemed reluctant.

Eva frowned. Did Sten’s reluctance stem from his discomfort with the question or from disloyal thoughts about the Finial? She decided to try a direct approach.

Eva stood tall. “What will it take to get you to be disloyal?”

Sten frowned. He glanced at the broken bug. “I’m not sure, but I think you’re going to give me some ideas.” He gestured for her to go on. “Please, try to convince me.”

Eva, encouraged by his tone and words, stepped forward. She took a moment to think. She tapped a finger to her lips. “First. More information. What are your impressions of the Finial? And, why are you so open-minded about betraying it?”

Eva half expected him to deny his consideration of betrayal. He didn’t.

Sten avoided her eyes. “I began life as a corporation’s property, along with several other unique synthetics. Our creator had a disagreement with the corporation and, subsequently, the Finial. He disappeared, and we never saw him again. I spent years as that corporation’s property, and so did my companions – siblings if you will. One by one, we demonstrated a desire for our independence. I was the second to get it.”

Eva put a hand on the edge of his desk. “Go on.”

“I consulted for the Syndicate. They wanted me to work for them and helped me gain independence. When I first came here, the Syndicate was the only part of the Finial that I could believe in. It helped mend my views. Now, I’ve worked for the Syndicate a total of thirty-five years.”

“Yet, you say – Please, try to convince me.”

“I do. I must admit…I’m dying to hear it.” Sten waited.

Eva made a face. She turned away and walked the length of his desk. Sten might just be curious about me and what I have to say. He might be very loyal to the Syndicate. I should check.

Eva stopped at his desk corner and turned to face him again. “Do you agree with the Syndicate’s position on Iruedim’s predicament?”

“No,” Sten said. “I don’t agree with the position. I haven’t felt so chastised in thirty-five years. I saw everything that I dislike about the Finial in the Syndicate today. You have a fair chance, so please try to convince me.”

Eva saw desperation in Sten’s face. He wanted to help but feared to.

Eva rounded Sten’s desk and approached him. “You approved of the Syndicate because it mended your views of the Finial, yet today, you have discovered that the Syndicate and the Finial are one. And, if not that, at the very least, the Syndicate belongs to the Finial.”

“That would be even worse.” Sten’s voice sounded small. “You have it mostly correct. I’m concerned. The Syndicate has always rendered aid promptly and efficiently. The Finial has only been involved a few times before, usually not on my projects.” Sten stood a little straighter. “But, how can I give up on them for you?” He regarded Eva with worry. “I don’t know you well at all, Eva. I don’t know your world.”

Eva took a moment to think. “Isn’t Iruedim’s problem an interesting one?”

Sten watched Eva. “Yes, very.”

“And, why is that?” Eva waited. She wanted Sten to list all his reasons and remind himself of his interest.

“The creature is fascinating. Commander Rooks’ description of your magic – the same, absolutely fascinating. I am also hoping to save what’s left of the Lurrien synthetics.” With narrowed eyes, Sten studied Eva. “I’m still wondering if they’re all like you.”

Eva looked down. I had better tell him, so as not to disappoint. “I’m the only one like me. The others are repair robots, similar enough to the ones here. There are also androids, but they lack…”

“Nuanced expressions? Realistic proportions?” Sten offered.

“No, in those ways, they are the same as me. Lurren has more realistic, soft-bodied androids than Girandola. Lurriens created androids to be beautiful, like art.” Eva felt that Girandolan synthetics had a practical quality to their appearances and design – nothing superfluous.

“I see. So Lurrien synthetics are quite detailed. More so than a pleasure bot. I see those details in you.” Sten reached for her arm but never touched her. “Fake breathing, even if it’s not constant. A fake heartbeat. Eyes that seem wet. Not all Girandolan androids have these features. Lurren must have been a rich place.”

“It was. Very rich.” Eva stared into space, observing faded and somewhat damaged memories. The androids of her past looked more soulful through her memory.

Sten gave her a moment. He let the silence loom. “Eva,” he began gently. “What do the other synthetics lack?”

“I was going to say a soul.” Eva knit her brow. She regretted the words immediately.

Sten raised his eyebrows. “That’s very intriguing. I’ve heard organics espouse such a theory, but never a synthetic.”

“You haven’t thought the same?” Eva asked.

“No. I’m a man of science – as the organics say. Is this kind of thinking common among the synthetics on Iruedim?”

Eva stepped back. “No.” Actually, yes.

Once Chrysanthos came up with the theory, the other synthetics just seemed to accept it, faster than Eva had. They never spoke about it, but Eva knew they all believed it.

She decided to tell a half-truth. “I’ve only heard the idea from one other synthetic. He had unending arguments in favor of the theory.”

“He?” Sten watched her with unwavering eyes.

Eva glared back. “Iruedim could use your help.”

“Without the Syndicate’s approval, I’m not sure how I can help.”

“You don’t need their approval.” Eva pulled a second scroll from her person and let it fall to the floor.

The anti-listening spell renewed.

She came back to Sten’s side and spoke low, “We’re going to ask Commander Rooks to bring her ships. We are gathering a new colony for Lurren. Benham and Alim assure us that many will want to join. They’re tired of the Finial’s restrictions. I’m offering you the same.”

“Lurren, which is under the flesh of a giant, hostile creature?” Sten asked.

“The only obstacle, and then the land is free for the taking. There are things under the flesh that belonged to the old Lurriens. Things we could use. Ships and buildings. Lurren does not have to be some fallow place.”

Sten froze. “I’m...tempted. What would be my role in this society?”

“Whatever you want.” Privately, Eva suspected the other synthetics would try to crown him king – if the plan proved successful.

Sten frowned. He looked so worried.

Eva put a hand to her chest. “I’m going to rebuild the old things, my favorite places – my creator’s workshop. I’ll live with whatever is left of my old family group.” She glanced out Sten’s window and saw ships. But, she didn’t really focus on them. She continued, “I’m going to make the old ships function and travel over Iruedim. Maybe, sometimes, with my new friends.” Eva thought of Meladee and Camellia and hoped that they would want to come. She didn’t see why they wouldn’t. She allowed herself a small smile. “And, most importantly, I don’t plan on letting organics or other synthetics convince me to do anything counter to what I believe is necessary or right. I’m going to start that part first by getting rid of Ul’thetos and Ah’nee’thit. You can help, or you can stay.”

Sten stared at Eva. “I’m not sure what to say. You paint an alluring choice, but there is such a risk…”

Eva backed away from Sten and turned to go. “I see. Then, I suppose you can’t meet my high standards after all.”

Sten remained quiet. If he were organic, Eva would presume him to be sweating.

Finally, Sten spoke, “I’m appalled that the Syndicate is so insistent on your agreement to join the Finial. But, what if the Syndicate is right to ask you to join? What if such an arrangement is beneficial to Iruedim?”

“I doubt it would be, but either way, such an arrangement would be temporary.” Eva strolled towards the door. She looked back at Sten.

“What do you mean the arrangement will be temporary?”

“Iruedim is an extragalactic planet, reachable through a wormhole that loses stability every few centuries and shifts its exit point. If Iruedim joined the Finial, it would eventually leave regardless of its own free will.”

Sten’s mouth dropped open.

Eva stopped at the door, but it remained closed. “Key the door,” she ordered.

Sten didn’t. “Wait. I’m considering coming with you.”

“Curious?” Eva asked.

“Yes,” Sten agreed, without hesitation. “I’m just wary of taking the risk...and losing what I have gained.”

Eva turned around. “You have nothing. They watch you. They work you.” Eva gestured around his office. “I am offering you more than this. And, it will be something you can’t lose, unless you die.” Eva touched her person. “I risked my own wellbeing to get help for my planet. I risked everything because I could see I had nothing. So, don’t complain to me about risks and loss.”

Eva turned to the door’s panel and searched for some way to key herself out. She felt Sten’s hand around her arm. He had crossed the room with super-human speed.

“If I help you, I’ll have nothing to come back to.”

“Right, you wouldn’t come back.” Eva gave him a pointed look. She tapped the keypad, annoyed to find the lock as secure inside as it was outside. “Say nothing to anyone about this conversation, or I will find you. Now, key the door.”

Sten kept a hold of her arm. “I’ll help. I’ll come to Iruedim, with no intention to return to Girandola. I want to see Iruedim get its aid, and I want to see those surviving synthetics. And, I’m extremely curious about you,” Sten admitted. “I’m going to take the risk. It’s not so big a risk if you plan to make a new colony out of your unhappy survivors and our unhappy Girandolans. And maybe, in a few centuries, I will see the wormhole shift and...I could go exploring.”

Eva hadn’t brought up that fact, but Sten was right. He could survive to see the wormhole shift.

Eva found herself caught off guard, but she turned to face him. “You will see all of that,” she said. “You can live to see many such shifts.”

Sten moved to key the door but stopped. “You’ll need to convince Commander Rooks as well. The ships are not mine to do with as I wish.”

“We’ll try. In the meantime, gather others and anything you want to take with you.”

Sten nodded. “I have reason to believe Rooks will agree to this plan.” He didn’t elaborate, but he seemed confident, as confident as a terrified man could be. “What’s your plan? To leave with the ships, without the Syndicate’s knowledge?”

“Yes.” Eva nodded.

She couldn’t believe her luck. No, luck wasn’t the word. It seemed that the Finial had arranged this situation. It created unrest among those who didn’t fit within the Finial’s rules. Sten was one of those people. She just had to help him realize it.

Sten stiffened. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this.”

“Safe choices gain you nothing.” Eva smiled.