After Serge left to make dinner, they got to work filling the hole around the tree in the Gardens to Sachi’s specifications. It took longer without Serge’s help, but eventually, Sachi was satisfied. She admired the patch and nodded.

“This is good. I think he is happy.” She said, looking up at the branches with warm eyes. The team broke to put away tools and clean-up. She handed off tools as they asked, but Valorie had trouble paying full attention. Her arms and back ached, the pain rolling over her thoughts. She could stop receiving pain signals by loosening her connection to her body. It was dangerous to do so, pain was necessary to gauge damage. Gareth stood straight, staking the last shovel into the ground with a thump.

“Alright, everyone. You are dismissed. Thank you for your hard work. Enjoy your evening.” He said. Sachi caught his attention, and he turned to talk with her. Leon and Quinns made their way out. Valorie waited off to the side watching Gareth and Sachi talk. She didn’t want to interrupt but she was pretty sure she was still under watch. They spoke until Sachi noticed her.

“Captain.” She caught his attention while looking over his shoulder. Gareth followed her gaze and realization dawned when he saw Valorie.

“I’m sorry. I meant you as well when I dismissed everyone. You are still under probation, but you’ve earned your freedom.”

“Thank you, sir.” She bowed her head. She would be cautious – after the baths, she would stick to her quarters. She didn’t want to push her boundaries too far, too fast.

“Oh, and don’t forget about dinner. Celebrating after a day like today eases the tension. It will be fun.” He said. She stared at him for a moment before remembering to blink.

“Yes, I-” She paused, feeling her cheeks grow warm, “I can’t wait.” She said and turned to the exit. She needed to get ready and her first plan was the baths. She paused at the exit, the cozy envelope of plant life behind her. She wanted to run right back in. She looked over the greens, her senses sinking into them like a comfy chair. She let it flow through her, only for a moment. When it passed, she walked away.

One step in front of the other, and soon her mind drifted to dinner. The celebrations she had seen on the MRH Anderson ran through her head once more. This time the pang of jealousy was replaced by a spike of excitement. There might be bright streamers and banners laid out along with a hearty meal. Sometimes there was even singing. Imagining it made her heart race.

Instead, she focused on the path in front of her. She needed to be presentable for her first invitation. She smiled.

Valorie paused before entering the lounge, tugging at the edges of her fresh blouse. She had cleaned up and prepared for presentation, tying her hair up tight. Would there be the same uncomfortable looks she got at the emergency meeting? She straightened the cuffs of her shirt. If the true Valorie were here, she would be pushing Evie forward, teasing her for being so worried. She was right. Valorie stepped forward and the door slid open. Once more a warm savory scent greeted her in a soft breeze.

There were only a few people ahead of her. Valorie was early. She stepped inside and moved out of the way so she could look around. Three of the tables were latched together into one large main table near the counter. Each seat was set with utensils, a cloth napkin, and a glass of water. Allan sat at one of the other tables by the window reading from the display in his hand. One leg over the other, back straight, one slipper poking out from under the table. The representative and her assistant were standing at the counter talking with Serge. He had cleaned up, too, with his brown hair slicked back and his apron on. Valorie listened as she tried to pick a seat.

“You are welcome to try anything.” Serge’s voice was confident as he waved his hands, displaying the dishes in front of him. Steam rose from a colorful array of foods. Steamed grains, flowery blue stalks draped in white sauce, and meat strips and mushrooms with a dark glaze. “If nothing suits your tastes, I have two repli-meals on tap.” He said, reserve returning to his tone. Shayla perked up.

“Oh, what are those?” She asked. His eyes narrowed, but Shayla did not notice.

“I have the meal listings here.” He said, pointing to a display at the end of the counter. Shayla slid down the counter to get a closer look. “They will take about 15 minutes each to complete. May I suggest trying one of my dishes while you wait?” He said.

“No thanks,” Shayla waved. Her assistant, Margarita, smiled at Serge’s frown.

“I will have a plate. Is this from the market at Luxe?” Margarita asked, pulling his attention to her. His energy returned with her question.

“Yes, ma’am. Certified Luxe Labs white meat in a mushroom gravy.” He said.

“I heard it tastes like chicken.”

“That is what the ad says, yes.” Serge’s eyebrows raised, but his tone did lighten. Margarita cleared her throat and straightened up.

“Yes, right. Well, I’ll try it.” She held out her plate, and Serge followed her instructions as he served her food. She left with her plate full and sat at one of the tables alongside the window. Shayla noticed the opening and turned back to Serge for her order. Serge stretched his fingers and smiled pleasantly at her.

The door behind Valorie slid open, surprising her. She glanced over to see Sachi and Leon walk in. Sachi was dressed in soft silks, a far cry from the worn work clothes from earlier. Leon had changed into his usual attire, the old jacket resting easy on his shoulders. He nearly crashed into her when he turned toward the large table.

“Whoa. You gonna sit down or just stand there?” Leon asked. She blushed, stepping out of the way, unable to pick an answer.

“Leon. Don’t be rude.” Sachi said, taking Valorie’s arm.

“It’s a legitimate question.” He said, but Sachi was already leading Valorie to the table. The close contact meant Sachi’s direct thoughts entered her mind. Ah, so easy to tease. It wasn’t anything personal, but Valorie was glad when Sachi let go. She sat down at the table and gestured for Valorie to sit next to her.

“Do not worry. We will not wait long. Sit, sit.” She said. Valorie did so, and Leon sat down on her other side. He looked her over before focusing his attention on Serge.

“Hey, what’s on tap food-wise?” Leon asked.

“Got two meals set up for – wait, I got the display going. Use that.”

“Ah, come on… Alright, any one is fine. Just add one to the queue for me.” Leon said, leaning back in his chair.

“No. Pick it yourself.” Serge was already walking away. Leon dragged himself to his feet and followed.

The others arrived over the next ten minutes, with Yulia in last. Her hair was deep emerald green. The only spot left open at the table was next to Gareth who sat at the head. She smiled at him as she sat down. He nodded a greeting.

“Green for go?” He asked. She played with the tips, twisting them around her finger.

“For the Gardens from which I sprouted today.”

“That works, too,” Gareth said, and she smiled brightly.

“It took forever to get the shade right, but I think I match him pretty well now. Right, Sachi?” Yulia said turning to Sachi.

“A perfect match.” Sachi’s smile was mischievous.

“Him?” Leon asked as he returned from the counter. Yulia huffed.

“The centerpiece of the Gardens-” She began.

“Oh, the tree.” Understanding spread across his face, and he grinned. “I dunno, you might be taller, Yulia.” He said and she smacked his arm. He laughed.

“Alright, alright, the same then.”

“That’s not any better.” She pouted. When her eyes met Valorie’s, her brow furrowed and she looked away. Valorie looked down at her plate. At least she did not sense fear as she had before. Now it was discomfort. Valorie wasn’t sure what she could do to fix their relationship.