The holo flickers. “I see your son is listed as part human, part Vakutan.”
“Yes.”
“How lovely.”
I close my eyes for one second. “He’s not decorative. Can your childcare staff safely handle Vakutan-strength developmental variance or not?”
Verali blinks. “Our facilities are equipped for a wide range of interspecies juvenile needs.”
“That is a brochure sentence.”
“I assure you?—”
“No.” I lean closer to the holo. “I need specifics. Reinforced furniture. Crib or bed options rated for enhanced strength. Staff trained in de-escalation without inappropriate force. Dietary protocols for mixed physiology. Emergency medical support familiar with scale presentation and pediatric overheating.”
Fenn gives me a small approving nod.
Verali’s smile tightens by a millimeter. “I can note those requests.”
“I’m not requesting. I’m confirming.”
A beat.
Then the voice changes. Less velvet, more bone. “One moment, Ms. Robertson.”
Good.
I get a supervisor. Then another. Then, finally, somebody named Director Pell who sounds pleasantly exhausted and therefore vastly more trustworthy.
“Yes,” Pell says, scrolling through files. “We can support that profile. We’ve had Vakutan and mixed-line dependents at compounds before. I’ll update the intake notes personally and flag strength-rated furnishings in family housing. Childcare specialists will receive the amended profile before your arrival.”
I stop pacing.
“Strength-rated,” I repeat.
“Yes.”
“Not ‘available upon arrival’?”
“No. Assigned prior to arrival.”
“And pediatric staff?”
“On-site.”
I glance at Jesse, now trying to feed a grape to a toy lizard. “He also runs hot when upset.”
“We’ll note temperature management protocols.”
I exhale slowly. “Thank you.”
Pell pauses. Then, not unkindly, “Ms. Robertson, you do understand the Challenge environment is intense.”
There’s something in his tone that makes me go still.
“I understand that,” I say.
“Do you?” He hesitates, as if debating how much truth his job allows. “This season’s transport packet includes competitor advisories. I suggest you read all of them before launch.”
