“Let’s go.” He gestured in front of him. “Stella and the others from the ship have finished unpacking. A majority of the colony have already gotten to know you now through video feeds and surveillance, but they want to meet you in person.”
“Right.” Anna’s voice was resigned. “Soap opera time.”
“They are watching?” Nora frowned. “Still?”
Simon pointed overhead to a camera. “Always, unfortunately.”
Anna dragged her feet to the door.
Atlas followed, feeling lead in his footsteps himself. Again, he reflexively reached in his memories for when Anna had laughed in the sunlight earlier. But it was not a smiling Anna in front of him right now. He stiffened.Something really is bothering her.Now that the television had been turned off, her earlier discomfort returned. He stepped in next to her. “Are you alright? After this dinner I promise you can rest.”
“Yeah.” Anna forced a smile. “So, are the other humans coming?”
Atlas reached out and connected with Sterling, sending a request and receiving a firm, “They have already eaten,“ a second later.
He wirelessly sent a message back to Sterling.“Any improvement in their mood?”
“No.”An impression from Sterling transferred of the other two humans observing Anna and Nora through a window in the back room. Sterling added,“Their speech has been crass. I’m disappointed.”
“They are always difficult.”
“Well. I’m intrigued. I chatted with Anna after she saw the end-of-life care for the other humans. She was disturbed seeing the ill humans. She wants to work, too. That was unexpected.”
“All three of them are unexpected.”
“I agree. Bring Anna for the baseline medical tests tomorrow. There are a few supplements she should be taking that the ship didn’t have on hand. That and something for the sunburn.”
“I will.”Atlas disconnected. Remembering the humans’ comments still made his chest burn. Maybe that’s why she was so unsettled. That, or the end-of-life care? Seeing anything in the active process of dying was not easy. It made sense. His hands slowly curled into fists. The other two humans’ comments, though.
“No,” he addressed Anna directly, “the other humans are not joining.”
“Alright.” Anna ran her hands down her sides. “Well. I guess they won’t get to know us if they don’t talk with us, huh?”
“Their loss.”
“Are you a sweet talker now?” She gave him a half smile before stepping into pace with Nora.
Atlas stumbled.Sweet talker?That was the first time anyone had ever referred to him like that. Usually he tripped over his words unless it was a programmed medical response. He pushed up his sweater sleeves, hot again.
Anna and Nora were not walking as fast as they did this morning, but Tilly pulled on Simon’s hand, full of energy.
“I’m hungry.” Anna leaned toward him, walking a few inches closer than necessary. “What do you eat here? Is it more bars? More donuts?”
“No, actually. We didn’t have any other supplies on board when we picked you up. But usually we cook a variety of foods.”
“Hmmm, more cumin cookies?”
“No.” Atlas chuckled. “I’m afraid that’s all you.”
There was a fraction—more prominent now that Atlas had spoken over the connection earlier—of the colony that was exerting themselves to cook for tonight. Fear had turned more into pity for the humans he walked alongside.
Atlas slowed his pace to match Anna’s.Some are also excited. It’s been a long time since they could cook for anyone new.A few of the androids were designed to be professional chefs before, a skill that was mostly wasted now, as the androids performed best with more sugary foods.
The thought of them working hard, of cooking and rushing to serve like they were initially programmed to, came back briefly. But the disdain he felt didn’t hold the same bite anymore. At least some of them were trying to give Anna and the others a warm welcome.
Atlas assessed Anna’s sunburned face, the medical side of him pressing an alert about the severity of the burn now that he saw it in the brighter lighting of the hallway.Only first degree.“There are some creams for sunburn. I’ll bring you some lotion tonight after dinner.”
Anna’s fingers went to her face, gingerly touching the red sides. “Guess I’m making an awkward impression already.” She pointed down at her outfit. “At least I’m clean now though.”
