“Oh,” Stella said. The one-word response seemed to ripple down through the androids sitting there with them at the table.
Anna swallowed.Was that wrong to say?She tried again. “You all are trying so hard. I’m sorry, the baby makes it difficult for me to eat sometimes.”
Leo finally broke his intense gaze. “This is understandable. Sterling? Is there anything different she should be having?”
“Oh no.” Anna waved her hands. “I’m fine overall.”
“This is normal for humans,” Sterling said. “I’ll do another checkup in the morning tomorrow.”
Both Leo and Stella settled at those words, returning to their plates and the carefully manufactured small talk.
But Nora leaned over and patted Anna’s arm. “Don’t worry, I’ve been eating for you. And Tilly.”
“Thanks, Nora,” Anna mumbled, pushing the food around. Finally, she put the fork down. “Thank you, but I can’t eat any more.”
She folded her hands on her lap and tried taking deep breaths to settle her stomach. The nausea rose, punctuating every kick her baby gave. Her throat felt slimy. I amnot gonna throw up. Not here. Not now.
“I think . . .” Simon pushed back from the table. “It has been a long day. We should get some rest.”
Even Tilly looked like she was fading. Her eyes were glazed, even though more sweets had been put out in front of her.
“Good idea.” Nora rubbed the little girl’s head. “We should go before we fall asleep right here.”
Anna rose with them, thanking and exiting. As she did, she again tried to find Atlas. He was not present for any of the dinner.
Instead, Stella was at her side. “Of course. It’s been a busy day. I’ll bring you back to your quarters.”
Anna followed, Stella leading the way. Her stomach flip-flopped with every step.
Stella smiled as they entered the common room, which looked exactly the same as when they left. No sign of either Ria or Pearl.Where do they sleep?Maybe on the other side of the area, or maybe near the glass room where the other humans were being kept alive?
“That went well,” Stella chirped, patting a stray hair on the top of her head back into place.
“Dinner did.” Simon’s eyes tightened. “But Stella, I had been meaning to speak with you. The other humans do not want us here.”
“Yes. Well. They’ll come around. You are all human.” Stella said in an offhand tone. “I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast?”
Anna exchanged a glance with Nora.She really thinks that?
Tilly was yawning. Nora pushed her ahead, toward the rooms they claimed. “I’ll get her to bed, then go to sleep myself. It’s been a long day.”
“Simon?” Stella reached out to Simon, who started to follow. “You’re welcome to join us while they rest. Several others want to speak with you more.”
“I already spoke with them while my hardware was being upgraded. We will speak more in time. For tonight, my place is by Nora.”
Stella’s eyes tightened. “How sweet.”
“Thank you, Stella. For bringing us here,” Simon said. “The nature outside is like it was on Earth so many years ago.”
“Oh. You don’t have to thank me. It was a communal decision.” Stella smiled wide before turning around to exit. “Sleep well. And if you need anything, there are intercoms on the wall. Just press a button.”
Anna glanced upward.And video feeds above.There were no cameras in the personal bedrooms or bathrooms at least.
Simon seemed to have similar thoughts as his eyes darted instead side to side.
Once Stella left, he waved to Anna. “Let me walk with you to your room.”
With the door closed behind them, Simon came by her side and spoke low. “No cameras in here, so let’s talk for a moment. I know Nora is having trouble adjusting. How are you doing?”
