“Alright, I guess.” Anna settled herself on the bed and let the forced smile fall off her face. “The nature area was beautiful. But everything in this facility feels off to me. But other than the otherhumans, the androids have all been nice. Weird, kinda creepy, but nice.”
His lips flattened. “The other humans should not have treated you like that.”
“Are they like you remember?”
“Yes and no. But closer to them. Far closer than you or Nora ever could be.”
“I don’t understand them.” Anna tugged on her chin. “Something still doesn’t feel right here, does it?”
Simon sat on the chair at the desk. “I agree.”
“They are trying too hard.”
“It’s almost like they’re overcompensating. But nothing seems hostile.” Simon paused, then sighed. “I still cannot access all the data. Right after they did the upgrades I could see more of the facility and plans, but some areas are still off-limits to me.”
“Are they still keeping you out of areas?”
“Frankly, I’m unsure.” Simon’s eyes took on a faraway look. “Regardless, I told them trying to modify humans in any way is a terrible idea.”
“It’s terrifying.” Anna shuddered. “There are ones at the end of the hall being kept alive too.”
“Ah . . .” Simon stood up. “I had forgotten that was common in my time. They do love their humans, I guess.”
The way he said it slid around her. It felt wrong. “I guess that could be love.”
“Love is the scariest force of nature.”
“What?” Anna snorted. “Can I tell Nora that?”
“No. Like I said. Love is scary.” He gave a forced half smile. “Try to get some sleep. I’ll connect tonight and see if there’s any more information I can gather now that I upgraded. There are so many more connections here than on the ship. A lot fewer firewalls as well.”
Before Simon could leave, Anna reached her hand out. “Wait.”
“Yes?”
“Can you connect to Atlas for me?” Anna rubbed her stomach. “I don’t want to really use the intercom, and I don’t know how to call him otherwise without making a big deal.”
Simon peered at her face. “What’s wrong?”
“My stomach is off.” Anna said, her tongue thick. “Can you ask Atlas if he can bring me some crackers or something? I hate to bother him, but all that weird food earlier didn’t sit right.”
Simon frowned. “Oh. Yes. I hate it when Nora has that happen. She got sick a few times when we first met and it made me so nervous.”
“I’m not sick.” She rubbed down her front. “This is just the baby. Pregnancy is not magical.”
“I beg to differ.” Simon stilled, his eyes fading into a faraway look. “Okay. I let him know. He will come down in a few moments. Do you want me to stay with you?”
The room started to feel hot as her stomach swam. “No. I need a little privacy, I think. I’ll relax and see if that helps.”
“Come to Nora’s room if you need me. Atlas should be here in a few moments though.” Simon closed the door behind him.
Anna sighed when he left.Finally alone for a minute.Night settled fast, and she spent a few minutes staring out the window at the black forest outside. She pulled her legs up, sitting against the headboard as her stomach churned. Exhaustion pulled at her, weighing her down like lead. I wish I could sleep.
And her stomach.Ugh.It really was rejecting everything from that dinner tonight. She pressed her sweaty forehead against the headboard.She rubbed on her stomach even harder as bile rose.If I only had a little stockpile of something simple to eat.
A cold sweat began to run down her back. Sick. She couldn't. . .
Finally, she ran to the bathroom, lightheaded and stumbling. The nausea won. Violently. She flung herself in front of thetoilet, throwing up everything from the dinner earlier. Then she pushed back, leaning against the wall.
