Page 38 of HaL

“No, SoL makes the rest of us look small. He looks fierce but has the biggest heart in the galaxy. He is also mated to a human, and I believe they are expecting their first youngling soon.”

I let his words echo through my thoughts as I lift the lid from a plate, uncertain about the contents. But then I’m distracted by what appears to be a thin piece of bread with possibly jam or jelly on it, and a pile of goop beside it. Not wanting to seem rude, I pick up the cold utensil from where it has been resting on his side of the membrane. I notice that, despite being shaped like a fork, it has only two tines. Shrugging, I scoop up a small amount of the goopy stuff, holding my breath before tasting it. To my surprise, it tastes just like scrambled eggs.

I’m so consumed with my own meal that I barely notice HaL until his comm unit goes off. Instantly, my eyes seek out his bright blue ones. He motions for me to continue while he answers the call.

“Yes, Troza, we are both up and the door is open.”

I’m just scraping the last of the odd-flavored stuff out of the bowl when HaL pushes his plate toward me.

“I am finished, so would you like the rest?” The corner of his mouth lifts again. “You seemed to enjoy it.”

“There is no way that was enough food for that big-ass body of yours. I’m fine. Even if I am acting a little gluttonous over here, I’m full. Eat the rest of yours, or you’re gonna get mean-face.”

“I am in no hurry to find myself on the negative side of your personality, as I can only imagine how confusing—and vocal—it will be.”

He pulls the bowl back to himself and in two bites, has it completely cleaned. The room suddenly seems to grow brighter, and I glance up at the clear ceiling above us, and my breath catches.

The sky has become a ray of shifting colors, each one dancing beautifully across the crystal ceiling. The light moves and changes, spilling across the entire area until the room itself seems transformed into a breathtaking light show.

“Wow, now that’s beautiful.”

“Many risings, when the suns shift positions across the sky and the conditions are just right, their reflections off the Void create a breathtaking array of colors. That is one reason I chose this side of the compound. Not only do I have an unobstructed view of the open sky, but my room is also the only one positioned half inside and half outside the main mountain housing us.”

He reaches over and grabs what appears to be a remote control.

The wall farthest from me begins to rise, revealing intricate designs embedded within its surface and clear panels separating the interior from the frigid world beyond. I’m on my feet instantly, grabbing Hal’s snuggie absentmindedly before I step through the membrane to his icy side of the room.

“How did you do this?” Unable to hide my awe, I gawk like a kid who has never seen glass before. “It’s beautiful.”

“Actually, it was SCOUT’s idea. He suggested using the same material currently used on Destiny and her external viewers. We were all used to being out in the elements all the time, and these viewers were the best way to keep any of us from feeling trapped.”

I step closer, staring through the transparent panels at the frozen landscape outside.

“So, this is like space glass?”

“Exactly.”

I run my gaze over the seamless surface, still trying to comprehend what I’m seeing. It looks like glass but somehow feels far more advanced—strong enough to withstand the brutal conditions outside while giving us an unobstructed view of the world beyond.

“It’s incredible.”

“If you are this excited about a viewer, I cannot wait to share some of the other beauty Hallister is hiding from the universe.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that the moment I get some clothes and this hair of mine brushed. It looks like a bird’s nest!”

CHAPTER 13

DAWN

The door slides open just as a chill seems to rush through my system, and Troza walks in, pulling a small cart behind her.

“Good rising, you two. I was not sure if you would be up and about, Dawn. The one thing I have learned is that, in the days after any accident, the body has a way of informing you of new aches and pains. How did you sleep? Did your arm bother you at all?”

“Good morning, Troza. And you’re right. I am feeling a little rough this morning, but my arm seems to be aching less.”

“Let’s get that holding cast off and take a look. HaL, is there somewhere in here I can examine her arm safely?”

“Yes. Let me pull one of the stands over.”