Page 107 of Alien Burn

“Could we go somewhere a little more comfortable?”

“Please sit.”

He indicated the chair opposite his.

After a fraction of a pause, she did.

“I hardly know where to begin,” she said.

“With what concerns you.”

A small, brave smile.

“Everything, if I'm honest. The ship. What happened to the others at Terra North. Then all these guards, and no one seems able to say how long we're expected to live like this.”

Those were reasonable fears. Other volunteers had them. He let her finish without showing her how closely he was watching the choice of each word.

“My father is frantic,” she continued. “I try to reassure him, but what can I tell him? Even the simplest request has become impossible.”

“Which request?”

“The papers collected from my room. I only wanted to help.”

“Help with what?”

“Arrangements. My father's office has experience assisting travelers. I thought we could make things easier for everyone.”

“By obtaining their room assignments and the times of their movements?”

She stared at him.

Only for a moment. Then she gave a soft, embarrassed laugh.

“That sounds dreadful when you say it like that. Surely someone would need to know where to send things.”

“The residence receives deliveries through its staff. Private correspondents don't need a secure entrance or advance notice of a move.”

“Then remove that part. I didn't write the form.”

“Who supplied it?”

“I was given a great many papers before we left. I can't be expected to remember every one.”

“Vessik may be able to explain the procedure.”

Her fingers tightened on the edge of her wrap.

“I'm sure he can. He's been most helpful.”

Dhomhes let a short silence follow that.

She filled it.

“Has Sereya been saying something?”

“The delivery was collected under the general screening order.”

“That wasn't what I asked.”