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“Good,” Xero said. “Because your match is confirmed, and the treaty normally requires you to proceed to the Bride Fleet immediately and remain there until transport to New Haven is arranged. However, the Bride Fleet's systems are under my supervision, and I can remain connected to you through this data pad. That means I can fulfill the requirement to be present with you at all times while you remain at the motel. The system will record your compliance with the treaty.”

“So I don't have to pack up everything and move to a station today?”

“Correct. You may return to your room, arrange the shipment of your belongings, and make the necessary preparations for your journey. You must keep the data pad switched on and with you, though. I will need to remain connected.”

“That seems straightforward enough.”

“You will also need to exchange your human smartwatch for a Mylos model. It will allow the necessary communications and treaty monitoring while you travel. I can arrange delivery of one to your motel.”

I glanced at my wrist. “I suppose that makes sense.”

“Once you've settled your affairs and the transport schedule is confirmed, we'll take care of the rest. There is no need to make every decision today.”

I looked at Pellan and Rhovan. “Thank you. Both of you. I don't think I would have managed to get myself together without you.”

“That's what we're here for,” Rhovan said.

Pellan helped me gather our things. Laura had woken briefly when I lifted her from her stroller, but she'd accepted her pacifier, snuggled against me, and promptly fallen asleep again. I settled her carefully into her car seat while Rhovan checked that Skye had everything she needed. She had already hopped onto her seat and claimed her carrot-shaped plush toy, gently squeaking it and licking it between her paws as if it were a precious treasure, ready to be clipped in.

Before we went, Xero asked me to confirm the address of the motel and the contact details for my parents. I gave them to him, and he assured me that he would begin coordinating the shipment of our belongings, including the children's bedroom furniture and the personal things I'd been permitted to keep.

That included their toys, books, and the little things that made a place feel familiar. I wanted them to have those things when we arrived on New Haven. Their lives had changed enough already without making them start from nothing.

I secured Laura in her car seat, clipped Skye into her harness, and drove back to the motel with the data pad beside me. I still wasn't entirely sure what I'd done, but I was beginning to believe I might be able to live with it.

11

DARREN

By the time I reached my room at the motel, Xero had already begun making arrangements.

“Welcome back,” he said through the data pad. “I've contacted the relevant shipping service and started the process of collecting your belongings from your parents' garage. They will need to confirm the inventory, but the shipment can be sent to New Haven ahead of your arrival. I've also arranged for your motel bill to be settled by the Dragonii authorities under the relocation program.”

I set the data pad on the table and began unpacking Laura's things. She remained asleep, her pacifier bobbing gently with each breath. Skye settled on the bed again with her carrot toy, her tail thumping whenever I glanced her way.

“That was quick.”

“I am very good at multitasking.”

“I can see that.”

“And please call me Xero. All my human friends do!”

I smiled. “Alright, Xero. I'll try to remember that.”

“Excellent. Now, let's talk about luggage.”

I sat down, feeling the first flicker of practical concern I'd had since leaving the testing centre. “Luggage?”

“Do you have good quality luggage for the move? With three children and a dog, sturdy cases will make the journey easier. Or was your luggage among the things seized during your financial proceedings?”

I stared at the data pad. “It was. I had some lovely sets, too. The government deemed them luxury items suitable for auction. Until everything seized has been sold and the debt reconciled, neither Philip nor I will receive any leftover funds.”

I closed my eyes briefly. I knew that, of course. I'd been told as much during the proceedings, but hearing it laid out again made me feel as though I were being punished for Philip's crimes all over again.

“I don't need anything fancy,” I said. “Just something sturdy enough to survive the journey and hold what we need.”

“Understood. I'll find you a practical set with enough cases for the family, along with a smaller bag for essentials. We can have them delivered to the motel this afternoon.”