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"Just now. I was bringing the Brooks family to their suite." Veylan gestured toward us. "Darren Brooks and his children, Evan, Matt, and Laura. Darren, this is Nick Carter. He's traveling to New Haven as well."

Nick's face broke into a smile. "So you're the new deputy?"

I laughed. "That's me. News certainly travels fast."

He grinned. “It sure does, especially with Xero adding near instant updates.” He chuckled. "I'm the new schoolteacher. The only schoolteacher, for now, if you don't count the one here on the Fleet who's started video lessons for the kids. That'll have to do until the schoolhouse is built, which I've been told should only be a few weeks."

Both boys looked at him with renewed interest. Evan seemed to be considering what that meant for his own education, while Matt appeared to be wondering whether the new teacher would let him bring toy cars to class.

"Well, then," I said, smiling, "I suppose we should make sure we're on your good side."

Nick laughed. "I think we'll get along just fine. I'm sure my boys and I will see you again in a bit." He glanced down at Skye. "We've got a golden and she loves dogs of all sizes. Sarah's looking after my kids and the dog at the moment while I nip down to the thrift store to look at a piece of furniture in person. There's something I think I might want, but I need to see it before I commit."

"That sounds sensible," I said. "Furniture can look rather different in person."

"Exactly. Anyway, I'll let you get settled. I'm sure we'll see you on the leisure deck later."

He headed back toward the lift, leaving us with Veylan, who checked the information on his tablet before leading us along the corridor.

"Your suites are close to one another, and the leisure deck is open. If you would like, you can meet there later. It's a good place for children to stretch their legs after a journey. And Sarah refers to Sarah Bennet. She’s also traveling to New Haven with you after receiving her match, as did Nick Carter.”

"That sounds ideal," I said. "The boys have been strapped into seats for most of the trip, and Skye could use a proper walk." Two more people who had matches? I was beginning to seriously wonder about those odds now. Just how many people had been applying?

"The leisure deck is pet-friendly. There are grassy areas, trees, and paths for walking. The atmosphere is controlled, and the sky is simulated, but you'll find it quite comfortable."

"Real grass?" Matt asked, looking genuinely astonished.

"Real grass," Veylan confirmed.

Matt stared at him for a moment, then turned to Evan with an expression of pure delight. I could almost see them imagining a place where they could run around without being told to keep their feet off the furniture.

We followed Veylan to our suite. It was essentially a two-bedroom hotel suite, larger than I'd expected, with pale wood furnishings, neutral colors, and a practical layout that reminded me of a well-designed family hotel. There was a sitting area, a small table, a kitchenette, and separate sleeping spaces arranged to give the children room without leaving them too far from me. Everything looked clean, comfortable, and deliberately uncomplicated, and definitely from IKEA.

I set the boys' cases down and looked around. It wasn't home, not yet, but it was a place where we could rest and get our bearings. For now, that was enough.

"Your luggage will be delivered shortly," Veylan said. "If you need anything, you can speak to Xero through the room's integrated system. He can assist you with most questions about the ship and your onward journey."

"Thank you. He's already been doing a lot to help us."

"I'm sure he has. Xero takes his responsibilities seriously."

Veylan explained that there were no separate switches or complicated control panels for the lights, temperature, or other room functions. Xero handled all of it through the same sort of integrated system used in a smart home, responding to spoken requests. I could ask him to dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or turn on a night-light without having to hunt for a switch.

He also showed me the food replicator built into the kitchenette. It was straightforward to use: I could choose from the menu on the display or simply tell Xero what I wanted, and the system would prepare it. Veylan demonstrated, ordering chocolate milk for the boys and a hazelnut latte for me.

The boys watched with growing excitement as two clear cups appeared, each filled with chocolate milk and fitted with a lid and a loopy-loop straw. They immediately claimed their drinks and took enthusiastic sips while continuing to explore the suite. I accepted my latte with a grateful smile, inhaling the rich hazelnut scent before taking a careful taste. It was delicious, and far better than the coffee I'd been making in the motel.

"Well, that's a very useful feature," I said.

"Especially for families," Veylan replied. "You can request meals, snacks, and drinks at any time. If you have particular dietary needs, Xero can help you find suitable options."

"That's good to know. Thank you."

Once he was satisfied that I understood how to use the replicator and call on Xero, Veylan wished us a pleasant stay and left us to settle in.

Evan decided which of the two twin beds was his and which was Matt’s, while Matt asked Xero to turn the lights down and then back up again, delighted when the room responded to his voice. I settled Laura in her portable crib after setting it up and made sure she had everything she needed. Skye wandered around the rooms, sniffing the furniture and checking the corners before deciding that the patch of floor beside my chair was the perfect place to lie down. I unpacked the essentials from our luggage, fed and watered Skye, then finally sat on the edge of the bed and let out a long breath.

We were here. The children were safe. We had somewhere to stay, and New Haven was waiting for us.