When Vesta woke up the next morning, she lay still for a moment and listened to the strange bird songs. Merlot lay curled up near her feet and she could hear him purring. Vesta rolled over and came face to face with a sleeping Condra Tae.
Her sharp intake of breath caused the commander to open his eyes. He made a motion as if cold and pointed at Vesta. She shook her head. Where was her earpiece? Vesta found it in the blankets which had been piled on her at some point during the night.
“You were shivering," Rycer whispered.
Vesta suddenly recalled her dreams, involving the museum hologram, and the face of the doctor who brutalized her arm.
“Hey," Rycer touched Vesta's face. He pointed to his ear, revealing he had a translator too.
Vesta smiled radiantly, “Oh wonderful! Brille is goi
