IV
Raul, sitting at the lower bench of the bunk bed and fixing some small device, noticed Etta’s thoughtfulness once she stepped into the door.
“Is anything wrong?” he asked.
“No. Why have you asked that question?”
“You don’t talk much, lately. Raina suggested that you don’t need me anymore.”
“No! What made you think that?” Etta looked at her Companion and realized that she had really abandoned him some time ago. Willner’s integration drill made her spend less time in the company of her droid, so he could really have some strange thoughts. “It’s not like that, my dear Raul!” She sat next to him and took his hand. “You know the captain’s orders they are of great importance. But my following them doesn’t mean you are less important to me.”
Raul was silent, not looking at her.
“What ha
