Pip was sharpening her hatchet when Xin found her.
The scrape of stone against metal echoed across the cargo deck.
She glanced up once.
That was enough.
Something in his face made her stop.
The hatchet lowered.
"What happened?"
Xin sat across from her.
No hesitation.
No attempt to ease into it.
"Mei found another consciousness stored in the Forge."
Pip frowned.
"So?"
"A backup Master Smith."
The frown deepened.
"And?"
Xin held her gaze.
"The signature belongs to you."
For a second, nothing happened.
Then she laughed.
A short, confused laugh.
"No."
Nobody joined in.
The smile faded.
"Seriously?"
Xin nodded.
Pip stared at him.
Then at the floor.
Then back at him.
"That's impossible."
"Mei checked it three times."
"Then check it a fourth."
She stood abruptly.
