Simone’s skin sensors came online first. She could feel the scratch of upholstery against her back, something softer beneath her head, the press of gravity; she was lying down. And then a warm human hand against her cheek.
Auditory sensors kicked in a moment later, and she heard a woman’s whispering voice, precious and familiar.
“—that’s right, and booting up…Come on, that’s right, oh please work…”
That was Lucy’s voice. That was Lucy!
Finally, sight—light and shapes and a familiar face leaning over her—and Simone sat up, clumsy and frantic.
“Lucy.” They had their arms around each other before Simone could process which of them reached out first. “Lucy.”
“Simone! It’s all right, I’m here. Oh, Simone!”
Liquid was spilling down Simone’s cheeks, overflow from the fluid lubricant that g
