“Wise words indeed, Shorack. Friends are vital. When I first arrived here I had nobody, and I feared that my demise was only hours away. But Genna took me under her wing, and now I count her as a friend. Likewise yourself, Shorack, and you too, Byrnia.” And here, he risked a turn, looking down to his side. “And Aleph, I realise we hardly know one another, but I would like to believe you view me without great animosity.”
The tech nodded, and the arm she had draped over Genna’s shoulder squeezed. “You’re okay, old man.”
“I will take that as a compliment.” He smiled before turning his attention back to Byrnia. “And so, we are more friends than enemies here.” He paused, raising one hand to indicate that more was to come. “And yet, we have been thrust together through actions over which we ha
