Caleb had his right elbow propped on a folded shirt when the civilian chip vibrated. The buyer's message opened above the picture of the empty core chamber.
[??? : You look exhausted. I could order a heated transport. You only have to ask.]
He told her he was already back. The rail had carried him home, and his dirty boots stood beside the footlocker.
[??? : Did you see the file name? The registry confirms it. You are growing. I am so proud.]
Caleb saved the claim beside the yard record. He had a label for the carcass, a hole where its core belonged, and no account of what had dug through it. Her congratulations answered none of those questions.
A knock interrupted him. He put his ordinary knife down beside the chip and opened the door.
Kei held a paper bag against his hoodie. Taichi stood behind him in a civilian jacket, with Suzu keeping her braced leg clear of the threshold. Roasted meat scented the corridor.
