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  Uninterrupted rest is something I have missed. Only obedient prisoners get that luxury. As hard as I try to be good and listen, I’m always earning additional visits from guards and punishment protocols.

  When my eyes open, they ache from grieving so ferociously. Blinding light filters in from odd shaped holes covered in particles that are transparent, or possibly invisible? It’s difficult to tell.

  The Sally is doing a ritual with varied materials and another containment of fire, making a calming vocalization. The first thing I do is check my holopad, it’s coming online! There must be something in the air to draw power from. I want the ability to scan and translate, but it will be easier for the council to track me, too. And for Bench’o to continue remote punishments.

  Sally looks over at me, and its face contorts. I’m wondering if this is their way of smiling?

  “M’Awk!”

  While I only understand my name, the pronunciation is surprisingly good.

  The holopad beeps as it initiates a telepathic link.

  Prisoner, you have crashed and are in critical condition. You appear to be the lone survivor.

  Yes, may I have precise coordinates, please?

  Prisoners cannot access that information. Try another query.

  Will you assist me in communicating with this native?

  Humanoid genetic scans show female, though identification may not match. Prisoners cannot access that information. Try another query.

  A sob shakes my body, I can’t imagine I have more grief, but it leaks along my cheeks. Please run the translator and dampen my vocals by forty percent? That function is accessible to prisoners. When I talk something affects the Sally. I just want a translator, please.

  Processing query... Acceptable. Communication privileges will terminate if you move outside appropriate conversation parameters. Standby—

  Thank you, Holo.

  Proceed, Prisoner.

  Staying curled around myself in the corner, I look towards Sally. “Greetings and good tidings, I am M’Awk. Is my translator working?” I ask.

  Sally lets out a startled vocalization, then another more musical sound comes from her.

  “Holy hell, you scared the shit outta me, M’Awk! Sure is working. Don’t worry, you’re safe, I won’t hurt you. Uh, I’m Sally, this is my dog, Rufus. Do you understand me now?”

  My head’s rock and hands knit together and apart. “Yes. Please do not let the Rufus try to eat me again. I do not want to die.”

  Sally makes the musical noise again. “He was saying hello with his tongue. I’m so sorry he scared you!”

  I let out a relieved breath. “You do not wish to eat me either?”

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  “Goddess no, no one’s gonna eat you. I’m just glad you’re not a figment of my imagination! Saw a light and heard an explosion. Didn’t expect to find... you. Worried you were dead.”

  “My pod destruction?”

  Prisoner cannot mention destruction. The Council is indestructible!

  Sorry, Holo. I turn to Sally. “The odd growths grabbed me. You live under their bodies. I was, am, rather terrified.”

  Sally’s face contorts again. The coating above her eyes angles. “Oh! The trees? This is a log cabin. No bodies, just dead trees. They aren’t sentient, though they were technically alive? Sounds like you tripped over a root. The undergrowth is a real bitch sometimes.”

  The words translate, but most of what she says makes little sense. “Trees? Are trees um, natural growth?”

  Sally tries to eat a portion of the skin stretched over the hole with white things. Which is presumably a mouth? “Shoot, I suppose so? That’s why I’m out here, I’m a park ranger. Guess I protect the trees and wildlife. What brings you out here?”

  I’m still unsure I can trust Sally, though she doesn’t appear threatening. “There was a malfunction, I crashed. I need to get my comms array working so I can go home.”

  Sally shakes her head. “Your translator cut out there.”

  Prisoner will refrain from going beyond acceptable parameters. Another deviation will initiate punishment protocols.

  A terrified sob escapes me. Sorry, I’m trying to stay within acceptable parameters! Please do not punish me!

  Sally takes a careful step forward and lowers herself so she is level with me. “Seem awful scared of something there, M’Awk. How can I help?”

  No one can help me—I consider how to word this question so as not to bring on punishment. “Do I need to worry about your guards pursuing me?”

  Sally’s head shifts violently back and forth. “I sent a report that a satellite fell and exploded on impact with no debris to retrieve. Don’t worry about anyone coming. If they do, I’ll deal with them, you’re safe.”

  “What do you want from me?”

  Sally does the strange facial contortions again. “Uh, nothing? Just seems like you could use some kindness.”

  Her sincerity is palpable. I rock my heads. “What is it you are doing?”

  “Making breakfast. Can you eat?”

  The way she asks is humorous, I can’t help but smile and a small laugh slips out.

  You are not allowed those responses, Prisoner.

  Sorry, Holo.

  “Yes, I’ll need to run a spectral analysis to see if it’s compatible with my systems.”

  Sally holds out a round disc covered with strips of something. “This is bacon, one of the greatest things we have to offer.”

  Will you please run a scan for acceptable nutrients, Holo?

  It will cost three spins during the next punishment cycle.

  I already have six spins... More will almost guarantee severe punishment. It takes a beat to stop trembling enough to respond. Agreed.

  Holo beeps and chirps. Analysis complete.

  Highlighted nutrients surround me. Something the bacon does with the air powers Holo. I pick up the most nutrient packed item and take a bite. It crackles and tears apart my mouth.

  Sally reaches out for me. “Oh, don’t do that! That’s glass, it’ll cut the shit out of you! Here, let me check the cut.”

  The small box she picks up looks similar to the one Bench’o enjoys bringing in for punishment cycles. I try to push away.

  “Please don’t hurt me!” the words hurt, tearing my mouth more. Clearly, I was stupid to believe anyone would want to help something like me.

  “No, you just took a bite out of a plate. That’s not edible, it’s made of glass.”

  I can’t use my natural defenses with holo active. I try to scramble away from her and protect myself from the pain I expect.

  She puts her hands up and I recognize the way her face contorts as a kind expression. Her voice softens as does her posture. “Please let me help heal you, M’Awk.”

  I stop pushing away from her and let her get near the hurt. Something in her hands tingles. The way it makes my body react and relax is strange, but comforting. Not in the same way my podmates comforted me though, it’s new.

  The Council does not allow those responses, Prisoner! Holo chirps in a harsh tone.

  I can’t afford for Holo to add another spin. Sorry, it’s involuntary! Something she secretes from her skin.

  Holo admits the wail that means a punishment cycle is imminent. I’m not due for one yet. Which means I brought this one upon myself by not adhering to behavior protocols.

  My coverings morph to punishment garments as Bench’o materializes with three others.

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