Zef had the morning off and because of the stress toll of the last few days, she wasn’t moving as quickly as usual. After leaving the Ghelfis the night before, she’d stopped by Alex’s quarters to check on him. He’d been slumped across his bed, still in the clothes he’d warn to the meeting. Knowing her way around the bedroom, Zef had helped him change out of the slacks and shoes and into a pair of pajama pants and a tshirt. After that, she’d tucked him into bed, made him drink an entire glass of water and told him she’d stay until he was asleep. And she did.

Once he was breathing deeply and in slumber land, Zef left and returned to her own rooms. She’d left a note on Alex’s kitchen counter that said she’d be back this morning for coffee at 1000 hours.

Taking care with how she dressed and looked, she pulled on a gown of light turquoise and fastened a wide belt around her waist. Adding delicate touches of silver jewelry and a hint of makeup, Zef twisted her hair to one side and slipped her feet into sandals. After a final check in the mirror, she put a large bag over her shoulder that contained fruit and cheese and the special drink Anasera supplied her with, and set off for Alex’s quarters.

She palmed the chime and hope he would be happy to see her.

—Zef