Chapter 4

Preoccupied with Lucy’s treatment, she had done little to evaluate the state of the research and prep stations the Curie’s crew had built; that must be her first step. She began walking toward the nearest, following the path the crew’s feet had beat through tall grass and blossoming brush. She had many miles to cover, through forests and hills, under a sky whose clouds hinted at the problem of rain.

She called up memory files as she walked, starting at the beginning—the day before launch, when Lucy had surprised Simone as she went about her duties with La Bohemeon maximum volume.

“I beg your pardon, Dr. Zhong. I thought I was alone.”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry to interrupt. You must be the Ship’s Assistant! I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Be warned, I’m nosy and persistent and fascinated by androids; I’m afraid you won’t be alone much at all as long as I’m around…”