Page 178 of Light Leech

“If it is, I am afraid the only way to learn his intentions is to let them play out.”

And if they end up killing us?

“They will at least be revealed by then.”

Is there a way we can separate? I don’t want to split up from you, but if you know how to, maybe we can use that to free Ralia.

“I am afraid such a cleaving would leave your hypothalamic implant powerless.”

Resulting in techbone.

“And the associated decay of your body. I do not believe you can survive without me. Perhaps one day you can discover something to replace me, but for the foreseeable future, that must not occur.”

I didn’t like those sentiments. I let Zhu ramble on to himself about the difficulty of our predicament, but I zoned out a few sentences in. I stared back at her pod, even though I couldn’t see her through the tinted glass.

I turned to my neurospace.

Petya: How are you holding up without me?”

Naoma: It’s nice to have a break.

She sent a laugh.

Petya: I miss you.

Naoma: Wow, you’re that bad already?

I started typing a message describing what was happening with Ralia, but I felt it best to leave her out of it. She had enough to deal with.

Petya: Just relaxing in a small pod. Plenty of entertainment options but I’m sure it’ll grow old after two days. Have you ever been to the moon?

Naoma: No. Will you take me?

Petya: If all this guk is out of the way and we can enjoy it for what it is, I would love to.

Naoma: I’ll hold you to that.

She sent another message before I could think of something to say.

Naoma: I was going to get sentimental, but we’ll leave that for later. It’s easier to send it here, but I think I’m still learning how to be a person, not an idol.

Petya: You’re doing better than any idol I can imagine. 3Rochi would be a mess out in public.

Naoma: I’m still pissed that those three pulled you in as a “fan.” I’ll have to reach out to them later now that Zhou is no longer an obstacle.

Petya: How is the homunculus?

Naoma: Complaining a lot. Abbas has been occupied with him, trying to learn as much as he can. Zhou refuses to talk to Denji. Kuni thinks he looks hilarious and Boyband only makes it worse. I guess it’s nice to see him humbled.

Petya: Have you tried talking to him?

Naoma: For what?

Petya: Details about your past?

Naoma: No, not now. I want you to be there with me for that.

Petya: How sweet.