Getting the does onto the ship wasn't that big of a problem, since the living members were already familiar with them. The other members of the crew were very curious though, so it was a challenge to get the girls past the ghosts and into the medical lab without having to explain things. Dr. Zerachiel (either the projected one or the real one, it's hard to tell) is there, and waves. "I wasn't expecting to see you girls in here," he notes.

"I'm here to sell them as spare parts," Layth claims as he enters behind them. "They're good condition… "

The Karnor laughs, while Aisha's ears go down at the notion. She's been wide-eyed since entering the ship, and the sight of the big tubes and tables and the multi-armed medical robot is triggering a lot of her rabbity insecurities.

"I'm in the best condition," Calligenia claims, lifting her chin.

"Or … they helpfully volunteered to work with me. The problem is some of the work is going to require going … ah, yes, the system dives into the virtual controls. I also want them to start working with Fallen-Star, and the simplest way to learn and communicate with her is in the machines," Layth explains for real this time. "So … they need to be fitted with these," he adds and taps the metal collar locked around his neck. "I promised to do all the preparatory work for it, such as fur removal to the skin and the like … and explain the procedure to them as best I understand it."

"Unusual… but I can prepare the collars and the other systems," Zerachiel offers. "It'll take a few moments, so go ahead and prepare them." The automated service cart rolls over to the foot of one of the beds, popping open the drawer with shaving (and surgical) supplies.

"So … which one of you wants to go first?" Layth asks as he faces the two does. "It might dictate who also gets designated as the first wife… " The last bit comes with what looks like a teasing smile, but its always hard to tell with him.

"I will go first," Calligenia says, hopping up to sit on the edge of the bed.

Aisha chews her lip, but seems content with the ordering. While all technology is equally mysterious to Calli, Aisha knows enough to be intimidated.

Layth nods to that. He reaches up to cup Calligenia's head, then tilt it this way and that. "I have to remove all the fur on your neck in an inch-wide strip," he explains to her as well as shows Aisha. "The collar fits … well, practically bonds, to the skin. It has to for safety." His hands slip away and he heads to the equipment drawer to collect the items needed; a pair of electric sheers with reducing guards to get closer and closer, then a razor and a can of lubricating cream to remove the remaining stubble. "This feels really strange," he warns.

"I have been shaved before," Calligenia claims.

"You have? Why and where?" Layth asks as he fits the first guard onto the clippers.

"I had a wound on my leg from training," Calli admits. "It had to be shaved and stitched closed."

Aisha looks a bit queasy at the notion.

Layth clicks the trimmer on and it humms softly. "Now, I need you to hold very still or I'll make a mess of this," he warns Calligenia as he raises the trimmer. His left hand cups under her chin to hold her head steady … where his right places, then takes the trimmer around Calligenia's neck in two half-circle arcs.

The chocolate doe's ears go up in slight alarm at the humming noise. "Are there wasps in that thing?" she asks. Aisha grins a bit and hides a giggle.

"No, just a thousand small blades," Layth explains while swapping to the next guard. Around the trimmer goes again, then another guard swap, and again. The darker doe now has a very prominent indention around her neck. Only an eighth of an inch or so remains. "That's pass one," he explains as he picks up a small can and shakes it. "Pass two will remove the rest as well as help prevent regrowth for a time."

"I'm finding this a bit stimulating," Calli admits. "It is like grooming, but… not."

"I could shave your entire body," Layth offers as he presses a button on the top of the can and it squirms out some really slimy looking gel into his left palm. He mixes it with his right two fingers until it turns white and foamy … then he spreads that on the stubble that remains on Calligenia's neck.

"Where does the shorn fur go?" Aisha asks, after noticing that there isn't a layer of fur clippings on Calli's blouse. "Does the clipper inhale them? What's that goo for?"

"I prefer more traditional grooming if you want to run your fingers over me… " Calli notes.

"It vaporizes them with light according to Fred," Layth explains, "Very strong light. The goo is to make the blade glide smoothly and without nicking her skin." He sets the can down, wipes his hands off on a towel, then picks up the actual razor blade. His left hand tilts Calli's head up as he reaches around her and carefully drags the 'safety' razor through the foam. In its wake is left very smooth and very dark, skin. Every couple inches he has to lift the razor away and tap it out on the counter, then wipe it with a towel. This part takes several minutes as Layth is very careful with the real blade. When he's finally done, he cleans away the remaining foam. This leaves Calligenia with a dark circle of skin on her neck. It … almost looks like her head could be detached from her body.

"This feels odd," Calli claims, and touches the bare area with her fingers.

"Does it sting?" Aisha asks.

"It feels cool, actually," is the reply.

"It'll feel odder soon," Layth says as he traces a finger down one of the now visible blood vessels on Calligenia's neck. "The machine will be inserting a tube and one-way valve into this blood vessel, and the similar one on the other side of your neck." He also taps the bare spot over her spine. "It will also insert several small ports and wires in here as well, right into your spine. I should warn you about this part … you'll feel the tubes in your neck for a few days. It doesn't hurt, but you can tell they're in there. It feels … strange. Something moving around under your skin."

"But… you did not panic?" Calligenia asks Layth – almost like she's looking for permission to panic if necessary.

Aisha is silent but her nose and lips are twitching nervously.

"Well, I was pretty busy, it was hard to find time to panic," Layth admits. "You forget it's there after a while. The collar doesn't come off, either. Fred explained it to me, the links are some sort of molecular bond. This is so it can't be pulled off; which would hurt you pretty badly. It has to be removed carefully so the connections can be undone and extracted without … well, bleeding out."

"It… it is going to be a part of me then," the Amazonian doe states.

"For a while. We won't take them back home. It's just while we're here and you're helping … and getting to know the crew," Layth says in case she's worried that it's permanent.

"It is like armor then, protecting my neck and throat," Calli claims, as if trying to convince herself.

"Sort of like that, yes. And it lets you talk to machines," Layth explains. His head tilts towards Aisha and he asks, "Do you want to be prepped now, or would you like to watch Calligenia go through the entire fitting process first?"

Aisha rocks back and forth. Finally, she admits, "If I wait, I will lose my nerve."

"Then hop up and sit next Calligenia," Layth requests and pats the spot on the bed beside the doe.

"And … would you like to help shave her?" Layth asks Calligenia. Perhaps to see if she'll take the opportunity to assert her position in the 'forming family'.

"I could," Calli says. "I could also keep her relaxed. I know how she likes her ears stroked."

"Then why don't you do that?" Layth requests as picks up the trimmer again and swaps on the first guard. "This won't be the last time I do something to you," he notes to Aisha. "You are certain you want to be with me?"

After settling herself onto the edge of the medical bed and fidgeting with her hands in her lap, Aisha says, "I'm not worried about such things. I know you are gentle and caring and will not hurt me."

"Well, any pain would be brief and I would take care of you afterward," Layth promises as he cups Aisha's chin and turns the trimmer on. Like Calligenia, he creates an inch-long strip around her neck using two half-circle sweeps of the trimmer. He's slower on Aisha since she seems so nervous, but after five minutes he has gone through all of the guards, leaving the golden doe with just a band of stubble on her neck.

Calli mutters soothingly, and strokes Aisha's ears. The doe's eyes are still wide, and her breathing is controlled. The golden doe is determined not to show weakness!

Layth actually leans in and kisses Aisha on the lips to try and calm her. When he draws back, he goes for the shaving gel and squirts a bit into his left palm and lathers it up with his two right fingers. With painter-like strokes, he applies the foam to the golden doe's neck.

Aisha is blushing from the kiss, which did seem to distract her. She does begin to stiffen up again though in anticipation of the razor. She even closes her eyes.

Layth changes the blade on the razor to make sure it is as sharp as possible. His hand cups her cheek, securing her head from moving too much … and the razor comes up. It glides on her neck in short strokes, removing the stubble carefully as he tries his best to avoid any tugging. The blade is cleaned between each stroke. Minutes pass, but Layth eventually says, "There, it is done." It's then Aisha feels a damp towel wiping away any remaining foam.

The doe sniffs, and wipes a tear away. "Do I look silly now?" she asks.

Layth leans in and licks the bare spot just under her chin. "No more so that Calligenia does, or I did when I had it done," he claims, nevermind he was asleep at the time.

"What will it feel like when the collar is attached?" Aisha asks, nervous again.

"It is smooth and cool," Layth explains. "It doesn't hurt at all, it's just … noticeable. I … suppose it didn't bother me too much because I wore a ceramic one when I was a child for a few years," he admits.

"It will not feel like being stabbed in the neck when it is put in place?" Calli asks.

"Not at all. The machine will numb your neck first. Now … that feels strange. Your neck will feel all cold and … rubbery," Layth explains and waves towards the medical bot. "They are ready for the next part of the prep," he tells it.

The robot rolls forward, and raises it's hypodermic equipped arm. "Do you wish full or local anesthesia?" it asks.

Aisha squeaks at the sight of the needle.

"Do you want to be asleep, or awake, for the fitting?" Layth asks the does.

"Asleep," Aisha claims. Calligenia eyes the golden doe, and says, "Awake."

"Full for Aisha," Layth explains and gestures to the golden doe. "And local for Calligenia," he adds with a gesture to the darker doe. "Why do I feel like you're enjoying this?" he asks Calligenia.

"It is not easy to prove myself to you, Layth," Calli points out.

"I'll remember that for when I choose your wedding mark," Layth mock-threatens Calligenia. He steps back from the does so that the medical robot can get close enough to administer the anesthesia.

"Will this hurt?" Aisha asks, just before the robot injects her with straw-colored liquid. "Oh… purple… " she says, and then goes limp.

Layth moves in to catch Aisha. He picks her up and moves her to a separate bed. He lays her out carefully on her back, head tilted just so to expose her neck the most.

Taking a cue, Calligenia lies back on the current bed. "Will there be a lot of blood?" she asks.

"There should be none. Why?" Layth asks as he goes to stand by Calligenia since she is awake. He reaches down and takes her hand in his, just in case she really wants reassurance and is too proud to ask.

"I do not want to ruin my top," Calligenia claims. The robot uses a different needle on her, and the doe squeezes down on Layth's hand as it injects her in the neck.

Since it's local, it ends up several injections before her neck should start to numb completely around. "I still do not understand why you would choose me over all the better prospects in Amazonia," he admits, possibly to distract her. "It makes me feel duty-bound to … challenge you," he adds.

"I am not in Amazonia," Calligenia notes, her voice sounding a little odd as her vocal cords begin to numb. "I need to operate in your world, and you know how to do that. I can make deals, but… I don't know enough not to be taken advantage of. You can protect me. And you are Amazonian, so our children will have no issues taking high positions within the clan if needed."

"Except one may be born with spots," Layth points out. "And here I was hoping it was because you found me handsome and liked me."

"That I find you attractive and want to have your children is secondary," Calli claims. "It is simply happy coincidence that your other qualities match my needs as well. And there are many Amazonians with spots. And Lapis."

"Not quite like the ones that may occur," Layth points out and then taps her node with his free hand. He has to shift down a bit now so there is nothing blocking access to Calligenia's head. "Now, you need to hold very still," he says. To the medical bot he says, "It is time to fit her."

The robot moves in, and this is also technically the first time Layth has witnessed the process. Some sort of sterilizing marker is used on various points, indicating catheter locations. A metal band is extruded from a port on the machine, with holes punched through and one side covered in a pink substance. This is wrapped around the doe's neck first. Catheters are inserted next, along with monitoring electronics and sensors. The collar is built up in layers, with the final outer covering being extruded to order. Calli stares at a point on the ceiling the entire time, which is no small feat for a Lapi with a wide field of vision. Then the robot rolls her onto her side, and begins installing the neural interface. It's a plastic-sealed pack which goes into a slot in the back, then the robot connects it up to a cable from the bed.

One of the robot's hands unfolds into something that can cover Calli's scalp, and presses in against the skin. The displays in the bed's headboard flare to life, displaying a colorful image of Calligenia's brain.

Layth actually watches in fascination as the collar is constructed right there in layers of metal and tubing. He also can't help but rub at his own neck, knowing he went through the exact same experience. It also makes him wonder just how it comes off. He can't think on that long, through … as he is distracted by the fitting of the neural pack … and the amazing view of the doe's brain. "You have a very large brain," he tells her.

"Is that good?" Calli whispers hoarsely. "I am hallucinating… " Various lights on the fingers flicker, matching symbols on the display. The status area claims that magnetic mapping is in progress, with twisting routes appearing in the display where the wires will eventually go.

"It is fine, I promise," Layth tells Calligenia. He moves in and squeezes her hand again reassuringly. "It is … figuring out how to insert all the wires into your brain safely… "

"Wires," Calli repeats. "Will they come out later?"

"I … I am not sure. Medical unit, are the wires removed when the collar is disassembled later?" Layth asks the robot.

"Neural wires are not removed," the robot notes. "So long as they are supplied with a frequent low-voltage external current, they will remain active. However, once that stimulus is removed, they will begin to decay into biologically inert material."

"Your body will eat them when they are no longer needed," Layth translates helpfully for Calligenia. "Are you holding up okay? No feelings of panic?"

"I feel… lots of things, all at once," Calli manages. "I cannot move. I can taste my toes. I should have slept for this."

"But you are being very brave," Layth points out. "You will be rewarded later, I promise. You will also be happy that it was done when you meet the spirit."

"Reward?" the doe asks, picking out that one word from whatever she might be hearing. On the display, lines move towards targets, and spread into arrays of even finer lines as they get close.

Layth goes quiet for now. He stands there and squeezes her hand reassuringly now and then so that she knows he is still there. "I think I am glad I was asleep for this," he thinks to himself. "And I am glad Aisha is. She would panic and then have nightmares."

It takes several more minutes, and then the sensor-fingers release Calli's head, and the cable connection to the bed is disconnected as well. "Procedure complete," the robot announces, and the service cart is already zipping over with a tall glass of… that horrible post-operative liquid.

And that's where Layth helps Calligenia sit upright. "There. Was that so horrible?" he asks. "Because it won't seem that bad after you drink what's in the glass that's coming." At least he's honest about it … and he massages her shoulders.

It takes Calli a few tries to get the hang of swallowing while wearing the collar, but once she figures it out she doesn't seem to have any qualms about guzzling the drink down. But then Amazonian warriors are known to drink fish oil.

"You are handling that drink better than I did," Layth admits. "So, do you want to watch Aisha's procedure so you can see everything that actually happened?"

"I owe it to her," Calligenia croaks, and turns to look at Layth. "Were you awake when your collar was fitted?" she asks.

"I was not," Layth admits. "I was warned it was better to not be. However … it was a good test of how you will deal with the machine dives. Those are … disturbing at first."

The doe just looks at Layth in silence for a moment. "I don't think I need to prove myself further then, if I was able to do what you chose to avoid," she says. "Will you continue to test us, to give Aisha a chance to step forward?"

"I chose to avoid it because I had greater challenges to focus on," Layth claims. "And yes, I might. I want you both to find the place you are most comfortable with being."

"Aisha is not comfortable with anything," Calligenia claims. "That is not to do with you, but with everything. She is constantly uncertain and afraid. Like I was, putting on a mask of confidence. That is why she clings to you."

"Ah, then that is why I should push both of you," Layth concludes from that as he steps away from Calligenia … so that he can roll the bed closer to Aisha so that the chocolate doe can watch the next procedure. "Most things are not nearly as bad as they may first seem."

"You should not push Aisha so hard," Calligenia requests, as she shifts to the other side of the bed so she could sit and watch.

"I did not know I was pushing her that hard," Layth notes as he sits down on the bed next to Calligenia. "Is the neuro-collar feeling okay?"

"I want to scratch, even though I don't feel an itch," the doe claims. So far, she hasn't touched it.

Layth takes one of her hands and lifts it. He places it lightly over the side of the collar so she can get used to the idea of it being there. "Please perform the second fitting," he instructs the medical bot.

The robot has reset for the next procedure, measuring Aisha's neck.

"It is still numb," Calli clarifies for Layth.

Layth considers something … then gently pulls Calligenia so that she's sitting in his lap. This puts her in prime position for ear-grooming … lip and nibble style. And so he does for the time being to help her relax while she watches the actual procedure.

She does mutter and make happy noises as the robot goes about fitting Aisha with a collar. Calli especially enjoys seeing the colorful brain-scan display, commenting that it reminds her of a flower.

Layth doesn't comment too much since his mouth is a bit occupied with the doe's ears. His hands also tend to explore and pet the doe in his lap. He's very gentle, but also very unashamed with where he touches and pets, even with Calligenia being clothed.

Since she's used to Layth's version of 'extreme grooming' when it comes to making her relax, Calligenia doesn't even twitch… even when the numbness begins to wear off and she can feel the intrusions into her neck.

"Procedure complete," the robot announces, as it unplugs the now-collared Aisha from her bed. The doe is still fast asleep.

"You will make a very good mother," Layth remarks to Calligenia when his nibbling abates for a bit, "I look forward to seeing you with child and plump." He accentuates this comment by rubbing her stomach. "And Aisha may be asleep for a while. do you wish to wait for her or would you like to meet the spirit in the meantime?"

"Will we have to leave her alone?" Calli asks.

"Yes. I can ask the robot to try and wake her first if you would rather not leave her side," Layth says.

"She shouldn't wake up alone," Calligenia insists.

"Medical Unit, can you assist Aisha in waking?" Layth asks the robot.

"Preparing anesthesia flushing agent," the robot replies.

"How many children do you wish to have?" Layth asks Calligenia while the robot treats the asleep Aisha. He also inwardly worries that she'll panic … after she drinks the glass of goo and the significance of what she just had done hits her.

"At least two," Calligenia says. "More once they are old enough to manage without supervision."

"All raised in Amazonia … or in the outside world?" Layth asks.

"And do you want daughters or sons?" Layth adds.

"The first ones will need to be raised wherever we are," Calligenia notes. "I will need to produce at least one daughter though."

"Why at least one?" Layth asks.

"My mother will demand it," Calligenia notes. "If I am to succeed her as Clan head, then I must have an heir."

"I am not sure what happens to me if you succeed as the clan head," Layth admits. "Your … concubine, I suppose."

"As my husband, you would… be my husband," Calli says, as if that clears things up. "That makes you my foremost adviser."

Layth looks over Calligenia's shoulder to see if Aisha is stirring yet. "Are you angry with me?" he asks.

"Why would I be angry with you?" Calligenia asks.

"I do not know. Often women will be mad at men and not tell them or explain why," Layth claims. "It is especially common amongst the Khatta."

"You haven't done anything to earn my ire yet," Calligenia notes. "I was worried when you were off finding this long metal bird, and also bored enough to participate in Aisha's odd business venture."

"Did you pose for any of those … advertisements?" Layth asks of the doe. "And I imagine you kept Aisha company while I was gone. As for this ship … you missed out on … a lot of dark passages and strange machine snake life."

"I helped negotiate the terms of her contract," Calli notes. "And also for Xavier, although he balked in the end and did not perform in the moving-pictures project. Have you seen the moving pictures?"

Aisha moans a bit as she starts to wake up. She also reaches up to scratch at her neck, only to be rebuffed by the collar. She didn't have any numbing of her neck.

"I have seen something like that, I think. What is this moving pictures project he was to perform in?" Layth inquires. "It is unusual for him to decline things."

"Welcome back to the land of the waking, beautiful doe of the desert sands," Layth also comments over to Aisha when she stirs.

"They have a type of moving pictures where the pictures are drawn by artists, instead of using an eye-box machine to capture live performers," Calli explains. "And these moving-drawing films usually feature a Lapi that makes a fool of a human or a Karnor that are pursuing it. Xavier was asked to participate in a live-performer version of this, without having seen the original drawings."

"And he declined this? It sounds entertaining," Layth admits. "It is far better than it could be. If a Karnor on this ship named Fred ever offers to show you his collection of these moving pictures … you may want to decline."

"My throat is dry," Aisha complains, as the service cart arrives with a fresh glass of whatever-it-is medicinal juice. "This thing feels lighter than I expected, but… it is poking me… "

"You'll get used to that and not notice it," Layth claims, "And as for that drink … drink fast and try not to taste it… "

"That is terrible advice to give me when I'm thirsty," Aisha notes, now sniffing the drink with suspicion. "What is it?"

"Medicine. I am certain that those who created this ship decided that if it is to be good for you, it must taste like sucking on a dirty foot," Layth admits a bit sheepishly. "And you look good in the collar. It … suits you, my wife-to-be."

Aisha blushes, and fingers the collar before trying the drink. Her expression turns sour, but she drinks it all – although afterwards it looks like her tongue is trying to escape her mouth. "Bleh!"

Then the golden doe kisses Layth… to share the flavor.

"It also makes me less guilty when I imagine all the jewelry possibilities for the both of you," Layth adds and grins slightly. "I did warn you that it … mprhh!" goes Layth when he's kissed and topples backward! "Careful," he warns the doe once his mouth is free (and has a terrible aftertaste). "I have recovered from your imprisonment and watching both of you do this because I asked and having been grooming Calligenia while you woke … finds me in the mood to enjoy both of you again," he claims. "But I also know we have things to see to."

Layth does find it hard to look all that alluring, though, when he's repeatedly skewing his own face and sticking out his tongue. "That is worse than I remembered," he adds.

"Are you saying I have bad breath?" Aisha asks, covering her mouth and looking stricken.

"We can test that," Calligenia claims, and kisses Layth herself. "Do I taste better?"

"You have medicine breath. You should taste only of me," Layth tells Aisha just before Calligenia kisses him! This causes him to blink a few times and 'bleh' a bit afterward. "You both taste the same. This is most disappointing. We will have to fix that. But … " He looks at Aisha, then asks, "We are out of the liquid that protects you from children, are we not?"

"That is not a problem for me," Calligenia notes. Aisha blinks, and looks around. "Can't you make more here?"

"Probably, but would it not be better to test your resolve and deny it to you?" Layth asks Aisha, sounding completely serious about it. "You could just watch Calligenia and myself… "

"That's not fair… " Aisha pouts. "Amazonians take a lot of effort, after all. They are stingy with their eggs."

Layth breaks into a small smile. "I am teasing," he finally admits and leans over to lightly nose Aisha. "Now, would you like to meet the spirit soon … or would you prefer spent another few hours together, the three of us?"

"I want to see where you live on this airship," Aisha notes. "And learn about the unfamiliar faces in the crew. It would be rude for me to not address them properly."

"Just do not listen too much to Fred. I only kissed him once, and that was to clock him back into his right mind," Layth claims as he slides himself off the bed and stretches for a moment. "I can take you to my quarters here. They are spartan, but not uncomfortable."

"Which one is this Fred?" Calligenia asks, as she helps Aisha to her feet. "Do we need to interact with him?"

"Fred is a large Karnor. I actually like him, he is funny and kind," Layth explains. "Do you want to meet him? He's one of the ship's mechanics."

"I suppose, eventually," Aisha says. "He's polite then?"

"Yes, he can be. He is the ship's … practical joker," Layth explains as he guides the does towards the door. "There is also Mariel. She is a soft-spoken Karnor lady as well as kind hearted and rather timid. Then there are the copies of people you already know."

"Copies?" Calli asks. "What does that mean?"

"Can you imagine yourself as you were three years ago?" Layth asks Calligenia.

Aisha notes, "This place needs a lot of work to make it inviting. At least some wood paneling… "

"This is a military ship, not a cruise ship. It is designed for efficiency," Layth explains to Aisha.

"I was still training, and… not very bright," Calli notes.

"Imagine that version of yourself standing right next to you now. A copy of yourself at a point in your life. That is what most of the crew are. Living memories," Layth explains.

"Ghosts?" Aisha asks, nervously.

"More … solid than a ghost. They are different. You will like them," Layth promises. "They have been my friends. And please do not look at me like that, I am not crazy."

"I know the outside world is full of demons," Calligenia says. "I should not be surprised to find some here."

"I hope you do not consider your potential future daughter a demon," Layth remarks as he guides them deeper into the ship, closer to the crystal core where Fallen-star resides.

The door is normally locked, but today it's left open slightly for the convenience of the crew. Through the gap, the odd underwater-looking light of the artifact swirls about.

Layth knocks lightly on the door, then eases it open the rest of the way. "Fallen-Star," he calls out into the room as he steps inside. "I have brought two people to meet you."

Of course there isn't a reply, since the ghost can only communicate in sign. She appears as a slightly denser area of light peeking out from behind the transplanted medical bed with its collar interface.

"The colors in here are pretty," Aisha says approvingly, while trying to avoid looking at the stack of crystals that produce it.

"You can come out," Layth tells the shimmering image that peeks out from behind the medical bed. He also signs this to her. "This is Calligenia and Aisha my … ah, two future wives," he adds as he tries to steer the two does towards the bed.

A ghostly hand reaches out, and slowly signs, "They have my colors."

"She said that you have her colors," Layth translates for the two Lapi.

"Well, separately," Calli says. Aisha just stares and seems frozen.

"Am I going to have to come back there and force you out," Layth asks the Silent-One as he heads for the other side of the bed. "You don't need to be afraid of them. You aren't afraid of me… "

The ghost finally puts in a full appearance, looking more waifish than wraithish. "Hello," she gestures to the does.

"That is the sign for hello," Layth tells the does as he stands closer to the small ghost. "And you can come over here. This is the girl I've been helping take care of. And … would you like to ask her what we talked about, Calligenia? Or would you prefer I do?"

While Aisha still stands frozen, Calligenia approaches. "You're as tall as I am, but you are a child," the doe notes, and then smiles. "Do you want me to be your new mother, Fallen-Star? I hear you have a caring heart."

The ghost looks from Calli to Layth in surprise, then signs, "Thank you. I don't know how… " She isn't sure how to finish that thought.

"It is not unheard of that a spirit could claim a new body if she were possessing, a woman during the act of child creation, or was near the act. At least such things are said to have happened on the world we come from. I have been trying to find a way to give you a new life outside these confines and one hopefully kinder than you knew. You would be like us instead of the People that you were, though," Layth tries to explain in sign as well as speak it. "If it worked, you would be our first child. We would raise you again in a new world. I … do eventually have to leave this ship and I do not wish to leave you behind."

The spirit responds by hugging Layth… which is a chilly experience… and burying her head in his chest (which is also a bit disturbing). Aisha squeaks in alarm when this happens, but Calli looks to Layth and says, "I think she agrees to try?"

"Some 'words' are universal," Layth agrees as he tries to hug the spirit back, which is far from simple (or very comfortable). "Before we try, we should all meet inside the computer. You will be able to speak to each other … and I think Aisha will not be so terrified there."

"Is that not where we are now?" Calligenia asks.

"No, it is what that device is on your neck is for. It can connect us together and … meet in dreams," Layth tries to explain. "Sometimes you see parts of someone's life, though, if they are strong memories. Fallen-Star saw my early life, and not the better parts of it. But … it was there we truly spoke and became friends. All she has to do is, well, possess me … and then we all lie in beds like this one, and just … fall asleep."

"We'll dream together?" Aisha asks, suddenly unfrozen and looking embarrassed.

"Yes, basically that. But it will seem real," Layth answers.

"This sounds interesting," Calligenia notes. "The Temple of Morpheus would be interested, I imagine."

"Hopefully no bad memories will intrude this time. I should speak to the doctor about that before we begin. Now, would you like to see my room and the rest of the ship?" Layth asks. "I'll … even let Aisha decorate my room."

"Decorate?" Aisha asks, her thoughts derailed.

Calligenia nods, and says, "I will see you again soon, Fallen-Star." She then goes over and whispers something to Aisha, who perks up a bit more, and grins.

"You were saying this ship was not inviting. I imagine they would permit you to make one room more inviting … if it was my quarters," Layth offers, pleased to see Aisha calming down from having met a ghost. "And what did you just say?"

"I just pointed out to her that you cannot get pregnant in a dream," Calligenia whispers to Layth.

Layth laughs at that and shakes his head. He tries to kiss Fallen-Star in her spectral forehead … and ends up getting cold lips instead. He signs something to her, though he doesn't tell the does what it was. To the Silent-One, though, it may be a name to be, "First Daughter". "Come you two, before you embarrass me in front of her. I'll see you soon, Fallen-Star," he says as he heads back to the door … and out into the barren ship.