“They would have been difficult if they didn’t.”

“In what respect?”

Her head tendrils fluttered. “In every respect. Since you did so well, would you like to go out today?”

“Where would we go?”

“Anywhere you wish, though I thought we could visit the museum so you could experience the art in person.”

“Would that change my perception?”

“It might. Sometimes images don’t capture the feeling of a work.”

“Then I’m…” He hesitated, sorting through various emotions until he found the one that seemed correct. “Curious if that’s the case for me. I would enjoy the opportunity to verify if my visual receptors—”

“Eyes,” she cut in gently.

“If my eyes detect any differences.”

“Then let’s go.”

She led the way out of the habitat and input a code into her wrist unit. Shortly after, a vehicle arrived, a slim conveyance that gleamed silver in the rays from the twin suns. The oblong pod was clean and sleek inside, shaped to hold two passengers. Once, he would have been able to scan the unit to determine its efficiency, fuel consumption, and identify the power source. Now, he asked.

“An interesting transport. Is it yours?”

She moved her forelimbs in a negating gesture. “It’s a public vehicle, solar-powered. I requested a two-person shuttle and programmed our destination. This way.” She stepped inside and settled into the curved seat, beckoning to him.

Helix claimed the spot nearby. The space wasn’t large enough for him to maintain perfect distance, and at first he held himself rigid. Then the shuttle glided away and the motion swayed him so his limb brushed hers. It was still a shock, but the glancing touch didn’t create a riot of discomfort at least. Quietly, he sorted through the sensory input: warmth, softness, and the faint fragrance of her skin. There was a startling familiarity in breathing the same air in such close quarters.

This was his first journey since his existence shifted dramatically, and he could feel the movement as he couldn’t before, minute shifts in altitude and pressure that quickened his insides. As they moved, the ventilation system purred to life, filling the space with a refreshing scent. It settled the unease in his interior immediately.

“This is a smart pod. It detected your motion sickness and released an olfactory treatment. Do you feel better?”

After a few deep breaths, the sensation faded entirely. “Yes. Thank you.”