“You can’t keep going like this,” Nithya chided. “Taking zips, juvers—any pills could make you worse. We can’t formulate anti-seizure drugs with supplies still short, and even if we could, I don’t know if they would help or hurt you more.”

“A few more weeks, that’s all I need.”

“Your condition has degraded so fast. A month back, you had only mild tremors. I’m not an expert, and I don’t have any medical knowledge. I can’t predict how long you can continue before your entire system fails. What if the microgravity makes it worse?”

“Then I’ll have to work faster once I’m up there. The station said they’re feeling the effects of the embargo. If people are hungry and resource strapped, my work will go that much easier. Desperation has a way of changing people’s priorities. You’re not talking me out of going.” Welga tilted her head back and poured some kootu into her mouth. “Needs a touch more chili pepper. And maybe salt.”

“We don’t have many chilies left, so I’m using less than usual. And you should talk yourself out of your plan. Someone in good health can catch the Machinehood. It doesn’t have to be you. Think of Connor. Think of your father.”

“I am,” Welga said grimly. “The Machinehood’s actions put their lives in danger, too. And yours, and everyone here. Connor can’t heal because of their destruction. Papa doesn’t have the drugs to control his heart condition. We have no daily pills to keep us healthy and safe. Someone has to get up to that station and find out what’s really happening and how to keep the Machinehood from sending more agents to Earth.”

“What about Jady? They’re like you, right? But without your neurological disorders.”

Welga shook her head. “They’re a good soldier, but I had an approved spot on the station, and I have more information about the Machinehood. I don’t have access to the JIA’s documents anymore, but I’ve read them. I captured a dakini and talked to her. I know how to handle their operatives. Plus, I need to personally convince Josephine Lee to help me, and others like me. So what if I’m not in the best physical condition for combat? That may not matter if I can work this situation correctly. After the first wave of attacks on the funders, the operatives have been following the caliph’s playbook. They only fight in self-defense.”

“Welga, this isn’t a matter of how well you can fight,” Nithya said. Couldn’t Welga see the seriousness of her condition? Was she in denial? “You have withdrawal symptoms combined with motor control issues. You can’t ignore this like you would a cold or a sprain.”

“As long as I got zips, I’m good.”