“It’s different here. They don’t understand computers. They didn’t let me submit any of my code for my gallerie, and I didn’t have any experience with their styles of engineering. The Makers’ technology evolved completely differently than the provincials’, and a lot of it is dependent on Sire abilities and Ha’i manipulation.”

Georgie pronounces “Ha’i” like “hai” instead of from the back of her throat, which I know from experience can be tough to get used to if you didn’t grow up with it.

She continues. “They use artificial nervous systems for high-level computing and genetic sequencing. But virtual reality, machine learning, the internet—they don’t have anything like that here. And they have this weird misconception that anything the provincials do must be inefficient or immoral in some way. But I intend to show them how computer science could advance this world even further.” Her eyes are bright with intensity. “In the meantime, I also really love clothing design.”

Ah. That explains the bolts of fabric in the corner and the mannequin in a scandalous state of half dress.

“So… do you have an internet connection?” I ask, cautiously optimistic.

“Yup. It’s satellite, and pinged through a bunch of other locations, so it can be slow, but it’s the good ol’ internet.”

Hallelujah! I cannot believe my luck. “Can I use it sometime?”

“Why do you think I brought you in here? You said you wanted to talk to your family. There’s no network for me to connect your phone, but I can set up a video call for you on my computer.” She clicks open the necessary window. “Just don’t tell anyone. The Makers don’t want me spreading ‘provincial trash’ around. And they’re scared the internet could lead people here. They’re not wrong, but I’m good enough to hide the signals to prevent that from happening.”

“So anything I say will stay private?”

Georgie laughs at this. “Even if there were someone on this island who understood how the internet works, they wouldn’t be able to get past my encryption. There are government agencies that can’t do that.” She grabs a sketchbook and bright pink headphones. “And you don’t have to worry about me.” She slides the headphones on. “I have a new album drop to listen to and a dress to design. Take your time!” She waltzes out of her room and closes the door.

When Kor answers my call and his smiling, surprised face fills Georgie’s screen, the anxiety whooshes out of me like an unpinched balloon.

“This is a secure connection,” I say.

“Are you sure?”

“Yep.” I feel the muscles of my face soften as the need for any artifice melts away.

“Wow, that was quick. I guess you’re pretty good at this.” He winks.

It’s nice to let him believe that for a moment.