Their genetic enhancements went a long way to reduce the adverse effects of life in space, but bone softening and muscle deterioration were major health risks. All orbito personal were susceptible to a range of cardiovascular, eye, and immune system weaknesses as well.

“Increase speed to fifteen kilometres per hour,” she said.

Despite the semi-gravity conditions on board, and their superior genetics, none of the space soldiers would live long without the nanotech. Both the nanotech in the walls of the space station, and within each soldier. This technology continually repaired the orbito walls to reduce radiation leaks, and also regenerated tissue affected by the small amount of radiation that found its way inside.

There were other perks to the nanotech. Non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones and torn ligaments healed rapidly. And the nanotech could help delay death from more dire wounds, making it more likely you’d reach proper care in time. It wouldn’t help if a missile hit you, but it was an important part of sustaining life here.

Romy relished the burn in her muscles as the speed adjusted to her order. Not that she’d ever tell anyone, not even her knot, but Romy liked to pretend she was running on Earth. Was the ground softer than the treadmill she pounded on right now? Would tree branches and leaves be in her way? She could imagine ducking and dodging as she ran. Her heart squeezed. How incredible it would be to run in a real-life forest.

“Increase speed to eighteen kilometres per hour.”

If she was on Earth there wouldn’t be any tension cords holding her back. Romy would fly. Like the birds she read about on her nanopad.

“Romy. Romy. Romy!”

Romy was wrenched from her jungle run to find an amused Knot 27 waiting for her by the door. Another knot had arrived and were elbowing each other, smirks on their faces. Deimos grinned at them and their smirks disappeared. No one wanted to be on the twins’ list.

“Sorry,” she puffed. “Stop treadmill.” The machine came to a gradual halt.

Thrym handed her a small towel, and she nodded her thanks, gasping for air, her mind still down on Earth.

“Dinnertime!” Deimos and Phobos shouted in unison as they left. Though not as vocal, Elara was hot on their heels as the knot walk-jogged down the hallway. It was their knot’s compromise speed.

“Do you think they’ve forgotten we’re on kitchen duty after?” Thrym asked.

Elara pretended to think. “Do you think the other knots have forgotten that their underwear is now three sizes too small?”

Romy groaned. “How did they manage that?”

Thrym flashed his white teeth in a full grin.