“Your hospitality is much appreciated, Mrs. Haveport,” Muthr added, extending an open hand. Hostia studied the wire-veined hand and gave it a quick pat.

The loft was a smaller version of the main living area, though there was an accumulation of fishing baskets nestled under the low window. Though empty, the baskets filled the room with a salty scent. Hostia reached up, lighting the lanterns in the room, and then pulled a single drape over the window. She grabbed three large pillows, larger than those used in the living area, and laid them out on the woven floor.

“There is a comforts station one door down,” she said as she unfolded a blanket. “Would anyone care for any more foods or drinks? Seabrine tea, perhaps?”

“No, thank you, Hostia. You’ve done enough. Oh, and I almost forgot . . . ,” Rovender said as he reached into his pack and pulled out his remaining voxfruit. He handed them to her. “I brought Zoozi his favorite breakfast.”

“Much appreciations and gratitudes to you,” Hostia replied, taking the fruit. “Zoozi will be so excited.”

Rovender smiled a toothy grin as Hostia went to leave. She paused at the door and turned to Eva. “You do not haves to leave by morning. You all are welcome to stay as long as you like.”

Eva’s eyes widened. She thought of exploring the market in the morning, meeting the locals, and learning how to fish. She thought of herself and Muthr living here with Hostia and her family.

Hostia continued in a solemn tone. “However, you should know that a Dorcean on your trail is likes a turnfin chasing a spiderfish—no matters how far down you swim to hide, he always catch his prey.” She waved. “Safe journeys, Eva Nines and Mother Robot.” Hostia left, closing the door behind her.

“Well, that was not very reassuring,” Muthr said, rolling to the window and peering down into the vacant plaza below. “Do you suppose Besteel is, in fact, here, Mr. Kitt?”

“I do not think so.” Rovender pulled out one of his bottles and began rearranging the pillows. “The Halcyonus are a tightly woven community. If he’d been spotted here, Hostia would have heard about it.” Eva saw him look over at her as she pulled off her satchel and jackvest. “We are safe for the night as long as we stay put, and remain inconspicuous,” he said.

“Then what?” Eva asked as she pulled the Omnipod off of her wrist. She slipped off her sneakboots and socks and dropped the Omnipod inside a boot. She flopped down onto a squishy red-patterned cushion. It felt good to wriggle her toes in the cool open air.

“Tomorrow morning I’ll take you to the ferry docks and see you off.” Rovender propped up a pillow under his legs and examined the scab on his ankle.