"By the way, why were you so tense when Briar displayed her abilities?" Remembering how Aya acted just a while ago, I asked just to know the scope of our relationship.
If we were working together, then I might as well know what could make an extraterrestrial so tense on earth.
The drive back was mostly quiet, with the occasional update of the late president's burial and the attack not far from the place.
The silence stretched the thin fabric of space that was between us. It was clear that I had touched a sore spot that Aya didn't think she would ever have to see, hear or feel again.
I knew that if she decided to tell me anything, I would listen and support her if I could. And even if she chose to keep everything to herself, well, I couldn't force a superintelligence being in spilling their beans, now would I?
In any case, it was her choice. In the meantime, I leaned back on the seat as I closed my eyes.