Chapter 34

The nurse let a thin disposable garment unfold at the bedside.

"Put this on," she instructed. "It's sanitary. By the way, call me Nurse Azzy."

Relda gathered it in her arms and slid out of the pod. The bracelet dug into her stomach. She lowered her gaze to the floor and said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but Triune's Code Book. It says not to steal."

She extended the bracelet to Nurse Azzy.

"I took it at the port," she said. "I needed to pay for things."

Azzy's hands trembled as Relda transferred the bracelet from her own hands to Azzy's. Renewed energy brightened Azzy's countenance. She tightened her grip on the bracelet while gazing Heavenward. Relda continued onto the bathing unit.

She let herself in and glanced back over her shoulder. Azzy pocketed the bracelet and bolted for the door.

She skidded to a halt an inch from Eyan's face and thrashed her weight backward.

"Where are you going?" He asked. "You've got a patient."

"My old place of business with any luck!" Azzy sang out, adding a few dance moves.

Relda laughed, but hid it in a cough. Her spirits lifted, and danced along with Nurse Azzy.

Meanwhile, Eyan did a breathing exercise. He jerked his head toward the hallway behind him.

"Alright," he said, "but get Rhiannon from the nurse's station. Get her in here to help me with my patient."

"I will! I will!" Azzy chirped.

Relda settled mentally that Nurse Azzy was going back to her business to stay. Relda shut the bathing unit door and breathed a prayer of thanks to the Triune. For Azzy's joy. For the clones she adopted. For the clones soon to be implanted. For life. For the Code Book.