Aloy lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She had slept deeply after confessing all to Gaia. The incandescent AI already knew as she had access to Aloy’s FOCUS but only to what Aloy had seen and heard and said. After pouring out all her doubts and fears to a benevolent and neutral AI, Aloy had felt deeply exhausted and left Tomas in Beta’s hands. She was reassured that Alva would be at the base before nightfall and believed that, between the two of them, Tomas would be well watched and governed.

Aloy rolled onto her side, aching as she pushed herself up.

Despite her confession, the guilt and shame of what had happened in Los Angeles nagged her from the background of her mind but after a solid sleep, Aloy could ignore it more effectively.

She dressed and walked into the common room which smelt amazing and her stomach growled in agreement.

“You eat that?” Tomas’ condescending voice immediately raised her hackles. “You know a few hours ago…it had a heartbeat, right? That’s so…primal and disgusting.”

“And yet smells so delicious, right Beta?” Alva’s voice, the irrepressibly chirpy Quen, taunted brightly.

“I admit, I really struggled eating what Zo tried to feed me when I first arrived,” Aloy stayed behind a pillar, hidden from sight as Beta spoke, “I think she thought I was resentful or picky…but I just couldn’t fathom eating real food.”

Aloy blinked, surprised by Beta’s words.

“Up until I’d escaped from the Zenith’s, I’d only swallowed pellets with nutrient shakes that fulfilled all dietary requirements well beyond that of any primitively prepared food.”

“You see! Eating something that was alive is just…it’s repulsive.”

Aloy wanted to grind her teeth and may have let out a little grunt of frustration.

“But much more natural than those pellets and nutrient shakes.”

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“Inefficient, indelicate, texturally…ugh,” Tomas shuddered, “and takes too long to prepare! Just because the Zeniths did it, doesn’t mean it was bad.”

“Maybe,” Alva conceded, “but I would imagine that resources on the Odyssey would have been limited. I mean, it’s not like you could have cows and sheep…let alone anyone to slaughter and cook them.”

Aloy frowned, surprised by the thought.

“Well, no, that would have been laughably convoluted when the solution was compact, nutritionally encompassing pellets.”

“I guarantee you, all of the Zeniths would have given up those pellets for a nice, big juicy steak…or a bright green apple…or some of Zo’s perfectly toasted flat bread…”

“You are very, very wrong…”

“Then what about a cup of goat’s milk?”

“You’re not serious…”

“Yeah, we are.” Aloy announced, coming into view, hands on hips, glaring at Tomas who folded his arms at her presence. “There are no pellets, no nutritional shakes and no way you can’t go without food.”

“Watch me.” He said, pushing the plate away then walked off, shutting the door to the science lab behind him.

Aloy shook her head. “What a child…” She muttered and turned back to the kitchen to see Beta glaring at her. “What?”

“Do you know how close we got to getting him to eat?” Beta demanded and Aloy blinked, stunned by her indignation. “He was almost about to take a bite.”

“He’s a spoiled brat who should be grateful for whatever he gets!” Aloy snapped.

“He’s an abused and neglected child…like me.” Beta closed her eyes. “Aloy…it takes time. Tomas probably can’t even swallow this yet. I just…wanted him to try it.”

Aloy grimaced and sighed. “I…I’m sorry. I didn’t think…”

“Let’s not get carried away, either,” Alva said, holding up her hands, “it’s his first day here…it took Beta some time before she got used to us. And Tomas…”

“He’s got the Faro superiority and arrogance to work through on top of it all.” Aloy muttered.

“Actually, what I was going to say is, Tomas knows more, on a wider scale, than any of us…and it’s bound to make him a little…too knowledgeable.”

“You’re going to have to explain that one to me.” Aloy accepted the plate of food and sat on the seats around the table.

“Well…when you don’t know enough to know better, you just do the things you do.” Alva explained, sitting opposite her. “When you know too much, you see all the imperfections, the cracks…and you get frightened by what you don’t know…you know?”

“I’m gonna need to work on that one.” Aloy laughed softly, Alva’s round about logic taking time to sink in. “I also want a break down on what needs doing around here. I’ve been gone for a week and I imagine food supplies and other stores are getting low.”

She smiled at Beta, hoping to reassure her. Beta nodded and picked at her food. Aloy vowed to be more patient and understanding in the days to come.