Security Master Zorobo stands straight as a rod in front of the door to Sotet, and Adahlia’s cell. He removes his crested helmet and places it under one wing. A look of confusion plays across his face. Gray eyes narrowed as he stares into the darkness.

Sotet lies on the floor beside the cot. His back is to the door. Adahlia is asleep on the cot. Sotet’s wing is extended upward, covering Adahlia like a second blanket.

Zorobo shakes his head as if clearing cobwebs. How is it possible that Sotet would continue to defy their most basic of statutes? Did he not realize that rejecting the human—outright—was his best course of action? The Monoch would be more likely to judge his actions as punitive and worthy of forgiveness. He might escape his trial only losing a world cycle or two in rank. But instead, Sotet clings to this human child. His very undoing.

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Zorobo shakes his feathered head one more time. Standing even more erect; he replaces his helmet. Turning in properly military style, Zorobo marches back to his post down the hall. He will check on Sotet in another hour.