Changed in ways I was only beginning to comprehend.
But the woman in my arms felt exactly the same as she always had. Fierce and loyal and slightly terrifying when she didn't get enough sleep.
Some things transcended cosmic integration.
"Nat."
"Hmm?"
"I need to eat something substantial before my body starts consuming itself for fuel."
She pulled back reluctantly.
"I brought supplies. MREs and protein shakes. Nothing fancy but it'll keep you alive until we get back to civilization."
"You really did think of everything."
"Someone has to. You were too busy having existential conversations with entities older than human consciousness."
We walked through the underground corridor toward the elevator. Natalia had set up a small camp in the antechamber outside the integration room. Sleeping bag. Portable heater. A cooler filled with emergency rations.
"You stayed here the whole time."
It wasn't a question.
"Where else would I be?"
