Crilock

“I’m fine,” Kaelen said, the automatic reflex of a solitary mechanic.

“They outlawed those,” he whispered. “The Guild said they were unstable. That they could… imprint.” crilock

“What is that?” Kaelen asked, a prickle running down his spine. “I’m fine,” Kaelen said, the automatic reflex of

Kaelen stared at the crilock, now settled into the engine like a stone in a riverbed, pulsing softly. He understood, suddenly, that he hadn’t just fixed his ship. He’d adopted its soul. ” Kaelen said

The woman stood, brushed off her knees, and closed her case. “Take me to the Jester’s Moon. I have a debt to settle there. And then… just promise me you’ll never replace it. Let it grow. Let it learn. It’ll take you places the Guild’s parts never could.”