Quantum Entanglement: Howzer and Aurelia

35. Opportunity

Aurelia rolled over on her bed, etching one little half of a tally mark into the wall where she had privately been recording the passing months. Eight and a half notches represented what felt like a lifetime. Eight and a half months since she had seen her... husband? It didn't feel like a fitting word, for some reason. He was her counterpart, as Lennox had put it a while ago, a connection that she'd never find anywhere else. She had also realized that she couldn't lose her entire sense of self, though, and rather than being completely enmeshed, she had been grateful for the way their personalities had complimented each other, being separate yet united, exploring each other's strengths and weaknesses and seeking to grow together. If only they'd had more time... 

She exhaled lengthily. She mustn't think that way. Until she had undeniable confirmation of his death, she couldn't go down that road. Nevertheless, it was a difficult and foreign path, this navigation of the space in between. She chuckled mirthlessly at the thought of an old philosopher she'd read about as a student and how the situation applied here... Schrödinger's Howzer... 

Today marked the start of her 36th week of pregnancy. She'd been feeling like a purgill on land, waddling about her duties with quite the rotund abdomen. Her dark hair had grown significantly from the curly bob she'd arrived with, and now settled just below her shoulders when it wasn't up in a bun. She'd also been given a surprising variety of hand-me-down clothing that better fit her growing form. It had been lovingly gathered by a few volunteers at the medical clinic, one of whom had been particularly diligent to provide as much care and support as possible. 

The volunteers had been lessening in number, and there had been increasing rumors that the clinic might be shut down permanently. The Empire's priorities were shifting, and as clones were being phased out, the resources were being allocated more to the fancy new medical centers on the surface, where scientists and doctors worked to provide top-of-the-line care to Imperial recruits. Aurelia's friend was hoping to secure a full-time position, though she was loath to leave the tightly-knit community in the lower levels. 

It had been during one of their conversations a few months ago that Aurelia had first felt a flutter, immediately stopping her midsentence. She'd placed a hand on her belly, brow creasing in focus, waving off her friend's questioning for the moment. There it had been again -- the tiniest sensation, almost making her queasy, as it tickled her side from within. That had been only the beginning, and now as she hoisted herself out of bed with a considerable amount of effort, she felt the shift inside. Pressure... discomfort... digging into her ribs and making one side of her stomach protrude. She took a deep breath, blowing it out her mouth as she pressed against the hard bulge. The kicking, pushing, and squirming was a frequent occurrence now, and while it had been delightfully novel at the start, it was now a regular reminder of the huge upcoming shift in her life. She tried to enjoy it, but it was always laced with tinges of apprehension and insecurity. 

"One step at a time," she reminded herself. 

* * * 

After the day's work was almost done and the volunteers had been dismissed, the few remaining staff members were asked to remain at the medical clinic for an impromptu meeting. Details were sparse, but the questioning hubbub quickly died down as two tall men strolled in. They were decked in red and gold, with stately capes and tall hats that had visors over their eyes. The bottom halves of their faces were a strikingly blue color, and Aurelia found herself wondering if they were Pantoran or Chiss. They stepped to either side, silent and motionless, and behind them entered a much smaller woman. Same blue face, but no hat, although she also was clad in a regal red and gold dress. Her hair curved out to the sides, framing her face in a triangular shape. Pantoran, Aurelia confirmed in her mind, noting the large golden eyes shining brightly from her delicate, beautiful face.