Page 38 of Perfection

“Sure.”

“Can you pass me that,” she said to York, indicating the bag.

York carried the kit to them. She hadn’t said anything about testing her daughter. Maybe she’d just decided to on the spur of the moment.

Opening it, Kindra took out a handful of mini tubes. “This won’t hurt. I’m just going to touch them to your arm.”

“Okay. I’m brave.”

“Yes, you’re a very brave girl,” Kindra agreed.

“I see you’re in the middle of a chess game,” York said as a means of distraction.

“I’m winning,” Brianna said.

It only took a second for each of three tubes to fill with blood when Kindra pressed them to Brianna’s arm. The girl giggled. “It tickles.”

York couldn’t help smiling. “I thought so, too.”

“You’ve had this done? But you’re—”

“Lots of people have tests done,” Kindra cut the child off as if anticipating an awkward Coder comment and blushed. “It’s part of what scientists do.”

All he could think about was how pretty she looked. He edged closer to the table that boasted a holographic chess game. “Hey, I want one of those. Maybe for my birthday,” he said, smiling.

“You should ask someone for it.” Brianna’s eyes were round and blue.

He nodded. “I will. Are you black or white?”

“White,” she answered.

He placed his fingers over the black queen. “May I?”

Brianna gave her nod of approval. He moved the piece.

“Checkmate,” the game’s computer said.

With a wriggle of his eyebrows, he chuckled. “I think it cheats.”

“I think you’re bad,” Kindra chimed in. “I’ll be right back, I’m going to grab a dress to change into for the award ceremony.” She dashed down the hall and returned moments later with a dress bag draped over her arm.

He couldn’t remember when he last felt so good inside. Kindra looked at ease, playful even, and he wanted the moment to stretch out. Of course, this wasn’t their mission. She already had her kit repacked and was ready to go.

“Okay, ladybug, you go to bed at eight.” Kindra kissed the child’s head and turned to a Nanny Sally android. “Nan, I’ll call. I don’t know how late I’ll be.”

“But I want to watch you on holobox tonight,” the child exclaimed.

“You’ll be able to see it tomorrow.”

Brianna pouted. “Aw. Not fair.”

“Oh, yes, it is. Now be a good girl.”

“Don’t miss the awards,” Brianna called after her mother.