210 C: The Companion

Brendan eyed the report outlining the itinerary of the Beyonder Dragon leaving Eks Corp's Headquarters for the first time since her, or perhaps its, arrival with relief. Perhaps Rafaela would finally be able to settle down.

His young wife had been very anxious about going ahead and conceiving their child. It was strange to stop and realize that she was now actually older than he had been when they had signed their contract. 

He didn't quite understand why she seemed increasingly distressed as time passed, rather than settling down. He had thought that she would have an easier time of her first pregnancy than his own mother had, since she was already expected to remain safely within her own territory. She was still very busy all of the time. Nothing much had been put on hold or passed down the chain of command, but both Lief and Sys20si assured him that she was making time to care for herself.