Everything about Mal was entirely relaxed, mouth curved in a pleasant smile, limbs stretched out on the rock. She blinked under the hand covering her face. Interesting.

"I suppose it would be interesting," she mused, "though improbable. Why present us with another crack in the story, a living thing from our dreams? If this is all some sort of story, if they want to use us for something, why present us with more doubt of their version of things? I wouldn't count on finding anyone, no matter how happy it might make you."

Her smile widened, revealing teeth.

"Well, I want to be a good citizen, of course, and go to this . . . coffee shop I'm supposed to work at, and pursue an education, and be Milena." She laughed, sounding delighted, and turned her head to look at Re-l. "Really, I'm just as curious as you are. I'd like the real truth, but the truth of this place is just as fascinating. We're going to repopulate a dying civilization, apparently, by our exalted presence. I'm flattered. Tell me more."

Rolling into a sitting position, she pulled the sack of coffee beans out of her backpack and popped several into her mouth, grimacing as she made a face. It wasn't right, not exactly, because the sucking was so important to the whole facade, but it would do for the trip. She just hoped the beans would last.