Chapter TextIt's not being together,It's just following the rules- from "Destiny Rules" by Fleetwood Mac..."I expected you to join your travel companion in the ship's surgery," Volger says as Alek shuts the door to the stateroom. This one is fitted out as an office rather than a lounge. Volger's office, specifically. A desk, chairs, little else. Currently the desk boasts a great deal of correspondence and an aluminum coffee service.Because the airship is an official vessel of theKaiserliche und Königliche Monarchie, there is also framed portrait of Alek on the wall, which he glances at before looking away with a grimace."I would only be in the way," Alek says, seating himself in one of the aluminum-frame chairs. It's true, and it neatly sidesteps the actual reasons why he isn't hovering at Deryn's side now that they're aboard theKétsas.One: it's incredibly difficult to watch her be in pain, and have no way to alleviate it.Two: she's furious with him, if the cursing and scowls are any i...
