Kmjarz

   I will have to bring forward my 

maintenance - these buzzes are 

quite painful. When is yours? We 

could go together.

Sheemha 

 I did it last month. They gave me 

five years from now until the next 

one! And luckily my implants 

don’t give me much trouble.

(Sheemha’s face

noticeably changes to a

serious expression.)

Kmjarz 

You are thinking about Xjïert, 

aren’t you? You should stop 

worrying so much about him. It’s 

clearly affecting you - emotionally, 

I mean.

Sheemha 

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe that 

his spinal cordlitys* should 

prevent him from treating his 

implants. It’s so unfair that he’s 

going to die so young!

*Spinal cord illness condition, which prevents reconnection of cyber prosthesis and degenerates painfully over time when used, until death.

  (A tear drops from Sheemha’s one biological eye.)

Kmjarz 

He’s had bad luck, developing 

such a rare condition, but we 

can’t do anything for him. 

Although, maybe you can… You 

just have to tell him what you 

really feel.

Sheemha rests her face on her silver palm, and

the buzzing of the prostheses of the remaining

diners scattered on the floor breaks the silence.

A particular sound then catches her attention -

it’s the unmistakable drag of Xjïert’s foot.

Sheemha quickly wipes the tear from her face

before turning, forcing herself to change to a

cheerful expression as the friends welcome him.

Kmjarz 

Hi Xjïert, it’s a miracle to see you 

here, please sit with us!

Xjïert 

I figured you'd be having lunch here.

(Sheemha pulls up a free seat in the middle of

herself and Kmjarz.)

Sheemha 

You should come more often!

Xjïert 

 Yeah, but the truth is… I’m just 

not very comfortable listening to 

women’s conversations.

                                (everyone laughs)

Kmjarz 

We haven’t seen each other for a 

long time. And since I don’t have 

Sheemha’s luck in getting to work 

with you, I don’t know how your 

implant improvement research is 

progressing. 

Sheemha 

Despite us spending so many 

hours a day working together, I’m 

not very clued-up on your 

progress either.

Xjïert 

That’s not fair, Sheemha! Your 

help with my investigations is 

really important. Although, I 

confess - I am often guilty of 

being too reserved in my praise 

for you.  

Kmjarz 

Hmm. You should change that, 

and give Sheemha more 

compliments.

Sheemha 

¡Kmjarz! 

Xjïert 

Maybe that’s why I decided to 

come here. Although, I also have 

some news, which will not be 

very nice to say. 

Sheemha (worried)

 What do you mean? 

Xjïert 

From today and beyond, I’ve been 

assigned to a secret research 

project. One that will take me a 

long time. And I have to swap 

locations, to a new laboratory. 

(Sheema and Kmarjz are visible surprised.)

Sheemha (Stammering)

That’s not possible… and what 

about our investigation? What 

will become of you if we stop 

advancing it? You know we are 

trying to remedy...  

(Xjiert raised his metal arm, interrupting her.)

Xjïert 

I am aware of this, and of the 

little remaining time I probably 

have. I can only say that this work 

could also help me and others like 

me a lot. Right now, the new 

project is my greatest hope. You 

can continue our work, but it’s 

really just an excuse for you to 

stay in my area.

Sheemha (cheerfully)

 Understood Captain! 

Xjïert (complained)

 I'm not your captain, I'm not even a captain!