“Either way,” Starling said, “you’re a blessing to us here. A fully trained aetherbound?” “Without a functioning aether.” “Regardless, we get your knowledge, your skill. You always get the engine working again, when you try.” “I talk to it,” she said softly. “You can only afford older spores, which tend to be drowsy. I wake them up, that’s all…” She turned to Starling. “I’m broken, L.T. Ruined.”
