“All your vitals are good,” Em said. “So I’ll clear it.” “You’ll clear it?” Gyre laughed sharply, incredulously. “Right. What would you do otherwise, lock my suit? Take me to court?” Em didn’t respond at first, then huffed a sigh. “No, I’d ask you nicely to take a break.” “Had to think about that.” “There were less-nice ways of phrasing it.” “Oh, feel free. I’ve heard worse.” “I’m sure.” Em’s voice had gone quickly from tight and frustrated to grudgingly amused, and Gyre found herself smiling. The banter was . . . nice. Especially after the silence of the four days before.
