“Some who uploaded agreed, at least after a fashion. They suspected that they would be brains-in-a-jar who would be able to devote themselves entirely to their science or art. Those phys-side wished to use uploads to drive factories or fly planes or what have you. Menial labor. Capitalism is ever the opportunist, and we were seen as tools, as was any employee.”
“That sounds frankly disgusting.” Ey thought a moment, then shook eir head. “Or impossible.”
“Capitalism was never one to let impossibility stand in its way,” Dear’s partner laughed.
-“Yes, well, there were at least still those phys-side who wished to help. Dreamers to the last.” It smiled fondly. “Many of them uploaded. You have doubtless talked to a few without knowing. I don’t believe Yared — he was our biggest champion — decided on joining the Launch. Perhaps I will nudge Ioan to him if May does not do so first.”
+“Yes, well, there were at least still those phys-side who wished to help. Dreamers to the last.” It smiled fondly, lifting its glass to swirl the wine within. “Many of them uploaded. You have doubtless talked to a few without knowing. I don’t believe Yared — he was our biggest champion — decided on joining the Launch. Perhaps I will nudge Ioan to him if May does not do so first.”
+“Dear,” Codrin began, softening eir tone. “You don’t have to answer this, but do you have regrets about this time.”
+This time, the exaggerated care when setting down its glass was missing, as it nearly slammed it on the table. “I will not answer that.”
+“Dear,” its partner murmured.
+It was nearly a minute before it mastered its anger. “No, I will not answer. Not now, at least.”
+“Sorry, Dear.”
+“It is not on you, Codrin. I am…ashamed. Many of the first lines…well, no. I will not elaborate now.” It grinned wickedly at Codrin. “You will doubtless tease it out of me, bit by bit, you tenacious fuck.”
+Ey relaxed, nodding. “You know me well.”
+“I do, at that.”
+They sat in silence, drinking their wine.
+“I am ashamed.” Dear said, voice far off, distant. “Yes. I am ashamed.”
+Codrin let the rest of the evening drift into quiet. Dear remained thoughtful, even as the three of them decided on bed, but it didn’t seem time for prodding. It was simply time for being. For enjoying each other’s company.
+The questions would wait. It was time to just be.