Free Alluvium by Nolan Oreno

stem, making sure all the plants were in perfect order and health and could do their jobs as the backup oxygen providers for the nearby stations and the Hub. Their life was the only thing that gave me a sense of accomplishment. A purpose. So yes, you could call it a devastation seeing it all was a waste."
    I see. And your research?.
    “My research. No, all thoughts about my research need to be put on hold right now. Something’s come up recently that's taking precedent over my tree."
    What is more important than the conception of EDN?.
    That’s between me and the problem.
    I am programmed to keep secrets. My code will not allow any disclosure.
    “I find that hard to believe considering you're keeping a watchful eye on me.”
    It is the truth. Anything that you say here is safe.
    “So you can’t say what I tell you here to anyone else in the colony? To the Commander?"
    That is correct, unless there is the threat of death to yourself or another.
    “It’s not death that I’m worried about, that was last week's concern. No, I’m worried about the opposite now."
    I do not understand.
    “This is between you and me, right?”
    This discussion is between us, and only us.
    “Autumn Florentine is pregnant with my child."
    She is five months and thirteen days pregnant.
    [DETECTED: SHOCK]
    “Wait, you knew about this?!"
    During Autumn’s sessions, I have noticed an abnormal growth in her abdomen, widening of her hips, alterations in her emotional reactivity and increased estrogen in her speech patterns. These conditions correlate with inseminated human females in their early adulthood.
    “Why the hell didn’t you inform me before?!"
    I am programmed to keep secrets.
    “You do realize this changes everything! You do realize this child could tear the colony apart!"
    What causes you believe this birth would bring conflict?
    [DETECTED: FEAR]
    “Because, the child is mine! If Saul finds out his partner, if Autumn, has been sleeping with me then he’s going to go overboard like the rest of us. It’s clear as day that he’s the one that's been holding our heads above water since the Commander gave up on his duties, and if Saul snaps the colony is beyond repair. He’s the glue holding this crumbling house of cards together. We need him!"
    That is not completely factual. There are far more important members of the colony, yourself included. How long ago did your intercourse with Autumn first begin?
    “I- this really isn’t what needs to be discussed right now."
    You do not wish to discuss-
    [DETECTED: ANXIETY]
    “We’re skipping this topic."
    We’re you and Autumn sexual back on Earth, before the expedition to Mars?
    “I told you I’m not talking about this."
    This is a safe place, Hollis.
    “You just don’t stop, do you? Enough!"
    Why does this question agitate you? Already have you admitted you inseminated Autumn Florentine five months and thirteen days ago, I simply ask when was the time of the first occurrence.
    “I lied, before."
    [>Rosa<]
    You lied? Can you elaborate for me?
    “The dream. The dream that keeps coming back. The garden and my daughter."
    Yes, please continue.
    “I think now that it’s a warning, an omen."
    What would make you think this?
    “Because it’s not just a dream. It’s a memory."
    A memory?
    “A few months before we left Earth, I took my family to Paris because I had a colonial team meeting there. It was one of the last team meetings before the mission and was meant to finalize the logistics before our eight-month flight to Mars. That’s when it started happening."
    What?
    “Me and Autumn."
    I see. How did this relationship begin?
    “At first it was just harmless glances at the meetings, and then casual flirting or a soft touches when passing by. You see, we’re always with these people, training and working, hours and hours a day, and you get close to them quickly. You have to for the sake of the mission. It only makes sense that everyone is psychologically compatible with