I turned around with Jasmine in my arms and realised that my shoulders and arm were hurting. When I looked down, I realised that Jasmine was fast asleep. No wonder she hadn't stirred all this time.

I walked to the 'bed' and placed her gently on the bed and watched mesmerised as the pearl shaped bed closed in a little on her and something clicked on and warmth started spreading across the mattress. It seemed like the bed was almost cradling her. I stepped back a little and realised it seemed to imitate the womb.

What better way to sleep?

I turned around and finally dropped the bag I'd been carrying all this time and dug out a long loose shirt and flannel pants. Both of these were old and were perfect for falling asleep comfortably. The shirt was an old one of my father's. But the pant...

I sat down on the chair, only a little surprised when it moulded to me and arm rests and a back rest extended for my comfort.

I rubbed the pant between my fingers, a small smile on my face.

This pant had been my mother's. My dad said so. Placing the pant on my lap, I pulled out my snowflake necklace, running my fingers over the rough edges and then curling my hand over it. Letting out a small breath, I walked to where the bathroom had been. Sensing my presence, the blinking screen retracted from the wall and I placed my bracelet on it. The data pad hidden behind a transparent part the wall appeared again and informed me I had ten minutes to bathe.

Ten minutes. Alright.

I walked in, pulling off my clothes and leaving them on the floor for now. I walked into the circular structure and jumped a little when the structure closed in on me automatically.

Letting out a breath, I looked around to see if there was anything I had to press. But the water automatically came on. My eyes widened as the sprays from different locations on the wall of the structure turned on and off almost rhythmically, loosening the muscles on my back.

The heat set perfectly and I watched as the small ball of purple liquid glowed. I took my hand towards it and was surprised when some of the liquor squirted into my hand.

"One minute complete. You have nine minutes left to bathe." The computerised female voice informed me.

Dragging in a sharp breath, I quickly started massaging the liquid that smelled very pleasant into my hair and then onto my body.

I was done bathing by six minutes. An accomplishment given that I had long hair. Once the structure sensed that I was done, it opened and I walked out. A compartment near the wall slid open and I saw soft cloths inside. I pulled two out and wrapped them around my hair and body.

I plucked my old clothes off the floor and was about to walk out when another compartment right near the door opened.

"Please place your clothes for cleaning here." The computer instructed.

With raised eyebrows, I dropped my clothes into the long draw-like compartment.

I then walked out and checked on Jasmine who was still asleep.

Then I quickly pulled on my night clothes, unwrapping the cloth from my hair and running it through the wet strands of my hair.

I quickly looked around for a clock or some sort of time telling machine that would let me know when I had to leave.

"What's the time?" I wondered out loud.

"The time is nine thirty five. Would you like me to display the time?" A computerised voice asked.

I blinked. "Yes, please."

Four small lit up white numbers appeared on the wall opposite me. The numbers seemed to appear from within the pearl white translucent walls.

I blinked when I realised that underneath the time Day Two was written.

Day two?

Clearly I had much to learn.

I looked around, trying to see if I had missed out on any thing that the room offered me.

I ran my fingers along the wall where the time was being shown, but nothing popped out.

I walked to the compartment that held my clothes and had them opened.

I ran my fingers over the silver material again. It was soft, but sturdy. I pulled at it a little and the material stretched easily, giving in to the pressure.

I walked to the bed then, running my hands over the outer edge of the pearl shaped structure. It was cool to touch, despite giving out warmth on the inside.

I bent and looked at a Jasmine, who was fast asleep. I leaned back and stretched and my stomach growled. I frowned as I realised the last supplement I had taken was just before I'd left Earth.

A small pang hit me right between the ribs as I thought of home.

This is your home now, a small hopeful part of me said.

This will never be home, the other larger part of me argued.

I just let out a bitter laugh.

What did I know of home anyway? Other than death and destruction and hopeless lives. I just knew people and suffering and consequences.

I knew dad. And I knew Ren. My heart jolted.

Ren!

I wondered what he was doing. If he was feeling as lonely as I did this moment. If he was sad or scared.

I hadn't been without seeing him everyday. I knew this was going to be hard. But I couldn't complain. In fact I had no right to.

I checked the clock again and realised it was close to ten. I bent to gently pick up a sleeping Jasmine. She didn't stir. I envied her ability to sleep so peacefully. Oblivious to fear and anticipation. Both of which were knotting my stomach.

I walked towards where I had entered the room and a small blinking screen appeared as soon I as approached the wall.

Securing Jasmine safely in one arm, I ran my bracelet over the screen. The door slid open easily and the novelty of all this put an excited smile on my face.

As soon as I stepped out I met brown eyes of my neighbour. My brows furrowed as I tried to recollect where I'd seen her before. She saw me and stilled as she exited her own room. She blinked a few times before smiling warily.

Pushing aside the thought of having seen her somewhere I smiled back. Her hair was long and brown and she was petite with rounded hips. Her nose was small and her lips were bow shaped. She was dressed in PJ's that had owls on them. I smiled at that.

I liked owls. They had big eyes.

"Nice PJ's." I told her as we walked together to the circular elevator.

The girl grinned at me and jerked her head to Jasmine.

"Nice kid. Where'd you get her?" She asked, her voice bold but sweet.

I laughed.

"Friend's niece." I said.

"Freesia." She said, holding out her hand.

I held out my own carefully so as to not jostle Jasmine.

"Amour," I introduced myself.

Her eyes immediately shot up to mine, "Parlez-vous Français?" She quickly asked, her accent perfect and the words spilling out like music.

Though I didn't know French, these three words I did know.

I quickly shook my head no, "Not at all," I confirmed, "My mom loved the word."

Freesia smiled at me, "It's a beautiful name."

"Thank you. I love yours too." I said as we entered the elevator together and chose the Common Cabin indicating button.

"Thank you," she told me, her smile lighting up her brown eyes.

Her eyes flickered to my hair.

"Natural." I told her before she could ask.

"Lucky," she commented, indicating her own hair with a roll of her eyes.

I rolled mine in response. "Wait till it dries out completely. It's so red your eyes might hurt."

Freesia just chuckled the elevator stopped and the circular doors revolved open.

Both our expressions blanked.

Wow.

We slowly stepped in, taking as much as we could at the same time.

The Common Cabin was...huge. It has everything. There were large curved structures with soft white fluffy cushions on them to sit on.

Couches, I realised.

They were the C'Riel version of couches.

All these large couches sat in a semi circle facing a wall. Curious.

Towards the end of the absolutely large room was shelves with what looked like books. I took a sharp breath in. Books. Actual books. Not data pads.

To the left end was a large spread of food that was placed on a extended rectangular counter just outside a transparently enclosed room that was maybe a Kitchen.

There were seats everywhere. Single seats. Couple seats. Multiple seats. Scattered everywhere in the large room. I swallowed as I finally noticed the people in the room.

Behind them I saw large pearl white (I sense a theme here) tables where a few C'Riel stood and seemed to be typing on. Their fingers moved rapidly on the table and they made motions like pulling two fingers in opposite directions as if to zoom, or double tapping or