Juy 217 Updated (2024)

She’d logged thirty thousand hours in deep space. She’d watched starfish-like creatures dissolve their own skeletons to communicate. She’d held a sentient crystal that wept when it sensed loneliness. None of it unnerved her like JUY 217.

“I’m JUY 217,” the girl said, as if it were obvious. “But my real name is Anya. I got lost in the Rift. A man in a silver suit put me in the box to keep me safe. He said someone would come. He said you’d be kind.” juy 217

Elara’s throat closed. “Who are you?” She’d logged thirty thousand hours in deep space