[ sonia feels her breath catch in her chest. the idea that she could give byerly that kind of order, and that he would obey it, is overwhelming. it's terrifying. she wrings her hands together instead of reaching for his, desperation in her face that she'd been trying to hide before the fast-penta. before all of this had come out. ]

I just -- need you here with me. [ it's not an evasion, but she's not going to give him that order now. not...unless she really feels she has to. ] There was a grain of truth in what you said to me last time. That I'm alone here -- except for you. I don't want to be alone.