h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*Kyra sits up and moves next to Paul, holding the doll*

It's Georgia's.

*Paul nods slowly*

Yes. I remember it.

*Kyra offers the doll to Paul wordlessly*

*Paul swallows and takes the doll*

For a while she took her everywhere. Where did you find her?</>

*Kyra figured as much. She never had much attachment to toys when she was young - and she's never had a doll, nor has she wanted one - but she's grown a somewhat scary attachment to her lamb of late, so much so that she can't fall asleep without it, and she therefore sympathises with Georgia's loss*

In the cargo bay.

*She doesn't want to give Paul too much information. She's having enough trouble dealing with the images of the two scared girls herself, and she isn't related to one of them*

*Paul nods slowly, still looking at the doll*

They weren't allowed to play there.</>

*Kyra considers offering several explanations, before deciding that nothing will change the fact that they were taken, and decides to tell Paul the truth*

They were probably hiding.

*Paul closes his eyes for a moment*

I should have taken care of them.

*Kyra smiles faintly*

Me too. We're both at fault ... but it wasn't our fault. Not really.

*She says this last with a twinge of doubt*

*Paul shakes his head*

No. No, it wasn't our fault. And now we do what we can.

*Kyra smiles*

So, what have you been up to lately?

*Paul finally turns away from the doll*

Tavaron and I were in the city and visited Anna.

*Kyra nods*

How's she doing?

*Paul smiles*

She's fine. She has a nice apartment, a rather good job and everything. But now she doesn't know what to do when the Androcles leaves. Whether she will stay here or whether she will leave again.

*Kyra smiles thoughtfully*

She should stay, if she's happy here.

*Paul nods*

Yes, I think she should. She has friends here and all. It's like me and the Mariposa.

*Kyra curls up on the end of the bed, but doesn't close her eyes, willing to let Paul stay and talk as long as he needs to*

Yeah.

*Paul again looks at the doll*

I will let you sleep now.

*he gently puts the doll down on the bed*

Keep her.

*he stands up*

*Kyra sits up*

You don't have to go.

*She is having trouble keeping her eyelids up, however*

*Paul shakes his head*

I know, but you should sleep.

*he smiles*

Sleep well.

*then he leaves*