"Almost a month," said Soma, folding her hands in her lap. She wasn't sure if that felt shorter or longer than it really had been. Sometimes it seemed like time flowed strangely here.

She couldn't help but look curiously at Nina when she mentioned her false name. Was it supposed to mean something, like her own? She supposed it would be too personal to ask right away.

"Anyway," she added quickly, "if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help. Where are you from? Or when, I guess."