She tries to get her bearings

How much: Has Atara’s opinion of Lux improved? | [2] Less than expected

Lux rubs her head as she tries to gather her thoughts. Their surroundings are strange, resembling the sick-rooms she’s seen in many a temple, though decked out in the odd manner of the complex’s machinery. “How long was I…?”

“It’s been a few hours,” Atara says. “Not exactly ideal in the circumstances. The Outcasts will have had more time to dig themselves in, subvert the Machine’s systems. But after what happened…” A look of almost-sympathy crosses her face before she catches herself, and adds, “Well, you’ve proven somewhat useful so far.”

Lux nods slowly, processing Atara’s words…then freezes as another memory surfaces to pour ice down her spine. “That man – Radan – he…” Unable to say the words, she presses a hand over her abdomen, remembering with horror the feeling of his seed inside her, and the possible consequences. “I could be…”

Atara frowns. “Let me check,” she says, reaching to a nearby shelf for a small brass device inlaid with a large pearl. She holds the device over Lux’s belly and closes her eyes for a moment.

Yes/No (Likely): Is Lux pregnant? | [1,5] No

Finally, she opens her eyes and shakes her head. “You’re in luck,” she says. “Seems you won’t be bearing Radan’s bastard for him.”

Lux sinks back onto the bed with a sigh of blessed relief. As much as the memory of what the two men did to her ties her stomach in knots, it could have been so much worse. At least Atara doesn’t need to know the other shameful details she half-remembers from earlier…