Aubrey knew there was a 'but' there. It was all over his expression as he closed the door behind him. But what?

Are you? he asked in sign. He added words in speech here and there to make sure she understood. They'd essentially perfected their mode of communication these days. It wasn't ideal, but it was so much better than what they'd had before. You're letting them do this to you. You're letting them take you away. Kasey. You don't have to leave. The Professor will protect you, you know that, right..?

It was against the law and Aubrey knew it. He'd gotten registered to comply with the government but getting a number on his arm and having his girlfriend sent all the way across the world was another story. They were inviting all kinds of trouble if they didn't obey, but the uncertainty of her leaving was just as bad as the uncertainty of the consequences of her staying.