No one knew what winter would be like, so all three of them designed the parkas with Rose adding the huge hoods to help keep the wind off their faces when pulled all the way forward, but could be pushed back a little to allow the wearer to see clearly with minimal skin exposure. By the time the first snow fell, they all had the first layer of mukluks, mittens, and parkas, which was enough for a while as the first few snowfalls melted. By the time the snow was no longer melting, they all had trousers. Rose and Mei Lee worked on the outer layers for Murdock and Rose. Since Mei Lee was the smallest of them, they finished hers first as a trial. Rose had planned well, making the women’s trousers with laces to take in the garments when they were no longer pregnant but which would allow them to be comfortably warm, when they need to go out into the elements. To finish off their cold weather gear, Murdock had whittled them some snow goggles to help reduce the possibility of snow blindness.
Two months after the first snow, the snow outside the cabin was well over eight feet deep. The temperatures were bitter cold, and the wind howled continuously for days. Murdock left the cabin occasionally to check the river, which had frozen enough for him to walk across, as well as checking on game tracks. He saw some game tracks, but not many. He saw no other human tracks. Because he wasn’t sure how far along Rose and Mei Lei were, he tried to stay close to the cabin. Both women’s bellies were severely swollen, and Rose looked as if she might have twins. Though her tortured feet needed support, Rose resisted wearing her tennis shoes because of the memories associated with her old clothes, though Mei Lee needed no encouragement to wear hers. Murdock finally persuaded Rose to wear her shoes, though.
#
“Mei Lee, how are your skills at blocking your thoughts from Kevin?” Rose asked one day after Murdock had gone on his security rounds.
“I can do it without any trouble,” Mei Lee said. “Why do you ask?” Rose bit her lower lip a little. “Are you in labor?” Mei Lee asked.
“Not yet,” Rose answered. “At least I don’t think so. You need to promise me something.”
“What would that be?” Mei Lee asked with caution.
“If it comes down to my life or my baby’s, promise me to save my baby,” Rose said quickly. “I don’t think Kevin is capable of making a decision like that. He cares too much to make a choice.”
“It won’t come to that,” Mei Lee said, though she was all too aware that that scenario was likely. “You should think positively!”
“That isn’t all,” Rose continued. “You have to promise to take care of Kevin for me, should something happen to me.”
“Nothing is going to happen to you,” Mei Lee tried to sound upbeat and confident, which was more than she actually felt.
“I said if something happens to me,” Rose said loudly. “I don’t mean to be short-tempered with you, but I need your promise. I think I can face anything, if I have your promise. I don’t think sisters could be closer than we are. If you promise, I’ll believe you!”
“I promise,” Mei Lee said in a quiet voice. Then Rose calmed down a little and relaxed.
“And you can’t say anything to Kevin about it, ever,” Rose added forcefully. She rubbed her swollen belly.
“Okay, I won’t ever say anything to Kevin about this,” Mei Lee said. That seemed to ease Rose’s mind. Mei Lee indicated Rose’s belly, which Rose was still rubbing. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay, for now,” Rose said. “The kid is moving a lot, though. Thanks for promising. I’d been worried about it for a while now.”
“You know you didn’t need me to promise,” Mei Lee said in a quiet voice to Rose. “I would have taken care of Kevin and your baby without needing my promise. It’s what family does!”
“I know, it was silly of me,” Rose reassured Mei Lee. “I was raised to believe that a promise is a promise, and you have to do what you promise. It may be silly and unnecessary, but it made me feel better.”
“Glad I could help,” Mei Lee said. Her own baby was active as well, and she unconsciously rubbed her own belly just as Rose did.
#
When Murdock returned after finishing his security check, he saw both women sitting and rubbing their bellies.
“The kids are active today?” he asked as he took off his mittens, goggles, outer mukluks, both parkas, and outer trousers. Both women had their own inner trousers and inner mukluks on.
“Mine is,” Rose said. “He’s been very active today.”
“He?” Murdock asked. “Last week it was a she, as I recall.” They both laughed. “How are you, Mei Lee?” Murdock asked.
“I’m fine. I do think Rose is close, though,” Mei Lee said.
Murdock said nothing, but he felt emotional turmoil. He didn’t know what to say or do.
“I don’t see any signs that spring is close,” he said while warming his hands. “How can you be sure?”
“I’m not certain,” Mei Lee said. “She just looks like she could pop anytime. Without a real doctor, we have to rely on what we know. It’s all we have.”
Murdock continued to warm his hands, more for something to do to keep him from panicking. To help stave off the panic, Murdock had found a couple of big logs for the fire and started hollowing them out for cradles.
Two weeks later, Rose’s labor began in the middle of the night, and she finally delivered after sunset the next day. She had a hard time of it, but came through it with Mei Lee’s help. Murdock helped as well by standing at the head of the table to give Rose something to grab onto as she needed to push, as well as wiping the sweat from her brow as needed. After many hours, Rose gave birth to a healthy boy. They had no means of weighing or measuring, but he looked to Mei Lee to be a full term baby.
They named him Andrew, after Murdock’s father, James, after Rose’s father. Murdock smiled broadly when Mei Lee handed him his son. Little Andrew was thoroughly, and repeatedly, checked to make sure he had all the required fingers and toes before being given to his mother, after the delivery process was completed and Rose was cleaned up and had some water. She nursed little Andrew after checking yet again, to be sure he had all his parts.
Over the next few weeks, Murdock’s routine continued, and winter still showed no signs of abating. Little Andrew flourished, and Rose was truly being the watchful and protective mother. Mei Lee’s belly continued to grow and Murdock and Rose noticed that she was more restive.
Murdock had also noticed that their meat stores were getting low enough that he was worried a little. He hoped the river would begin thawing soon. Fresh fish would ease his mind.
He had finished the first cradle a day after Andrew’s birth; the second one was already finished. He hung them both somewhat close to the fireplace to help keep the babies warm. Both cradles contained a soft deer hide for the babies to lie on and be covered.
A week after Murdock had finished the second cradle, Mei Lee went into labor. Mei Lee’s labor went a little easier than Rose’s, but not by much. All three knew their job and how to do it, which helped the birth be less chaotic. A day later, Mei Lee gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom she named Chun Hua, after Mei Lee’s mother.
When Chun Hua was a week old, Murdock saw the ice on the river starting to melt and knew winter was close to being done. When he returned to the cabin and told his news, Rose brightened a little. Mei Lee smiled and nodded.
For the rest of the quickly waning winter, Murdock continued to make his security rounds, and the women alternated going with him just to get some fresh air. The one remaining behind watched over the babies. Each trip produced improvements in their mood. They were shaking off the cabin fever, and Rose and Mei Lee spent the rest of their time making simple clothing for the babies.
By the time Chun Hua was a month old, something very familiar touched Murdock’s mind. Then, when all the snow had melted, the river ran freely, and the meadows had greened up nicely, Beron showed himself at the cabin.
Murdock had just caught a couple of fish and tossed one to his fr
iend. They communicated freely, telepathically exchanging greetings and letting each know how they fared since the last time they had seen each other. Rose and Mei Lee, sensing Beron’s presence, had bundled the children and were bringing them out. Each mother presented their child and told Beron their name telepathically. Beron looked at each one and smelled them gently. When each had been presented, Murdock asked after Beron’s favorite mate and her young one. The humans could have sworn that the huge bear had displayed pride, albeit in mental communication.
Since the day was a nice spring day, only a small fire burned in the fireplace. Beron invited them all to a ceremony at the sacred place, to which they all agreed.
This was the first time any of them had seen a small sample of Beron’s power firsthand. Beron whisked them away to the same place as before. They had just arrived when Beron’s favorite showed herself; she had a cub with her who was only small in comparison to its parents.
The human adults looked over and approved of the young cub, which seemed to be a little unstable on its feet. Mei Lee and Rose presented their children to Bridget and she sniffed and approved of the young humans. The other Oomah arrived as the friends finished.
The attendees were the same as those at the gathering at which Beron praised Murdock. Beron and Bridget presented their son to Beron’s father, and then Murdock and Rose presented their son. When Mei Lee’s turn came, Murdock went with her to present her daughter. Beron’s father questioned Murdock about Mei Lee’s daughter’s parentage. Murdock explained that he was raising the child as his own because the baby’s father had sacrificed his life for Rose. The old Oomah questioned Murdock about his kind’s ceremonies for children and their welfare. Murdock explained as best he could what he intended for Mei Lee. When he had finished, all of the Oomah were silent.
“That was pretty good,” Rose whispered to Murdock. “I’m getting the impression that it’s unprecedented to talk directly to Beron’s father.”
“I-I don’t know,” Murdock stammered. “He asked me a question, and I did my best to answer. I had no idea what else to do.”
“You did just fine, Kevin,” Mei Lee said. “If you breached protocol then so be it. I’m proud of you and what you said.” A small tear started in her eyes.
“What do we do now?” Murdock asked.
“Apparently, we wait,” Rose replied.
After some time, Murdock was summoned to face Beron’s father again. Murdock advanced, waiting quietly in front of the bear-creature. Finally, Beron’s father asked if he was a good example of his kind.
Murdock thought for a moment and then said, “No. I’m a product of my parents and the ethics they taught me as well as my own personal ethics I’ve learned over time. No one else can be expected to act as I do. Each human is independent from all others.”
The explanation provoked more thought for Beron’s father and for the rest of the crowd. All in attendance waited quietly while Beron’s father made a decision.
“We declare,” Beron’s father began once he had decided, “Murdock and mates trusted friends. They present young, when age of understanding, to be recognized as friends.” Rose was recognized for her part in taking care of Bridget. Murdock was recognized for everything he had done for the Oomah. Mei Lee was recognized because she had Murdock’s protection; Murdock would be responsible for her actions until she could be judged by her own actions.
Everyone, humans and Oomah, sighed in relief. After Beron’s father’s edict, a party atmosphere prevailed. All had a taste of the fish — after the king, of course. Each of the different Oomah came to view the human children. Rose had never been in a receiving line, but she imagined it was like that.
When the white bear came over, Beron, Bridget, Murdock, Rose, and Mei Lee tensed. He sniffed the children, sniffed the adult humans, and then growled a warning. Then, Beron’s father and Beron gave him another stern warning.
The spring party finished several hours later. Beron and Bridget walked the humans to the edge of the meadow. Bridget said good-byes to the women and returned to her cub. Then Beron transported the humans back to their cabin. After their return, Beron disappeared.
“That was different,” Mei Lee exclaimed after Beron had disappeared.
“That was only my second appearance, but I found it to be rather strange,” Rose said.
“It was some sort of springtime family rite,” Murdock said as he prepared for his security sweep. “Mothers present their offspring to the leader, and family affiliations are solidified and reaffirmed.”
Rose looked at him, surprised. “Was that a guess, or do you have some inside information?” she asked.
“Both,” Murdock said. “It was obvious to me what was going on, and Beron clued me in a little on what I should do while we were on our way.”
“You did seem to catch on better than the last time,” Rose Said. “Was that you or Beron?”
“Beron helped a lot,” Murdock said, shrugging. “Didn’t Beron’s mate help you?”
“Yes,” Mei Lee injected, “She did. What was that bit about you being responsible for me?”
“Well, as it was explained to me,” Murdock began, “no one can crash one of their ceremonies. Someone pretty high up has to invite you. Beron invited us. If any of us had embarrassed Beron or offended anyone, he would be responsible for making it right.”
“Mei Lee and I were invited,” Rose corrected him. “You didn’t need an invitation. You got your invitation the last time.” Murdock’s face reddened.
Mei Lee looked at Rose, confused, so Rose telepathically showed the other woman what had happened.
“Oh,” Mei Lee said “We live with the sheriff so he is to keep us under control?”
“I haven’t had any control over anything since I got here,” Murdock said to the air. “And controlling you two is not possible!”
“And you wouldn’t change a thing!” Rose piped up.
“Nope,” Murdock said, laughing.
“You see?” Rose said to Mei Lee. “He still loves us and wouldn’t know what to do without us!” Both women laughed heartily.
As he was almost ready to leave, Murdock asked, “Mei Lee, have you been practicing with your bow?”
“Some, why?” she asked.
“I need to inspect the encampment —” Murdock said.
“What?” Rose shouted immediately, interrupting him mid-sentence. “You’ll do no such thing!”
“I have to,” Murdock insisted.
“And why do you think you need to do that?” Rose said harshly.
“First, because I am the sheriff,” Murdock explained. “Second, because I’ve been checking on them all winter from here, and I haven’t seen any signs of life for a while.”
“Why take Mei Lee?” Rose asked. “I’m a better shot than she is!”
“I agree,” Mei Lee said. “She is much better than I am. She should go.”
“Rose doesn’t know each person in the encampment,” Murdock countered with force, “and Mei Lee does.”
That ended the discussion. “Watch over him closely,” Rose whispered to Mei Lee as she helped Mei Lee prepare for the trek.
“I’ll guard him as you would,” Mei Lee whispered back as she and Murdock left.
“We have to be very careful,” Murdock said in a quiet voice during a rest stop. “Should the need arise, could you shoot any of the others?”
“I think I could,” Mei Lee said. As they talked, they drank from the water skin and ate some smoked venison. “Whittier? Definitely! The others, I’m not so sure,” she went on as honestly as she could.
“Well, you need to think about it,” Murdock said. “Whittier won’t present himself without someone acting as a shield; undoubtedly an innocent.”
“Why are we doing this?” Mei Lee asked.
“If any colonists wanted to leave the encampment, where would they go?” Murdock asked. “How would they get away from Whittier if they think they’re trapped?”
Mei Lee nodded; the
expression on her face told Murdock that she understood.
“From here on, we both need to keep watch astrally as well as physically,” Murdock explained. “We need as much advance warning as possible, so go out as wide as you can.”
Mei Lee nodded, and they continued toward the encampment with as much stealth as they could manage. They did not follow the river, but instead proceeded diagonally across open country, using the slightly rolling hills as cover. Five hundred yards away from the encampment, Murdock lay down on his belly and crawled to the top of a small hill to peer over it. Though Mei Lee followed suit, she could barely see the transport pod.
“What can you see from this distance?” Mei Lee asked.
“You need to be quiet,” Murdock whispered. “What is the effective range of your bow?”
“It will shoot seventy-five yards, maybe a little further,” Mei Lee whispered, “but I can only hit when I’m aiming at twenty yards or less.”
“It will have to do,” Murdock whispered.
He saw no movement outside the enclosed base of the pod, even though it was well past midday. His localized astral surveillance showed no one in the area at all, but he backed down the hill the same way he went up, Mei Lee following.
“When we get close enough, all you have to do is to help keep anyone from getting behind either of us,” Murdock whispered. Mei Lee nodded. “I’ll post you where you need to stay, and you need to be ready to fire on anyone coming too close.”
“I’ll do the best I can,” Mei Lee said with conviction.
They continued on with as much stealth as they possibly could. Murdock posted Mei Lee thirty yards from the enclosed pod base, and she prepared herself mentally and physically, trying to stay as relaxed as she could. Murdock moved more into the encampment while staying somewhat behind cover. He knew they had plenty of time to create at least one bow and a few arrows, so he had to be very aware of danger from a distance.
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