Future Perfect - S2

by Fran Heckrotte

  Solaria shrugged.

  "There was no need."

  "No need! Certainly there's a need. You're my best friend. We're supposed to share things."

  "Some things take time. We're sharing now. Primeris and Chantelle needed to spend time together to see if they were compatible. Their year in hiding gave them that time. Now, are you interested in the details of the pregnancy or would you prefer we talk about each other now?" Solaria asked, calmly. "Keep in mind, it will take a very long time to disclose everything we need to about ourselves."

  "Don't try pulling that on me," Jain warned. "We're going to have that long talk later."

  Realizing Jain was serious, and in a way hurt, Solaria acknowledged the threat with a slight nod.

  "You're right. We'll talk later. Let Primeris finish telling us how this happened," she suggested.

  Picking up the cue, Primeris continued her explanation.

  "Like I said, Chantelle wanted a child."

  "We wanted a child," Chantelle interrupted.

  "Yes, of course. We wanted a child."

  "Our own child," Chantelle emphasized.

  "Would you like to tell this?" Primeris asked, her eyebrows rising in a questioning manner.

  "Sorry," Chantelle replied. "You go ahead."

  "I get the point," Jain said.

  "Having concluded that we wanted children —"

  "Children!" Jain exclaimed. "Are you having twins?"

  Frustrated at all of the interruptions, Primeris gave a very human sigh.

  "No, Chantelle carries only one child... a girl."

  "A girl? You're having a baby girl? Wow! This is so wonderful." Jumping up, Jain hurried over to Chantelle to give her another hug and then slapped Primeris on the back. "I bet you're proud."

  "Obviously I'm not going to get the chance to explain how this happened..."

  "Oh, sorry." Jain sat back down, interlocked her fingers and rested her hands on her lap.

  Solaria, who had been sitting quietly, watching everyone, was amused at Primeris' frustration, Chantelle's calm demeanor and Jain's erratic enthusiasm.

  "Perhaps I should take over," she offered and was amazed when everyone looked relieved. "I'll take those expressions as a yes. It's quite simple. When I was at Future Dynamicon, I discovered that I could alter some of my cells on a molecular level. At first, I could only change my eye color and skin tones. Then I learned how to repair injured tissue. When Primeris told me she and Chantelle wanted children, I decided to tell her what I knew... when the time was right. I suggested it might be possible to use those skills to accomplish their goal."

  "You mean... I mean, you don't mean she changed her..." Jain wasn't quite sure how to phrase her question. "You know... made a... a —"

  Before she could bring herself to say the word, Chantelle burst out laughing.

  "Penis?" she asked. "Good lord, no. I love Primeris but I'm not about to ask her to do something like that. I'm not even sure she could. Besides, I'm not into that."

  Before Jain could comment, Solaria continued.

  "Nothing that drastic was necessary. All she had to do was create the gamete cells and inject them into Chantelle's vagina."

  "I wouldn't exactly describe it as injecting," Chantelle objected. "That sounds so clinical, and there certainly wasn't anything clinical about what we did."

  "I should hope not," Jain replied.

  Solaria was beginning to understand Primeris' frustration.

  "I stand corrected. My point is, she was able to create cells that could penetrate Chantelle's ovum, resulting in a fertilized egg. Since both partners are women, it's only logical that a girl would be the final result."

  "I could have changed that," Primeris added. "We wanted a girl."

  "It's a logical choice," Solaria said. "There are a lot of characteristics you could affect. How far did you go?"

  "We decided to let nature take its course as much as possible, so we're not sure about her at this time," Primeris replied. "Chantelle convinced me it will be more interesting that way."

  "She's right," Jain piped in. "I can't wait to see what she looks like. When is she due?"

  "I have calculated that her arrival date is six months, three days and forty —"

  Chantelle squeezed Primeris' hand.

  "You really need to stop doing that. People get nervous when you're so precise."

  "Sorry," Primeris said. "I'm not sure I'll ever be able to change that part of me."

  Smiling, Chantelle leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  "No, I'm the one who's sorry. I love you just the way you are. Don't change."

  Hearing those words, Primeris' face completely relaxed and she smiled for the first time. The transformation caught Solaria by surprise — and from Jain's stunned expression, her too. Not sure what to say, everyone remained quiet until Primeris asked Solaria if she could talk to her alone. Nodding, they stood and walked into the kitchen.

  * * *

  "Is there a problem?" Solaria asked.

  "I'm not sure," Primeris replied. "Much of what I've said is true, but not everything."

  "Like letting nature take its course?"

  "Yes. So far Chantelle has been able to maintain the necessary energy levels to keep the baby alive, with the help of other Healers. One is now living with us. Another will replace her in three weeks, and then another after that."

  "That's good. That's not what's worrying you, though, is it?"

  "No. I've had to modify certain links in the DNA chain to create the human components that I lack. The brain concerns me the most; there was nothing to guide me in designing it, except what I've read. What if it's flawed?"

  "Then it will be human," Solaria said. "Isn't that what you want?" When Primeris didn't answer, Solaria frowned. "Are you afraid of something else, Primeris?" Fear was something she wouldn't have credited Primeris with at such an early stage in her emotional development. If she was, it was a good indication of how rapidly she was evolving.

  "I'm... concerned. I don't want to let Chantelle down. If our child is deformed or inadequate, I'll have failed her."

  "You've done everything you can. Humans live with this worry every day. When she's born, many of your questions will be answered. Many won't. You're wasting energy second-guessing your efforts."

  "I'm aware I'm being illogical," Primeris said.

  "A very human response. There will always be instances when we try to reject that part of us."

  "So I'm finding out. You're right, though. Dwelling on what can't be changed is useless. No matter what happens, we'll deal with it."

  "You'll have no choice," Solaria agreed. "I don't think you have anything to worry about. As a Healer, Chantelle will know if something is wrong. I suspect she'll correct the major problems while the baby is in the womb, sub-consciously. It's what she is. And if she can't, the other Healers will."

  "True. Being a Healer has many advantages. "

  "And disadvantages. What will she do if she gets a calling?" Solaria asked.

  "I'm not sure. The other Healers are holding a gathering in a few weeks to discuss the probabilities. They're as excited about this as we are. They may forbid her from responding."

  "As they should," Solaria said. "Having you for her partner is her best protection. Your offspring should have a biological advantage over humans. We're physically superior."

  For the second time that night, Primeris smiled.

  "That's true. I'm beginning to understand their enthusiasm for reproducing."

  "Good. We should rejoin the girls now," Solaria suggested. "They're probably wondering why we've been gone so long."

  "Wait," Primeris said, instinctively reaching for Solaria's arm to stop her. "There's something else I wanted to discuss with you — a malfunction in my processors."

  "What kind of malfunction?"

  "I'm not sure. I was in hibernation mode. I don't know how to describe what happened. It's as if reality was altered and I was someplace else. Chan
telle was there also."

  "You had a dream," Solaria said.

  "Chantelle said the same thing when I told her, but that's not possible."

  "Normally, I'd agree with you, but I've had several over the past year. The first left me confused. Nothing in it seemed to make sense. I've thought about it a lot and have come to believe dreams are a way for us to become more accepting of our human side. I'm sure if you analyze yours, you'll find it relevant to your emotional growth. If your experience is similar to mine, there will be more."

  Without commenting, Primeris walked back to her partner and sat down. Solaria joined them, giving Jain a slight nod. Jain would have questions later, but for now she understood everything was fine for the moment.

  A Healer’s Wisdom

  The cool breeze and overcast sky reminded Syblis of London. She was homesick, but was comforted knowing she would be back home soon. Had her mission to the States not been necessary, she would be huddled in front of her fireplace, soaking up its warmth. Taking another sip of tea, she glanced at the other people around her.

  Peculiar lot, she thought. The restaurant was located in an eclectic part of town comprised of old buildings with modern facades, brick streets and early Twenty-First Century street lamps. The majority of the customers wore a hodge-podge of clothing as if they had grabbed the nearest thing within reach. Artists are the same everywhere.

  The thought wasn't a criticism. She was used to the idiosyncrasies of the creative mind. London was filled with artists.

  "A penny for your thoughts," a voice whispered near her ear.

  Startled, Syblis jumped, spilling the tea on her slacks.

  "You're the only one who can sneak up on me like that," Syblis accused, brushing at her pants with one hand while reaching out to hug Chantelle with the other. It was impossible to miss Chantelle's pregnant condition as the large belly pushed against her side. "I must say you look terreefeec," she declared, stepping back to get a good look at her friend.

  Chantelle patted her stomach proudly.

  "I look like a whale, "she declared and then motioned toward a woman standing a few feet away. "I'd like you to meet my friend, Jain."

  "Ah, yes. Eet's so nice to meet you, Jain. Chantelle has told me much about you and how you helped her. The Sisterhood eez grateful beyond words for looking after our most treasured Healer. We weel forever be een your debt."

  A few inches taller than Jain, Syblis leaned forward and kissed her on each cheek and then grinned when Jain's face turned slightly pink.

  "I... I..." Jain stammered.

  Syblis and Chantelle exchanged amused glances.

  "I'm sorry eef I've embarrassed you. Keesing the cheeks eez a quaint custom I refuse to geeve up. Please seet." Syblis said, motioning at the two empty chairs next to hers. "Would either of you like sometheeng to dreenk?"

  "Tea would be nice," Chantelle replied. Jain nodded in agreement, her cheeks still flushed.

  After ordering beverages, Syblis focused her attention on Jain.

  "You reely must forgeeve me."

  "No, no, I'm fine," Jain said.

  "Good. So... I'm told you are a librarian. Books are one of our most sacred possessions. Eet must be exciting to be surrounded by so many."

  "I've always loved the feel and smell of books, but I wouldn't describe my work as exciting." Jain hesitated and then grinned. "Normally!"

  Everyone laughed.

  "Nonseense. Healers love knowledge. Books are very eemportant. Eet eez an honor to meet another Keeper."

  "Keeper?"

  "Eet eez what we call those who record and protect heestory. So, my friend," Syblis said, turning back to Chantelle. "How eez your Primeris holding up under all of thees?"

  "She's fine. Well, if you call acting like an overprotective mother hen fine."

  "Thees must very deefficult for her, dealing weeth motherhood and her growing eemotions."

  Chantelle gave her a strange look.

  "How —"

  "Am I not a Seer? Eet eez what I do."

  "But only when it pertains to your patients. I'm not —"

  "Actually, you are. That eez why I'm here."

  "I don't understand."

  "Chantelle, I'm here because you need me. You called to me."

  "You're here to heal me?" Chantelle asked, her eyebrows shooting upward. "Is my child in danger? Surely I'd know. I'd feel something." Feeling a growing panic, she looked down at her protruding belly and caressed it lovingly.

  "She eez fine. I deedn't mean to upset you, Chantelle. Eet's more to resolve the doubts you have. For now, she eez your prioreety. Notheeng else matters."

  "She's been acting up a bit lately. I think we're going to have our hands full when she's born."

  "Yes. That's the other reason I'm here. The Seesters were sorry you meesed the gathering. Eet went well. Everyone eez fine and eexcited for you. All agree you are not to do anytheeng to jeopardize her well-beeing. Eef you feel a calling, you must contact one of us," Syblis ordered.

  "What can any of you do? A Singer must answer her own calling. It's the Law," Chantelle objected.

  "Then eet's a Law we weel change. Een fact, I theenk many of our Laws need reveesion. Unteel eet happens, you weel be breaking many of our Laws," Syblis replied, calmly. "Singers are few een number now. We weel not exist een a few hundred years. You must carry your child to term eef we are to have hope for our future. Others may be able to have children."

  "But to break the Laws —"

  "— eez not the end of the world, Cherié. Everytheeng changes. We weel adapt. Our Laws must adapt."

  "It's not that simple, Syblis, and you know it. No Healer has ever refused a calling. How do we change what we believe in? What we are? What we do?"

  "I do not understand — what we do?"

  "You know what I mean. Our gift comes from energy we steal from others. True, it isn't enough to do them harm, but that doesn't matter. We have an obligation to answer callings. I feel bad enough taking the extra I need to sustain my child. Having my Sisters carry the burden of my duties is... is... unfair."

  "Do not Primeris and Seester Donnelle supply your needs now? Eef eet eezn't enough, you must let us know. We weel do what we have to in order to help."

  "I'll help anyway I can," Jain piped in. "I'm not sure I fully understand what you're saying, but if it's a little jolt of energy, I've plenty to spare... and I know Solaria would also want to. Heck, I bet you can even steal a little jolt from Scootie. She's so full of energy, she can afford giving up a little."

  "Thank you, Jain. Again we are een your debt," Syblis replied. "Please do as we ask, Chantelle. Geeve us the honor of serving you. We do eet weelingly and weeth great love."

  Before Chantelle could reply, she felt a strong kick inside of her and grimaced.

  "I don't think I have much choice," Chantelle said reluctantly, again rubbing her bulging belly. "It's all so strange."

  "I can eemagine. Well, actually I can't, but I envy you." Syblis clapped her hands together like an excited child. "You are our first! Pregnant Seenger, I mean. Thees eez so wonderful."

  "Will you be with me during the birthing? I'm not sure I can do this by myself," Chantelle confessed, giving Syblis a pleading puppy dog look.

  "And since when have you been by yourself?" Jain interrupted, sounding indignant. "Primeris never lets you out of her sight. Healers have been with you off and on for months. Solaria had to make up a lie just so I could get you away from everyone. Can you imagine how hard that must have been for them... for Primeris?"

  "I know. I feel guilty about that too. I'm surprised Primeris believed her."

  "She didn't. I think she's trying very hard to absorb all of this," Jain said. "I have to admit she's been pretty patient, considering all of this must be completely illogical... especially the mood swings you've been going through lately," Jain teased.

  Looking embarrassed, Chantelle gave a slight nod.

  "Yes. I haven't exactly been the easiest person to liv
e with. Still, I don't want anything to go wrong. I know my Sisters will help if there are complications, but they aren't you, Syblis. I need you more than you can ever imagine. Will you be at the birthing?"

  "What a seelly question! Of course I weel be there. Everyone else, too, who can make eet. We weel seeng your pains away and greet your daughter een joyous harmony. Eet weel be beautiful."

  Relieved, Chantelle relaxed.

  "Thank you."

  "No, thank you. Now, tell me more about your Primeris. We know very leettle about her. She doesn't have a Number yet. Eet's probably too soon, but your Seesters are dying to know everytheeng they can."

  "Everything? Well, first, I already know her Number. She's definitely a ONE!"

  Syblis laughed.

  "As are you. Maybe you shouldn't tell me everytheeng. I wouldn't mind a few juicy teedbeets to take back weeth me. You know how our Seesters love smut."

  "I do know that. I'm not going to tell you everything... but... there is a reason why she's called Primeris." Chantelle leaned forward, motioning Jain and Syblis closer. "Her skills are unimaginable, and her tongue..." Chantelle began whispering, occasionally glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. Jain's face turned bright red while Syblis blushed and put both her hands over her mouth to silence an involuntary gasp.

  "Really? Oh my!" she exclaimed. "She can do that?"

  Chantelle grinned and nodded. "Oh yes, and more. Fifteen times that night. I was exhausted."

  "Poor you," Syblis teased. "Three was my max and eet took the woman almost seex hours of hard work to get me there." Shaking her head, Syblis tried to imagine fifteen. "The Seesters are never going to believe eet... ummm... maybe eef you tell us exactly what she did..."

  And Chantelle did. Their exploits became legendary amongst the Singers.

  * * *

  I love dreams, Jain thought, rubbing her eyes tiredly. Especially the juicy ones. Rolling onto her back, she felt a lump next to her and stopped.

  "Scootie, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you the bed was off limits last night?"

  "Rarawoof," came a muffled reply from under the blankets.

  Sighing, Jain scratched the lump and then hugged it.

  "I'm going to miss you," Jain said. "You'll be a lot safer with Primeris and Chantelle. I don't know what those people did to you, but they're going to want you back."