“Tell the Teacher what you have seen,” she said. “And then tell him I will be angry if he leaves you before his work is done.” She smiled. “Now. Say my name.”
The princess bowed. “Mei Lin.”
Kasumi bolted awake. “Spirits,” she gasped.
“She had the dream again,” a voice chirped.
“Normal people have dreams,” another voice said. “Kasumi has visions.”
“I have to speak to Germy,” Kasumi said. She threw off the blanket and scrambled into her clothes. She reached over to the nightstand, picked up her Torque, and put it on. “Torque: status on Germy,” she commanded. The Torque was silent and then: “There are unusual fluctuations in brain activity.”
David Eisenstadt sat up and spoke to his own Torque. “Get a medic over to Jeremy Blunt’s cabin stat,” he ordered.
“There is no evidence that anything is wrong, David,” Kasumi protested.
“You woke up worried about Jeremy,” Eisenstadt replied. “I have no idea what it is that’s happening when you have those dreams, but something is definitely happening. I’d rather be wrong and have to apologize for waking him than be sorry I did not.”
It seemed mere minutes before Kasumi, Eisenstadt, Morning Mist, and Mel were in a transport vehicle and heading toward Jeremy Blunt’s cabin. A medic had already left in another transport.
“She said … she said that she’d be angry if he left before his work was done,” Kasumi said. “She didn’t say anything was wrong, but …” She turned to Mel. “The old monk in my dreams, she was, she is, Mei Lin.”
“Grandma Mei?” Mel said in shock. Kasumi nodded. “Okay, now it’s officially freaky,” Mel said.
The vehicle turned up the graveled driveway of the Blunt cabin. They could see the medic’s vehicle parked right in front of the door, and they pulled up next to it. Kasumi barely waited for the truck to stop before she leaped from the truck and ran into the cabin.
She ran into Jeremy’s bedroom, where the medic was applying chest compressions. “Dammit, breathe!” the medic was shouting. “Breathe!”
Kasumi ran over to the side of the bed. “Germy!” she screamed. “Your work is not done. If you die now, Mei Lin will not be waiting for you,” she babbled. “She said … she said to tell you she’d be angry.” She swallowed. “She had a scar on her right hand,” she said urgently. “The monk showed me her hand. She had a scar.” She leaned closer. “It looked like something had bitten her,” she said. “Mei Lin had the same scar, didn’t she?”
There was silence, and the medic had stopped trying to resuscitate the old man. “Time of …” Suddenly Jeremy convulsed and took a huge breath. “My god!” exclaimed the medic. He grabbed the old man’s wrist and checked for a pulse. “Weak, but there,” he muttered. He checked the old man’s pupils. “Welcome back, Mr. Blunt,” he said finally.
Kasumi quietly clapped her hands together twice. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Grandfather, can you hear me?”
Jeremy slowly turned his head toward Kasumi and opened his eyes. “When … we were … dog attacked … Brandon. Mei … Mei put hand … in dog … mouth … bit her.” He said laboriously. He struggled to sit up.
“Don’t even think it, Mr. Blunt,” said the medic. “You just lie there quietly.” He stood and nodded to Kasumi. “I’ll be back later today,” he said. He walked out of the bedroom. Mel followed.
“What happened?” Mel asked.
“I really can’t say without running some tests,” the medic replied. “When I got here, he was still alive, but his heart was beating slower and slower.” He shook his head. “I swear he was willing himself to die.” He looked at Mel curiously. “If you hadn’t called when you did, he’d be dead by now.”
Mel shrugged. “Don’t look at me. It was Kasumi who insisted something was wrong.”
“Maybe her Torque,” suggested the medic.
Mel shook her head. “She wasn’t wearing it,” she said. “She never wears it when she sleeps.” She shrugged again. The medic raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He finally took his leave, and Mel walked back into the bedroom.
Kasumi had climbed into the bed and lay next to the old man. From the way Kasumi’s crest trembled, Mel was sure the Rynn woman was trying not to cry. Mel glared at her grandfather. “You fucking selfish bastard,” she growled.
“Mel,” croaked Jeremy.
“Don’t Mel me,” she snapped. “If I were Grandma Mei, I’d dump your sorry ass,” she said. “The only thing that pisses me off more than you trying to die is that Grandma Mei is talking to Kasumi instead of me.”
“You … didn’t … need her … help,” Jeremy forced out.
“I know that,” Mel snapped back. “Grandma Mei said your work is not done. So you better fucking get better,” she said angrily. “No more bullshit, you hear me, Gramps?”
“Yes … Granddaughter.” Jeremy replied. He closed his eyes. “Tired.”
“Kasumi, you stay here with Gramps,” Mel said. “And if he gives you any crap, you have my permission to belt him one.” She stood up and stalked angrily out of the bedroom.
Kasumi looked at the old man. Jeremy had his eyes closed and seemed to be sleeping. “Another thing you humans can teach the Rynn,” she whispered. “We love, but I’ve never heard of a Rynn willing himself to die for love.” She closed her eyes.
Jeremy found himself standing in the middle of nothing. It was neither dark nor light. If he raised his hands in front of his face, he could see them, but that was all he could see. “Where am I?”
“Foolish old man,” snapped a voice.
“Mei?” Jeremy said in shock. “Where are you?”
“I’m dead, idiot,” the voice replied. “Where has no meaning for the dead,” said the voice. “Neither does when.” The voice softened. “Time is an illusion that only the dead do not share.”
“Three times and timeless time?” Jeremy replied.
“Three times and timeless time,” agreed the voice. “I can forgive you for missing me, but I will not forgive you for shirking your responsibilities,” the voice said. “You accepted responsibility for our granddaughter when you rescued her.”
“Yes, Mei,” Jeremy replied. “Forgive me for being selfish.” He added, “Both our granddaughters do well, do they not?”
“They do indeed,” agreed the voice. “Do not shirk your responsibilities to them again. Teach them what they must know.”
“Yes, Mei,” Jeremy replied.
Jeremy opened his eyes. He felt a weight at his side, and he looked down to see Kasumi. He could see that her cheeks were wet with tears. “Forgive me for doubting, Granddaughter,” he whispered. The little alien stirred and looked up at Jeremy. “Your visions were true.”
27
REVOLUTION
Bright Sunlight walked slowly through the compound. Everywhere he looked, he saw Rynn and humans working together side by side. Despite his initial misgivings, he had given permission for the staff and crew of the Safe Haven to come down to the compound.
Unlike the Seeker, the Safe Haven carried families. The Safe Haven was heavily armored and carried the strongest shields possible. It also had the strongest detection system possible. Carrying families, including children, was risky, but the benefits—in Bright Sunlight’s opinion—outweighed the risks. He turned as a chorus of high-pitched shrieks came to his ears.
A dozen or so human children ran by, one with an excitedly chittering Rynn child on its shoulders.
“Magnificent, isn’t it, darling?” boomed a voice. Bright Sunlight turned to see the biggest human he had yet seen. Not the tallest—humans in general were tall—but certainly this human outmassed most. He covered his eyes respectfully. “Greetings, Oligarch.”
The big woman shook a ringed finger. “Now, now, I thought I told you to call me Ophelia,” she chided. “I do love listening to
sounds of children playing.” She sighed. “I would have loved a child of my own.”
“Sometimes they’re more trouble than they are worth,” Bright Sunlight grumbled.
“You don’t really mean that,” scolded the oligarch. “If I had a daughter half as talented as Kasumi, I’d be proud as blazes.”
Bright Sunlight chirped a sigh. “Among the Rynn, a clan association is more than a family relationship. It is an economic and political statement,” he said. “She changed her name. She changed her clan. She called me incompetent,” Bright Sunlight said in a voice that seemed to hold tears. “My own daughter.” He glared at the oligarch when she laughed. “It’s not funny.”
“Oh, darling, yes it is,” the oligarch replied. “If I had any remaining doubts about Rynn, you just wiped them away.” She smiled widely. “You sounded like every human parent since there were humans.” She watched the children race by again. “Your daughter is starting a revolution, and if you had any sense, you’d not just join her but throw every resource you have in support.”
28
DISCIPLES
Jeremy Blunt sat on the cabin porch and wished he had a cigarette. It wasn’t so much that he needed the cigarette, but he was irritated, and a cigarette usually reduced the irritation. And since the reason he was irritated wasn’t likely to go away anytime soon, he wished he had a cigarette.
The cause of the irritation was the two people—one human, one Rynn—who hovered nearby. Doctors both, they watched Jeremy closely. The human doctor was bad enough, but the Rynn medical specialist seemed to consider Jeremy both a patient and an ongoing biology experiment. “Enough,” barked Jeremy. “Go find someone else to poke and prod.”
“Captain Kasumi has …” began the Rynn medical specialist.
“My granddaughter is overly concerned,” Jeremy replied. “I need space, dammit.”
“Of course, Mr. Blunt,” the human doctor replied. “Too much attention can be detrimental to humans, Sudden Winter Storm,” he said. He leaned closer to his Rynn colleague and whispered something.
“Ah,” noised the Rynn. “Dr. Williams and I will take a walk.”
“Do that,” Jeremy grunted. “A long walk.” He forced himself to not roll his eyes when both doctors covered theirs briefly. “I promised my granddaughter I won’t die just yet,” he said in softer tones. The two doctors smiled and walked away.
“Probably have me on a monitor,” Jeremy grumbled. He made to get up, and a Rynn ran over and silently offered assistance. Jeremy didn’t refuse the help. “Help me into the kitchen,” he said kindly. “I need some tea.” The Rynn, a young male, nodded. “You’re new,” Jeremy noted.
“Yes, Teacher,” the young Rynn said. “I came on the Safe Haven,” he said in identification. “I am called Morning Stars Fade.” The young Rynn opened the cabin door and let Jeremy lean slightly on him as they made their way to the kitchen. “May I help?” Morning Stars Fade asked. “Just to make the tea,” he amended.
“Smart boy,” Jeremy said in approval. “Kasumi spoke to you, did she?”
“Yes, Teacher.” The Rynn’s crest rose. “I hope I do not offend, but that woman is intimidating.”
“Scary, you mean,” Jeremy said in amusement.
“I meant no disrespect, Teacher,” the Rynn replied.
“I intended her to be scary,” Jeremy replied. He pointed to a cabinet. “Green box.” The young Rynn walked quickly to the cabinet as Jeremy lowered himself into a chair. Jeremy watched the young Rynn look around helplessly. “Look in that drawer,” Jeremy pointed. “There’s a tea ball.” He raised a hand and indicated a size. “About this big.” The young Rynn fumbled in the drawer. After a few mistakes, he found the tea ball. “Fill it half full,” Jeremy ordered. “Then find two cups.”
“Two, Teacher?” the young Rynn asked.
“One for me and one for you,” Jeremy replied. “No arguments.”
“Yes, Teacher,” Morning Stars Fade replied. He went to the cupboard and found two cups—one large and one small—and brought them to the table. Under Jeremy’s direction, he finished making the tea. The young Rynn sat opposite Jeremy and sipped his tea.
Jeremy smiled in approval. The young Rynn was nervous but keeping it under control. “So, what are your future plans, young man?”
The young Rynn was silent for a while. “I studied to be an electronics technician,” he said finally.
“But?” Jeremy prompted.
The young Rynn slowly placed the cup down on the table. “Is it true you read minds?” he asked.
Jeremy snorted. “No, young man, I do not read minds.”
“Yet you knew I questioned my career choice,” the young man pointed out. “And you were correct,” he added a moment later. “My parents approved of my career but did not approve of my going into space,” he said. “Not even on the Safe Haven.”
“You are their only child?” Jeremy asked.
“And still you claim you do not read minds,” the young Rynn said quietly. “Yes, Teacher.”
“Kasumi once told me of a story told by the First Teacher,” Jeremy said. “About a young Rynn who wished to be a stone artist.” He pursed his lips for a moment. “What may make the parent happy may make the child unhappy.”
The young Rynn covered his eyes briefly. “I know why my parents fear,” he said. “And sometimes I fear too,” he admitted. “But …” He chirped a Rynn sigh. “I get so tired of being afraid.”
“Very good, young man,” Jeremy said in approval.
Morning Stars Fade looked up in surprise.
“A life lived in fear is not a life; it is an existence,” Jeremy told him. “And a sad existence at best.”
The young Rynn covered his eyes briefly.
“It may be cold comfort to realize that you are not unusual in your fear,” Jeremy said. “But Rynn are resilient and can learn to control their fear. Just look at Kasumi—or, even better, look at Cool Evening Breeze.” He smiled. “Now that is one tough Rynn.”
“If I had a giant as a friend, I’d be unafraid as well,” Morning Stars Fade chirped quietly.
“That may have been true in the beginning,” Jeremy admonished. “But she has become a force in her own right.” He smiled. “Though I have to admit, Hendriks had much to do with it.” He leaned forward in his chair. “And while it’s true that Rynn need humans to learn how to be brave, it is equally true that humans need Rynn.”
“Humans are big and strong and brave,” protested Morning Stars Fade. “Why would they need Rynn?”
“To learn how to be humble,” Jeremy replied. “We just fought a war because some humans were afraid of that very lesson.” He pushed the now empty cup away. “Would you mind cleaning up in here?” he asked. “I’m feeling a little tired.”
“Oh, forgive me, Teacher,” Morning Stars Fade said. “I should not …”
Jeremy interrupted the young Rynn. “I enjoyed our conversation,” he said. “And I hope you will return so we may speak some more.” He stood, and the young Rynn scrambled out of his chair to assist. “When I am feeling better, I plan on teaching self-defense,” he said. “You would be most welcome.”
Morning Stars Fade sat on the steps of the cabin. He looked up as the two doctors approached. “The Teacher sleeps,” Morning Stars Fade said. He stood. “I must return to the colony,” he said. “But I will return tomorrow.” The young Rynn smiled proudly. “By his request.” He walked toward a waiting car.
The two doctors watched the young man get into the car and then watched it drive away. “It is said that when the First Teacher spoke, those who heard her shone from within,” the Rynn doctor chirped quietly. “I always thought it was a metaphor.”
29
THE TRUTH IS LIKE THE SUN
Bright Sunlight entered the shuttle bay of the Seeker. His destination was not an accident, as he was looking for very specifi
c core, and he had been told this was the most likely place to find them. An all-male core, he thought in disapproval. Like most traditional Rynn, he considered the primary purpose of a core to have and raise children—something not possible in an all-male core. To Bright Sunlight, an all-male core was incomplete.
He found the people he was seeking, and there were indeed four males—three Rynn, one human—but there was a female Rynn among them. He walked closer.
“It’s not that I don’t like you, Light of Three Moons,” the human was saying. “But I’ve never … you know.” To Bright Sunlight’s surprise, the human’s face was starting to turn red.
“I’ve never ‘you knowed’ either,” Light of Three Moons shot back. “I have, however, had sex.” The female’s crest waggled in amusement. “I am offering to join your core because Frozen River asked and because you need someone like me,” she said. “And the only one who is having a problem with it is you.”
“I don’t know how to … with a woman. Jeez, I can’t believe this,” grumbled the human. “Look, I think you’re very pretty, but I’ve never been comfortable with women. Not just the sex part—the talking part too.”
“You seem to be doing just fine, Joseph,” Light of Three Moons replied in amused tones. “I don’t bite, you know.”
“Well, there was that time,” one of the Rynn males said.
“You’re not helping, Frozen River,” Light of Three Moons said in tart tones. “Look, Joseph, I’m not expecting you to do anything except accept me into the core,” she said reasonably. “It’s not going to hurt having sex with a female.” Her crest waggled. “I promise.”
“The things I do for my core,” grumbled the human.
“Is that a ‘yes’?” asked Light of Three Moons.
The human sighed and nodded.
“Good.” She leaned over and kissed the human on the cheek. “See? It didn’t hurt.” She repeated the cheek kiss with the other three males. “Come by after dinner and help move my things into your suite.”
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