Peter Prellwitz - Shards Book One

"You tell me."

She didn't answer right away, but looked out over the mountains their base was burrowed into. A chilled breeze pushed through the fragrant pine needles. Closing her eyes, she breathed in deeply, loving the thin, cold air touching her lungs with feathers of icy crystal. She opened her eyes and peered at the steep slope that lay before them, disappearing into the quiet blackness of the valley several hundred feet lower. She raised her eyes to the ridge on the far side and saw the jagged spires outlined by stars. One pattern was the Drinkin' Gourd, and she followed the lip to the North Star.

"Yes. She's worth the risk. If she's not a plant, she may be-no, she is-the most important person we've ever rescued. Even if she doesn't have any usable NATech knowledge, just the fact that we rescued one of their own would be a coup."

"But that's not why she's worth the risk, is it, Susie?? Betty prodded gently.

"Of course not. She's worth the risk because every Cue is worth the risk. Even if there's only one chance in a thousand of a plant, we'll always risk it."

Betty nodded.? We'll always risk it. One day, we will pay for that risk, and what we fear will become reality. It happened to the Fourth and the Fifteenth and the 226th. And one day it will happen to the Third.? She shivered, not from the chill air, and returned to the subject.? So you're recommending continuation?"

"Yes. We'll need to keep a close eye on her, though. Her actions have been so different from past Cues that we'll have a difficult time determining safe quirks from dangerous ones."

"We did make it difficult for everyone by messing up the poor man's sex,? she chuckled.? And sex life, I should imagine, when the time comes."

Susie flushed.? I know. That's all my fault. I should have-"

"Should have what, Susie?? Betty interrupted, in a slightly harsh, yet motherly, tone.? Stop punishing yourself. It's a waste of time. You did everything you knew how. I know. I was your confidant. I couldn't have done the work you did. You uncovered more than anyone ever expected or hoped. Don't blame yourself. I don't. TAU doesn't. And most important,? she motioned toward the cavern,? our sleeping angel doesn't either."

"You don't think so?? Susie said hopefully.

"You were with us during the entire interview. Did you hear anything that pointed to anything but an energetic, lively soul that wanted nothing so much as a chance? I talked to Kerry earlier yesterday, during one of our breaks. She was very impressed with the girl. It's not going to be easy, but she's come a long way already, and all on guts. Can you say you'd react differently, or as well, waking up as a young boy?"

"No, I can't. I'd go nuts. I wonder how Sergeant Thawell would handle being a little girl.? She giggled at the thought and seemed cheered.

Betty laughed, too. Making a credible effort at imitating the big man's gravel voice, she said,? 'Tell her nothing and leave her in the laundry.'? She laughed again, glad to break the other woman's somber mood.? He wouldn't pop off like that if he was the one who suddenly had a different dance card."

"He's a brave man. A jerk, but a brave one. Still, I don't think he'd be able to make it as a Cue."

"I don't think I would either. I don't know. At my age, a second time around sounds tempting, regardless of the conditions. One thing I'll tell you; I personally think that it's for the better that John's a girl now."

"What?? Susie looked up sharply at her friend.? How can you say that?"

"Think about it. What better way to adjust to the unknown than to go at it all the way? That's why we induce while the Cue is standing. Going from your feet to your back with no memory in-between demands attention to change."

"Which better prepares the mind for the more difficult changes. I know. But there's a big difference between waking up in a different position than waking up in a different gender."

"No! I say there is no difference. What's the oldest Cue we've revived? Three hundred and fifty years?

Four hundred? A big jump, yes. But much of our society was already in place even then. Planetary emigration, worldwide national and political unification, even the puterverse. But she's from before all that. By close to three centuries. Maybe having to deal first with personal identity at the deepest level is helping to prepare her for the culture shock awaiting her outside the base."

"But look at what NATech, her NATech I mean, was already working on. Her last project was a model for an underwater society that remained fully integrated with the surface society. In other words, she created the Pisces. That society, that people, was something that has never been recreated since the Rock destroyed Pisces in 2374. Hundar Knowler was the last of his race, and he died in 2415.? Susie shook her head in admiration.? I'm not sure she'll need that much help in adjusting to our society."

"In which case I'd take the stance that it would be a disappointment to her. Everything we discovered about her showed she was a… well, a man… who was always up to any challenge, always eager for any challenge. Such a person might not enjoy a voyage like this if the destination was not much different than the beginning. This unintentional challenge may add more spice.? Betty chuckled.? Sugar and spice, that is. That's why I spoke up for her at the briefing today.

"But the main reason why I think all this is good for him, is you, Susie. I can think of no one better suited to helping out this vibrant, badly misplaced soul. And if you had guessed right, and we had integrated him back as a him, then he wouldn't have the privilege of having you as her counselor. And that, I think, is going to be the biggest reason she makes it."

"If she doesn't shard.? Betty said nothing, and Susie was immediately sorry.? That's not fair, Betty,?

she said contritely.? You go out of your way to compliment me, and I cut you down. I'm sorry."

Betty reached out a hand and touched her sleeve.? That's all right. I know it's been difficult for you the last six months. Nobody except you ever thought permission would be given for this rescue. And then when it was, we lose three people on the bio-raid. And then we-not just you-guess wrong as to her identity. And now this mystery. Is she friend or foe? If she's a friend, she'll need a friend. Many friends.

And if she's a foe… well, I hope she's a friend."

They spent some more quiet time together, talking in low tones, enjoying each other's company before Betty went in to bed. Susie remained outside a while longer, enjoying the crisp night air and pinpoint starlight. The cold seemed to bring everything closer, and deaden the sound. She stared into the valley below.

And waited

Finally, she roused herself, knowing she must get to her quarters soon. The girl was supposed to sleep through the night, but could possibly waken before then. Either way, Susie was going to be there. She pushed herself away from the rock face she had been leaning against and stretched. Leaning back, her eyes again caught sight of the Big Dipper, now resting on the tree tops. Unable to stop herself, nor wanting to, she traced the imaginary line from the lip to Polaris, and heard again the story as told by her father. She used to imagine herself back in that terrible time, escaping with her family, following the riverbank, heading ever northward to freedom. Maybe now she was the star of freedom for the many ripes, looking for their liberty. If so, she hoped she could remain as faithful as that pinpoint of light. She shook her head, wondering at her musings, and went back inside.

The girl was still motionless on her bed, as she had been for over two days now. Susie set down the tub of warm water she had with her and tenderly sponged clean the limp, sleeping child, and changed her bedclothes. She had done this twice a day, between interview sessions, hoping the special attention would somehow reach the girl even in her stupor and let her know she was cared for. She had given no reaction then, nor did she now. Susie gently brushed out the soft, brown hair, taking care not to tug too hard. Again there was no movement from her. Pulling the covers up to the girl's chest, she left her and prepared for bed herself.