The Other’s request elicited growls from both Lidon and Degorsk.Tranis’ brows drew low over his eyes, but he glanced at Cassidy, his gaze significant.
“I’m certain they mean no harm,” she said.It also occurred to her letting the Other experience the evidence of Jackie’s life might be an opportunity to draw the entity in.Could curiosity lead to empathy?
Under her clanmates’ unfriendly stares, the Other approached Cassidy.At the new mother’s nod, her doppelganger carefully lifted Jackie and held her close.Did the Other look less detached as she examined the magical bundle?Cassidy prayed it wasn’t her imagination claiming the visitor displayed more than clinical interest.
“You showed up holding a version of her,” she reminded the Other.“Is this similar?”
“No.It was merely an illusion, a representation of your daughter.This child is...”the Other paused for a moment “...real.”
“A new creation, her whole life before her.”Cassidy eyed the Other.“How did you know what she’d look like?You represented her perfectly.”Except for the gaze that had been too intelligent for an infant.
“We saw her.We live in all time, and we knew her features.”The Other never ceased her contemplation of Jackie as she spoke.
“Then you know for certain how everything will turn out for us?”Cassidy’s heart plunged.The Other had insisted they had no chance.
“If we wish, we can view all possible futures.We see clearest the events most likely to occur, given current actions.Sentients sometimes move from the probable path, however, and their prospects change.”
“Then we do have a chance against the All.”
“Several chances, but given your present measures, a positive outcome for your outlook is dubious.There is little hope.”The Other had resumed her dispassionate demeanor...if she’d ever actually worn a different expression.
She gave Jackie to Cassidy.“A most interesting experience.Thank you for allowing me to witness your momentous occasion.”
The Other disappeared.As Cassidy met her clanmates’ gazes, she thought the entity had taken all their hopes and joy too.
* * * *
Earth II
“Area secured.You’re clear to land, Governor Nichols,” the voice on Stacy’s shuttle com announced.
In the co-pilot’s chair, Stacy’s leg bounced nervously.She had a ton of work to do now that she was able to return to Earth II, but her number one priority was seeing her sister in the flesh.
Her pilot, a Kalquorian Nobek bearing the surprising name of Harm, spoke up.“Clearance received.The governor will await her security detail before disembarking.”
As the small craft she’d traveled in from Alpha Space Station settled on the front lawn of Toni’s pleasant two-story rental home, she finally gave in to the curiosity she’d fought to keep in check.“What does ‘Harm’ mean in Kalquorian?”
He grinned, no doubt used to the question from Earthers.“Sunrise, which was the time of day I was born.I prefer your English language meaning.”
She laughed.“I’m sure any Nobek warrior would.”When the seconds passed, her leg started bouncing again.“Why is Earthside security taking so long?”
Harm brought up a vid display of their surroundings.“They’re getting in position.An unfamiliar clan is on the premises.They had to check them out.”
“A clan?”Stacy leaned forward and blinked in surprise to see three strangers standing outside the door behind Toni.“Huh.They don’t look like medical attendants.I guess my surprise visit to my supposedly invalid sister goes both ways.”
The com came to life again.“Security detail is in place.Antonia Nichols’ guests have been vetted and cleared.The governor may disembark.”
“I thought this would be a short stop, less than an hour,” Stacy told Harm by way of apology as she stood.
“Take your time.Maybe you’ll share the gossip about this mysterious clan with me.If you don’t approve of them for your esteemed family member, I can scare them away.”
Stacy chuckled.The Nobek pilot was more personable than most.He probably wouldn’t have been quite so friendly had he been aware of the phased Kalquorians also on the shuttle, particularly Kuran.
She wasted no further time being amused by Harm or the situation.She triggered the hatch and hurried past two rows of watchful Earther security guards to greet Toni.
“Look at you!Who would guess you were in the hospital only days ago?”she cried as she wrapped her arms around Toni’s diminished figure.Her little sister was too skinny, but no longer skeletal.
“Why are you on Earth?Are you sure it’s safe?You couldn’t wait a little longer?A warning you were on your way would have been nice.”
