“I believe it expanded as it travelled, or it would not have stopped at this peak. It is as if you put out exactly enough power to get the job done.”
He was hovering above the wreckage and making small observances as he travelled.
Addy watched the damaged pieces, and when he got her close enough, she reached out and touched the rock. “Why is it warm?”
“Is it? Hm. Resonance is a lovely thing. You send waves of silent sound out and you tailor the sound to the object you would strike. The world you were held on was something you hated, so that was what you destroyed.”
She nodded. “So the heat is friction, and the shattering is the response to the molecular square dance that is going on.”
“I don’t know what a square dance is, but yes, you destroy on the molecular level.”
There wasn’t much she could say to that. “Can you take me back to the base? I think it’s lunchtime.”
“Of course.” He wheeled on one wingtip, and directed them back to the base.
“Can I practice making tea?” She really needed something to look forward to.
Rokar chuckled. “I would be delighted to gauge your progress.”
“Excellent. I am looking forward to seeing if Rocky has made any progress in calling Terra. I know it has only been a few hours, but I am rather curious to see if he has gotten closer.”
“You wish to speak with your people?”
“I want to know who is still alive. I had several siblings when I left, and I am wondering if my twin is still alive. I know that my people say that a twin knows when the other one is alive, dead, or injured, but I was asleep for a very long time.”
He landed next to the entry port and made sure that she was steady on her feet before he let her go.
Once inside with the tea ready, she felt like asking, “How many rations are in the station? I mean, if there is no edible plant matter yet, I am just wondering how long this stuff is going to last.”
“You have enough rations here to feed you for two to five years depending on what your body requires. If more personnel are stationed here, they will arrive with ration packs suitable for their biology.”
She nodded. “That sounds reasonable. How does this look?”
He peered over her shoulder. “It smells right. You were watching when I prepared it.”
Addy grinned and brought the tray over to the common area, setting it down on a low table. “I learn by watching. That was why I ended up out here. I was an excellent candidate for visual learning and working with quiet species. It was thought I would be able to do a lot with my hands instead of my voice.”
“Interesting. So, you were going to go submerged?”
She grinned. “That was the plan. I was going to be altered into something that could breathe water, and I have to admit, the idea was heady. As it was, that particular plan never had a chance. We were grabbed on our way to the warship at the edge of our solar system, and from there... well, you know.”
“Ah, yes.” He nodded and picked up the tea that she served him. “Good. Half a spoon less of the leaves. This will bitter very quickly.”
She nodded. “Right. So, this is the one thing that Iratho is growing right now?”
He chuckled. “How did you guess?”
She grinned and sipped the tea, agreeing that it was exceptionally strong.
They talked about food and their favourite tea flavourings when Rocky interrupted.
“I apologize for the interruption, Adelheid, but I have your sister on a direct communication.”
Addy stood suddenly. “Where do I need to go?”
“Your room is fine. I will patch the signal through.”
Addy bobbed a curtsy to Rokar. “Thank you, pardon me, but I have really been waiting for this call.”
“Take your time. I will be here when you return.”
She really wanted to tell him to leave and come back later, but by the time she realized that, she was standing in front of the display in her room and the screen was flickering to life.
A version of her own face, thirty years older with light hair where Addy’s was dark, faced her.
“Addy?” The pale blue eyes sparkled and shone with unshed tears.
“Gerty? Oh, I had better use more sunscreen, you look terrible.”
Her sister belted out a laugh then a sob and then the tears were let loose. Addy laughed, and her own tears made their way down her cheeks.
She wanted nothing more than to hug her sister, but the long-distance call was going to have to be enough.
Rokar looked toward the door, and he smiled at the laughter, gasps, and occasional sobs coming from her personal quarters.
“Thank you for hooking this up, Rocky. I know that the relay communications are difficult if not cost prohibitive.”
The voice answered, “It was no issue. The Alliance has an extensive account for her, considering that she was under their protection when she was caught.”
“Ask the Citadel if they want to accelerate the transfer. I am ready to accept the plants, animals, and insects that were discussed. Also, I am interested in a Gaian plant. Something called coffee. Find out how we can lay in a supply.”
“Avatar, there may be exchanges for that sort of thing.”
Rokar grimaced. “If they insist on putting one of the creatures here, I will accept it, but only one. All of its offspring must leave as soon as it is feasible. Iratho will not become infested with Yaluthu, no matter how useful they are.”
“Understood. I will see what I can do.”
“Thank you. She has enough control that she isn’t a danger; it is time to give her a people once again. The folk on the station may make their way down to the surface.”
“It may take a few days.”
“Then, it can take a few days, but it is time to get this world occupied. She should not be alone anymore.”
He looked away from the closed door of her quarters.
“Avatar, with you here, she is not alone.”
“No, but she is not among her peers either. We will sort out our situation when she has every option and advantage that can be offered to her. That includes the friendship department.”
“Yes, Avatar. I am on it.”
Chapter Six
Addy stared at the image on the screen. Her parents were gone, but her five siblings were hale and hearty. She had nineteen nieces and nephews, and one of them was closer than Addy could have imagined.
Gerty’s oldest daughter was twenty-four, in the Alliance, and stationed at a Citadel as a translator with a horticultural speciality.
The details were not something Gerty could tell her, but there was another member of the Hathaway bloodline up and in the stars.
Her family had hoped for her when she was missing, and they had rejoiced when she was found. A place was set for her every holiday, and her siblings had made sure that all of their children knew about Aunt Addy, one of the first Volunteers.
“Can I talk to you again, Addy?” Gerty’s smile was hopeful.
“Rocky, can we talk again?”
The base’s ambassador spoke softly, “Of course, Adelheid. The communication authorization has been filed. Your family will have possession of the screens, and you can speak to them after the new arrivals have settled in. Until then, the channels will be occupied.”