Youngling: A Terran Empire story

by Ann Wilson

needs--including regrowth treatments if they are available there--and bring him home as soon as he is able to travel. If you wish, Iwill arrange for his naming ceremony."

  "Thank you, Ka'ruchaya. Let him be named Horst, of Clan N'chark."

  "So be it, Cor'naya Joste." Jarna turned to Kunnos. "I will send aship for them, Group-Leader. Will you need a linguist to replaceJoste?"

  "If you please, Ka'ruchaya. Stanek, if he has recovered."

  "He will be on the ship." Jarna's expression became grim. "But hearmy words, Group-Leader: none of my n'ruesten will force another to thisliving self-destruction again. I will not have them dishonorthemselves so."

  "I would not ask it, Ka'ruchaya," Kunnos said. "I will report this tothe Supreme, with the recommendation that he order any found to havesimilar conditioning questioned no further." He extended claws toemphasize his determination. "I have no wish to be part of suchdishonor, either."

  "Well said, Group-Leader." Jarna inclined her head. "Now if you willexcuse me, I must return to my duties."

  The two males bowed, then when the screen cleared, left theCommunications section. Joste made his way back to the hospital tocheck on his child, wondering at the Lords' ordering of things. Thehuman and he had met as enemies, and Joste had taken angry pleasure inhis torment. But now Horst was of N'chark, he would be raised as such. . . and this time, Joste vowed, Horst would be raised with a properrespect for females and younglings.

  END