"Hin is fine," Eerin said, shortly. "Cara must not worry. Hin will be back."
"Okay. You take care, then," she said awkwardly.
Hin nodded, then bounded away, a silvery blur in the moons' light. Seeing hin leave reassured Cara. Eerin's departure was energetic enough for three humans.
"Ouch!" Mark fought back the urge to jerk away as Hrrakk' finished putting medicine on his wound, then began to bandage the back of his head. In his lap, Terris finished the water in hinsi's feeding straw, then began sobbing pitifully from hunger. Mark stroked the baby gently. "Sorry, little buddy ..."
Hrrakk's none-too-gentle hands paused in their ministrations. "The child wil begin to weaken, soon."
"I know," Mark agreed bleakly.
"Can you stand?"
"I think so ..." Mark tried, wavered, then made it to his feet. He was touched to notice that Hrrakk' had both hands raised as the Simiu squatted on his haunches beside him. The alien had obviously been ready to catch him if he toppled.
Mark cuddled Terris, snuggling the little body against his face, and relief that hinsi wasn't hurt washed through him again. He looked over at the curve in the cliff face. "Do you think he's gone for good?" he asked, referring to his attacker.
"I hit him hard, this time," Hrrakk' said. There was no regret in his tone. "I do not believe he will return." The big alien indicated the line dangling down the cliff face. "And we will pull the line up after us. We may need it again."
"You know what will happen to him," Mark said, staring into the night.
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"I know," the Simiu growled. "Do you by any chance wish to go and look for him?" His gruff voice dripped sarcasm.
Mark shook his head. "No," he said. "He tried to kill Terris, and I can't risk that. Besides, he left; it's not like we abandoned him. And if we searched for him, we'd waste time that might save lives aboard the Asimov."
Silently the alien handed him the canteen. Mark limited himself to only a few swallows. "Here," he said, handing it back. "Your turn."
The Simiu hesitated, then took the water. His throat rippled as he swallowed, great gulps of water in one long swig. When he took the canteen away from his mouth, there was only a small sloshing; he'd practically drained it.
Wel , he's definitely entitled, thought Mark. That's the first water he's had since we left. "Uh, Honored Hrrakk' ... listen, uh ... thanks. For saving me and Terris."
"I am going back up now." The alien ignored the human's words. "If you cannot climb, human, I will pull you up."
Mark smiled wryly. He's never going to change. "I'll climb," he promised, watching the alien walk away without glancing back, then, just as before, swarm up the rope.
"Hang on tight," Mark said to Terris as he secured hinsi in his shirt. His head was pounding, but the water and the rest had helped. Slowly he secured the line around himself, then, with a hiss of pain as he jerked upward, searching for the first foothold, he began to climb.
Midway up, Mark had to pause. The multiple shadows swirling around him had combined with the pain in his head to make him dizzy. His stomach lurched, and he bit his lip grimly. You're not going to lose the water you just drank, he told himself sternly. He swallowed, then began climbing again.
He was grateful that he'd always been active, and that his upper-body strength was good. Otherwise, he would never have made it. He paused again, feeling the pain in his head like a wave of blackness, waiting to overwhelm him.
"Mark? Mark?" Cara was calling him. He tried to answer, but settled for waving feebly. The blackness receded slowly.
He reached up, found another handhold, wedged his toe into another crevice. Come on, Kenner ... keep going ... Terris
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whimpered. That gave him the strength to find another handhold, another foothold ... then another ...
Two hands abruptly seized his wrists, then Hrrakk' yanked him straight up, pulling him halfway over the cliff edge. Mark managed to turn to the side at the last moment, just in time to keep from squashing Terris.
He lay limp and panting as Cara and the Simiu dragged him the rest of the way over the edge, then flopped onto his back, careful not to hit the back of his head. Mark could feel his feet still sticking out over nothingness, but hadn't the strength yet to move them. Blackness threatened again.
But he didn't pass out. Finally, after what must have been several minutes, he was able to sit up with a groan. "You okay?" Cara asked.
"I'll live." He looked around. "Where's Eerin?"
"Hin went on ahead." Briefly, she explained about the Elpind's search for wild sestel for Terris.
"Thank God there's something we can give Terris," said Mark fervently. "I'm afraid hinsi's weakening. Let's get moving. The quicker we go, the quicker we'll meet Eerin."
"Can you?" she peered at him anxiously.
"Yeah." Mark hoped standing up wouldn't make a liar out of him. He struggled to his feet, then reached for the knapsack, but Cara got it first.
"Just carry yourself," she admonished. "And Terris, of course." She looked up at the folds of mountains. "Think we can climb past those by dawn?"
"Not if we waste any more time," Hrrakk' growled, tying himself back into the blue sling that held Misir. Turning, he loped away.
"We're coming already," Mark said irritably. "I wasn't exactly having fun
'wasting time' down there." He looked around. "Everybody ready?"
The Apis lifted into the air and flew after Hrrakk'.
"I think since half of us have gone already," said Cara dryly, "the answer is
'yes.' "
For most of the night, as the moons swung overhead and shadows scuttled like live things across the rocky surfaces, the group climbed the giant's steps of barren plateaus. Though
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sometimes they needed both hands and feet on the steeper slopes, none were as high or difficult as the cliff marking the boundary between desert and mountains.
The night air was cool and reviving, but, for Mark, the hike was a nightmare.
His head throbbed viciously, and his entire body ached, both from the fight and as sore muscles complained at the unaccustomed climbing.
Every minute of the climb he worried about Terris who, tortured by hunger, alternated between fits of panicky wailing, mournful whimpering, and brief, restless naps.
From the blue jersey that held Misir there was no sound or movement at all.
Mark was aware that the Simiu frequently slipped a hand into the sling, and he knew Hrrakk' must be checking for warmth and breath.
Two hours before dawn they topped the final plateau. A narrow valley stretched before them. Small hills rose on either side, and at its far end they could see the hump of a bigger mountain. Behind it, sharply etched in the bright moonlight, rose another range, even larger, and, far away, white-capped peaks shone. Each range was higher than the one before it, as if they'd been neatly set in stepped rows by an arranging hand.
"We won't have to climb them all," reminded Mark, reassuring himself as much as Cara as he checked the map.
"Do you see any water marked out on that thing?" Cara tried to look over his shoulder at the tiny display. Thirst was a torment for all of them by now.
"Not close by and not on a direct route. Maybe they only registered major lakes and rivers," he speculated. "Streams could have been left out. I hope!"
"Mark, I know we're trying to save what's left, but after all that climbing ..."
"I know," he interrupted, bringing out their last, half-full canteen. "I've got to have some, too."
They all drank--except for the now-comatose Misir--then set off again. Dawn found them halfway through the short valley.
Exhausted, every step jarring his already splitting head, the temptation to stop for sleep became an obsession for Mark. But he found himself pushing on, despite his pain and
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exhaustion. The thought of Terris and the other survivors was too imperative.
He did allow them a
short rest and food break, and they chewed more leaves for moisture. "I know we need to sleep," he admitted, looking at Cara's haggard face, "but I'd like to push on a little farther before stopping, since it will be cooler up here than it was in the desert. Any time we can save could make a big difference," he said, knowing they'd follow his meaning.
"Everybody up to a couple hours more walking?" He wondered vaguely if he, himself, was. I have to be, that's all!
The Apis hovered expectantly, and Hrrakk' looked capable of marching steadily on forever, if need be. Mark's gaze fell on Cara. To his surprise, she laughed.
"I'm beginning to think my name really is 'everybody.' Do you realize I'm the only one who ever answers these rhetorical questions of yours?"
Mark grinned weakly. "Everybody Hendricks, journalist to the galaxy." He pretended to consider it. "It would look good on a byline."
She snorted rudely.
They started up the wooded mountain at the other end of the valley, the bushy, scattered trees seeming a novelty after the desert and the bare plateaus. As they climbed higher, the plant life began to thicken. Mark noticed the Simiu studying their surroundings. Occasionally Hrrakk' broke his loping stride to touch the leaf of a plant or break off a stalk. Why in hell is he interested in Elseemar's vegetation? Mark wondered.
It was midmorning when they paused again for a water break. One or two swallows, including some for Terris, and their water was gone, except for a small amount he saved for Eerin. Mark considered trying to analyze these new plants to see if there were some they could chew, but he hated to take the time. "There's got to be water soon," he said. "Watch for signs of animal trails; listen for stream sounds, check outcroppings for seepage, and be sure to--"
He broke off as Hrrakk' grunted with surprise and untied the blue sling.
There was movement within. Hrrakk' slid the baby Elpind out on one huge palm.
"Oh, no," whispered Cara.
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Misir's tiny body was trembling all over, hinsi's four limbs outstretched rigidly.
The Simiu cupped his other hand over the baby, cradling it between his palms. In a few seconds the mild convulsion ended, and the child went limp between his fingers.
Gone, thought Mark. But Hrrakk' held out his open palm with the baby draped across it. "Cara," he said clearly. It was the first time he'd addressed one of them by name.
Tears slid down Cara's face as she sank to the ground, cradling the infant.
The Simiu watched impassively, but the flame-colored crest on his head lay flat, which Mark knew was a sign of distress. The Apis moved up to Cara's left shoulder, touching her with a quivering feeler. Mark knelt at Cara's right shoulder and looked down.
Misir's round, golden eyes opened. They stared up at Cara, but it was plain their unfocused gaze didn't really see. The child's breathing was irregular and labored.
"Do you think hinsi is in pain?" With one finger Cara stroked the top of the soft head. Tears splashed her hand.
Mark regarded those unseeing eyes. "No ... hinsi's pretty much out of it," he answered, hoping it was true. Gently he touched the baby's small shoulder, trailing his finger down the twig-thin arm, over an upturned palm no bigger than a coin. Suddenly six tiny fingers curled loosely around his larger one.
Though the action was probably nothing more than a reflex, his heart contracted painfully, and he fought back tears of his own.
Cara stroked the infant's head. "It's okay," she murmured brokenly, "it's all right. Don't be afraid."
A quick, visible shudder rippled over the flesh beneath the white down. The baby inhaled sharply, once, and then its jaw dropped. The air whooshed back out in a bright, swelling bubble of orange blood that burst wetly and dribbled down the lax chin. The golden eyes began to dim.
Mark held his own breath, realizing the little chest had not rounded again. A deep stillness settled over Misir's fragile- looking form, and the last bit of amber light drained from the open eyes.
Mark slid his finger out of the still gently curved shape of the child's hand, stood up, and walked away.
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* * *
Cara felt strange ... hot and cold at the same time, stiff on the outside while her insides were dissolving away. A large, leathery hand appeared in the field of her blurred vision to lift the body from her lap. "Close the eyes," she said dully.
She sat there for a while, not thinking, just letting the sun soak warmth into her bones. The Apis poked around the base of a tree looking for small insects while Hrrakk' ...
Cara registered finally what Hrrakk' was doing: digging a small grave with their multitool. He seemed as stolid as ever, betraying no emotion at the nature of his task, but she remembered how he'd spoken her name, how he'd given her Misir to hold one last time. He has to be hurting, too ...
She got up on wobbly legs and went over to him. "Honored Hrrakk' ... are you all right?" she asked in Mizari.
He grunted and nodded without speaking.
Cara wanted to put a hand on his massive shoulder, remembering how the Apis' touch had brought her such comfort, but she resisted, knowing the Simiu would not appreciate such a gesture from a human. "We all appreciate ... especially I appreciate ... that you tried to save ... Misir." She had to close her eyes and bite her lip to choke back sobs. "Thank you for that," she said. "And ... thank you ... for saying my name."
He did not turn around or reply, merely resumed his stolid digging. But at least he didn't tell me to get lost, Cara thought. "I'm going to find Mark," she said. "I'm sure he didn't go far. I'll be back ... soon."
The Simiu nodded silently.
Cara found Mark sitting on a rock, perfectly still, in a little clearing farther along their map route. She studied him for a moment from behind a clump of small trees.
Dried sweat and possibly tears had mixed with dirt to turn his tanned face into a dirty mask, looking doubly filthy in contrast to the whiteness of the bandage around his head. His hair, lighter now from the sun, hung matted and limp. The white shirt, beige sweater, and white pants had resisted dirt and stains better than flesh, but even they looked grimy. Cara looked down at herself, realizing she must look nearly as bad. My kingdom for a bath and clean clothes ...
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She stepped out of the trees and moved toward him, and hearing her approach, Mark looked up, his hazel eyes, seeming lighter now in the sun-darkened face, empty and bleak.
Cara regarded him uncertainly. "I was worried about you."
"Sorry. I didn't mean for you to worry. I just had to get away for a minute."
"Where's Terris?"
He patted the lump under his shirt. "Right here, asleep."
She sat down beside him on the sun-warmed rock. "So ... do you want to talk about it?"
Mark shrugged and looked away. "I was thinking about my mother when she died. Wondering how it was, you know." He took a deep, shaky breath.
"Wondering if anybody held her hand."
"Mark, you've got to let her go," Cara said earnestly. "I think you know that as well as I do."
Her bluntness evidently surprised him; frankly, it had rather surprised Cara herself. Slowly he turned and looked at her. "And if she knew that you're leaving StarBridge because she died," she continued, after a moment,
"she'd feel terrible."
Mark examined his hands, trying to dig the dirt out from under his fingernails without notable success. "That's not why I'm dropping out," he said finally.
"Then why?"
"I'm not sure myself anymore--dammit, Cara, I'm not sure of anything these days! Part of it is that the thought of any decision of mine causing anyone's death-- ever-- makes my blood run cold. Interrelators can face situations where their decisions could mean life or death."
"Situations like this hijacking," she pointed out.
"I suppose so."
"Seems to me you've acquitted yourself rather well, for someone who can't handle pressure. Negotiating with Orim-- something that would leave even the most
seasoned professional sweating--plus the way you've led us on this little jaunt through the wilderness. Look at the way you were able to talk Hrrakk' into taking the baby."
"For all the good it did," he said bitterly.
"That doesn't negate the fact that you were able to persuade a Simiu who obviously has absolutely no use for humans to do
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something he didn't want to do."
Mark shook his head. "Whatever made him take that child, it wasn't anything I said. I certainly haven't figured out what makes Hrrakk' tick. There's something about him ... something he's hiding ..."
"I've sensed that, too. But, Mark, don't try to change the subject. You've got to admit you've done an interrelator's job aboard the Asimov and here on Elseemar."
"I did the best I could," he corrected shortly.
"But that's the point! The best we can do is all we can do! Sometimes things go wrong despite our best efforts. You're right, sometimes people die, but that's no reason to give up."
"It's reason enough for me," he said tightly. "I hate death." His voice warmed with passion. "I really do."
"Since all of us have to die sooner or later, it seems to me you're wasting a lot of energy on something that can't be changed," she said mildly.
"I know. I'm trying to come to terms with it, and I'll think that I have, then something like Misir's death--or finding out that Eerin doesn't plan to take Elhanin, even if it becomes available--will happen, and I feel like someone kicked me in the stomach," he said bitterly. "Eerin says I'm running from life."
Cara thought that over, then nodded slowly. "Maybe Eerin is right. And maybe when you're ready to stop running from life, you won't need to run so hard from death either."
He sighed, but remained silent.
She stirred reluctantly. "I guess we'd better get back ..."
"You're right."
As they slid off the rock together, she caught his arm. "Mark ..." she said suddenly, fiercely.
He put his hand over hers, obviously surprised at the urgency in her expression. "What is it?"
"Do you think we'll ever get home?" Cara felt her throat tighten painfully. "I've tried not to think about it, but ... it's getting to me ..." She gulped. "They've probably called my mother and told her ..."
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