I spent almost an hour looking at my homework, and then realized I had
no clue about how to do it, so I reworked Blue Lightning with some writing
advice Foxtrot had suggested for Scyth.  (there, happy now Foxtrot?  :P  )
I might not have gotten any sleep last night, but at least I feel a bit
better now, even if my grades aren't going to like me.

-----

				   *******
				Blue Lightning
				   *******
				   Volume I

			   (c)1995 By Damon Casale


	The year is 2008.  Overcrowding, a totalitarian government, and 
vicious, constantly infighting intelligence agencies plague the world.  
It's not a nice place to live.

	I had a plan.  There was a way out, away from all of the worst 
humanity has to offer.  It was only a matter of time...


* Questionable Tactics


	It was over.  She was dead.

	I stood in front of her.  Hazel-gray eyes closed, not a strand of 
hair out of place, even the horrible bloodstains gone.  But her sleep will 
last forever.

	I shook myself out of it.  There, the tube's closed.  Click.  The 
conveyor carried it away, and a hatch opened and closed.  A dull *thump*, 
and the launcher kicked it out into open space.  I felt hollow inside.  
Cold.  There may be a universe out there...but the beauty is gone, leaving 
an empty, mocking husk.

	Leaden, I forced myself up the ladder from the scoutcraft bay.


	I stood on the bridge, and faced everyone.  "I've decided.  We're 
going back."

	Puzzlement, then shock played over Steve's face.  "Do you have any 
idea what that'll mean?  Damon, you can't just--"
	"I know.  I don't care any more."  The bridge was silent for a long 
moment.  "I assume no one wants out now..."

	Steve had good reason to feel the way he did.  Then again, so did 
I.

	Jupiter swung before us, looming large and silent.  Then Saturn, a 
halo and myriad of moons spinning lazily away in space.  Finally, the solar 
system was left behind.

	'It's all in the past'.  'You can't look back, only forward'.  
There are dozens of them.  Each one, a silent memorial to what I'd lost.  
And each one utterly devoid of pity or remorse.  No.  I've come this far, 
and now even the immutable past can be remolded and reshaped.

	"Let's go."  I touched a few buttons, laying in an autonav 
sequence, and stood up.  There was no turning back now.
	On the viewscreen, the stars took on a reddish haze.  A thick, inky 
black ring of darkness coalesced around the ship.
	Numbers, data, tests...they mean nothing now.  In a few seconds, we 
could all be--

	The viewscreen exploded into a fierce, intensely bright light, 
taking me by surprise.  Blue Lightning shuddered, an unsettling tremor 
reverberating throughout the ship.  I shielded my eyes, but the light 
rapidly faded away.  I looked...

	"Holy--"
	I slammed myself into the nav seat.  The timejump had worked, after 
all.  A small, drab, grayish-white star lay directly ahead, growing 
steadily larger on the screen.  The heart and bones of the ship, suddenly 
thrown before a yawning abyss, lurched and screamed in agony.  I attacked 
the console furiously, grabbing the control spheres and forcing them to one 
side.  For a few, frantic seconds, the ship slid ever closer to the neutron 
star.  Then slowly...achingly slowly...it drifted away to the left.

	"That was *too* close."  Steve collapsed into another chair, 
shaken.

	"I hate to say it, but let's try that again."
	Nick chuckled.  His sense of humor was almost as bad as Steve's.  I 
glared back.
	Steve smiled sarcastically, but kept silent.

	The stars again began to take on a reddish haze.

	...and...


	"We're back already?"  Jeff had stayed to watch the timejump, and 
hadn't left yet.  He threw me a questioning glance.  "Didn't you say you 
can't steer--?"
	Your confidence is overwhelming.  "No, look at it again.  There's 
only one continent on the whole planet, plus a few scattered islands."

	The blue-green world crept closer, something out of a forgotten 
dream.  A small, pithy moon slid into view.  Opposite the planet, another 
was barely visible, very dim.  The first moon drifted out of sight.

	Steve stood and stared at the large, ungainly lump of a ship edging 
out from behind the planet.  "What in God's name is THAT??"
	Numb, I shook my head slowly.  Whoever they might be, we obviously 
weren't welcome.

	The other ship spun off to one side, and the first moon swung into 
view again, growing huge against the starry night.  Blue Lightning coasted 
into a slow, drifting orbit, the planet on the other side.

	"Looks like it's already occupied, D."
	I glanced back at Steve.  "Not very likely.  We didn't see or scan 
any artificial satellites, and that's only one ship we've seen so far.  My 
guess is they're investigating it, same as us."
	Steve paused at that, not taking my implication very well.
	I looked back at the moon, slowly drifting by beneath us.  "As soon 
as it orbits back behind the planet again, which should be in about..."  A 
quick jab at the console again.  "...seventy five minutes, we'll try for a 
quick landing."

	He eyed me, looking a bit disturbed.  "Sure that's a good idea?"
	A quirked eyebrow and narrowed eyes, I silently told him exactly 
what I thought of his question.
	Steve breathed a small sigh.  "Fine, I'm heading downstairs."  He 
walked across the deck, stepping onto a protruding ladder, looking back at 
me and beckoning.  "Coming?"


	In the heart of this maze of metal and plastic lay a bit of lost 
paradise, a small island of Earth carried into the depths of space.  We 
climbed down onto a carpet of fine, green grass, slightly damp.  An 
artificial creek burbled its merry way across the room, adding to the 
illusion of a real park.  A single stub of a tree leaned over it, drooping.
	We sat down under the tree.  Steve took his boots and socks off, 
rolling up his pants, and hung his feet in the cool water.
	"Care to talk about it?"  He prodded.
	I shook my head slightly.  "Sorry.  Not now, at least."

	Steve faced the stream, looking away.


	It had been an issue of questionable tactics in the first place, 
years and years ago.  I knew *someone* was onto me, but had no idea who.  
My apartment had been searched, though discreetly, my phone bugged...and I 
knew it was time to do something.  And so it all began with a phone call to 
a longtime friend.

	"...I just need something else in my life, you know?  I'm even 
getting bored with Maison Ikkoku."  At the time, it had been my favorite 
series.  I suppose it still was, after a fashion.
	I shrugged, idly lounging on the couch.  It was a stupid idea to 
begin with, but it was this or nothing.  "Well, more like depressed, 
actually."
	Steve laughed at that.  "Can't help ya, man."
	Up to this point, I'd never had any kind of relationship with 
anyone, being the geek I was.  "Even after the last episode, too!  Maybe I 
just empathize with Godai too much."  I smiled slightly.  There'd been a 
storybook, happy ending for Kyoko and Yushaku Godai.  It didn't happen that 
way in real life.
	But I'd already decided to attract some of that unwelcome attention 
in a bit more of a direct fashion.  And my voice picked up a note of 
sadness.  "Maybe I'm just lonely."
	"You? That *is* a change."

	It was time to go hunting for my pursuers, and I did it the hard 
way.

**********

	The moon slid away to reveal the planet again, minus its unwanted 
visitor.  Steve and I exchanged glances.

	A bay door in the belly of the ship slid ponderously open.  The 
scoutcraft within drifted forward, and the door closed.

	The planet below opened up invitingly, and the scoutcraft brushed 
through a few faint wisps of cloud, heading for a small island near the 
mainland.
	"Just in case.  They're probably already on the continent 
somewhere."


	The exit ramp descended, and a touch of breeze brought the salty 
taste of the sea.  Outside, we gathered near a small copse of trees.  Vivid 
green bark and a light purple ocean brought home the alienness of the 
world.

	"It's a good thing this air is breathable.  I'd hate to have to 
walk around in those stupid suits all the time."  Nick grumbled at nothing 
in particular, a dark, bearded attitude marring the beautiful scene.
	"Then relax and enjoy it."  I managed a bit of a smile.  "Let's 
take a look around, shall we?"

	A nearby cliff beckoned.  The sun was low on the horizon, 
reflecting a rainbow of light off of the rippling water below.  So peaceful 
and serene.  Maybe, for a few weeks...

	Then I looked down.
	"Oh my god..."

	On the rocks below, a humanoid form was spreadeagled next to the 
crashing waves of the sea.  Steve looked at it, his expression unreadable.


* Choices


	"Damn, he's heavy."  Steve stumbled a second time, cursing.

	Inside the scoutship, the three of us laid him on a bunk set into 
the wall.
	"I hope you know what you're doing," Nick growled.
	"Do we have any choice?  Look."  I turned his head, revealing a 
small, electronic device, cracked open and innards exposed.  "Something 
tells me that's not supposed to be there."
	"So now what?"  Steve looked back at me as I walked down the ramp.
	"We wait for him to come around.  I'll be outside."

	I sat down, dangling my legs over the edge of the cliff, looking 
down at the crashing waves. The sun was setting.
	Maybe he's right.  This isn't such a good idea.

	I looked out over the sea, as the sun dipped lower, almost below 
the horizon now.

	On the other hand, I've got to do something.
	I rested my head in my hands, watching as the sun finally set, the 
last, faint rays of light slowly fading away.

	Steve called out from inside the scoutcraft.  "He's coming around."
	"I'll be right there."

	I stood up, kicking a pebble over the edge of the cliff, and 
looking rather despondently at the darkening sky.

	The seadweller tossed restlessly.  He blinked slowly, and his eyes 
opened halfway.  Just the barest hint of a melodic whistle sounded.
	"You're safe.  It's all right."  Nick rested a comforting hand on 
the seadweller's arm.  His eyes opened a bit more, and he started to sit 
up, then clutched in pain at the device on his head.  It sparked.
	Nick pushed him back down gently.  "Careful there.  You need to 
rest."
	"I don't think he understands what you're saying," Steve said.
	I shook my head.  "Doesn't matter."  He's among friends, and that 
needs no language to communicate.

	I gestured to Steve.


	"We've got to do something about that thing on his head."
	Steve looked away, at the cliff.  "We can't do anything here, 
that's for sure."
	"Then we're talking about taking him aboard Blue Lightning.  Should 
we risk it?"

	"If we were going to catch anything, it would have happened 
already."  He faced me again, grinning.  "Besides, you said you didn't have 
a choice, did you?"
	I smiled.  If only for a fleeting moment, he'd managed to give me 
back a bit of lost cheer.

	"What..."  Now puzzled, I looked intently at the nearby copse of 
trees.  Steve glanced at it, curious.
	I gestured to him.  "Give me your floptical recorder."
	He held out a small, rectangular device, with a slot in the back 
just big enough for a 3.5" floptical.
	I took it, holding it out in the direction of the trees, as the 
grinding sound grew louder.


	The scoutcraft flew into the night, and the clearing was once again 
empty.

	...no, perhaps not.  The mystery, remained.


	John and I helped the seadweller onto a medbed.  He took a 
medscanner, a calculator-like gadget with a couple of odd-looking 
attachments thrown in for good measure, and panned it over the head of the 
now prone humanoid.
	He gazed curiously at it.  "Maybe you boys should wait outside."

	Steve shot a satisfied look at me.  "Now's as good a time as any." 
 Ahead, around a slight bend in the corridor, a ladder ran through the 
ceiling and floor.
	I stared rather confusedly at him.  "For what?"
	He started down the ladder.  "We need to talk.  About what happened 
that day."

	"Now isn't--"
	His voice wafted up from below.  "You can't keep it bottled up 
forever."

	I climbed onto the ladder, sighing heavily.  He was right.


	The door closed behind us.  I sat down on my bunk, and Steve 
followed suit.  Painful it might be, but keeping it inside would only eat 
away at that still small hope I clung so desperately to.  It was time to 
let it go.

	"After we got out of the compound where they were holding her, we 
headed for the ship...."


	Below, a narrow dirt road was braced by trees.  The flitter raced 
along, only a few feet above the treetops.
	"Why did you bother?"  Kerin looked at me.
	"I didn't want you hurt.  You know what they would have done to 
you."
	I shuddered, thinking of one of my brief encounters with her 
"employers".  I'd nearly lost Steve that day, to a hail of armor-piercing 
bullets.  Their illegality didn't bother them, they were only interested in 
results.

	She looked ahead, no trace of emotion.  "That's not it.  That's not 
it at all."
	My face flushed red with embarrassment, and I looked down.  She 
knew me well enough to realize that much.  After more than ten years, I 
couldn't expect less.

	Behind us, a menacing black chopper rose into view, closing 
rapidly.  Kerin looked back, fearful.
	"Looks like we've got company.  Keep your head down."

	"Why should you care?  You know who I am!"  She nearly shouted at 
me.
	"I've known since we met."

	I looked at her again, her eyes wide.  "Now is not the time to 
discuss this.  As I see it, you have two choices.  I can try to evade these 
clowns and hide you somewhere where you'll be safe, or..."
	I paused, looking away.  "...or you can come with me."

	"Are you serious?  Do you really care about me that much?"
	"I..."  I stuttered, as always, unable to say it.  I *am* in love 
with you.  No matter what happens...I can't lose you again.

	Machine gun fire sounded from the chopper, almost on top of us.  I 
shoved Kerin down in the seat.  "Stay down!"
	The flitter dashed forward and broke towards the sun, high in the 
sky.  In the distance, Blue Lightning came into sight, in the middle of a 
large field laden with deep gouges and tracks from the recent presence of 
heavy equipment.  "They're still tailing us," I murmured, glancing back.

	Another chopper came into view in front of us, swinging out from 
behind the ship.  "Shit!  More trouble."

	Kerin peeked above the dashboard, and her eyes widened at the sight 
of it.  "That's a...a..."
	"Stay down!  We've gotta make it to the ship!"
	I pressed a button and spoke into a grille on the dash.  "Steve, 
open bay 5.  Shut it right after we land."
	"Gotcha."

	I aimed for the opening door, as both choppers closed in.

	Just before we entered, machine gun fire sounded again, and Kerin 
gasped in pain.  On her chest and shoulder, two dark splotches were rapidly 
spreading.  She slumped back in the seat, her breathing shallow and 
labored.

	The bay door closed behind us, and I spun the flitter around, 
nearly crashing into the rear wall.  It finally settled to the deck, and 
Steve rushed forward, alarmed.
	I cradled Kerin in my arms, my face wet with tears, my arms wet 
with her blood.  I brushed a few brown locks aside, and her eyelids 
fluttered open momentarily, although her eyes couldn't focus.  In a faint 
whisper, she breathed her last.  "Goodbye, Damon.  I l..."  Then her eyes 
rolled back, and her body sagged.
	I buried my face in her chest, the tears mingling with her 
lifeblood.  "Noo..."

	And so it ended, with the one person I treasured more than anything 
taken from me not a moment before I left Earth, never to return.


	"....You know the rest already."  A single tear dropped from my 
cheek.  I dabbed at it, wiping it away.  "...so close," I whispered.  
"Why?"

	And there was only silence.

	"Let's go," he said.
	I looked at Steve sidewise.


	The infirmary door slid open in front of us.  The humanoid was 
sitting up on the medbed, his head now free of the device, a white bandage 
in its place.  The device itself rested on a small, wheeled table nearby.  
John, standing next to the bed, gestured.  "He'll be fine.  But I didn't 
try to take the wires out of his head, that this thing was attached to.  
Too much risk of brain damage."
	He walked over, looking up at us.  "You wanna know something?  His 
brain is almost *exactly* like ours, except for a small third lobe in the 
back of his head."
	Another puzzle?  "Wait a second.  How could he be that similar to 
us?"

	"I gave Nick a skin scraping -- he'll take a look at his DNA.  
Let's wait and see what he comes up with, mmm?"
	I approached the bed and held out my hand, helping the humanoid to 
his feet.  "C'mon.  I want to show you something."


	Steve and I guided him from the stairway onto the bridge.  The ship 
was just beyond the edge of the moon, with the planet in view.
	The seadweller approached the viewscreen slowly, a wondering look 
on his face.

	The other ship began to edge into view again, and the humanoid's 
eyes widened.  He slowly touched his hand to the bandage.
	He turned around, facing us.  He pointed at his eyes...and the 
ship, looking at it.
	"Look at the ship?  I don't--"
	"No, I think he means he's seen it before.  Or maybe something like 
it..."  Jeff climbed off the ladder, plying his trade:  linguistics.

	The humanoid faced us again, as Blue Lightning moved back behind 
the moon.

	He paused, then approached me, pointing at his mouth...then at my 
ear...then at my mouth...then at his...ear?  I nodded quickly.  "You're 
right.  We have to find a way to communicate."
	He slowly pointed at the bandage, then cupped his hand in the shape 
of the device so recently removed.
	"Are you saying...that was a translator?"

	He pointed at the viewscreen again, then looked confused.
	"It can translate their language?"

	We faced each other silently.  There are always...possibilities, I 
remembered one notable Vulcan having said.  And the mystery beckoned.

	I sat down at one of the consoles, and pressed and held a button.  
"John, think you could reattach that thing?"
	Click.  "Are you kidding?"
	"No questions.  Can you do it?"  I could almost hear his 
indecision...but his trust won out.  "I...think so..."
	"Alright.  Tomorrow then."  I released the button.  "Steve, go find 
Jeremy.  We're gonna need to get that thing fixed before we can put it back 
on."
	His concern was plainly visible.  "Don't you think you should ask 
*him* first before you go messing with his head?"

	I glanced back at the humanoid.  "I think he's already made that 
decision."
	"I want Jeremy to make another one, too."  I said flatly.

	Steve's eyes widened.  And then he wheezed and coughed repeatedly, 
trying to recover.  "Are you *nuts*??"
	"Not hardly.  I'm gonna need one."
	Steve looked even more surprised.

	"If I'm right, that thing only works one way.  You can understand 
what's being spoken, but not speak the language yourself."
	"Then how will that help?"
	I returned with a knowing look.  "I can start by using that voice 
sample we recorded earlier."
	"How do you know that was their language?"

	I looked back at the seadweller, who was watching us both 
curiously.  "What else could it have been?  Besides, I played it for our 
friend here, and he seemed to recognize it."

	Steve looked glum.  "You're crazier than I'd ever hope to be."
	I smiled sadly.  "It's not like I have a choice, do I?"


* Aliens


	"It's not just a translator."  Jeremy, sitting on a workbench, 
turned to face us.
	"Come again?"  Steve asked.

	"It does a bit more than just translate."  John held up the broken 
translator.  "When I x-rayed the guy's head, welll...those wires are going 
to some very interesting places.  Not only does it send stuff to the 
conscious mind, to the lingual centres of the brain, it also sends it to a 
very specific area of the subconscious."  He dropped it back on the table, 
puzzled.  "It also ties into the optic nerve, but I'll be damned if I know 
why.  It's meant to act almost like a hypnotic suggestion, except the 
person knows what's going on."
	Ouch.  "That's a rather nasty piece of work, then.  So you just 
don't connect up those wires, right?"
	"Not quite that simple.  The thing's delicately balanced to give 
out just the right current, and not fry his brain."
	"I can shunt it to a resistor, but it'll have to be outside the 
casing.  If I put it inside, the heat might damage the circuitry," Jeremy 
added.  "Just don't get hit in the head, and you'll be okay."
	"Otherwise, you'll have a major headache to deal with."

	Jeremy smiled at that, and turned to face me.  "So you wanted me to 
make another one, right?  I'll see what I can do."  He picked up the 
translator again.  "But it'll probably take a few days."
	I nodded.  "No problem.  Now we head back."

	Steve gave me an I've-had-enough look.  I returned the favor.

	"First, we need to get more samples of their language.  *And* I 
want to find out what they're doing here."  I gestured at the ladder.  
"Seeing as how I won't be able to find that out from *him*, we need to go 
back.  So don't bother complaining."
	I smiled crookedly.  "Besides, he might be getting a bit lonely by 
now.  A bit hungry, too.  Let's go."


	A lone scoutcraft descended towards the planet.


	The humanoid stepped carefully down the ramp.  Something about him 
changed, and he stood a bit taller, almost glowing with joy.
	A few, long strides to the edge of the cliff, and he jumped.  
Falling, a perfect swan dive, he disappeared far into the depths of the 
sea.

	"Pretty strong.  For a female."
	"When'd you get that idea?"  I frowned at him, then stared, 
wondering, at the sea below.
	"I wasn't sure for a while, but it makes sense.  Don't tell me you 
haven't noticed the way she acts."

	I avoided his eyes, almost blushing.  He smiled.  "Embarrassed?"
	"A little, yes."

	He gave me a friendly slap.  "Och, dinna worry lad.  We oll make 
mistekes sometuymes."
	I rubbed my back, and quirked a grin at him.  "Hey!"  He was built 
pretty solidly, even if it didn't show on first glance.  A little swing 
like that hurted.

	The sky brightened a little, and one by one the stars winked out.  
I yawned, waving a hand in front of my mouth.  "They'll probably be out 
during the day.  We'll come back tonight."

	I cleared away a small, circular area by the cliff.  "Here.  We'll 
make a sundial, and mark it for sunset.  She'll figure it out."


	The continent loomed ahead on the screen, dark and forbidding.  
They most likely didn't go there, to keep isolated.  But from what, I 
wonder?

**********

	The walls and floor were steel gray, and the light was stark and 
painfully bright.  Three creatures shuffled nervously through a low 
doorway.  Four feet high, blackish gray, thin, fur, six legs (arms?).  The 
mouths were rimmed with long, chitinous fingers, and filled with rows of 
tiny, sharp teeth.
	A grinding noise echoed through the room, as the creature with 
black fur and a brown underbelly rubbed his fingers against his teeth and 
each other, in a complex, gyrating rhythm.  "Missing was one of workers 
this morning, sir."
	The gray one answered.  "Will search you?  Needed are all workers 
now.  Progressing well until now is project.  Find it you must."
	The third, dark gray, turned away and emitted a breathy hiss.  
"Sure are you that injured it is?  Escaped is possible for it?"
	"Remove could not controller-device it.  Injured it must be.  
Search will I."  The black one skitted to one side as the other two left, 
stiffly marching down the long corridor.
	The grinding noise subsided a bit.  "Hope to find it soon I do.  
Would not be good if died it."  His head hung low, slowly shaking from side 
to side.

**********

	I must tell the elders.  My people...and my friends, are in great 
danger.

	Weya swam past the coral reef, deceptively calm.  Fierce currents 
threatened to dash her against the rocks, leaving her prey to the thousands 
of kelpworms within.
	She glided above the ridge, finding a safer current.
	If only they will listen.  I have been an outsider to them for too 
long, preferring both land and sea, the solitude of the far and distant  
And yet...now, when I need their help most, will they aid me?

	Ahead, a great, rocky protrusion came into view.  Many openings in 
the rock were visible.

	Home.

	She swam toward one of the smaller openings, which shortly opened 
out into a huge grotto.  A dazzling array of crystalline formations covered 
the walls, floor, and ceiling.  Ordered chaos, a garden of unparalleled 
beauty.  And yet the haughty stench of calm immutability hung dead in the 
water.

	The guards, she thought.  Two of the younger, male seadwellers swam 
towards her.

	"Why are you here, Weya?"  One of them spoke.
	"The elders are not pleased with your presence."
	Or even my existence, I am sure.  Sad, indeed.

	"I must speak to at least one elder.  I would prefer that the 
circle meet."
	The first snickered.  "That will not happen.  Leave now."
	"Wait!"  She paused, gathering her thoughts.  "Our people are being 
taken.  Would you not know the reason?"
	"You have found something?"  The other asked.

	Weya looked away, distant.  "Much more than I can say now.  The 
circle should meet."
	There was a long silence.

	The first finally nodded, the distaste plainly evident on his face. 
 "You are right, of course.  This time, Weya.  This time..."

	The two swam off, leaving her to wait.  A matter of this importance 
should surely provoke a response, but the circle had long despised her.  
She could only hope they chose reason over bitterness.

	Before long, she was escorted into a smaller chamber, nearly 
identical to the first.  The circle was waiting, long, sagging faces filled 
with distaste.  She sighed.  Must truly despair so easily overcome?

	The elders stared at her with narrowed eyes, full of loathing.  
"You would speak to us on this matter?  Then speak."

	She nodded.  "My people, something must be done.  Our brothers and 
sisters are being taken while they gather crops from the island.  A group 
of strange creatures which came in flying metal are forcing them to build 
more of such metal for them."
	The water was disturbed as feet and arms were swished in 
displeasure.
	"Listen, please!  Other creatures, who look much like us but are 
pale and soft, helped me."
	The water grew cloudier.
	"They removed the thing controlling my mind.  See the mark it 
left!"  Weya turned her head, showing the First Speaker the purple splotch 
near her ear membrane, a small, white circle of bone showing through at the 
center.  The bandage?  Lost, somewhere in the sea.

	"Enough of this foolishness.  We will listen no more.  This is 
another of your fables from above, Weya."
	She faced the Third Speaker, the sharp jangling of anger plain in 
her once melodic voice.  "Can you not see?  Our brothers and sisters are 
missing, truly.  Is that a fable?"

	Low-pitched, dissonant whistling echoed harshly throughout the 
chamber.
	"If what you say is true..."
	She faced the First Speaker again.
	"...we will simply not go to the island any more.  Your creatures 
can deal with each other."
	"What??  And the people we have lost?  What of them?"
	"Nothing can be done.  I have spoken.  You may leave."


	Weya swam through the troubled water.

	I cannot go back, then.  If they will not listen...
	She approached the cliff, the beating of the waves upon the rocks 
above growing louder.  Emerging from the sea, she walked along a small path 
leading up the cliff face, smiling a small, sad smile.  The sun, high in 
the sky, shone down upon her, and a cascade of light fell around the 
seawater still clinging to her.
	My new friends will help me.  But is that enough?

	An arm grabbed hold of her from above, hauling her onto the top of 
the cliff.  The seadweller looked forlornly at her, all the while gripping 
her hand tightly.
	Another seadweller, accompanied by the black spider, approached.

	Then she noticed the controllers.

	"Safe you are!  Glad am I to see you."  He looked intently at her 
head, noticing the wound.  "Have not your controller-device you?  Most 
strange this is."

	Weya was slowly led away by the two seadwellers.  The taller, 
spoke.  "I'm...sorry, Weya."

	I am alone.


* Captured!


	The scoutcraft again settled to the ground, disgorging its 
occupants.

	"She's not here?  Hmmm...odd."
	Steve and I walked along the cliff, reaching the sundial.  The 
stick in the center was leaning slightly to one side, but otherwise intact 
and untouched.  I reset the stick.
	"That's what I thought.  We're a bit late.  So is she."

	"Wait a sec."  I jogged back to the scoutcraft, and retrieved two 
small elliptical pads, on the lower half of which were speaker grilles.
	"Communicators.  Since we'll be staying a while, we should have 'em 
along."

	I held one out to Steve.  "Just in case."
	He pocketed it.  "Thanks.  You could've told me sooner."
	"C'mon.  Time to do a little exploring.  Did you bring that digital 
recorder?"
	"Why'd you bother?"

	I grinned.  "Well, it's the best we've got, considering..."
	Steve handed me the walkman.
	I pressed on the top edge of the communicator.  "Anybody awake up 
there?"

	"Hullo."  A sleepy voice replied.
	"Ben!  You're actually up at this time of night?"  I could picture 
him stumbling around the ship like a pouting ogre, and looking about as 
offensive.  At least, before he had his coffee.
	"I needed *food*."
	"Yeah, well...don't raid the icebox while I'm gone."  I looked out 
towards the sea.  "How's Jeremy doing?  Any progress?"
	"Yeah, he-ahh, he had something to tell you.  Ho-uh, hold on a 
minute."

	I paced along the cliff edge, then stopped.
	"Damon?  I've come up with an idea you might like."  Jeremy sounded 
enthusiastic, as always.
	"How about the translator?"
	"It's coming.  John says he can set up something that plugs into 
your head, to let you *think* what you want to say to our friend over 
there."

	"Okay, how's it work?"
	He mumbled a bit.  "Well, your brainwaves get translated into that 
grinding language, and transmitted over a microwave linkup.  Then, the 
translator gets it and puts it in terms our friend can understand.  What do 
you think?"
	"How long?"

	"A little under a week for what's his name's.  Yours will take 
longer."
	I smiled at Steve.  "Good luck, and thanks.  Oh, by the way, it's 
'she', not 'he'."
	"Oh really?  See you later."

	I put away the communicator.
	"Sounds like you got yourself a bargain."
	"Who, Jeremy?  He's into that kind of stuff."  I glanced in the 
general direction of the copse of trees.
	"S'not what I meant.  Your 'two-for-one' deal."
	"Eh heh.  Hmph.  Funny...let's go."  I hated his forced humor.


	We made our way through a rather dense stand of the alien greenery, 
finally reaching what looked for all the world (mine, anyway) like a 
construction site.  I peered out from behind a tree.  Seadwellers, and a 
few spiders, were mulling about, the seadwellers doing most of the heavy 
duty work, while the spiders fine tuned things.  A certain acquaintance was 
nowhere to be seen.
	"Well, shit in a bucket.  These people have been busy."
	"Oh, quite."  Steve smiled slightly.
	"Don't start."
	"What?"  He grinned a bit more, managing to look cutely 
ingratiating.

	"Good. What do you think they're building?"
	"What're you asking me for?  I'm just a bodyguard."
	"Seriously.  Opinions?"

	Steve looked silently at the site.
	"The only thing I can think of is some sort of mining machines, 
*maybe*."  He pointed to a rather unoccupied spot on the construction site. 
 "Those drums over there?  I could be wrong, but those look like ore 
filters."
	"What makes you say that?"
	"If you dump the ore in through the top, those pistons would 
pulverize it, and those electromagnets would grab the ore.  The shit gets 
dumped, and you can turn off the magnets and dump the ore wherever you want 
it."
	"Brilliant."  Except for the fact that magnets don't attract much. 
 "Now, how do they move 'em?"
	"You got me."

	I looked around at the site, then pointed at a far corner.  "There, 
you see those two crawlers?  *That's* how they move 'em."

	Suddenly, everybody stopped working.  A three-creature wide line 
formed, heading out of sight.  The spiders made up the sparse third column, 
closest to us.
	"Quitting time.  Chow and bunk," he said.
	"My thoughts exactly.  What say we make like a very discreet 
shadow?"
	Steve looked at me, grinning mischievously.  "Your da boss, boss."
	"Oh, shuddup.  Twit."

	And we *discreetly* followed the line.  That is, except for Steve's 
incessant prattling.  "I am not a twit.  Do not call me a twit.  I'm much 
more intelligent."

	The line diverged.  The spiders entered a huge shuttle, and the 
seadwellers continued on towards what appeared to be a barracks.
	"Gotta be at least fifty of the locals here.  More, unless I miss 
my guess."
	He paused in thought for a moment.  "What could be so important 
that they have to mine it here?"
	"Wish I knew.  Maybe we'll find out."  I frowned.  "Hope we don't 
though.  I wanna get those people out of there long before that."
	"Slow down.  We can wait an hour or so before we try anything."

	I looked back in the direction we came from.  "Right.  Let's head 
back to that construction site.  Hope they don't post guards."
	"Why should they?"
	I glanced back at him.  "Good point."


	We returned to the site.  And indeed, no guards were in sight.  :-)

	I craned my neck, trying to get a better view of the interior of 
one of the crawlers.
	"Will you give me a hand?  I want a look at this in case we need to 
use it."
	"Fine.  Watch it..."
	I clambered over the edge.

	"Great!  It figures."
	"What??"  He shouted up, alarmed.
	"The controls are built for spiders.  Naturally..."
	I puzzled over the mechanism.  "These holes are deep.  Can't reach 
the end with my fingers.  With my luck, they probably have some sort of 
manipulators in them, too..."
	"Just as long as we don't need to borrow a spider to drive one."
	I smiled down at him.  "I wouldn't bet on it.  All right.  We'll 
bring the laser next time and cut the tracks."

	"Don't you think you'd better find out a little more of what's 
going on before you do that?"
	"Seems pretty clear-cut to me."
	He gave me an unpleasant look.  "Don't judge by what you see.  Find 
out."

	I sighed.  "Get me outta here, will you?"
	"Sure."


	Inside the barracks, I waited for my eyes to adjust to the gloom.  
All around, seadwellers were lying in various positions on the ground.  
There was no floor.  A pair of lone eyes gleamed in the darkness, 
reflecting the faint light from the doorway.  I looked back at Steve and 
gestured, whispering.  "Steve..."

	I approached the eyes.  But it wasn't her.
	A soft, fluted tone sounded from around his throat.  "Weya?"
	"Sorry, I don't understand."

	He pointed at Steve.  "Ssele."  He gestured at me, then beside me. 
 "Weya?"
	"I think he means *her*."
	I shook my head slowly.

	He pointed towards the doorway, at the spiders' ship.  "Weya."
	I took his hand.  "Can you show us where she is?"

	He slowly took it back, and I let go.  He tapped the 'translator' 
on the side of his head twice.
	"I'll be back for you then.  All of you."

	A few more eyes shone brightly in the darkness, watching us.  
"Let's head back for the ship.  We're gonna need...uh-oh."
	*Very* rapidly, two spiders appeared in the doorway and grabbed 
both us, though gently.  Steve was pale, much more so than usual, almost 
choking for air.

	I felt around in my pocket, and pressed the communicator.  
"Whoever's around up there, we've been captured."
	"Say again?"  Jeremy's tinny voice sounded in the still air.  "I 
can barely hear you."
	"We've been *captured*.  Hurry up with that stuff.  We're gonna 
need it."


* A Little Magic


	I tapped the barrier lightly.  It gave a little.  Not glass, and it 
had a bit of a metallic sheen.  Beyond, I could see a few other cells 
across the corridor.
	Steve wasn't in good shape.  Pale, knuckles white, and clutching 
the floor.  "Will you be okay?"
	He coughed, clearing his throat.  "No.  Sorry, I just can't control 
that," he rasped.

	"I know how you feel.  For now, let's get some sleep."
	"We'll need it," I whispered.

**********

	The park was a little crowded this particular evening.
	"Sorry to wake everybody up, but Damon's in trouble.  I think the 
aliens from that ship orbiting the planet have him and Steve," Jeremy 
began.
	Ben shrugged.  "So what are we s'posed to do about it?"
	"I came up with an idea for a 'telepathic' implant."
	John quirked an eyebrow at that.
	"Whoever is wearing one can just *think* what he wants to say, and 
someone else wearing one will 'hear' him."

	"Neat, but how will that help?  I don't think we're gonna convince 
one of the aliens to wear one," Jeff said.
	"You'd have to hot-wire the alien's brain, too.  Difficult."  John 
stonefaced it as usual.

	"That wasn't what it was for in the first place.  The native was 
going to get one, along with Damon.  Originally, we could have found out 
what was going on straight from her."
	Jeremy paused.  "I don't know what he has in mind for that now.  
But on the other hand, we still have the translator.  If I can get one to 
him, he'll be able to understand these aliens."

	"And?"  Eric gazed at him expectantly, his spare frame leaning 
against the tree.
	"I'm guessing he hopes it'll work out from there."
	"If it doesn't?  Where's that leave us?"

	Jeremy sighed.  "It had better work, and soon.  I doubt they know 
what Damon and Steve eat."
	"Sounds...like it could be a problem," Ben said.

	"I need volunteers.  We've got to finish his translator and the two 
'telepathy' burets in two days."
	"You kidding?"  Jeff shook his head.  "Why two days, anyway?"

	"That's about as long as they can hold out without food or water." 
 He faced Ben.  "Ben, how're you with electronics?"
	He shrugged.  "Okay, I guess."
	"Fine.  I'll give you a crash course in microelectronics in a 
minute."  He turned to Eric.  "Eric, you're pretty good at programming, 
right?"
	He bobbed his head,  and thick curls of hair flopped forward.  "You 
could say that."
	"You're doing the AI for Damon's 'telepathy' buret, then."
	"A buret?"

	"Goes around the back of your neck."  John drew an imaginary line. 
 "Geordi in reverse."
	"Eyes in the back of your head.  Cool."  He grinned impishly.

	Jeremy looked around the room.  "Anyone else?"
	"I'm working on copying what's her face's brainwave patterns from 
the translator over to the buret."
	"Great, John.  Jeff?"
	"I can cook da food."  He grinned toothily.
	Jeremy chuckled.  "Thanks.  Ben and Eric?"


	In the electronics lab, Jeremy motioned Ben onto the workbench, 
putting a tiny circuitboard into what looked like a microfiche viewer.
	"This should be fairly easy.  I've got the parts list right here, 
and the circuit diagram."  He pointed at a nearby wall.  "The parts are in 
the bins.  Be careful with them.  Just put them in the manipulator here, 
and solder them in with the trackball."
	"Looks simple enough."  Ben was a physicist, but he'd dabbled in 
computers and electronics.

	He turned to leave the lab, and Eric followed.  "All right then.  
Now it's your turn."


	Eric sat down in front of the mainframe screen in the computer 
center.
	"I need an AI routine that will translate Damon's brainwaves into 
the grinding language.  You can get the brainwave data from John, and the 
info on the grinding language from Jeff."
	"I can do that.  What about you?"
	"I'll be working on the buret itself."

	"Good luck."  Jeremy left.

**********

	Black waved a foreleg at Weya.  "Well now are you?  Worried was I."

	She looked down at the floor, forlorn.  They had generously 
provided her with another translator, but she wasn't in the mood for 
conversation.
	"Wrong, is there?  Have been sad for two days you."  Black shifted 
nervously.  "Strange this is.  Have been two recent, disturbing events."

	Weya looked up a little.

	"Missing were you, and found different, pale creatures we."
	Her head snapped up.  "No..."  (not that Black could understand 
her)
	
	He seemed mildly surprised, waving his fingers about momentarily.  
"Talk you?  Have not done that before."  Weya had been quite stubborn, it 
had seemed.  The truth was that she'd never had anything to say, and no 
reason to overcome her depression enough to talk.
	Weya gestured frantically at the barrier.  Perhaps...he wouldn't 
understand what she was distressed about, but if she could manage the 
barrier...
	"Quite intelligent are you.  Tell this to &(click)(click) I must."

	He approached the barrier, and it flew up through the ceiling of 
its own accord.
	Weya shot past him, running down the corridor.  She skidded to a 
halt outside one cell, and started banging on its barrier.


	I had been sitting on the floor, but quickly bolted to my feet.  
Steve rolled over from where he had been lying down, and stood up.
	"Weya!"
	A familiar grinding noise sounded, muffled, through the barrier.  
"Stop!"
	Weya stopped banging, lowering her arms slowly, and hung her head.
	"Weya, what's wrong?"

	Black appeared behind her, and Steve started looking a tad green.
	"Uh oh.  She's got another translator."

	"Doing what were you?"  Black rumbled.

	I knocked on the barrier, and the two of them looked at me.
	I jerked my thumb upward repeatedly.  Come on, understand...
	I slowly moved my hands up along the barrier.

	Black finally activated the barrier, and I rushed forward.  Steve 
took a couple of steps backward, out of unreasoning fear.
	She slowly returned the hug.
	"Thank *god* you're all right!"
	"Most strange this is."

	"Will bring him you," Black decided finally.  "Will follow me."
	The barrier closed.  Weya and I separated, and she took me by the 
hand.  We walked down the corridor together.

	We entered a stark room through a low doorway.  The gray spider was 
waiting.
	"Has happened again.  Has been found another."

	John was escorted into the room, a large suitcase handcuffed to his 
wrist.  He started walking towards me, but Gray moved to stop him.
	He shoved Gray out of the way with amazing strength for a 5'2" guy, 
and walked over.  Gray skittered across the room, trying to stop.
	"That was fast."
	"I only hope it works.  Two days for development and bug testing 
doesn't leave a lot of room for mistakes."

	"So how will you install them?"

	John sat down, opening his suitcase.  Inside was a fantastic array 
of medical equipment, thought merely standard for Blue Lightning.
	He took out a rather bulky, semicircular device, looking at it.  "I 
brought a portable x-ray machine, but the power is limited.  It won't last 
more than 30 minutes, tops, without time to recharge."
	"How long will it take to install the translator and the other 
thing?"

	He looked at me, quirking an eyebrow.  "For you, just under 20 
minutes.  I see our local's got a replacement translator already, so we can 
just make it in time."

	I laid down, and John put the x-ray machine over my head.
	"Anesthetic, doctor?"

	A clunk just above the ear with an iron mallet from his box of 
tricks, and I went instantly unconscious.  "Serves him right."  John always 
found a way to let one know if he wasn't happy.  Sometimes his unique sense 
of humor even got physically painful.

	As the spiders looked on, John slowly inserted the wires and 
sockets into my skull, and then Weya's, being slightly more gentle with the 
'anesthetic' with Weya.

	A couple of slaps to my cheek, and I woke up.  John shook Weya 
awake.  "Y'all ready to face the music?  Let's dance."

	I looked at Weya.  "Are you ready?"
	After a moment, she nodded slowly.  John handed me a translator and 
buret.
	I snapped them into place, and John put on Weya's.  I smiled.  
"Great.  Entering the cybernet, by Dr. John Vost.  I tell ya doc, I..."
	My expression went blank for a second, and I looked up at Weya in 
wonderment, almost disbelief.  "Weya??..."  She was...
	She was looking very carefully at me.  A tear trickled down my 
cheek.

	"Weya, I never imagined...no...no, please."
	The pain.  I'd buried it deep, but somehow she'd found it.
	"Don't make me...remember..."


* Memories


	Various scenes played themselves out in my mind.  They were 
fragmented, but anything but disjointed.  And it was a very sad tale they 
told...

	-It's been almost a year now, and I still remember it clearly.-

	An image of Weya, sitting on the cliff with her legs dangling over 
the edge, looking quite forlorn.  The sun was fairly low in the sky.
	
	-Life has been very unkind, for it stole from me the one I loved.-


	Youth.  Small, fragile, and beautiful, yet always sad.  Four others 
were chasing her, reaching out with stiffly rippling kelpworms.

	-Since my youth, I have been an outcast, despised by the other 
children.-

	Not quite fast enough, one kelpworm came within striking distance. 
 She screamed.


	She cowered before two adult seadwellers.  "Why do you taunt our 
children?  You will be punished for this."

	-Even by the adults.-


	Solitude embraced her, and she sought refuge and comfort in it.  
The crashing roar grew louder, as she neared the forbidden land.

	-Is it any wonder that I preferred the solitude of the open sea and 
the continent?-

	She emerged from the water.  Just beyond the beach, a dark, 
haunting forest was visible.  Large, black shapes rustled through the 
trees, never clearly seen.  Angry eyes leered out at her, waiting for her 
to come closer.

	-For all its danger, there was the wonder, the joy of seeing 
something new and different.-

	She walked along the shore, leaving the shapes behind.  The forest 
began to thin out a little.

	-I never understood my fascination with the land, but I always knew 
I could find peace there.-

	The last of the trees fell away, and Weya stood before a vast, 
windswept prairie of tall, wild grasses.  In the distance, a mountain range 
beckoned.  The air around it was 'rippled', as if by great heat or intense 
cold.

	-This land held many mysteries.  I have only seen the barest hint 
of what is there, waiting to be discovered.-

	She entered the tall grass.  A small, dark opening now lay at her 
feet.  She crouched down at it, looking inside.

	-Some time ago, I found something that terrified me greatly.-

	She was inside the dark cavern.  In the dim, flickering light from 
the opening, many shapes were visible, lying on the floor.  Most of them 
looked vaguely humanoid.  A few were unidentifiable, being too crumbled to 
make out.  One however, was barely intact enough to be recognizable as the 
fossilized remains of one of the spiders.

	-Long, long ago, a terrible catastrophe occurred.  What happened I 
will never know.-

	She bent down, touching one of the humanoid figures, curious, yet 
still fearful.  Closer inspection revealed it to be the fossilized remains 
of a seadweller.

	-This rock is very ancient.  What could have killed them, I wonder? 
 Why are they all here together?-

	She walked towards the far end of the cavern.  A metallic glint, 
but otherwise, it was too dark to see.

	-I had many more questions, but the mystery only deepened, 
especially after I found...-

	Weya was facing a large boulder, one side of which had been crushed 
by a recent cave in.  Inside, barely visible in the faint light, was a 
metallic canister, a jagged crack near its bottom.

	-...this.  I still do not know what it is.  But something about it 
frightens me more than I can bear.-

	She turned to face the fossils, and the opening.  Sadness.

	-Why do I always come here?  I have never told the others of its 
existence.  What is it that draws me to it so?-


	She stood on the beach again, holding her head high.  Behind her, 
the mountains rose up into the sky.  The ocean waves rippled at her feet.


	The grotto, where the world itself showed its truest beauty.  Only 
a few seadwellers were present, but all were joyous on this day.  Weya and 
Uris, her husband, floated in the center, hands clasped.

	-For one brief moment, was I truly happy.  Uris had always been the 
only one who had ever been kind to me.

	They embraced, and the ceremony ended.  Two lives had become one.

	They swam away, and the water around them sparkled, refracting the 
light of the sun high overhead.

	-I only wish that moment would have lasted forever.-


	Terror, and loss.  A six-tentacled creature rushed towards the 
rocky home of the seadwellers.  The tentacles bore a remarkable resemblance 
to the fingers of the spiders.  They beat the water, pulsating like a 
squid's, drawing ever closer.

	-Alas, that was not to be.-

	Four seadwellers swam past the creature, trying to attract its 
attention.  It made an angry grab, but they slipped away.

	It followed them, and they swam out to the open sea, towards the 
nether depths where the creature normally roamed.

	Rapidly, it closed.  Nearer now, it grabbed again, narrowly 
missing.

	-In an instant...-

	Again, a tentacle shot out, this time wrapping itself around the 
unlucky seadweller.  A second tentacle secured its grasp even as the 
seadweller squirmed.

	-...my joy turned to sorrow...-

	Uris screamed.  And was silenced, suddenly, by a sickening crunch.

	-...for the Kraken took my beloved from me.-


	Again, she was sitting on the cliff.  The sun was much lower now, 
almost touching the horizon.  A drab, grayish black ocean laughed below, 
silently mocking.

	-This sorrow is buried deeply in my heart.  Is there happiness in 
the world?  I cannot find it.  Is there sadness?  It is ever with me, a 
kelpworm stinging my side.-

	Suddenly, she twisted around, looking up at something.  Her concern 
was evident.

	-But there was to be a new horror in my life.-

	The spiders' shuttle descended from the sky, heading towards the 
further parts of the island.  A low rumble grew louder, and the shuttle 
settled to the ground, disappearing beyond the trees.  Weya, in a purely 
human gesture of surprise, put her hand to her open mouth.

	-That was when the spiders came.-

**********

	The scenes changed, and filled with memories of my own.

	Carnegie Mellon, where I went to college.  Several variegated 
buildings were sprawled up and down a steep hill, reaching five stories 
high against one.

	-I can still remember when we first met.-

	Highlander Cafe, in the serving area, facing the dining rooms.  It 
was some mealtime or other, and the place was crowded with students.

	-Seems a bit of a silly way to introduce herself, now that I think 
about it.-

	I was wiping the counter next to the sink in the front dining room, 
slightly hunched over.

	"Excuse me..."

	-But it was effective.  I didn't realize it was her until a bit 
later.-

	"Excuse me..."
	I looked up.  "Yes?  Can I help you?"

	It was Kerin, much younger.  Her hair was tied in the back, then, 
and was hanging down.  She was smiling just so.
	I straightened up.
	"Do you have any teabags?"
	"Sure.  Just a sec."

	I opened a cabinet under the counter and pulled out a box of 
teabags.
	She frowned slightly.  "Umm...how about herb tea?"
	I looked back at the cabinet.  "We have that too.  Raspberry, Earl 
Gray, Lemon, Mint--"
	"I'll have lemon, thank you."  She smiled again.

	I pulled out another box and handed her a teabag.
	"Thanks."
	"Sure."  I put the box back and closed the cabinet.  I looked back, 
and she was still standing there.
	"Was there something else?"
	"Oh.  No, thank you."

	She took a teacup and filled it with hot water.  I started wiping 
the counter again, just a bit nervous.  I watched her as she walked away, 
tray and teacup in hand.

	-Well, at the time, I *was* feeling a bit lonely.  That was the 
truth to begin with.-


	Doherty hall, near the entrance.  Even back then, the building 
looked ancient.  Students were walking by.

	-I didn't see her again for a couple of days.  I had almost 
forgotten, but...-

	She bounced down the hallway, her hair swinging back and forth, 
stopping next to the water fountain where she noticed me taking a drink.  
"Oh, hi.  You go here, too?"

	"Yes..."  I managed.
	"But I thought...I mean, I've seen you at Highlander almost every 
day this week."
	I fidgeted nervously.  "Well...I, have rent to afford and bills to 
pay."
	"Must be difficult."
	"Somewhat."

	She started to walk away, then looked back.  "See you later, then."
	"Bye."

	-It was then that I realized what had happened.-

	Kerin was no longer in sight.  I, however, was still standing 
there.

	-This was going to be more difficult than I thought.-


	In front of Warner hall, the main administrative building, next to 
the cut:  a long stretch of grass with nothing but the occasional sidewalk 
to obscure the view.  I was on my way home.

	"Hi!"  She smiled as I looked up.  I had a bad habit of staring at 
the sidewalk in front of me all the time.

	She must have been coming *from* home.  We passed on the steps, 
next to the street.

	"Again.  See you!"  I waved.

	-We saw a lot of each other after that,  I knew what was going on, 
and still, I felt happier than I had been in a while.-

	"Wait a minute."  She stopped.
	"Hmm?"
	"Are you working tonight?"
	"Huh?"  I slipped, barely keeping my balance, landing on the next 
step down.  "No..."  She'd managed to take me completely by surprise.  The 
last thing I was expecting to find was a girl who actually took interest in 
me.

	She smiled.  "Great!  How about dinner?"

	I chuckled.  "That's...different."
	"Oh, uhh..."  This time, it was her who was at a bit of a loss.
	I shook my head.  "No no, that's fine!  How about lasagna?"
	"Sounds good.  Where shall we go?"
	"My place."

	She looked a bit confused.  "Are we ordering out?"
	"No, I'm cooking it."

	She smiled again.  "Terrific!  What time?"
	"Six."
	"Fine."

	"Right inside the front of Cyert Hall."  I pointed to the next 
building down the street.  "I'll walk you to my apartment from there.  It's 
only a few minutes away."

	She waved, and started up the steps again.  "All right, I'll see 
you then."

	I walked down the steps leading to the street, with a smile on my 
face.

	-Terrific, indeed.  As long as I didn't get carried away.  Of 
course, that didn't seem to matter as much anymore.-

	-Over the next few years until I graduated, nothing much happened. 
 I 'leaked' tidbits, but nothing important.  After all, antigravity and 
time travel?  Meanwhile, I never did find out just which agency was keeping 
an eye on me.  Except that it wasn't the BATF.  They weren't the subtle 
type.-

	-After I finally graduated, we still kept in touch.  But I wasn't 
to see her again until a year later, when I started Blue Lightning, 
Incorporated.-


* Communication


	The memories faded away like a half remembered dream.

	I shook my head in wonder.  "I'm not sure what to say."
	John quirked an eyebrow.  "You could at least say, 'Thank you'."

	I smirked.  "I don't know what I'd do without you."
	"But...that....  Images, sounds, feelings.  They all flashed past 
so quickly..."

	I looked at Weya.  "In the span of a few seconds, I've just relived 
both Weya's and my lifetimes.  It was...incredible."

	"I can tell you this much, though.  That wasn't filtered through 
the spiders' language, it was pure thought.  I wonder how she did it..."
	John gave me a look.  "Well, don't leave me in the dark.  What's 
going on?"

	"I don't think she knows."
	"Now that *really* helps," he grumbled.
	"I remember them building most of those machines over at the 
construction site, but not much else.  Except..."
	"What?"

	I looked back at him.  "Something one of the spiders said.  'It 
must never happen again'.  It doesn't make any sense."
	"You're right, it doesn't.  Now make yourself useful.  Get that 
food back they took from me."
	I pointed at the translator.  "You know this only works one way."
	"So?  You're good at talking with your hands.  Now's the time."

	Oh, well now.  "Thanks.  But I don't think that's gonna work."
	He glared at me, exasperated.  "What else can we do?  Steve's 
probably a vegetable by now, his arachnophobia and all.  We can't stay 
here.  Do something."
	He was beginning to get on my nerves.  "Look I appreciate--"
	"Damon."

	Huh?

	Weya pointed at her buret, then at me.
	I replaced my buret.

	-Damon, listen to me.  Whatever we do, we need to do it together.  
The spiders never realized we were intelligent.  We have to prove them 
wrong.-
	So...that was it.  -Okay, I have an idea.-
	-It *might* work.  Shall we try?-

	"John, come on.  Let's go."
	You sure they'll let us leave?"  He closed his suitcase.

	"Of course.  They're coming with us."
	His jaw dropped about three stories.  "W-H-A-T??"

	I chuckled.  "Finally got a reaction out of you.  Come on."

	The spiders, naturally, tried to stop us, but were more curious 
than anything else.  They followed us down the corridor, and Steve joined 
the parade reluctantly.
	-Weya, we'll work this out together.  I promise you that.-
	She smiled.  Or tried, rather.  It came out rather well, all things 
considered.


	The two scoutcraft flew into the sky.


	"Good thing I bothered to put stairs in here."  We emerged onto the 
bridge.
	Jeff gaped.  "Houseguests?"

	I shrugged.  "You could say that."
	Weya sat down at the nav console.
	"Wait a second.  Just how much did you get from me?"
	-Everything.-

	I frowned.  -Strange.  I saw only bits and pieces.-
	-I'm sorry about your husband.-
	She looked away.  -Don't be.  He died saving the entire village.  
That means something, doesn't it?-

	"I guess it does.  But it still hurts, down deep.  It still 
hurts..."
	Jeff looked at me curiously.  "Did I miss something?"

	"It's personal.  Do me a favor, will you Jeff?  Tell Jeremy I'll 
need two voders ASAP."
	"Okay."  He headed for the ladder.

	I looked back at the viewscreen.  The planet looked a little 
closer.
	-Weya, what are you doing?-
	-Putting the ship into orbit.  When we return our guests, we'll 
take them directly to their ship.  That way, we'll get the same tour you're 
about to give Krrlik and Uyykevk.-
	I smiled.  -How'd you guess?-


	The tour was uneventful, which was remarkable in itself considering 
it was an interspecies contact.  It ended in the park, and Jeremy was there 
to greet us, with the promised voders.

	-Nice atmosphere, for a spaceship.-  She sat down, hanging her feet 
in the brook.
	I smiled.  -Thanks.-
	"You two ready?"
	"Plug us in."

	The two spiders looked on curiously, while Jeremy handed out more 
presents.
	"I'm acquiring a headful," I grumbled in mock annoyance.
	"That's not my fault."  He smiled.

	The grinding noise filled the air.  But it looked like the spiders 
had been expecting *anything*, after seeing Blue Lightning.  Talk about 
enough surprises in one day.
	Finally, communication took place.  I think we got our point 
across.  Just a *bit* more intelligent than they had first surmised, and 
not the 'smart monkeys' they'd expected.  Why had they expected that?  They 
would only give me the "long story" excuse.

	"<You probably realize now that all you had to do was ask them.  
They would have helped you voluntarily, I'm sure, if it was that 
important.>"
	"<Realize that we do, yes.  Changes nothing.  Must still be 
repaired our ship.>"
	Black chimed in.  Or rather, Krrlik.  Old habits don't die easily. 
 "<Have lost many who slept.  Will die more if hurry we do not.>"

	"<I can volunteer my crew.  With their technological knowhow and 
the iron you're about to mine from the surface-->"
	"<--we can repair your ship a lot sooner.>"  Weya smiled, looking 
at me.

	"<Grateful are we.  Sorry are we to have caused pain to you.>"
	"<Let's not worry about that now.  What's done is done.  Let's save 
your people.>"

	Enough misunderstandings for one day, surely.  I took out my 
communicator.  "Jeremy, we need some more help.  Sorry to bother you again, 
but this is gonna be a big job."


	It didn't take more than two days after the iron was mined to 
repair their ship.  Fortunately, there were no more casualties in their 
hibernation units.
	A new era was beginning.  Peace, even cooperation between the 
spiders and the seadwellers, had finally come to pass.

	Very fortunate, since they both originally came from the same 
world.


* Discovery


	Nick flipped on the projector.  The screen lit up, showing pairs of 
strands of greyish-black material, speckled with whitish stripes.  Weya's 
and the spiders' DNA -- Nick's current genetic playground.
	"That's right, a 97% match.  There's your theory."
	"I was pretty certain to begin with.  That fossilized spider 
couldn't have gotten there any other way."

	I shrugged.  "Just out of curiosity, how do we compare?"
	"With humans, there's about an 80% correlation.  Still fairly 
impressive."
	I nodded.  "I'd say."

	-Weya, what say we take a look at that cave?  I'd like to get a 
look at those myself.-
	She sighed.  -If that's what you want.-

	"Nick, have Eric meet me in bay four in 20 minutes, okay?"  I had a 
feeling a little geology wouldn't be out of the question.
	"No problem.  Mind if I come along?"
	"Sure.  Join the party."


	The scoutship settled onto the beach, next to the prairie.

	-Lead the way, Weya.-

	The grass came up to our waists, making wading through it a bit 
difficult.  But shortly, we reached the dark opening I remembered.

	-I'll go first.  Hold the light for me to see.-

	I gestured to Nick.  He held up a softly glowing rod, and Weya 
carefully crept down the unsteady rocks.

	-This is it.-
	I stood next to her, while Eric made his way down.
	-Not a pretty sight.-  I thought, looking at the fossil.

	"Eric, get a sample of this.  I'd like to see how old it is."
	He slipped, landed on the floor, caught the light that Nick 
dropped, and walked over.  "You're not gonna be able to date it that way.  
Carbon 14 dating only works for much more recent stuff.  The way it's 
crumbing, I can tell it's way too old."
	I grimaced.  "Suggestions, then?"
	"There might be other radioactive trace elements in the fossil, but 
I can't guarantee it.  That's the easy way."
	"Should I ask?"
	"We look for traces of radioactivity in this strata, and date the 
fossil from those," he said.

	"Damn.  All right, let's get some help here.  Steve, you 
available?"
	Click.  "Not another problem, I hope."
	"Not this time.  You get to date a fossil."
	"Beth would not appreciate that."

	I smiled.  "Oh, I don't know.  I think it looks kinda cute."
	"All right, I'll be down in a few minutes."

	I put away the communicator, gesturing.  "Eric, bring that light 
over here."

	We gathered around the broken canister.  "Hmmm.  This must be what 
killed them.  Wonder what it was."
	"Your guess is as good as mine," Eric said, shrugging.

	"But not his.  Nick, we'll load this up and ship it back to your 
lab.  You and John should be able to come up with something on it."
	"I'll see what I can do."
	"Good.  Weya and I will take a look around the area.  You guys can 
work on this problem."
	Beep.  I pressed the communicator.  "All right, I'm here.  Where's 
the date?"
	"I've got your dead spider right here."
	I could hear him clenching his teeth.  "I hate you, Damon."


	I had an idea that that wasn't the only remnant of the catastrophe, 
so long ago.  I didn't know what I was looking for, but I needed more to 
work with.
	For hours, we flew onward, covering great sweeps of the continent. 
 We might have passed it, for all we knew.  Buried in the forest, or long 
rusted away.
	We were expecting something a little more spectacular, but...

	Something glinted in the distance.

	The something turned out to be the rusting structure of what was 
once a small building.  At least that *was* something.

	-Not much to look at.-  I thought.
	Weya glanced at me.  -Its existence tells us a lot.  They must have 
built this solidly.-

	The foundation was overgrown with weeds, and rubble covered the 
area.

	Ouch!  Well, tripping over it was one way to find it.  I tugged on 
the rusty handle of the trapdoor, but it wouldn't budge.
	-Weya, over here.-  I beckoned.
	-What is it?-

	I pointed.  -It's stuck.  Can you lend a hand?-

	With an agonizing creak, the trapdoor slowly opened.  I got a funny 
feeling that I wasn't the one doing most of the work.
	Below, a metal stairway descended into the darkness.  But the 
stairs, amazingly enough, showed little sign of rust.

	Somewhere below, a room slowly brightened, and we stopped.  -Now 
this is really odd.  Still power, even after centuries.-

	Weya wandered into the room.  Huge computer banks lined the walls. 
 Chairs?  If that's what they were, were spaced along at even intervals.  
And some were still occupied.
	Weya touched one.  The spider crumbled away into dust.
	-This must have been a research center of some kind.-  I thought to 
her.  -Nearly airtight, but they still died.-
	I shrugged sadly.  -Luckily, your people survived this, somehow.-

	-But there has to be something here!-
	-I think there is.  This bank still has power.-  She gestured.
	-What?-

	A few, dim lights blinked on the console.  -You're right.  I can't 
read anything, though.  We'll tell the spiders about it later.-

	At the end of the hall, a steel door blocked the way.

	-Locked.  That's it then.-  I motioned to her.  -Let's go.-


	Outside, a low growl sounded.
	-Uh oh.-

	The catlike creature crept closer.  Large, almost six feet long, 
with a ring of ribbed, greenish bone around its neck.  Its feet, taloned 
like a hawk's, flexed in anticipation.
	-Climb down that stairway again, very slowly.-
	-What are you going to do?-

	It didn't waste any time.  Less than six feet away, it hissed with 
the satisfaction only a predator could know.

	-I'll be right behind you.-

	Ready...

	The creature didn't wait.  It leaped.
	-Run!-  I dived for the stairs, but too late. Claws dug into my 
neck, tearing.  I slumped dizzily, faint under the searing pain.

	Suddenly, an ear-shattering squeal pierced the air, and the 
creature fell away, cringing.  My voder, in pieces, dropped beside it.  And 
the trapdoor fell into place above us.  Safe.

	She looked at me, her mouth wide with what I recognized as near-
shock.  -It had you back there.  You could have been killed.-
	-I was lucky.-  I replied lamely.

	She hugged me tightly, nearly crying.  -Don't ever frighten me like 
that again.-
	I nodded slowly.  -I promise.-  And then I was silent.

	She'd almost forgotten what it was like to care about someone.  So 
had I.  The pain had buried it deep, but somehow she'd found it.

**********

	It was time to get some answers.  What had happened on the planet 
below us, so long ago?

	The scoutcraft entered an octagonal portal, which promptly slid 
closed.

	Weya and I were greeted by two of the spiders upon our arrival.

	"<Uyykevk!  Nice to see you again.  And this is?>"
	"<Hkkex this is.  Pleased am I that here are you.  Our thanks we 
give again, Weya.>"

	I gathered myself together.  "<Uyykevk, we have a few questions 
we'd like to ask.>"
	"<About Great Death, yes.  Tell you we will.>"
	"<Long is story.  Will take some time to tell.>"  Hkkex ventured.

	"<Go ahead, Hkkex.>"
	"<Then our story this is.>"  He began.


* Long Goodbye


	"One last job.  Then you get a well-deserved vacation."  I smiled 
at Jeremy.
	He grinned.  "Thanks.  What do you need?"
	"Nothing much.  I need a set of gills."
	The grin disappeared.  "That's going to be a bit difficult."

	I shook my head.  "It shouldn't be, with John helping you.  I need 
a mask that I can wear to breathe water."
	"Taking a swim?"
	"Off the deep end, Mr. Scott."  I smiled.
	"What?"  He frowned.

	"Never mind.  I'll see you later.  Take your time."


	That night, we all relaxed.  A space had been cleared out on the 
island, under the stars.  Steve had set up his keyboard, and the rest of 
us...

	"Sweet dreams are made of these
	Who am I, to disa-gree?
	I travel the world, and the seven seas
	Everybody's lookin' for something."

	And it went on.  I think even our guests enjoyed the music, though 
they weren't the type to let on about it, much to Steve's relief.

	After a while, Weya and I wandered out along the beach.

	-So much has happened.  To both of us.-
	Weya smiled faintly.  -Now isn't the time to think about that, is 
it?-

	I stopped, facing her.  -Better now than later.  We're going to 
have to leave soon.-
	-Why?  Can't you stay for a few months, at least?-

	I looked down.  -I think you know the answer to that.-

	She nodded, understanding.  -It's her isn't it.-  Weya looked away, 
wistful.  -You can't forget about her, can you?-
	-Not if there's any chance of saving her, no.  Would you?-
	-I...-  This time, I even felt her sadness.
	-I'm sorry.-
	-Wait.  Yes, I would.  Because he died saving my village.  Changing 
that would mean changing what happened.  I can't risk my village to save 
his life.-  She was very sure of herself, but I felt her wishing 
desperately otherwise.

	Then how can I do the same?

	She faced me again, shaking her head.  -But your situation is 
different.  You *can* save her.  You're right about that.-
	-But that might change what's happened here.  Do I have the right 
to risk that?-  I was really asking myself that more than her.  But after a 
moment...

	She looked away suddenly, and I felt a hot shame from her.  She 
didn't want to tell me that I not only had the right, but the obligation, 
to risk the lives of every seadweller left on her planet for Kerin's sake.

	I'm being selfish, aren't I?  Why can't I forget about her?
	-You can't feel that way about it.  Your feelings about her are no 
more selfish than mine about my husband.-
	-You heard that?  But...-

	She faced me again.  And I could see just how much it hurt her to 
say it.
	-But you can *do* something about that.  I can't.  I don't have 
that choice.  You do, and it's yours to make.-

	-I know.  But why does it have to hurt, so much?-

	There were times when words weren't enough.
	We'd shared something.  Something neither of us wanted to come to 
terms with.  But in the end...


	Several weeks went by, as the island was restored.  The mining 
equipment, the construction site, and the landing pad all vanished, 
replaced by greenish violet grass.
	The spiders were welcome to share a home.  But the island would 
remain free.

	We walked down to the beach, ready to visit Weya's people.
	-How long does it take to reach your village?-  I asked.
	-Only about an hour or so.-
	The mask on halfway, I stopped.  -An hour?-

	Weya smiled.  -It'll be just fine.  You won't notice it at all.-
	I finished putting the mask on.  -If you say so.-

	We waded in.

	I thought for a moment, then grinned inwardly, and  
jumped...cannonball! into the water, sending it spraying up in all 
directions.
	Weya looked back at me, drenched, and grinning.
	With her finned arm, she cut a wide swath across the water, sending 
a sheet in my direction.  It missed, barely.
	I played golf, sending a stream back at her.  It didn't miss.

	She dived in, and I followed.

	We avoided the reef, both of us remembering just how many kelpworms 
dwelt there.  Minutes passed, and she pulled farther and farther ahead, at 
one point passing through a small school of fish.

	She was faster, and more agile in the water.  In her element.  But 
I was better at hide and seek.  Several tall fronds of seaweed presented 
themselves, and there I waited for her to come back looking for me...
	She did, after several minutes.

	Gotcha!
	She smiled.  -Damon...-
	For a moment, we just held each other.  Then I--

	-Hey, who put that there?-  Just above her mouth was a bony ridge, 
rather sharp.  How very annoying.
	-That's not my fault.  Who designed your lips?-
	After a moment, I sighed and smiled again, and we swam on.


	It took us rather longer than an hour, as we kept getting 
"distracted".  Finally, the village appeared ahead, and a few seadwellers 
swam out to greet us.  Then they noticed me.


	Weya smiled inwardly.  The same two guards.
	"Weya, what have you done?-
	"Call the elders, Ukal'el.  I will not wait long."  This time, it 
wasn't the voice of a frightened child fleeing the neighborhood bully.  It 
was the voice of a calm leader, who knew when she had won.
	They swam into the grotto.
	She gazed at me.  -Soon.-


	Less than ten minutes later, they returned, escorting us into the 
chamber of the circle.          A hastily gathered assembly of elders
awaited us.
	"We will listen," one of them said.  "But you will speak before the 
people."

	The seadwellers gathered outside, answering the call of the elders. 
 Usually only issued in cases of danger to the village, most were fearful, 
not knowing what to expect.  Finally, the elders emerged, and we followed.

	She looked around at the assemblage of seadwellers calmly, and 
began.  "My people, you now know that our brothers and sisters have 
returned from above.  The spider-creatures who controlled them are now our 
friends.  I bring he who helped to make this possible, to show all that 
awaits us.  He who brings our peoples together."

	"The spider-creatures never intended any harm, but were desperate 
for help.  Almost three billion years ago, they left our planet fleeing a 
terrible plague, and have only now returned.  Their ship was damaged and 
without our help, and his help, many would have died.  They now offer us a 
chance to explore not only our own world, but the stars above it, if we 
will but show ourselves willing to open our arms to them."

	"I am sorry, Weya.  When I was unwilling to take the risk, you 
risked everything to save our brothers and sisters.  I thank you, Weya.  
All of us thank you."  The First Speaker smiled, warmly, for the first 
time.
	"Let us hope that the future will be bright for both peoples!"  I 
hope I got that right...

	-We should go.-  I thought to her.
	Weya nodded, understanding.

**********

	There was still much to be done.  But it was up to Weya and her 
people now.

	-Thank you for staying.-
	I smiled warmly.  -I'm glad I did.  And I'll be back soon.-

	She smiled back.  -When you find Kerin.  I'm looking forward to 
meeting her.-
	-I'm sure she'll feel the same about you.-

	-Take care of yourself, Weya.-  I thought.

	For a long moment, we stood there in silence.

	I tilted my head to the side, and missed the bony ridge this time.
	"Awww..."  Steve grinned, ever his annoying self.

	Standing at the top of the scoutcraft's exit ramp, I waved.  -
Soon.-


	The scoutcraft flew into the sky, reddish-purple.  Gleaming in the 
light of the setting sun, the small group of seadwellers and spiders below 
watched it, until it finally disappeared into the sunset.
	-Soon.-  She agreed.


	A small sphere drifted away from the planet, picking up speed.  
Blue Lightning passed the larger moon, heading into open space.
	-I'll never forget you, Weya.-

	Maybe it was an afterthought, or an echo.  But somehow, I didn't 
think so.

	-You will always be a part of my heart.-
	And the voice trailed off into silence...


* Transition


	I needed solitude.  I didn't want to deal with Steve's prying 
questions, or anyone else's.  But the park was occupied this time.

	The woman was dark haired, and masculinely heavyset.  Who?  I 
thought, frowning.
	"Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was here.  I'll leave."
	"No, it's okay," she said.

	Reluctantly, I sat down next to her, beside the brook.
	"You're Steve's friend, aren't you?"  I ventured.
	"Yes."

	I'd met Beth a long time ago, briefly.  She and Steve had been 
working out together, both attending the same Tae Kwon Do school.  She 
seemed the decent sort, although a bit shy.

	But it wasn't the time to be renewing acquaintances.  I stood up, 
ready to walk away.
	"Wait...what's wrong?"  She didn't look comfortable prying, but she 
looked even less comfortable just letting me go.
	"I really need to be alone right now."

	She frowned a bit, concerned.  "I heard about what happened down 
there.  Is that it?"
	"No, I just...need to be alone."  I turned away, not wanting her to 
see the tears, and certainly not wanting to explain them.

	"What you need is a little cheering up."  She casually rested a 
hand on my shoulder.  "How about I make dinner tonight?"
	"That's kind of you to offer."  I kept my voice steady.
	"No trouble at all."

	I nodded, and headed for the ladder.  "Then I'll see you later.  
Thanks again."


	How long?  How long will it take...?

	I collapsed onto my bunk, and the door slid closed.

	Not five minutes later, it opened again, and Steve walked in.  "I 
hear you've been feeling a little down lately."
	I shrugged.  "I guess so."

	He planted himself in a chair.  "You ready to talk about it?"
	"Not really, but you're not gonna go away until I do, are you?"
	"Course not.  That's what friends are for."

	I sighed.  "I just can't seem to get her off my mind.  For a while 
on the planet I could forget, but..."
	He nodded.  "Now it's hitting you all over again."
	"Beth was right," he murmured.  "You need a little something to 
cheer you up."

	It's going to be a long time before I'll ever feel happy again.  If 
ever.

	I looked up at him.  "Steve, tell me something.  Do you think I'm 
being selfish?  Trying to save Kerin."
	"You might call that selfish.  I'd call it something else.  You 
gotta go with what's in here, man."  He held a hand over his heart.

	I took a long moment to mull that over, and finally rejected it.  
"Maybe.  Maybe you're right," I said as reassuringly as possible.
	"Course I'm right.  Come on."
	I shook my head.  "No, I'll stay here for a bit."
	"Suit yourself."

	The door closed, and I was alone again.

	In the end, it was my heart that made the decision anyway.
	I'll find you, Kerin.  That's a promise.


	The mess hall was a bit crowded on this particular occasion.  Even 
Chris showed up.  She'd been pouting since we left Earth.
	Andrea, Nick, Chris, Eric, John, Jeff, Ben, Jim, the other Ben, and 
Lucky, were sitting around two long tables.  Steve and Beth were 
serving...I don't believe it.  It must be the vegetarian version, since we 
didn't pack any meat.
	"Thanks.  Both of you."  I smiled warmly.

	They finished, and sat down.  "I'd like to dedicate this piece of 
lasagna to a very large stomach," Steve drolled.
	"Whose would that be?"
	Beth glared at us with mock exasperation.  "Enough, you two.  Eat."
	A fair amount of chuckling wafted over the table, and I grinned at 
Steve.

	I still didn't understand.  Somehow, in Weya's mind, it was more 
important for me to rescue Kerin, and risk changing my saving her people, 
than to play it safe.  Was it because it was what I wanted to hear?

	No, that couldn't be right.  She knew the risks.  It couldn't have 
worked out any better for her, and it hurt her deeply to tell me I could, 
and should, change things.

	"Hey, there's more.  Go get yourself a piece."

	He stopped eating, and looked at me, worried.  "Come on now, cheer 
up."
	"You were right," I said finally.  "I wasn't being selfish."
	"Heh?"  Steve frowned at me.

	"I just realized.  Something Weya was trying to tell me."
	"Well, don't leave us in suspense."

	"Weya's husband died saving her village.  She knows that, and even 
though she still loves him, she's willing to forget about him.  He died for 
a reason."
	I looked down.  "But Kerin's death was pointless.  And Weya was 
trying to tell me there's nothing wrong in wishing it otherwise."
	"I see."

	"That doesn't make the pain go away, though."
	"Thinking about it never does."

	I stood up, finally.  "I think I'll take you up on that offer."
	"Good," he replied, smiling.

	That feels a little better.


	I sat down, watching the swirls and eddies creep past me in the 
brook at my feet.

	"What are you doing back here?  I thought you were feeling better."
	I smiled.  "Hi Steve.  I am.  I'm just thinking about Weya."
	"And?"  He prodded.

	"What's going to happen back there?  They've got all the 
opportunities in the world.  More."
	I sighed.  "I hope she'll be happy."
	"I'm sure she is."

	"So tell me, what did you two do with all that time you spent alone 
together, just before we left?"
	I smiled again.  "It's a looong story.  But I'd rather not talk 
about that."
	"Didn't think you would.  But I can guess."  He laughed.
	"Hey!"
	"Don't take it so seriously!"  He grinned at me, waiting for me to 
laugh along with him.

	It didn't take him long to figure out why I wasn't smiling.  He 
sobered up.  "You two..."
	"It was pretty obvious, wasn't it?"

	"Well, it's not like you could hide that sort of thing."
	I nodded.  "You get to know a person pretty well, once you've been 
inside their head."
	"What was that like?"

	"Difficult to explain.  Let's just say Weya got a lot more from me 
than I ever expected."
	"I guessed as much.  She seemed a lot more confident after that."
	"You noticed that?"

	He smiled.  "I notice a lot of things.  It's my job."
	"What about you?"  He asked.

	"I saw only bits and pieces, but let's just say Weya's had a very 
painful past, even besides the death of her husband."

	Steve was silent for a moment.  "One last question.  What was the 
name of their planet?"

	I looked out across the park, seeing something rather farther away. 
 "Nefaroo.  They called it Nefaroo.  'Precious life'."

**********

	Weya stood near the shuttle, before a large group of seadwellers.  
"If we are to work together, we must be able to talk to one another."
	"Each of you will receive a translator.  Together, we will build a 
home for the spiders on the continent."
	She paused, contemplating.  "In time, perhaps we will venture into 
space above.  Until then, we are masters of an entire world."

	The seadwellers slowly filed into the shuttle.  Krrlik separated 
from the crowd and joined her.  "<Have only one warning.  Was no accident 
that caused plague that probe.  Deliberate it was.  Caused it who know not 
I.  Hope that dead long since are they.>"
	She nodded solemnly.  "<Otherwise, the Great Death can happen 
again.  And this time, we cannot save everyone.>"

	He followed the last of the seadwellers inside, leaving her alone 
with her thoughts.

	I hope you do not meet them, my friend.  Whoever they are, they 
hold no value in life.

	A single tear fell.

	I will miss you, Damon.

End of Volume 1


Damon Casale, scyth@andrew.cmu.edu

				* Love *
                 Between two people, there is nothing that
                      can draw them closer together