V’Daha Settlement (Kredonyit homeworld)

  Nearly 10 months after the destruction of Facility Thirteen

  Teresa is seated at the edge of a flowing river. Vor’taalnis plays near the shore, crawling on his hands and knees. Eventually, he grows even more restless and comes back to his mother. Teresa enfolds him in her arms and rocks him back and forth. The toddler reaches up his clawed hands to cover Teresa’s eyes. She releases a surprised gasp and covers his hands with her own. Vor’taalnis emits a short chuckle, which is more yautjian than ooman, and drops down on the sand beside Teresa.

  Leaning back, so that the light of the dual suns hits her face perfectly, Teresa closes her eyes and listens to Vor’taalnis play. The loud crunch of dirt causes Teresa to sit upright and glance around. Tears spring to her eyes as she glimpses N-Vorl striding in her direction. The gigantic trees behind him cast deep shadows over the surrounding area, but the smile on his face is undeniable.

  Teresa climbs unsteadily to her feet and beckons to Vor’taalnis. The toddler peers up at her and raises both arms to be picked up. He is much too big for that now. Teresa takes his tiny hand instead. She is unable to run, but she makes haste toward N-Vorl. The newly honored elder of the Fihgi Clan picks up his pace, his smile growing larger. As soon as he reaches Teresa, N-Vorl enfolds her in his muscular arms. Vor’taalnis peers up at his long-absent father in amusement.

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  Politely separating from Teresa, N-Vorl appraises her. His smile nearly encompasses the entire surface of his face. The shift Teresa wears leaves nothing to the imagination. But it is Teresa’s extremely distended belly which draws most of N-Vorl’s attention. He gently places a clawed hand on her stomach, feeling for movement within. Teresa offers him a kind smile and caresses his cheek.

  “I’m told…I am heavy with twins,” Teresa explains, excitement in her voice. “Due any day now. I…I never expected to see you again, N-Vorl. Some of the others haven’t laid eyes on their mates in many years. I’m so glad you’ve come.”

  N-Vorl takes one of Teresa’s hands and kisses the flesh of her palm. Movement behind N-Vorl draws Teresa’s focus. Mau-Nis approaches at a much slower gait. He evaluates Teresa with half-lidded eyes. Teresa’s smile falters at the sudden appearance of the command leader. N-Vorl is oblivious to everything which transpires. He kisses the other side of Teresa’s hand.

  Behind N-Vorl, Mau-Nis struggles to control the racing of his heart. With a stomach that large, it is sure to be twins. Perhaps, the childlings will have green eyes. Or maybe, their eyes will be gray.

  END STORY ONE

  OR IS IT?