Awakening: Awakening

By Carol Mingst

There was contact.

Those in the settlements were only dimly aware that there was anything beyond the small communities they had set up in the hills and along the edge of the plain. But something came to them, crashing in the flatlands beyond a line of rocks.

Jared, one of the few adults with wings, found the sad remains and brought back the survivor and information about what was out there beyond the line of sight from the First Settlement. He shared his discovery with the Four, his most particular friends.

Lori had been a junior member of the crew of the Star Queen. Her life had not been what she hoped for when she left old Earth. She longed to return to her home world, but she never would have expected her travels to end this waymarooned on a nearly deserted planet with only rather primitive technology and a very unique population.

Who would expect there to be people with feathers? In particular, how could anyone who was as fascinating and striking as the one who had rescued her exist?

The Seven Settlements werent ready for the disruption of their ways. They were kind enoughespecially Jared and his friendsbut it wasnt home. Lori had known the stars, and not even a red-feathered hero was going to make her truly belong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524590574

Carol Mingst

please add back cover text: Carol has been writing stories about the world of Aerros for over thirty years but has only recently started making them available to the public. New Aerros novels and other stories come percolating out whenever the characters start talking through her fingers. Though writing has always been easy, getting things into print takes more effort. She hopes that readers enjoy these books so that the rest of the novels can come out to play. Carol works in data analysis and programming, does photography on the side, has owned cats and horses nearly all of her life, loves to travel, and writes stories because the characters always have something more to say.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Carol Mingst.

Library of Congress Control Number:  2017903638

ISBN:  Hardcover   978-1-5245-9059-8

            Softcover      978-1-5245-9058-1

            eBook           978-1-5245-9057-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/27/2017

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Aerros stories now available:

The Old One

The Sewer Boy

Awakening

The Exiled

Contents

Prefacet

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Preface

For centuries, no one had remembered why they were there. It simply was. The Seven Settlements were communities ranging from the edge of a broad plain to the sides of the higher mountains with long hikes in between. The climate was temperate with full seasons despite the sixteen-month-long year. All plants had been designed with a purpose—medicine, food, or fiber in addition to wood. The vats provided milk and pla stic.

The human population remained small, growing only as land and facilities could support them. Life was fairly easy for them with the help of the Wings, their genetically altered cousins. Though they looked a lot like humans, the gentle Wings were a little different. Most needed direction. Most could not make adult decisions.

And they could fly.

Generations of careful breeding for competition had improved them. They could fly fast and maneuver well, but they were also improved from their idiot ancestors in other ways. The twin societies of Wing and human coexisted and depended on each other for all things. It was how things had always been done.

Until it was not. One born a Wing had become something more, crossing both groups. The Seven Settlements were forever changed, but adults with feathers were rare. Living that life was not easy.

An old journal gave them some understanding of where they had come from—their origins as outcasts from a place called Earth. But that was so long ago it made little difference to their lives.

Chapter 1

The stillness of the night was shattered by distant thunder. The sound echoed through the settlement, bouncing off the buildings and off the rocky hills to the east, rolling off the contours like a river in f lood.

Jared woke with a start. The room was in darkness as he lay there listening to the last echoes of the sound. It hadn’t been a dream.

He rolled out of bed and crossed to the window. It was well past midnight, and only the light of the smaller moon touched the shapes of the other buildings and, in the distance, the one small view to the north where a finger of hills sliced out into the great plain. He thought he saw a touch of flame near the top of one of the hills. Then there was only darkness.

He looked up and saw nothing but stars strewn across the dark expanse of the sky. No clouds… no thunder then. He squinted off toward the distant shoulder of hills but saw nothing more. He had explored those hills and knew them better than anyone else. They were a combination of rocks and stunted bushes, uninviting in both form and substance. Beyond was merely more of the great plain stretching off past the horizon.

It must have been a rockfall, he told himself. He had heard small ones in his explorations before. Still, he waited a quarter hour more, listening to the silence of the night. It was soothing and starkly beautiful. He stood by the window, the dim light of the second moon defined his contours, highlighting the well-muscled thighs and large, flat muscles of his chest. The light also brought a subtle fire to his red hair and caught the first arch of his wings.

Jared? a soft voice called from the bed.

He turned his head, unwilling to be drawn from his view of the night. Only the faintest touch of moonlight filtered in to highlight the familiar curve of her breast.

Is something wrong?

No, nothing, he told her and walked back to the bed. He climbed in and pulled her against him. It had been cool near the window, and her warmth felt good across his skin. She snuggled in close, burrowing into his shoulder, but was more asleep than interested in anything physical. He settled back and caressed her softly for a time, but he cast one last look to the window before sleep overtook him.

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The sun was up for a full three hours before Jared left his rooms. He stood in the central square of the settlement, remembering the night before. The hills weren’t that far away. The cloudless sky stretched above him, a deep blue warmed by the morning sun. Jared smiled. It would be a good day to fly. His workshop would wait.

He raised his wings around him and took a quick glance over the lay of his feathers. Nothing had been misplaced since his earlier grooming. He bent his legs, and then in a flash of red, he was airborne. His wings took him up with powerful down strokes. Then he let the warmth of the rising air lift him to safer heights. The ground fell away, and the houses dropped behind him as he flew out toward the distant hills.

Jared allowed himself a moment of smug self-praise. Not everyone with wings could launch from a stand. Most needed the extra height of the landings. Jared threw in a short flip of his left wing to roll in a steep banking turn to the right. The air pressed against him, making breathing difficult for the moment, but he didn’t care. He was going out to see the rockfall on the hills, but, first, he would enjoy himself.

Though he played a bit along the way and didn’t exactly hurry, it wasn’t very long before he reached the short line of hills that thrust out into the plain. He studied them as he approached, but they were no different from any of the times he had been there before. There were no new scars to account for the sound of the night before.

He flew down to get a closer look, dropping all desire to play. A mistake could land him in the rocks and bushes. Even if he wasn’t killed on impact, there would be no hope of getting the doctor out that far to tend him. He wasn’t actually afraid but more cautious as he looked over the rough area.

He still saw nothing to explain the sound of the night before. Jared allowed the wind to carry him higher. The hills weren’t very tall, and soon he saw the plain stretching out on the other side. He rode the air over the crest of the hills. The bushes that were close below him then dropped away with the steepness of the rocky terrain.

In that moment, he saw what had made the noise. Below him, on the edge of the plain, a long black scar ripped through the stubby grasses. The line was like a raw wound and ended close to the hills in a lump that flashed like metal.

He circled down, dropping the altitude he had gained, looking over the scene and trying to identify this phenomenon.

The lump resolved into a combination of smooth surfaces and ragged edges. The glint of sunlight was everywhere making it difficult to see details. He estimated it was broader than twenty feet. Beyond that, he couldn’t guess what its contours had been, since it was obviously shapeless now.

He knew it couldn’t have fallen from the hills. The track behind it came from the open plain. There was nothing out that way.

Maybe the line of ripped earth was caused by something coming from it. He flew closer, passing over the long earthen scar. The ground had been gouged out. What was left of the grass beside it was flattened in the direction of the metal lump. The ground showed tearing in that direction as well. No, the scar had to been made by the object’s passing. He circled it once again. It had to have fallen—or moved—toward the hills and yet . . .

He landed a short ways away and approached on foot, looking for any signs that would explain its presence. There was no sound other than the occasional whisper of grass blown by the wind. There was a scent of something sharp in the air, but he couldn’t place it.

As he drew near, he became more and more convinced that this was a construct and not a natural form. The object was definitely metallic and showed too much purpose of form to have been anything made by the random chance of nature. He hesitated before laying a hand on a smooth patch of metal. It had been finely worked. It had to be made by man.

Jared knew no one had need to build something this large out in the plain. It had come from someplace else. He had traveled to almost all of the known settlements and had never seen anything of that size made out of metal.

He looked up at the cloudless sky. He had a suspicion it had come from there, though that led to countless speculations—some frightening, some exciting.

Jared knew that his world was not the only one with humans on it. He knew the story of the long-ago exile of the Wings and the people who had created them. Some said it was a fantasy, others an outright fabrication, but he believed the old journal his mother had found so many years ago. There were other people out there somewhere, and they had the ability to fly much higher than the clouds—all the way to the stars.

He turned back to his exploration. There wasn’t much discernible in the shape of the object. He looked for any signs of identification that could tell him what it was or where it was from. The twisted panels appeared to have been smooth and flat before it came to ground.

He walked around the object, looking at it carefully. As he came to the far side, he noticed an opening that appeared to be more than random tearing of the form. He moved closer and peered inside.

A scent of something else hung within—something sharp that made him gag. He backed away, not wanting to know what it meant. The space was too tight for him to crawl inside, though the space might have been acceptable before the crash.

He turned away and drew in long, deep breaths. He would have to tell the others about this. Maybe even some of the humans would come out that far to see it, though it would take them most of the day to walk the distance. He was sure Mark would want to come, since he had a fascination with metal.

The fresh air cleared his mind of the stench inside the object. He stood there for a minute, wondering if there was any more he should do or if he should take off for the settlement to bring the others.

He had almost decided to fly away when he realized a shape in the grass wasn’t just a tuft of thicker blades. He crossed quickly and noticed a slight trail from the metal object as he went. Something had moved from the thing.

It was a woman.

He bent down and found that she still lived, though she was obviously hurt and didn’t respond to his touch. She was dressed in something buff-colored that had hidden her in the dry grass.

Training snapped in, and he checked her over, looking for signs of cuts or broken bones. He knew simple first aid, but he had little to assist him if she needed anything specific.

He found several cuts, one of which would need stitches, but she wasn’t bleeding to death. He went over the bones in her arms and legs and found some possible fractures. He guessed she could have internal damage as well. Looking around, he knew there was no help for her there. It would take him more than an hour to bring medical help out that far if he could carry the doctor in flight. It would be the rest of the day if Dr. Harold had to come out on his own.

The woman might not last that long. Jared knew she had been out on the plain since the night before and probably had serious injuries. He knew it could be dangerous, even deadly, to move her, but leaving her was bound to be equally as risky.

He looked around for something to support her. There wasn’t much, but he was able to find some branches from nearby bushes. He could make something out of her clothes and his to tie her to the wood to protect her from too much movement.

He set to work. In a relatively short time, he had her bound as best he could manage under the circumstances. He sat back on his heels and studied the situation, going over in his mind all the possible consequences if he moved her or if he left her behind.

He could fly her as far as the settlement. It would tire him, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to return later in the day. The others would have no trouble finding this, of course, but he felt he’d better have one more look around to be sure there wasn’t someone else who needed his help. The woman wasn’t going anywhere without him.

The ground around the metal object showed no trace of anyone else pulling themselves from it. Only her trail of blood and crushed grass showed signs of life. He didn’t know what was inside the construct, but since he couldn’t enter, he didn’t have any choice about it. The scent hinted at something grim and terrible inside. He decided it would be best if he took the woman and sent someone else to follow up in the matter.

He crossed to the woman and bent down, working his arms beneath her. He was glad that she was small and light. She wouldn’t cause too much drag even though it was bound to be awkward carrying her back to the settlement. With the added burden, he would have to look for some kind of a rise to help him into flight. He settled her into his arms and walked toward the front of the metal construct. The ground had been pushed up there. It wouldn’t be much, but it would help and would be more stable than any of the rocks on the hillside behind him.

The sound of his boots in the grass was slightly louder than the sound of the light wind. The mound wasn’t difficult to climb even with a burden. He was shifting his grip on her one more time in preparation for takeoff when something moved. He froze, wondering if there was another person about. Then something appeared on the woman’s stomach.

He stopped himself from dropping her, but his mind froze as he looked into strange eyes. After a moment, he realized this wasn’t some part of the woman he held. Something had landed on top of her in his arms.

The thing was stranger than anything he had ever seen or imagined. It moved on its own so almost had to be alive and something more than a plant—much more. It had two eyes that faced him squarely, though they were rounder and greener than any human’s or Wing’s. It wasn’t very big, only a little longer than his forearm, and was covered with short hairs. Its hair was a muted brown with stripes of black all over its body. It continued to stare at him out of nearly unblinking eyes.

Jared wasn’t at all sure what he should do. He knew he had to get the woman to medical treatment, but he was unsure of this newest presence. What was it, and what was it doing there?

Hello, he said, his nerves showing in his voice.

The thing didn’t respond except to move a bit, settling down close on the woman.

What do you want? When it didn’t answer, he tried again. In a moment, I’m going to carry this woman to medical assistance. I think you’ll fall off if you stay where you are.

It didn’t respond.

You’ll be hurt, he explained. Listen, I’ll send someone back for you later.

Getting no response, he thought about setting her down and removing this thing, but that would mean going down the slope, and, in truth, he didn’t like leaving it out here by itself. It intrigued him, and for some reason, he kind of liked it.

All right. You sit right there, and I’ll try not to drop you. He could see it had little fingers that appeared to be gripping the woman’s clothes. Maybe it understood but could not speak. With a few last words of encouragement to the thing and to himself, he jumped off the mound and caught the air in his wings.

It was more difficult to gain height with a burden, but his wings were strong and well formed. The beginning was rough as they bobbed up and down in the air, gradually rising above the construct and the flat plain.

The passenger hung on tight, flattening down like a second set of clothes. It did not seem to want to try to jump down, but Jared kept checking on it to see it didn’t panic. The woman remained limp, only the branches keeping her from sagging in his grasp.

He caught a thermal for lift but didn’t dare turn inside it with his burden. He took what he could and then flew around the set of hills. It was longer but much safer if he needed to land. The plain had warmed up, and the heat helped lift him higher, easing his burden. The settlement was a good distance away. He would be glad when he could touch down.

The trip was uneventful though tiring. Jared reached the edge of the settlement and flew on straight to the doctor’s residence. Any problems would need to be dealt with as soon as possible, and Jared knew he wasn’t experienced enough to recognize all the woman’s injuries. Dr. Harold would see to her.

The landing, a wide window made as a Wing entrance, was open on the south side. Jared pulled up and dropped down the last few feet, catching himself from a slight stumble as his boots touched the smooth surface. The woman hadn’t stirred. The passenger looked around with interest as Jared walked into the room. Inside was dark in comparison to the bright sunlight, but Jared could see no one else. He set his burden down on the examination table, a high bed dressed in a clean white sheet. The passenger blinked at him slowly.

I’m going to go find Dr. Harold, he told it. You stay right there.

It seemed contented where it was on the woman’s stomach. Jared hoped the tiny weight was not enough to do any damage to her or make her more uncomfortable. He hesitated a moment and then shrugged and left the room, closing the door behind him.

The hallway and the other exam room were as empty as the first. It wasn’t at all unusual. The planting was over, and the harvest was far past. The winter had been mild enough to bring on only a few sniffles and some chilled body parts of imprudent Wings.

To the left was the door to the private part of the building. Jared knocked on the connecting door. He was tempted to go farther, to open the door, and to physically look for the doctor, but he made himself wait and was rewarded with the sounds of footsteps approaching.

The door opened, not to Dr. Harold but to Maza, the doe Wing who served him. She was slightly taller than Jared, with long, thin face and body and straight brown hair of medium color, a color that was reflected in her wings.

I need Dr. Harold, Jared told her with an edge of excitement in his voice. There’s an injured woman in his first exam room.

Maza’s brown eyes widened for a moment, but she merely nodded her acceptance. I will go and get him, she said. He is out visiting.

Jared followed Maza a few steps into the private quarters. The woman’s pretty bad. She’s unconscious. I think she has some broken bones.

I’ll see that he knows it is urgent, she assured him over her shoulder.

Jared realized where he was and stopped with a mumbled apology before returning to the examination room. The woman was where he had left her with no apparent change in status. The furry other was no longer with her.

Now no one will believe me! he said in self-disgust. Had he actually imagined the little friend? He didn’t think any amount of dreaming would have made him think up that kind of thing despite remarks he read in Elizabeth Hardcastle’s journals.

After a quick check of the patient, he looked around the room but found only the doctor’s medical supplies. An-i-mal, he said to himself. It must have been an an-i-mal.

He had read about other living things other than plants, humans, and Wings, but he had never expected to see any. The journal his mother had found had mentioned them casually, as though Elizabeth Hardcastle had lived with these things—these creatures—these animals—all the time. He shook his head at the very idea. What would it be like? Would they all be as friendly as this one seemed to be?

He was bent over to look inside a cupboard when he was surprised by the door opening behind him. He hadn’t heard them coming, but the doctor didn’t seem to do more than glance once in his direction as Jared quickly straightened up and tried to remind himself that he hadn’t been poking into the doctor’s supplies—not really.

Who is this? Dr. Harold asked as he got his first look at the patient.

I don’t know, Jared admitted. I found her out beyond the ridge of rocks.

He caught a startled glance from the doctor and then noticed that the man was not alone. A young woman who was in training, Kelly he thought she was, was looking at him just a little longer than necessary. Maza was being an efficient assistant and bringing tools to the doctor’s side without having to be directed to do so.

I tied her up like that so I could carry her in, Jared said when he saw the doctor cut the first of the cloth strips. It was all I could find out there.

You did all right for an amateur, Dr. Harold said without looking up from his work. Was she unconscious when you found her?

Just like that, Jared agreed. I didn’t find any deep wounds or obvious signs of internal injury. I figured it was better to get her here fast. It would have taken you all day to walk out there.

I wonder why she was out that far, Kelly mused as she watched the doctor at work.

Jared had his opinions but decided it wasn’t the time to discuss the woman’s possible origins. I hope we can ask her later, he said with perfect truth.

The doctor waved a hand in his direction. Thank you, Jared, but I think I’d better handle it from here. If you want to wait out in the lounge—

That won’t be necessary. Jared edged toward the landing. I’m a little tired from flying in with her. If you could send word later on how she does, I would appreciate it.

Sure, Dr. Harold said. But it might be some time.

I can wait, Jared said with a smile. He would love to talk to the woman, but he really had no personal interest in her other than blatant curiosity. He knew the doctor, Kelly, and Maza would be able to do much more without his presence or questions. I’ll see you later.

The others made appropriate words of farewell, but it was obvious they were much more interested in the patient than in the messenger… and that was fine with him.

Jared walked outside into the warm sun of midday and looked out over the roof of the next building. It was a good day for flying, but he had done enough to make him pleasantly tired. He would go to his room and rest, but he would also set other things in motion. He spread his wings.

Something bumped his leg, and, looking down, Jared saw the small hairy passenger. It stared up at him as it rubbed its body against his boot. "There you are!" he said softly. He was glad that the animal had not somehow vanished. Jared was pretty sure this would confirm his suspicions about everything he had found. He bent and scooped the animal into his arms. It settled in just fine other than making a slight rumbling sound.

Jared held it tight as he leaped into the air. He thought about where he should go and whom he should tell. Being tired, he decided his own rooms would be best. The matter of his find would not be settled in one day.

The flight across the settlement was a short one. He landed at his own rooms in a main housing building and hailed a Wing he saw nearby. Bedel, can you go find the Four and have them meet me here?

The young stag turned once in the air. Sure. I’ve got some time. You want them here right now?

Yes, please, Jared replied. Tell them it’s important.

Bedel nodded once and flew away. He would have no trouble with Jared’s request. Everyone knew the four young women who had become a force in the community. It would take very little questioning to track them down.

Jared went inside and closed the doors to his landing. The Four would come in the door to the hall, since they were humans. He set down his strange companion and watched it as it explored his rooms.

Jared had lived in the same three rooms ever since he had passed his adulthood tests. They were comfortable enough, though they weren’t very large. The stranger moved around them, poking into the bathroom for a moment before walking around the bedroom and finding the door out into the larger reception area. It checked into every corner and jumped surprisingly well for something that small as it explored the higher surfaces.

I don’t know what you are, Jared said. But you’ve got to be alive, and you’re not a human or a Wing. After a few minutes, the stranger walked back into the bedroom, and Jared closed the door behind it. There was no way it could get out of there short of breaking a window. For now, he wanted to greet the Four alone.

The Four were the same age as Jared. They were girls born to the First Settlement and had banded together in early childhood. Sharon, their natural leader, was the first to arrive. She burst into the room with her usual assurance and energy. Her black hair, expressive dark eyes, and stocky build blended with her personality and assured that she would never be overlooked even in a crowd. Jared greeted her as she came in the door. She was full of questions, which he side-stepped, telling her she’d have to wait for the others.

Don’t be so stuffy, she told him in response as she gave him a quick kiss before throwing herself on the nearest chair.

I just don’t want to have to repeat myself.

She shrugged. It wouldn’t take long for the others to arrive. It had been a while since they had all gotten together, and the Four were very fond of Jared.

Phoebe came in and greeted them both. He knew she had other things on her mind these days, having taken up with one of the older men. It looked like she would be the first of the Four to marry. She was the shortest one of them, with short blond hair and a pink complexion. She could be counted on for a lot of things, but she would never take a place as the settlement’s resident genius.

Connie burst into the room, throwing herself on Jared in greeting. She had many favorites among the male population of the settlement, but Jared had always been at the top. Her thorough hello was still in progress when Ramona slipped into the room. Ramona was the quiet one, though those that knew her well knew better than to mistake quiet for dull.

Jared reluctantly set Connie aside and closed the door to the hall. Now that they were all there, he had more serious issues to discuss. I’m glad you were all available.

We’ll always come for you, Connie said.

Jared ignored her flirtatious look. I found something strange this morning. I thought I’d tell you before sharing it with the rest of the settlement.

What is it? Sharon asked.

Jared found that he couldn’t quite keep still. He paced the short distance before them, aware of their interest and their regard. I heard a sound last night, so I went out to check. It was from the line of hills out on the plain. I found something out there, a woman, among other things. The woman was injured, so I brought her back to Dr. Harold.

Who was it? Phoebe asked.

I don’t know. I don’t recognize her from any of the settlements. In fact, I’m not sure she’s from one of the settlements at all.

Where else could she be from? Sharon asked. No one lives out on the open plain.

No. But I’ve read my mother’s old book.

You’re not saying she’s from that other place, Connie said. You think she’s from another world?

Yes.

Phoebe snickered.

What makes you think she’s from another place? Ramona asked.

First, she wasn’t the only thing I found. I told you I heard a noise last night. Something hit the ground like a rockfall, but it wasn’t a rock, and it didn’t fall off a mountain. It was big—about the size of this room—and metal. It hit the ground hard enough to leave a long mark.

What do you think it was?

I don’t know. All I know is it was made by someone… and no one here has the ability or reason to make something that large. And it must have been flying to have crashed. I’ve been to almost every settlement. No one flies without wings.

Sharon nodded. So where can we find this metal room?

Out beyond the line of hills. It should be easy enough to find. It isn’t going anywhere.

I’ll send some people out to check on it. Sharon had just taken her place on the council so had some authority in the settlement.

Connie straightened and looked serious. I think I’ll go take a look.

Not me, Phoebe said with a shake of her head.

Jared nodded. I’d lead the party, but I’m tired from flying back with the woman.

Sharon rose from her chair. I’m sure we’ll have no trouble if it’s as big as you say.

Before you go, I have one more thing for you. Jared walked to his bedroom. He opened the door, and out walked the little stranger.

Phoebe jumped up and ran to the door to the hall before Sharon caught her. Get a hold of yourself.

What is it? Ramona asked.

Jared shrugged and smiled down at the little visitor. I don’t know. It was out there too. I think it’s alive.

The stranger walked over to rub against Jared’s boots.

It must be an animal, Ramona said. She, too, had read the old book that explained their presence on the world.

That’s what I thought, Jared said. I don’t know what it is, but it seems friendly enough.

Certainly does, Connie said. She noticed Phoebe backed up against the wall. Oh, come on, Phoebe. It isn’t hurting anything.

I don’t like it, Phoebe whimpered.

Jared reached down and picked up the stranger. This is what really makes me think the woman isn’t from our world.

I guess you have to be right, Sharon said. Did the woman say anything to you?

No, she was out cold. Maybe Dr. Harold can fix her up, and we can ask her where she came from.

I’ll go over there right away, Sharon said. She always wanted to be in the middle of things, to make decisions.

I think I’ll go back to my place, Phoebe said hesitantly.

Connie rolled her eyes. You do that. If I’m going to be walking that far, I’d better get changed into something more appropriate. I’ll meet whoever else is going at the side of the settlement.

I’ll get things started, Sharon said.

The three women left together, two of them making plans. Jared was glad he had been able to turn the problem over to them. The Four would know what to do.

Ramona came over to take a closer look at the stranger, which rested contentedly in Jared’s arms. You’ve really stirred things up.

It wasn’t me. It was that noise I heard last night.

Is that what disturbed you?

The stranger wiggled, and Jared set it on the floor. Yes. That’s why I was up for a while.

The stranger began rubbing itself against Ramona’s legs. She bent down beside it and then shifted to sit on the floor. I think I like this thing you found.

Jared smiled as he watched the small furry visitor climb into Ramona’s lap. He had been known to do that himself a time or two. The visitor almost looked like it was smiling. It certainly seemed happy enough to be with her, but then she had a similar effect on him. He liked watching her as she threw back her smoky blond hair. Her loose-fitting clothes didn’t hide anything from him. He knew very well that she was the best built of the Four, though he was pretty sure he was the only male in the settlement to be acquainted with what she had underneath. It seems to like you as well. He moved closer and sat on the floor next to her, looping his arm around her waist in affection and something a little more.

She smiled and pretended to ignore him as she studied the thing in her lap. I guess this is an animal, she said seriously. I wonder what kind it is.

He poked his finger close to the nose and felt the long, stiff hairs on either side. We’ll have to ask the woman when she wakes up.

If she wakes up, Ramona said sadly.

She’ll simply have to, he said. It would be a shame to have this fine an-i-mal in to visit and not know its name.

And not even know what it is.

He hugged her lightly. It doesn’t really matter. We could make up just about anything, and the others would believe us.

She laughed. I don’t think I’d quite believe you… except for our friend here.

It does seem friendly, he agreed as the animal rubbed its face against his fingers in what appeared to be a sign of affection.

I wonder if it’s hungry, Ramona mused.

If the thing fell last night, I bet it is. Jared removed his hand from where it had been starting to wander on Ramona’s side and pushed up off the floor. In fact, I could use a little something myself. How about you?

She traced a particularly dark stripe down the center back of the animal and along the farthermost appendage. Sure.

He walked to his supplies and looked over what he could offer to his guests. He didn’t keep much just for himself, just some crackers and fruit and a half-used loaf of bread. There was a jar of pickled vegetables he could open, but he didn’t feel quite like that at the moment. He opened an insulated box and pulled out a chunk of cheese made from milk from the vats. His recent discovery made him think about all that they lived without. What would cheese be like on other worlds? He knew that the vat milk was an imitation of something squeezed from another animal. Humans and Wings gave milk, the females anyway, shortly after birthings. Was it something like that?

You have our friend’s attention, Ramona said with a laugh.

He turned and found her rising from the floor. It took only a moment more to find their visitor up on the table next to him looking very interested in the cheese.

Cheese it is! He laughed and pulled off a tiny piece, one he estimated to be the size for his visitor to handle. He noticed the shape of the animal’s teeth. Luckily, it was not interested in doing more than licking at and finally nibbling the proffered piece of cheese.

He likes it, Ramona said as she walked up beside him.

It could be a female, Jared pointed out.

She took the cheese from his hands and pulled off another chunk, placing a small piece next to the animal and popping a slightly larger one in her own mouth.

Want something to go with that? he asked.

She pointed to the crackers. Though the animal seemed disinterested in anything but the cheese, together the three of them made a meal.

Chapter 2

Sharon didn’t so much enter the room as make an entrance. One moment, the three of them were discussing cheese and crackers, and the next, everyone’s attention was on her. I’m happy to report that the search has gone out.

Jared brushed some crumbs from his hands. That’s good. Did Mike go with them?

Couldn’t keep him away once he heard the tale of all that metal. I think he already has plans to use it on some project or other he has in mind.

It would be a shorter distance to go for it than all the way to the Second Settlement, Ramona said.

It certainly didn’t look like it was going to be useful as whatever it started out to be, Jared said. If he can salvage any of it, I’m sure it will be a good thing. I don’t like the idea of leaving that sitting out there like a piece of rotten fruit.

If it is metal, it won’t rot, Ramona said softly.

Sharon noticed the food behind them and made her way purposefully to help herself to some cheese. She only glanced briefly at the visitor, who was doing some kind of strange contortions on the table. Connie actually made it out with the rest of them, she said, continuing her tale.

There were several men in the party, weren’t there?