Page 25 of The Cyborg Way
If Henry had appeared from nowhere, what else might do the same? He found his hand on the holster of his gun at the thought, even though there was no reason to assume a threat. He scanned the cave again, looking for any other signs of life. His eyesight, enhanced by his cybernetics, was exceptionally good, and he saw that the back of the cave appeared to lead into yet another space. Was there a whole network of caverns down here?
He took a half-step in that direction, but she put her hand on his arm.
“I don’t think we should go any further.”
“Why not?”
“Whatever is happening here—whether it’s a whole new ecosystem or the revival of an ancient one - is still very new and fragile. What if we disturb it and cause some kind of damage?”
She had a point. Perhaps it would be better just to observe for now.
The light coming through the tiny opening in the ceiling began to brighten, and the trickle of sand stopped.
“I think the storm is ending.”
“Good. Then let’s go home. Our home,” she added, taking his hand and warmth flooded him.
Home.
He finally had a home, and it wasn’t the cozy habitat waiting for them—it was with the woman he loved.
EPILOGUE
Ayear later…
Ellie smiledas Henry swooped down from the top of the cabinet and landed on her shoulder, peering down at her daughter. He was fascinated with the baby, and she often found him perched on the side of Janelle’s crib, warbling a series of soft notes as she cooed happily. Now he chirped peremptorily and she laughed.
“Yes, I know it’s her bedtime, but Levi will be back soon and I want him to have some time with her before I put her down for the night.”
With Henry still perched on her shoulder, she carried Janelle to the window seat, rocking her gently as she peered out into the gathering darkness.There.She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the familiar figure of horse and man riding past the new greenhouses they’d added.
Since their marriage, Levi had resigned from most of his ranger duties and they were rarely apart. He assured her he was perfectly content to stay home and work on the homestead withher. With his very able assistance, they’d made a significant amount of progress—so much progress that he’d broached the subject of purchasing an adjacent parcel of land.
He’d intended to pay for it, but she’d decided to use the credits her biological father had deposited for her. It seemed oddly fitting that they would be used to help establish a legacy for the granddaughter he would never know. Levi had used his own savings to purchase the plot behind them—the steep rocky land that contained the caverns from which Henry must have emerged. All of the land was in her name of course, since cyborgs were still unable to own property, but the name on the deed made no difference—this was their home, their family’s home.
The thought made her smile again, and she was still smiling when he’d settled Blaze into his shelter and came to join her.
“Hello, sweetheart,” he said softly, kissing her as stroked the baby’s cheek.
“Are you talking to me or Janelle?”
“Both.” He grinned at her, face relaxed and happy. “It’s good to be home. Is she ready for bed?”
“Bathed, changed, and fed. How did it go?”
“Why don’t I put her down first? Then we can talk.”
The stern expression she so rarely saw any more flashed across his face and her heart sank, but she nodded.
“Do you want something to eat?”
Even though he could obtain nutrients from many sources, he usually ate with her. Tonight, he shook his head and reached forthe baby. Janelle waved her chubby little fists excitedly and his face softened again.
“I’ll put her down and be right back.”
He disappeared through the archway where her bed had once been. Now it was a passageway leading to two additional bedrooms. She put away the stew she’d left warming for him, dimmed the lights, and sat down in one of their new chairs. Lights sparkled in the other habitats scattered across the valley floor and she smiled at them. She still liked knowing they were there—but not too close.
Levi returned a few minutes later, scooping her up, then settling back down in the chair with her perched on his lap.
