Page 159 of Sky Song
“She’s no longer on Earth.”
Cricket’s eyes peeled wide. “Where is she?”
“She’s waiting for you on that derelict asteroid station your friends are so fond of.”
“No, seriously.”
“I am serious.”
Without thinking, Cricket threw herself at him. “Thank you! Oh, thank you, Simon.”
He stood very still for a few moments, allowing her to cling to him in a boneless teary mess before pulling away.
“Save your gratitude. It wasn’t my idea, and it wasn’t done for you. It is Gemma’s gift to Ruby.”
“I’ll take it any way it is.” She laughed through tears.
Simon passed Cricket into the hands of another Rix defender who took her to a cabin where Ren and Paloma were already strapped in reclining things that were more cribs than chairs.
“I guess this is it.” Paloma laughed nervously. “I’m leaving with this portable computer and clothes on my back.” She drew in a noisy, shaky breath.
Cricket looked down at herself, wrapped in Simon’s robe. Paloma had more than her to take to the new world. “It will be a great adventure, and a wonderful new life, Paloma. Just like you always wanted.” She wished she could hug her friend in reassurance, but the restraints prevented it.
“And Zaron. I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to Zaron,” Paloma babbled.
“You don’t even like Zaron,” Ren piped in and reached for her from his seat, bringing to mind the last image Cricket had of Zaron and Hipper who looked so content snuggled against the garish black-gold silk shirt.
“I like him now! I have to say goodbye tosomebody.” Paloma grabbed his hand and they linked fingers.
Cricket averted her eyes, wishing with all her heart to be able to hold Lyle's hand.
You will,she forced her worry away.Everything will be okay. Believe it or die.
“Did you jam the power grid at the space depot?” she asked.
“Yes. They hadn’t learned a thing since the last time. Stupid.”
“No, it’s you who’s a real pro.”
Ren moved restlessly against his restraints. “Rosamma. What if she gets scared on that ship? She’s so sheltered. She knows Lyle, but this Phex… Christ, why did we get separated?”
“Simon told me Phex knows what he’s doing,” Cricket tried to allay his concerns just a little bit. There was nothing she could say to make alright the fact that the frail, unworldly Rosamma got left behind. “They will be in space before we are. And from there, it’s only a week’s trip to the asteroid.” She didn’t think her reassurances would make a difference, but Ren listened. They both clung to her every word, so lost and uncertain about their future, so clearly not in control.
Neither was she. But Lyle was going with her. And her mama was waiting for her. Cricket smiled, and covertly touched her stomach.Pregnant. Yes, life went on. “Listen,” she said, firmer now. “We’re alive. We’re going. And we will make it.”
Suddenly, the pressure changed - the only thing to tell them the ship’s velocity was growing. And growing. And growing. And then they were free - from Meeus, from human civilization, from their respective pasts. Their future, bright and free, was their destination.
Epilogue
4 years Later
Cricked woke up groggy, lack of sleep making her sluggish and worn out. Lyle was already up and moving about. Seeing that she finally opened her eyes, he crouched next to the bed that he had built for her.
“Good morning, my hearts.”
“Morning,” Cricket croaked and rolled over, her gaze going to the crib in the corner where their baby was sleeping like an angel. Finally.
Cricket checked the light outside. “You’re up early.”
