Teresa is seated at the edge of the river. The water which flows past is of the clearest blue, reflecting the sky above on its mostly placid surface. Tiny organisms, resembling gray-green fish, swim at the top. Every so often, they peek above water and nibble at even smaller insects.

  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 faux 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.

  -

  -

  Binahytu guides N-Vorl and Mau-Nis through a dense forest. A stone path winds through the trees, leading down to the river. They step out of the forest and into the bright light of the dual suns. Their young hybrid guide points a clawed finger toward the river, but it is really unnecessary. N-Vorl is able to spot Teresa and Vor'taalnis the moment he steps clear of the trees.

  "She is there," the young hybrid assistant says. "I must get back to Yau-tala. Simply follow the path to return to the settlement."

  With a small nod, the hybrid is gone. N-Vorl returns his gaze to the river, watching his only son play from the edge of the treeline. Mau-Nis places his left hand on N-Vorl's shoulder.

  "We have traveled all the way here. Do you not intend to embrace the ones you love? Or should we return to the ship?"

  N-Vorl offers Mau-Nis a wry smile and growls under his breath. He makes his way down to the river.

  -

  -

  The loud crunching of dirt and rocks 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 oversized 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 looks up at his long absent father in amusement.

  Politely separating from Teresa, N-Vorl appraises her approvingly. 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.

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  “I’m told…I am heavy with twins. A...Cha'l...” 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.

  "Hello...Dr. Boyd," Mau-Nis says in a strained voice. "It is good to see you again."

  Teresa's mouth tightens, with the depth of her hidden emotion. N-Vorl observes her reaction to his eril'k with marked attention. Vor'taalnis, feeling ignored, chitters loudly. Mau-Nis' eyes widen and he stares down at the flustered toddler.

  "He speaks yautja. Who has been teaching him? You?" Mau-Nis exclaims, addressing Teresa.

  "Me?" Teresa says. "I had no idea what he was saying was actually words. Although, I did suspect they might be. He would often repeat the same sounds over and over. But no...I haven't taught him."

  N-Vorl locks eyes with his small son and smiles. Vor'taalnis returns N-Vorl's smile and reaches up. He repeats the same phrase he spoke only moments before, louder this time.

  "U'hsk!"

  Pride explodes onto N-Vorl's face. He politely releases Teresa's hand and kneels beside his young son. He cradles one side of Vor'taalnis' small face in a clawed hand.

  "Yes. I am your father," N-Vorl says in the language of their ancestors.

  Vor'taalnis chitters again, and Teresa's heart clenches. How she wishes she could understand what it is he is saying. Movement. Teresa turns toward the sudden movement to see Elder Scar moving in the group's direction. The elder's expression is blank, and his steps are slow and deliberate. Mau-Nis straightens and stares questioningly in Scar's direction. N-Vorl instinctually places an arm around Vor'taalnis, drawing him close.

  "It was I who taught the young one the language of our forefathers. He already knew a great many words...I simply helped him learn to express them."

  Mau-Nis steps forward, mottled brow creased in confusion, and scrutinizes Elder Scar.

  "Who are you, Elder? And what clan's blood flows through your veins?"

  "I am Scar...From the blood of Skas'gld. Of the Ta'dnu Clan. You are of the Fihgi Clan and the Nilyautha. I recognize your marks."

  "An elder...Here? On V'Daha?" N-Vorl growls, climbing to his feet. "How is that possible? I know of no such Elder Scar of the Ta'dnu."

  "I know of a Scar of the Ta'dnu," Mau-Nis says in a quiet voice, his eyes remaining on Scar. "He was reported dead after not one...But two separate encounters with oomans on their home world. It would seem that reports of your death...Were greatly exaggerated, Elder."

  "It would appear so," Scar says with a sly smile. "As you can see...I am very much alive."

  Scar's eyes briefly slide over to Teresa and she stiffens. Her very pregnant belly does a flip and she reaches out for N-Vorl's arm, spots dancing before her eyes.

  "I don't feel well," Teresa says in a quiet voice.

  N-Vorl nods for Mau-Nis to take Vor'taalnis' hand and carefully scoops Teresa up into his arms. He looks across the short distance and makes eye contact with his fellow elder.

  "We will need to follow you back to the settlement."

  "Of course," Elder Scar says with a thin smile.