that the ship won’t lift for another couple of weeks. And Arianrhod’s Wheel did its own tests in its cryonics bay. All of their multiple samples proceeded perfectly.”
“Multiple,” Levona said.
“A total of six. Two procedures by NJNY and four by the EurAstates Resistance.”
“Good. That’s good,” Levona said.
“We are all very pleased, but, naturally, you went into the capsule first and were the last to be awakened, so we have had the most complete process,” Donna ended and sat.
Drawing in a breath, Levona said, “I knew one of the chemicals was too high, but I couldn’t say so. I examined — as much as my ability allowed — the gas and other factors and believed only that one chemical in the mixture wasn’t right.” She grimaced. “Then I fought. I lost myself in the fight until you called me back.”
WE called You back, Pizi licked Levona’s hand.
Yes, she replied privately to her friend.
“I wasn’t aware that a week had passed.” Another big breath, she set her chin, then stated calmly, “I’ve fulfilled my part of the bargain.”
Yes! Pizi leapt onto the table before Levona, defending her. We’ve been Good! I could not smell or touch or lick My friend all that looong time. I did like You peoples asked. I will be Mother of Cats, and My Levona has skills and fight like You need.
The stares, grimaces, and the expressions in the eyes and on the faces, showed reluctant acceptance.
Umar Clague inclined his head. “We are honorable folk. We do not make deals and renege on them like the government. You have earned your right to stay on the ship along with Pizi, and have been assigned a room with the crew.”
Ava stood. “We have researched the files we have on you and your parents and your contributions to the psi-community — or lack of that.” She bent a stern look on Levona who refuse to flinch. “We’ve spoken to other members of the community who know you such as Bartek Coval and Karida Bonfils, who give you good references. We are pleased with your performance so far.”
“I volunteered for a procedure no one else would,” Levona put in.
Ava’s mouth soured. She shrugged. “We personnel managers have agreed that your crew assignment should be working in the ag section of Lugh’s Spear.”
Levona’s mouth fell open. That meant — farming? She could do that!
“As you may or may not know, the greenspace ag section comprises a full third of this ship.”
Delight filled her. Not truly outside but, but, a greenspace!
Ava lifted her hand. “You will be assigned to the ag area at the most menial level. Currently that means planting seedlings under supervision.”
Swallowing, Levona nodded. “I can do that.” Feeling baby shoots of green in her hands. Wonderful.
Umar Clague rose and everyone else followed. “Be assured that now you have become a part of our community, you must follow our rules.”
“Your ship, your rules,” Levona managed.
“This is true. However, we are cognizant of our agreement with you and if someone who has reserved one of the twenty-two cryonics tubes does not arrive by the minimum two and a half hours before we launch, when we close the boarding doors, you and Pizi will be assigned that tube. As it stands, some of the former crew members have canceled their requests to join us on this voyage and we are working through our waiting list, but are not at the bottom where you were placed. We are making a position for you. Be thankful.”
“I am.” Levona snagged her bag and stood, too.
I am! Pizi hopped up and down, flicking her tail.
Ava said, “I will lead you to your room so you may note where it is. The ag greenspace needs hands as soon as possible. Report to your supervisor for your duties and your schedule tomorrow morning at workbell.”
“Thank you.”
She reached her tiny room, put on a nightshirt and slid under the covers. Physically and emotionally weary, she wondered if she would fear falling asleep. If the drop into unconsciousness would remind her of her struggle in the tube and the testing that day. If nightmares would torture her. But she closed her eyes . . . and slid into sleep with her next warm breath.
A knock at her door awakened her, and the in-built clock on the closet wall at the end of her bed informed her that four hours had passed. Though the flat light and metal-tinged air provided no clues, it would be night outside. With a pang, she wondered