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Sorkana's Rise, Down Time By: Malissa Madison As D'ven stepped into the weyr from the ledge, Gayleth raised her head to look at him. 'She needs you Bronze Rider.' Reaching out he patted the Queens shoulder, "Thank you, Gayleth." He followed the trail of her clothing to her bathing pool. Along the way he picked up here Weyrhide Jacket and hung it on its peg. He recognized it as the one his mother, had made for her when she arrived at Landing Weyr. It was now a bit worn, the left elbow patched, the embroidery a bit faded, several stitches beginning to unravel. They had come a long way from the day Torrith had swooped down on her in that clearing above Ruatha. "Go ahead, tell me I'm being too sensitive," she said without turning toward him. "No, you're not. And I think the rest of the Weyr is now embarrassed that they ignored the problem," he finished stripping off his clothes and then slid in behind her. His lips kissing the top of her head, his arms hugging her tightly. "They are supposed to keep us aware of things that effect the Weyr." He could feel her body shaking. "I failed Ona, my Weyr," her tears were rolling down her cheeks. A sudden splash of water was quickly followed by Sorki hugging her. "Thank you, Momma." Another body slid into the water, "I think you fire stoned everyone." Leave it to N'rissa to lay it out there. "Come on little sister, let's get you all scrubbed up so Mom and Daddy can play." Ten minutes later Sorkana asked, "Why are we all in the bath in the middle of the afternoon?" but she was hugging her girls and her mate. She had to admit, she did feel better after the bath. 'Can you scrub me now?' asked Creadith. Together as a family, riders and dragons gathered at the warm side of the lake. Dozens of wild Fire Lizards flitted around helping in the process of the weekly Dragon baths. They were soon joined by others of the Weyr who needed to do the same. They watched and visited with the Weyrlings as half of them completed their every second day bath for their new dragons. The other half were already well into their daily oiling. Sorkana knew that the dragonettes would begin to slow down in their growth in about seven months, but they would still require daily oiling for about another year. This was one of those portions of Weyr life that Holders and Crafters seldom saw, those who did, only saw it a few times. They had no clue how much work went into caring for and maintaining healthy Dragons. They had started back toward their weyrs when Gayleth thought, 'Not smart, in front of the Weyr Leaders.' They turned just in time to see a gold body splash down in the middle of the bathing lake as Omath joined Delluth in the water. As the little Queen surfaced, Seelah was seen holding onto her left wing near the shoulder. D'ven was about to start berating the pair so she needed to do something fast. "Love, Gayleth and I, will handle this," she told him as Myth and Timia followed by Kath and Seka splashed down. "You know what this means?" he was on the edge of losing his temper. In his own time as a Weyrling, dragons were not taught to go between until they'd been flying almost a full turn. D'ven stood silent waiting to hear how she intended to discipline these young riders. She was looking around at the older riders, trying to figure out who the culprit might be. Who would be so irresponsible as to encourage? She stopped and spun to look at her own Dragon. "Gayleth, why?" she asked in confusion. 'They were born to jump between. Besides, remember how you felt at being restricted? Not even allowed to fly when we both knew that I could?' 'Gayleth, you should have asked me before teaching them,' she was losing her anger, melting at the soft adoring thoughts and the reminders from her dragon. 'Once their riders had a perfect picture I told them to wait until we had left,' the dragon paused. 'Besides you really cannot punish them for something you longed to do yourself. Wild dragons learn within a few seven days of being born and this is just like skipping ahead during thread fall.' How to argue with that fact? They were interrupted by the arrival of Weyr Woman Bethany from Igen Weyr. Riding in front of her was Olinda, the Second Woman of the Igen Lower Caverns. Pelloroth landed close to the little family, but the Igen Weyrs senior Queen was suddenly splashed as a Weyrling on a Blue cannonballed into the bathing lake just as R'dall her Weyr Leader arrived. They sat in the dining cavern. "D'ven, we had a meeting at Fort this morning," began R'dall. "The Weyrs here are over flying your dragons, I mean, you don't need to fly every Fall." "R'dall," Bethany got his attention. "Just give him the schedule that was drafted, I'm going with Sorkana while she sorts out her own problems while you go over the list." "List?" questioned Sorkana. "The Pern Weyrs have divided up the Fall schedule. We think part of our own problem is too many dragons in the sky, as well as tired dragons," Bethany stated. "Master Shozin is at the Harper Weyr with K'lar and Zinda explaining what they have found in the records," explained R'dall. "Your dragons are not getting enough rest between Falls, and we know it is causing injuries." "You've noticed I'm sure, that not all the wings from Pern have been here at the same time since the third Fall. We've been rotating them the way they did when Pern had a pass and it has actually cut our injuries dramatically," he continued. "With the current Fall predictions, you'll have twelve days before you need to fly the next one. But we need to meet with Dana about coverage for Ice Mountains area of responsibility. It really would be easier if she had a Weyr Leader to help." The Wing Leaders and Queen Riders began to snort in amusement. At their confused looks Sorkana stated, "Ballith rose this morning." "Bronze Mnerinth and Brown Morrilth flew her at the same time," finished D'ven. "T'ker and C'rril work really well together as Weyr Leaders with Dana." "Please tell me that T'ker is the Leading," started R'dall. "C'rril and T'ker are sharing the responsibilities equally. They get along just fine and the rest of the Weyr follows them as you should have noticed during the last fall," stated Sorkana. 'Master Nolly has requested a Weyr Leader meeting at Ice Mountain since Ballith is unable to go between until she clutches,' Gayleth informed them. 'Olinda, is being welcomed in the kitchen.' "Oh crap," Sorkana giggled. "I need to go introduce my kitchen and Weyr Folk to their new Head Woman." The only person not happy with Olinda's arrival was Gina. R'ta had turned the lower caverns over to her on a temporary basis, telling her that the decision was Sorkana's as to who would take over the job. Sorkana had simply been too busy to deal with the matter until the problems came to her notice. "Gina, you may stay here as Second if you wish, but you will not cause more problems. Or I can ask if one of the Holds would take you on as a head cook," stated Olinda. "Everyone agrees that you are at your best in the Kitchen." The three were in the Head Woman's office, Sorkana was only there to add her weight to Olinda's decisions. "But," Gina wasn't given a chance to finish. "These records since you took over are almost a disgrace as illegible as they are. The work assignments are not recorded or even properly handed out to those who need them. The only thing in the lower caverns that has been run properly is the Kitchen. Outside that it has been the Beast Master and the Weyr Harper who have tended to the records of the rest of the supplies, and the births and unions of Weyr folk." She reached out now and lifted Gina's face to look at her. She was a picture of seriousness, yet understanding as she said, "I can teach you to be a proper Head Woman, but to do that, you need to let go of your Prejudices. Can you do that for me?" Gina nodded meekly then raised her bare hands to wipe at her tears, for the first time Sorkana saw her without the soft fingerless glove that she always wore. Olinda gasped as she took hold of her right hand. She turned it to look closer at the mark between her thumb and forefinger as the girl's tears flowed more freely. It was the mark of the Igen Prison along with the mark of the kitchen, and there was no release mark to show that she had served her time. Now they understood why Gina felt strongly against those from Igen, she had been in the Igen Prison. She was unprepared for what happened next, as Olinda wrapped her arms around her. "Gina, were you released?" she was asked gently. "Th, they were looking for people to serve in the Weyrs here," her tears began to fall again. "The warden, he, he took me to the Watch Dragons rider and told him to add me to the groups that were to serve the Weyrs." "How long were you there and why?" Sorkana asked gently now. "Two turns I think." "Why were you there?" asked Olinda. "I got caught at a Gather," she lowered her eyes. "I tried to steal someone's purse. But I was hungry, trying to feed myself and my little sister," she began crying again, her left hand trying to rub away the mark on her right. Sorkana gently took hold of her hand now. "Is this why you always wear those gloves that have the fingers cut away? To hide this from everyone else?" she just nodded her head, afraid to answer out loud. She had no idea what might have happened to her sister in her absence. But she had heard that she had been taken to one of the Weyrs by a Rider. Speaking out loud now, Sorkana said, "Gayleth, I need Gandur and Master Thorne." To reassure Gina she said, "I think that our Beast Master has the means to change this mark into a thing of beauty that you can show off. And our Weyr Harper will record your new status in our records and ensure that you are no longer listed with the Igen Prison." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "If you would permit me," smiled Harper Gandur after examining the mark. "I could turn this into a spoon and add a ladle, or I could cover it with a Fellis Blossom." He actually had more experience with tattoos. "Gina, you know the formulas for Fellis and Numb Weed, as well the recipes of the Kitchen, do you not?" asked Olinda. "Y, yes," she was almost frightened to believe her future was changing. Especially after Gandur informed her that he would initiate an official search for her sister. Olinda turned to show her right shoulder as she bared it. "Can you copy this one Gandur?" on her shoulder was a Fellis Blossom atop a Ladle and a Quill. "We will leave off the Quill for now until I have taught her to keep records as my second." It was very hard to see, but under the blossom was the mark of the Crom Prison. Cupping Gina's chin, Olinda looked her in the eyes, "You see, I do understand more than you might think." "B, but they only mark men on," Gandur stopped. "I was fourteen turns when I got caught stealing. I was also very confused as to who I was," she said. "The head woman in charge of the prisons kitchen saw my size and added me to her staff. Then she intervened when I was caught steeling Femweed from the stores." Sorkana had known that Olinda was Transgendered, but hadn't known her full history. She had met and liked the Transwoman when she and D'ven had flown there as she was being taught the standard recognition points for going between. N'mel on Blue Erlith had accompanied R'dall to find D'ven and the meeting was going to his liking. While the Weyr proper was the Weyr Woman's domain, the assignment of Dragons and riders was the Weyr Leaders. D'ven had sent for B'nard and D'ross to join them. While he didn't want to lose the young Blue and his Rider, he knew that N'mel was every bit as capable. Besides, both young riders were still learning and deserved a chance to experience life at another Weyr. And Western really did need Olinda as Head Woman, and she was involved with N'mel. Skorth, while being four turns was one of their fastest Blues, and D'ross could easily become a Wing Leader if he was riding a Bronze or even a Brown. He was one of the best coordinators during resupply of the Wings during Thread Fall. On the other Hand, N'mel and Erlith were just as good. They had scored a lot of points against us in Dragon Ball when we were still at Landing. In the end, it boiled down to what was best for the Weyrs. They still had a few expected overnight guests due to arrive for the upcoming meeting at Ice Mountain. Cassia and Faynella arrived and Sorkana was watching for Zinda, was she running late? 'Sorkana, she is at Eastern visiting with Tiva,' Gayleth informed her. 'Oh,' she felt almost disappointed. 'She is her mother, and soon to be a grandmother.' 'Tiva is pregnant?' Sorkana asked. 'And restricted to the Weyr and its Holds.' She suddenly realized that Tiva, who was like a sister to her would not be at the Weyr Conference. All through dinner, she tried to coax information from her fellow Weyr Women. But no one was giving her a hint. She could only hope that D'ven was having more luck, he was certainly plying the Weyr Leaders with enough of our good Benden Red. Olinda had jumped right in, she had things running smoothly, even Gina was more pleasant to be around. But it was later as she finally went to bed that she asked D'ven what he had found out. "The next Fall is going to be Ice Mountains responsibility. But Da, K'lar and the other Pern Leaders have that covered with support wings. G'vin is going to stay close to T'ker and C'rril in case they need help coordinating the Wings. But there will be three full Flights of Dragons plus one in reserve if needed." D'ven hid his smile, it had been a long time since he last slipped and called his father Dad. He was glad he caught himself this time before Sorkana realized it. She had to admit, she felt better knowing how much coverage Dana would have. Then a stray thought hit her. "D'ven?" she pressed my bare breasts to the middle of his chest, rubbing her nose just under his ear. "Why did you almost call K'lar 'Dad'?" she expressed a wild guess. "Because he is, Mine and L'mar's," he answered, realizing that she had caught it after all. "But not Tiva's." she was certain of it. "No, her father was V'nder the Weyrling Master at Fort." It was matter of fact, but she could still sense that he felt she was like a sister. Now she understood even more how K'lar could be so proud of us for founding the Weyrs here. She drifted off to sleep thinking about all this new-found information about her mate and her best friends. So, it was almost strange to wake up to humming before first light. Humming! "Anya is in labor," she shook D'ven awake. There were thousands of Fire Lizards and dozens of Wild Dragons around the Weyr. Every dragon assigned here was sitting on their weyr ledge crooning encouragement. N'ron was pacing, already a path was trampled out in the early morning frost that covered the ledge. It was nearly time to leave for the conference before Gwendell and Wendell were born. N'ron strutted like the proud father that he was, it had been a surprise that Anya was carrying twins. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FSP Nacona; The ships teacher was busy going over the assignments of the crews' children on board. Coming to Nelly Voris' research paper she sat up straighter, this was a hundred percent improvement since her mother had passed away. Maybe she was finally coming to terms with her mother's death so shortly after she started her transition. Out of curiosity she looked at what she was currently researching, there were several Fire Lizards roosting on the divider screens around her cubical. Now she used her mirror imaging program to look at what Nelly was seeing. She was studying the Feline Predators, not unusual for a Zoological Student. Catherine 'Cat' Voris was a single mother, and a Sergeant in the Space Marines. She'd come aboard Nacona with her child and a Tabby cat that was always in the crawl spaces hunting Space Voles. But one cat was no where near enough to keep the vermin under control. The Captain and Lt Hershey had known the girls father, a Security officer on the Space Station where they had lived before being assigned to the Nacona. As the pictures of the Cheetahs popped up the Fire Lizards seemed to become excited. Nelly was so deep in her research that she missed the lunch chimes. Deborah gathered a few notes and turned toward Nelly's cubical to find it empty. When she got to the cafeteria, Nelly was in front of the other children. 'There must be another shortcut we haven't discovered yet,' she thought. 'Well, at least she learned a few tricks from the old Tabby before she died of old age. Poor kid has lost everything she ever loved, maybe she can impress a Fire Lizard.' ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ice Mountain, late afternoon; T'ker and C'rril were happy, the two seemed like equal halves of a whole. They worked well together and had done much to improve their Weyr along with Dana, their Weyr Woman and mate. They even finished each other's sentences. "T'ker, C'rril," began K'lar, the chosen Leader to represent the Pern Weyrs. "This is your Fall to Lead, the two of you together decide which wings fly where. But remember, if you want or need advice, all the other Weyr Leaders are at your disposal." T'ker felt light headed, he realized he was, no C'rril was the youngest Weyr Leader in history, but he was only a half turn ahead of her. O'dan saw the look on his sons face, then the look on C'rril's face. He remembered his own doubts when he first became Weyr Leader at twenty- seven turns. He was about to give them his encouragement when Z'kiel stood up and clapped them both on the shoulder. "A fine day this is for both Pern and Between. Sean and Sorka were your ages when they first became Weyr Leaders," he reminded everyone. "And they didn't have the benefit of training before hand or hundreds of turns worth of knowledge and experiences recorded by their predecessors." "Who were they?" C'rril asked T'ker in a whisper. "Were they important?" but it was Morrilth who answered. 'They were the first Weyr Leaders, they impressed in the first hatching.' "And to think they only had seventeen dragons to start with," added Sorkana. "Seven males, a mix of Bronze and Browns, and ten Queens is what they started with. And they had to figure everything out for themselves." "I'm just happy that we have the support we do," added Dana. "I doubt we could have survived if you all hadn't shown up when you did." At the time of the first Fall, the oldest wild rider was forty-nine, and knew nothing of fire stone. The older riders had sacrificed themselves and their dragons to save the younger riders, children and people living outside the Weyr. The leaders from the three Pern Weyrs that were to fly in support of Ice Mountain agreed to bring their Wing Leaders the next day for a meeting. The wings would follow the evening before the Fall. 'D'ross,' Mredorth got his attention. 'Gayleth asks that you gather our candidates and bring them quickly. There is a hatching soon.' He saw the look in Bethany's eyes, Sherveth was telling her the same thing. Then he noticed C'rril and Dana ushering the older Weyr teens who had no dragons toward the riders of C'rril's wing. It wasn't a queen that belonged to a Weyr, his dragon would know. "B'nard was flying a sweep way to the south," stated D'ven. "He spotted the gathering of wild dragons. Then the flights of Fire Lizards. I told him to keep watch, it's a hatching," several heads turned hearing the words. Already Sherveth had alerted Igen Weyr, riders were gathering possible candidates. Dragons, were launching ready to go between. Gayleth took the image from N'rissa and Garth who were flying as his Wing Rider and shared it with the other Queens. It was a huge box canyon about five Kilometers long facing south, barren scrub all around. To the north it was backed by high mountains, many valleys and streams, good ground for mountain beasts and mountain crops. About ten kilometers to the south the narrow end of the canyon let out into an arid dry landscape of low hills. Beyond that was sand that ran all the way to the sea. The cliffs and ledges of the big box canyon were already heavily occupied by wild dragons and fire lizards when the first group arrived. It was easy to spot the cave entrance, it was ringed by Browns. The group of riders from Ice Mountain were the first to arrive, but Igen was only moments behind them. As dragons landed, the candidates jumped to the ground running for the entrance. The crooning was so loud it echoed through the mountains and valleys. Nellina hurried, her eyes downcast as she passed between the big Browns at the entrance. At sixteen, she had been raised as a Weyr Fosterling at Igen. She only hoped her mother would hear soon that she was here. Ista, was located on an island, and she had been fostered first to Southern, and then to Igen. When J'ntae urged her to hurry as she climbed atop Bronze Lioveth, she had images of the two of them flying off together to live as a couple. Especially since she'd not impressed at any of the last three hatchings. But there was something about this one, she felt a pull, stronger than she had ever felt before. She'd been mad at J'ntae when they first arrived from between among dozens of Bronze dragons and she first spotted the gathered dragons. But when Lioveth had landed something grabbed at her heart and wouldn't let go. She was only slightly aware that not all the candidates were being allowed past those big Browns. Still, others were following, just like there were others ahead of her. It was a race, but not between candidates. No, this race was against both time and instinct. But she was needed, Baynath needed her, and nothing would stop her. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In the sky, Annisteth bespoke her rider. 'She is here, she is called to,' Faynella heard. There could only be one candidate that her Queen would recognize before they were bonded. 'Tell R'tam that our daughter is here,' she instructed her Queen. Below, Riders were being allowed to enter, the small handful of those blocked by the browns were being gathered to one side as more wilds began arriving, each carrying a fresh kill to feed the hatchlings. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nellina pulled up short, a group of young candidates were desperately trying to attract a pair of hatchlings. Others were already stumbling toward the entrance as more candidates arrived. Riders were stepping forward to help guide the newly bonded pairs outside to those busy butchering the fresh killed offerings. She heard someone behind her say, "Its her." But she knew that they were speaking of the Queen hovering over the hatching eggs. One egg was by itself, a gold egg, and it was calling to her. The shell was spider webbed with cracks, and rocking. Rushing forward, three other candidates were with her. Lowering her head, the queen hissed her warning, the others turned away toward the rest of the clutch. But Nellina stood her ground, nose to nose with the queen. She swayed to the left and the head followed to block, she swayed to the right and it followed, always Nellina moved closer, and closer. The egg was cracking open, the hatchling struggling to get free of the shell, but the Queens body was blocking her. Faynella gasped seeing her daughter lay her hand on the guarding queen's nose and push. "Out of my way now. She will be mine if I have to fight you for her," she cried out. The neck bowed as the queen drew her head back, her jaws working as she considered this upstart of a girl who sought to impress her Queenling. "Baynath needs me as much as I need her," the wings spread out, her tail vibrated against the sand. Slowly the queen rose up, her head easing forward, then inches away the queen nodded and withdrew. "Thank you Shebeth, I will take good care of her," she rushed forward to greet Baynath, to guide her to the waiting food. "So, this is where they came from," she heard J'nar comment. "And no one believed me that Harteth mated with a pair of wilds." J'nar was a young rider from Eastern, and he had told a tale about his dragon mating with a pair of wild queens. Now everyone was looking beyond Shebeth at the second hatching clutch and the girl who was leading away the prize. Dorty, had come to help at the Weyr meeting, and in the rush had been dragged aboard a dragon by a rider from Ista who had carried her along. Now Faynella knew it was premonition that the dragons had insisted Dorty come along. Dorty was twelve turns, she would be fifteen by the time her queen, Zenith, was ready to rise. Corrisanth and Shebeth sought out Harteth where their hatchlings were outside feeding. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Finally, all the hatchlings had been impressed, fed and were sleeping. It was clear that they would be here a while. Sorkana was looking at the high sheer cliffs, higher than any normal box canyon. There were ledges and a good, number of smaller caves already. And there was a ready source of fresh water cascading from a waterfall about three fourths of the way up on the western side. But she was shocked when Dana asked Nellina, "So what are you going to call your Weyr?" "My Weyr?" "Baynath was the first Queen hatched, it is your Weyr to name," answered Dana. "This isn't a Weyr, it's a Box Canyon," stated Nellina. "Sorkana, may I?" interrupted Faynella. With an amused smile, Sorkana replied, "Certainly, and if you need our help, just call." Then she kissed Nellina's cheek, "Be a good Weyr Woman and listen to your mother." "J'nar, Tiva, Master Nolly, if you would join me please," requested Sorkana. Of course, every Weyr Woman and Weyr Leader present had to gather around and listen to the impromptu meeting. "I'm thinking this is a good place for another Weyr," she began. "Of course, it will need a lot of improvements, but the overall structure and high cliffs are sound." M'gon had been on her little radio talking with the shuttle crew, who were using the overhead satellites. "That entire range, is the result of volcanic eruptions," reported the science officer. "I'm looking at the sub-thermal images. If you ask me, that canyon was the undersea cone that rose up about five thousand years ago, and then the sand and everything else just settled in the low spots. We've got good subterranean images of several hidden cave networks that link in with all those that you can see from the outside." "That's going to be good to know," commented V'gil next to her. "I don't suppose you could scan for Fire Stone with those things?" "Hey, we'll print out some survey maps. I'm seeing several huge deposits of both kinds. The kind you riders like and the yellow stuff no one likes," he reported. "In fact, about sixty kilometers to the west there is a surface deposit that looks like a recent excavation. Like maybe dragons were digging it out." M'gon transferred the images to her tablet then after converting it to a hologram, showed them to V'gil. She tapped for a thermal image and suddenly there were hundreds of tiny specks all around. As they watched, Fire Lizards flitted in, picked up smaller chunks and disappeared between. "Lomanith, we need the Weyr Leaders," she informed her dragon. Then she returned the view to a normal image and froze it before fixing the image in her mind. 'I can go there,' Lomanith informed her. "Is that?" began Z'kiel. "Fire Stone, the good stuff," confirmed V'gil. "If we could get workers in there right away we won't need to bring so much the day after tomorrow," commented K'lar. "Can we even find enough people willing to dig it out in time?" asked L'mar. "There are the Holdless Camps in Bitra, and more around High Reaches," "Don't forget Benden and Fort," added those Weyr Leaders. "Can we get them to relocate without their families coming in the first wave, but later after they have shelters for them?" "We can if we provide protection from the Weyrs that will bring them," stated Cassia. "I think the older Weyrlings, will be willing to help too. They can sack it up ready to hand off to the resupply dragons," put in Sorkana. Already, Queens were contacting the wings of Pern. The Holdless were being offered opportunities to hold in new areas where they had a ready, made industry. Riders were being assigned to ensure the safety of both those coming to Between and those left behind, who would be coming after the next Fall was over. Riders were being dispatched to each of the newly spotted locations. At each one they found signs that Fire Lizards had been there digging out the smaller stones. At one sight they even watched as wild fire lizards dug around the bigger chunks in the cliff face until they fell to shatter into smaller pieces at the base. After each one, hundreds would descend to carry away the smaller pieces. Those too big to carry away now littered the base of the cliff, ready to be sacked or further broken down to dragon size chunks. "You know, the mine near Ice Mountain has reported that each evening at sunset, hundreds of Fire Lizards carry away the smaller pieces," stated N'rissa. "Can we ensure that the new workers set that aside for them here too?" "Absolutely," chimed in every Rider present. Night had fallen, and more Weyr Folk had been brought in to begin the task of turning Box Canyon into a proper Weyr. They had several herd beasts roasting on hastily prepared spits outside of a large ground level cavern. "J'nar," Tiva was elected to broach the subject. "We want you to stay on here as the Weyr Leader until the first mating flight. The Weyr Council is in full support of you bringing your Wing here with you, and J'ntae is staying as well." "Can I choose who I want to be Head Woman?" he asked. Then saw that their dragons had read it from his thoughts. "Gina is Dorty's older half- sister. They were close before their mother died," he nodded to where the two were sitting together. It became obvious seeing them, and Olinda was promising to make trips to continue teaching Gina the things she would need to know. 'We have visitors,' came the thoughts into everyone's mind from the dragons. 'There are wolves with them,' confirmed Gayleth. 'They are hungry because we dragons have scared off the wild prey to collect food for the hatchlings.' Looking around, it was easy to spot the new comers. But the Wolves were staying hidden in the forest growing inside the opening of the canyon. "I've seen that one at the Harper Weyr before," stated R'ta as she began moving toward the young boy. He was maybe twelve or thirteen turns, long brown hair, a dirty face and hands. From the fringes of firelight two young girls watched those around him. And then from nowhere, "Jaysun," cried Shadow as she jumped forward. Suddenly, five wolves were ringed around them. "Tell them not to hurt anyone." Jaysun growled low and menacing. "Why are you with these Dragon People? Where are Cloud and the rest of your pack?" "Cloud and the rest are gone Jaysun. The stuff that falls from the sky ate them," tears began to flow down her cheeks. "Her and the Wanderers we were guiding. And then, then M, M'gon saw me and I was saved." 'Shells, these people can jump between just like Shadow,' realized Sorkana. 'And those must be descendants of the Tubberman wolves.' "Then you should have come home," Jaysun sounded upset. "You could have bonded with another Alpha to protect you." "The den had been moved," she sniffled in response. The big Alpha Female turned her head to make eye contact with Sorkana. 'You know of our ancestors, woman of the dragon people? Have you come to hunt us as those who flew the machines?' she projected images of people on the flying sleds. 'Careful, she is the pack leader,' warned Gayleth. 'There are two females with hungry pups. They need food if the pups are to survive.' 'Tell D'ven to bring two of the uncooked herd beasts, we should be allies with these wolves,' she requested of Gayleth. 'They are like the Fire Lizards, they impress at birth.' She made sure that the other Weyr Leaders were receiving her conversation, and that the Alpha female was too. As D'ven and a group of riders dragged two of the carcasses over to her, Sorkana asked, 'Do you know the Western Weyr?" and she projected images of it. 'I know it but there are Ligons in that area. And in the past, those who came there before you hunted us.' She saw images of the riders of the lost wing. 'Then we can meet somewhere that you feel safe. Would you let Shadow bring us to you?' 'We would meet with you and the woman Dana who lives in Snow's territory. I will ask Snow if she will meet with us,' as she spoke the image of an Arctic Wolf popped into Sorkana's head. 'Our kinds should work together as Equals. As our dragons are equals with us.' Slowly the wolves moved to the two offerings and began to drag them toward the mouth of the canyon, then suddenly they were gone. "Shadow, we will be in touch," stated the boy as he stepped forward and followed the wolves between. Sorkana slowly took in the stunned faces all around her. "No one, and I mean 'NO ONE' hunts wolves anymore," she declared. "Send a Rider to each hold and tell them of this truce. They are to let the wolves be. Then she turned to where M'gon was gently questioning Shadow. "No, not everyone can jump between like me and those you just met. But they are all bonded with at least one Wolf that can," she finally confided. "But they are always moving about because of the Ligons and Pytho's. Only about half the wolves can go between, Cloud was the only one in my pack besides me who could." She was crying quietly, now Sorkana understood fully what had happened, why she was fighting so hard to hide it all. The Ligons had attacked and being the only two who could jump between, the others had been killed. Cloud had died trying to save the two who had survived the attack, when they'd been caught out in the first Fall. She had been depressed, suffering from her loss and just wandering, when M'gon had spotted her. She had been, in her depression, unable to jump to save even herself. It had been the love of M'gon and those around her. The little Fire Lizard Queen, Gabby, who had been attracted to her in her despair that had convinced her that she could have a new life to look forward too. It had been Gabby that had first led her to the hatching grounds, encouraging her to jump there each morning when the rest of the Weyr was asleep, telling her the Dragons were like the Wolves and Fire Lizards. Darlith herself had been keeping the secrets that this girl could jump between like a dragon. As they arrived back at Western near dawn she felt the tension, then Gayleth bespoke Torrith. "You will not join the flight." "Amorroth is blooding her kill," she called out as more Bronzes arrived, hovering only long enough to let their riders slide to the ground before launching to the heights. The wild Queen had already killed two beasts, ripping out their throats and slurping at the hot blood. When she finally roared and launched herself into the sky, the Bronzes and Browns were like a swarm chasing after her. She was nearly caught several times, and though they were out of sight, she could still see in her mind's eye when a Bronze finally caught her. The two entwined together as they spread their wings to break the fall. Young single women flocked to his rider to fill the void left by the riderless queen. And then it happened, shock and horror filled every heart for several long beats as the pair went between. Zofia of Telgar was the first to recover. "They are at Telgar," she blurted out. "Shecarth guided the jump." G'trel the Weyr Leader was already trying to urge H'mon his rider to bring the girl with him. "Can, can I really follow, can I go to care for Amorroth?" Lorina asked H'mon. "Did you connect with her during the flight?" asked Zinda. "It was the most amazing thing I have ever felt in my life," the girl answered with dreamy eyes. Sorkana was happy for Zofia, Telgar only had three Queens, and had not had a Queen egg in the last five clutches. Now they had a younger Queen, and this would be her first clutch. It slowly sank in all around her, this was another first. Always before if the pair went between during a mating flight, the rest of the dragons mourned their loss. None of the dragons were mourning this time, and the Telgar Dragons seemed to puff up proud of the fact they now had a new, young Queen. Lorina was to transfer to Telgar, and she climbed up in front of Zofia on Silth, H'mon was riding with G'trel. They wanted the pair at Telgar before the dragons could come looking for them. For a day that started as one of relaxed conferences, today had been filled with such excitement. A double hatching, a new Weyr, new Fire Stone mines, the Wolves and their bond mates, and now the first Wild Dragon to join a Pern Weyr. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Keshee, scented her long before she saw the girl. She was pale her breathing feint but steady, but there were Jacks moving in. They weren't like those from the old earth, not even close in resemblance. But they served the same purpose in the ecological scheme, they were omnivorous scavengers, but if hungry enough, they would attack in a large group. Throwing her head back she let out a squall to alert the rest of those in the low hills. Bayshee was the first to respond, together they began dragging the girl toward the dens, away from the watering hole at the edge of the open desert. The Jacks were coming fast, trying to over power the pair before more of the spotted cats could arrived. They were stealing their prey. Noshee led the defensive attack as cheetahs streamed in from every direction. His mates continued to drag the girl away as the family groups fought toward the protection of the dens. It wasn't much of a fight; the Jacks turned tail and ran leaving a large number of their injured or dead. One thing about true predators, they didn't eat scavengers or other predators. Nor did they allow suffering of their prey. Now, Keshee sat tending the unconscious human. Her large wet tongue washing the exposed surfaces as she checked her for injuries. Where had she come from? How had she gotten to the watering hole where Keshee enjoyed laying in the sun? 'Will she wake up?' asked Bayshee. 'Was she bitten by one of the Sand Snakes?' 'What have you found Keshee?' asked the old Queen Cheetah. Dorshee was the oldest living Cheetah, Queen of this Pride of Families. Her eyes were glazed with age, her spots faded, and her teeth dulled. She walked with a limp from an old hunting injury, most injuries during a hunt were serious and could kill a Cheetah. If they survived, they were left crippled as Dorshee was. Her right foreleg had been broken and healed wrong. She'd been lucky that she'd not broken her back. 'A Human, but I do not know where she came from or how she reached the Water hole. She left no trail,' answered Keshee. The kittens were curious, growing braver and nudging her with their little noses or reaching out to pat her with a paw. Suddenly the girl moved, her eyes flashing open wide. The kittens jumped back near the protection of their mothers. 'Beautiful,' she thought of the sunlight filtering through the trees. Then spotted the matriarch, 'Very powerful and wise that one is.' 'So, you can speak with your mind little human. Why are you here?' asked Dorshee. 'I, I came to find you, to live with you,' she answered. 'Your kind do not live among the Cheetah's, they only hunt us for our fur and to steel the wild beasts that we hunt for food.' 'Not me, I love cats, and Cheetahs have been my most favorite.' 'How are you called little human? I am Dorshee, the Clan Mother.' 'Oh, umm, my name is Ne, Ne,' answered the girl the girl trying to remember. "Keshee found you, how did you get here?' asked Dorshee. "Oh,' she giggled finally remembering. 'Please don't freak out, ok?" she took a deep breath, 'I jumped like this.' Suddenly she was standing beside the old Cheetah. 'Will you stand with us when your family comes for you? Or will you leave?' 'I have no family; my parents are dead. But my people do not know that I can jump like the Dragons and Fire Lizards. They are all on a ship out in space, far, far away from here beyond the stars,' she pointed up to the sky. 'Keshee, you found her; Nelshee is your responsibility now to teach our ways as your, kitten. She needs water and food, then we will talk more.' The old cat turned and limped back into the den. She had gleaned much from the girls open mind. 'I found this near where Keshee found you,' Noshee dropped a large backpack at her feet. 'Thank you Noshee. I'll probably need this stuff to be able to live here with you.' She started rummaging in the pack and came out with her tablet. The solar dot pulsing as it began the task of recharging the device. Next, she took out a canteen and took a drink of water before opening a Vegemite Nutrition bar, which she shared small portions of with the cats around her. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FSP Nacona; The Engineering and Security details had scoured the ship finding many new crawl spaces besides those used for maintenance. In one such space they found a hermetically sealed bag containing the remains of the old cat that had belonged to the girl's family and been the largest help in containing the Space Vole population. It was in a crate upon which had been erected, a shrine of remembrance along with pictures of her mother and father. Only two people aboard the ship remembered her father, Gunnery Sergeant Neil Voris. He had been in charge of the Stations Defense Batteries and killed when a Colony Supply Ship had run into the pilon extension he was using as a maintenance training station. The old cat had apparently died of old age just prior to the girl's mother's death. On her hands and knees in the maintenance tunnel, Star peered into the little space. "No don't disturb the shrine," she ordered. "If there is one such place like this one, you can count on there being more. Find them Chief Lucky, her safety is our responsibility," she used the Engineering Chief's nickname. The bagged-up trash from the combat rations made her smile, the kid definitely had survival skills, but how had she gotten into the rations that were stored in the sealed hold next to the weapons vault? She knew they would place detectors in each of the spaces they found to alert them when the girl used them. "Chief? Let me know when she is located, but don't disturb her. I think she just needs time to herself." Star had tried asking the Fire Lizards, but all she got were confusing images. Cheetahs, a river delta at the edge of desert hills. It made no sense to her, there was no way the Fire Lizards could carry anyone between, could they?