“Go for it,” I said.
“What?” She sounded surprised.
“Go for it, if you like him. I may have to be alone until Helena is revived at our final destination, but you dont have to be. Even if they do give us a new ship, itll surely be a few weeks before they can transfer the cryochambers.”
Ling rolled her eyes.
Bokket was right: the Sororian media seemed quite enamored with Ling and me, and not just because of our exotic appearance — my white skin and blue eyes; her dark skin and epicanthic folds; our two strange accents, both so different from the way people of the thirty-third century spoke. They also seemed to be fascinated by, well, by the pioneer spirit.
When the quarantine was over, we did go down to the planet. The temperature was perhaps a little cooler than Id have liked, and the air a bit moister — but humans adapt, of course. The architecture in Sorors capital city of Pax was surprisingly ornate, with lots of domed roofs and intricate carvings. The term “capital city” was an anachronism, though; government was completely decentralized, with all major decisions done by plebiscite — including the decision about whether or not to give us another ship.
Bokket, Ling, and I were in the central square of Pax, along with Kari Deetal, Sorors president, waiting for the results of the vote to be announced. Media representatives from all over the Tau Ceti system were present, as well as one from Earth, whose stories were always read 11.9 years after he filed them. Also on hand were perhaps a thousand spectators.
“My friends,” said Deetal, to the crowd, spreading her arms, “you have all voted, and now let us share in the results.” She tipped her head slightly, and a moment later people in the crowd started clapping and cheering.
Ling and I turned to Bokket, who was beaming. “What is it?” said Ling. “What decision did they make?”
Bokket looked surprised. “Oh, sorry. I forgot you dont have web implants. Youre going to get your ship.”
Ling closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. My heart was pounding.
President Deetal gestured toward us. “Dr. MacGregor, Dr. Woo — would you say a few words?”
We glanced at each other then stood up. “Thank you,” I said looking out at everyone.
Ling nodded in agreement. “Thank you very much.”
A reporter called out a question. “What are you going to call your new ship?”
Ling frowned; I pursed my lips. And then I said, “What else? The
The crowd erupted again.
Finally, the fateful day came. Our official boarding of our new starship — the one that would be covered by all the media — wouldnt happen for another four hours, but Ling and I were nonetheless heading toward the airlock that joined the ship to the stations outer rim. She wanted to look things over once more, and I wanted to spend a little time just sitting next to Helenas cryochamber, communing with her.
And, as we walked, Bokket came running along the curving floor toward us.
“Ling,” he said, catching his breath. “Toby.”
I nodded a greeting. Ling looked slightly uncomfortable; she and Bokket had grown close during the last few weeks, but theyd also had their time alone last night to say their goodbyes. I dont think shed expected to see him again before we left.
“Im sorry to bother you two,” he said. “I know youre both busy, but…” He seemed quite nervous.
“Yes?” I said.
He looked at me, then at Ling. “Do you have room for another passenger?”
Ling smiled. “We dont have passengers. Were colonists.”
“Sorry,” said Bokket, smiling back at her. “Do you have room for another colonist?”
“Well, there
“Why not?” I said, shrugging.
“Its going to be hard work, you know,” said Ling, turning back to Bokket. “Wherever we end up, its going to be rough.”
Bokket nodded. “I know. And I want to be part of it.”
Ling knew she didnt have to be coy around me. “That would be wonderful,” she said. “But — but why?”
Bokket reached out tentatively, and found Lings hand. He squeezed it gently, and she squeezed back.
“Youre one reason,” he said.
“Got a thing for older women, eh?” said Ling. I smiled at that.
Bokket laughed. “I guess.”
“You said I was one reason,” said Ling.
He nodded. “The other reason is — well, its this: I dont want to stand on the shoulders of giants.” He paused, then lifted his own shoulders a little, as if acknowledging that he was giving voice to the sort of thought rarely spoken aloud. “I want to
They continued to hold hands as we walked down the space stations long corridor, heading toward the sleek and graceful ship that would take us to our new home.
