The Ashes of Worlds - Kevin J. Anderson [241]
“And where shall we plant the others?” Gale’nh asked.
Nira marked off spots, separated widely enough to give the growing trees room, but close enough for them to share their strength, where their roots could find each other and interconnect underground. “Someday there will be a fine grove here,” she said.
Bringing the worldforest mind to this place was her way of forgiving Dobro. The trees would grow tall and strong.
When they were done, they walked back to the landing field where the two cargo ships waited. Happy and relieved, Nira was ready to put her bad memories of this place behind her. Feeling a strong wash of love, she reached out to gather all five of her children in a fierce embrace.
This was the only memory she needed of Dobro.
* * *
169
Orli Covitz
Though she doubted DD could interpret subtle expressions despite his many years with humans, Orli did her best to keep the impish excitement from her face. She could barely hold back a grin as she used special cloths to scrub and polish the Friendly compy’s exterior.
“I have always done my best to maintain a clean appearance, Orli Covitz. However, I appreciate your attention to detail. My recent difficulties have left me somewhat worn and discolored.”
“I have a surprise for you, and I want you to look your best.”
“What is the surprise?”
“Now, DD, if I tell you, it’s not a surprise anymore.”
The little compy digested that. “By definition, you are correct.”
She glanced at the clock and quickly finished with a last wipe across the compy’s shoulders and the back of his head. “Time to go. Mr. Steinman has arranged transport for us.”
“You have made me very curious.”
“Good.”
DD followed Orli out of her apartment, still chattering. “I can experience curiosity, you know. My programming is very sophisticated.”
“I’m aware of that. You can experience lots of things that surprise me.”
Mr. Steinman had shaved, showered, put on clean clothes, and combed his wet gray hair behind his ears. He could have used a haircut, Orli thought, but she was pleased that he had taken the trouble to make himself presentable. He realized this was very important to her — and to DD. Mr. Steinman was even wearing cologne. Lots of it.
“Everything’s set,” he said. “Ready to go?”
“You look as excited as I am.”
The older man flushed. “Just doing it as a favor for you, kid.”
“Where are we going?” DD pressed.
“It’s a surprise,” the two of them answered in unison.
“Whom will we meet?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Will you answer any of my questions?”
“No.”
“Then shall I stop asking?”
“Yes.” The Friendly compy was as antsy as a child about to open a birthday present.
As they traveled across the city, Orli at last relented and offered a hint. “I did some research. You already know I couldn’t find my mother, but I did find someone — someone for you.”
“I do not want anyone else, Orli Covitz. Margaret Colicos told the two of us to stay together.”
“This is different. You’ll understand soon enough.”
They arrived at a modest house with beautiful flower boxes out front. Orli smiled at the brown shutters and shingle roof, the pale yellow siding, the welcoming walk that led up to a front door surrounded by potted plants.
DD kept up with Orli’s eager step as they passed blue-chip juniper shrubs on the way to the front door. Mr. Steinman followed a few steps behind them. As soon as Orli knocked, the door opened, and a striking old woman in a loose green dress answered it. She wore her pewter hair neatly pinned back, and a delicate gold bracelet encircled her left wrist. To Orli’s eyes, she seemed about the same age as Mr. Steinman.
After a second of awkward silence, the old woman asked in a breathy voice, “Is that DD? Is that really DD?”
The compy stepped forward. “Yes, I am DD. I am pleased to meet you.”
Orli thought she would burst with excitement. “DD, don’t you remember Dahlia Sweeney?”
“Dahlia? My first master?” The compy was actually taken aback.
The woman laughed. “That was fifty years ago. But I grew up and gave you to my own daughter . . . and she grew up, but decided