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MIRA

According to farcast bulletins, the Dowl res station is still open. Do you wish to shift directly there, Mira?

Si. This time it was she and Nova who replied simultaneously. Nova’s response was less a formed thought, more a sense of agreement.

It is probably best, Insignia conceded. Many of the stations are disabled, or in the process of disabling. We may be caught somewhere we have no wish to be. There is news of Post-Species presence in Mintaka. And there is something else.

Si?

The relevance of this information is dubious, but it has been reported that the Sole Entity has disappeared.

Mira found herself unexpectedly disturbed by the news. Marchella Pellegrini – Trin’s rebel aunt – had wanted Mira to become a tyro to the Entity, had seen it as a way to help the women of Araldis escape their repression by learning how to reverse the Latino male control over fertility. To that end, Mira had harboured a wish to secure a place of study among the brightest minds in the galaxy. And now it was too late.

But what had it all been for? she wondered. Why did the Entity make contact with us? And what had it gained, or lost, that it chose to leave now?

Mira wasn’t even sure why she thought it looked to gain anything. Perhaps Josef Rasterovich’s conversations with Rast Randall had influenced her thinking.

That thought brought back sharp memories of the pair. Were they alive? Insignia had abandoned them aboard the Post-Species ship which had left Extro space along with the Geni-carriers.

I have set shift. Insignia interrupted her musings. Now tell me, how do we ensure our safety?

You said that you had a history of trade with the Post-Species.

Yes. That is so. They trust us in that capacity. But we have nothing to trade.

Tell them we have one of their own. One who is ailing, and requires Non-Corporeal healing. Mira pondered for several moments. And I want you to broadcast our signature as we shift.

A full identity ’cast?

Perhaps the survivors will hear.

They are on the run.

It is still possible, thought Mira, stubbornly.

And if they do?

I would give them hope.

This is a foolish notion, Mira. Have the pregnancy changes within your body affected your mind? Even more?

Insignia left the latter part unsaid, but implicit.

Mira refused to let the biozoon’s opinion discourage her. I survived outside the Hub in the Bare World. I was there, in a place you could reach me, when you came.

But we have a telepathic bond. It’s quite different.

Vito is down there. And the korm. And Cass Mulravey. I will find them. Her stubbornness rose again.

Those names mean little to me.

Mira flinched at Insignia’s deliberate provocation.

Then an infusion of warmth started in Mira’s head and flowed through her body, easing the tension between them. A sensation that didn’t come from the biozoon.

Nova?

She could hear Insignia talking to her child. The one-sidedness of the conversation – Insignia’s side – made it hard to follow, but it seemed that Nova was mediating their argument in some way.

Mira sent a wistful thought to her child. Why can’t you talk to me?

Can – Mira. Take – time – you. Biozoon – simple.

Nova!

Will – better.

Mira dwelt in a moment of sheer pleasure. She and her child could communicate telepathically. It was something that she’d never anticipated. Nova, please, call me Mama.

Mama. Nova repeated the thought.

A swell of something powerful swept through Mira. I would prefer it – for a while, at least.

Si – Mama.

Insignia joined their conversation. We will shift soon. Are you ready, Mira? Whatever happens once we are there, Nova’s safety is my priority.

On some level Mira found herself smiling. Insignia could be stubborn and sometimes omitted information, but she never flinched from stating the truth. Never.

Never, what? Insignia asked.

Nothing. I am ready. Nova’s safety comes first, but I will decide my own actions.

The biozoon’s resignation to the latter notion was palpable.

As the colours and layers of shift vibration began to engulf