The Altian Plague - DM Arnold (reading tree .txt) 📗

started teaching Andra how to swim, and Senta wanted to learn how, too.”

“Senta is learning to swim?”

“Yes. They're both frustrated -- they don't understand how something is so easy for me but difficult for them. I explained it was hard for me at first, too. My lecture students wanted to see your Chancellor's Medallion. I brought it with me to show them -- I hope you don't mind.”

“Not at all.”

“It started a discussion of the virus incident, which led me to talk about Earth terrorism. I tried to explain, in my halting Lingwa, it was a terrorist act that brought me here. Afterward, one of them approached me -- this petite, shy girl who's been sitting in the front row. She hugged me and said I was proof that, out of terrible evil, something good can result.”

“Yes,” he replied. “Out of the attack on Lexal, good resulted -- detente between two arch- rival colonies. I'll admit, though -- it's been hard for me to perceive much else good coming from the Trade Center attack. New York is slowly becoming normal again, however.”

“How's Nicky doing?”

“He's learned how to walk.” Nyk brushed a tear from his face. “While I was gone, Nicky learned to walk. I missed it. He took his first step and I missed it. When I left he could stand and cruise around a piece of furniture. Now, he's walking -- he's running -- and I missed it.”

“Well -- that means you and Mom will have to be on your toes, now.”

“Yes -- I suppose we will.”

Imprint

Publication Date: 07-08-2015

All Rights Reserved