Gingerbread Wolves by Misha Burnett

Author:Misha Burnett [Burnett, Misha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-06-19T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“but they are not our kind we are the desert people”

Ex gestured to the Necroid at the sound system and the music was cut off. The room grew quiet.

“Well...” Ex began and then trailed off.

Precious spoke up. "Sir, I believe that the proper etiquette at this point is to declare that they are fools and to announce your intention to crush them all."

There was a low buzz of laughter.

"That seems a little excessive,” Ex objected.

"It is the traditional opening, Sir,” Precious insisted. “My understanding is that it is a metaphoric challenge."

Ex gave Precious a sideways glance that he held for just long enough for the chuckles to start up again. "So I am not obligated to literally crush anyone?"

"Not as such, Sir.” Precious agreed in perfect deadpan. “Simply filling them with abject dread of your hideous power should be sufficient."

"If you say so,” Ex said, sounding uncertain. Turning back to the crowd he struck a theatrical pose and intoned, “Fools! I will crush them all!"

"Very good, Sir.” Precious said and added, “Maniacal laughter would also be in keeping with the spirit of the moment."

Ex didn't laugh, but the rest of us did. Ex just said to Precious, “Don't push it, boy.”

He turned back to the rest of us, smiled and nodded to acknowledge the laughter. I noticed that Vickie—no, Bountiful—had come up quietly behind the DJ table. She was dressed now, in jeans and a black tank top.

“But, seriously,” Ex said, “I want to thank you all for coming tonight. I know that we're all very busy and it means a lot to us that you've taken the time to welcome Bountiful.” He gestured back to where she stood quietly, and she gave a small bow.

“There is always danger in the Descent,” Ex continued gravely. “We voyage in uncharted waters, with depths that we have only begun to explore. Vast and dark are the halls of the Engineer, and we are scarce past the threshold. We must never forget the faces of those brothers whom we have failed, the lost ones, those whom we let fall too far to rise again.”

He paused. We waited in funereal silence.

“Brother Bountiful's descent involved new unknowns. We presume to know the will of the Engineer at our peril. She knew that, and chose to take the risk. Her courage was rewarded, and all of share in her triumph.”

Ex changed the subject then, not mentioning the conflict with Shimmer and the rest of the male-only crowd. Smart. “A storm is coming. We all know that hard times are ahead and that we must prepare for them.

“Tonight, though, is a time to celebrate what it is that we are fighting for.” He paused for just a moment, then grinned. “So let's dance!”

Someone turned the music back on then. Ex reached out to take Precious' hand, led him to the dance floor. The Necroidim began to join him, and then a moment later the Ambimorphs. Suzi looked to me, her hand outstretched. I took it.

I don't know how to dance.

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