The Kepos Problem by Erica Rue

Author:Erica Rue [Rue, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sapce travel, biology, Genetics, aliens, colonization
Publisher: Tannhauser Press
Published: 2018-04-28T06:00:00+00:00

***

There was nothing romantic or glamorous about riding a machi with another person. Even the hugging bit got sweaty and gross after a while, so they dismounted and stretched before trading positions. She was sore from sitting and stiff for fear of moving in the wrong way and bothering Brian. After several hours of uncomfortable riding, it was late afternoon.

“We need to stop for the night, but we’ll make it to the Field Temple tomorrow morning,” Brian said. “The machi is getting tired, and if we send it back now, that man might make it home for dinner. Well, a late dinner.”

“So now you’re worried about him?”

Brian dismounted. “Don’t put this on me. You helped. You’re the one in a hurry. I’m just trying to help you.” He rubbed his knuckles absentmindedly, and Dione could see the bruises there. Evidence of the fist fight.

“That’s because you want something from me. Would you be doing this if you didn’t want a Flyer? Why do you want it, anyway? To steal more food from the Aratians, help out your smuggling operation? Or is it to impress the girls back home?”

A cloud passed over Brian’s face. “You don’t understand.”

Dione was taken aback. Why was she being so belligerent? A few moments of reflection gave her the answer. She felt guilty. They had taken that man’s machi because she needed it. She had sung the songs to take it.

“Then explain it to me,” she said, now speaking in a calm voice.

Brian didn’t. He hummed a few measures Dione didn’t recognize to the machi, which snorted and trotted off into the forest. “We’re in Ficaran territory now. There’s a small shelter in another mile or two where we’ll rest for the night. In the morning, we’ll go to my settlement.”

Dione looked up at the sky, imagining the station orbiting beyond. If Bel and Lithia could just hang in there for another day, she would make it.

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