What Happens in Orbit

Cora rose to her feet, confused. "What?"

"You- No. The brief said it was Mar and Tai. Not-"

She was just as confused as they were. "I'm- Wait, wait. Do any of you know why Della was here?"

The one standing in front of them lowered his gun, but didn't put it away. "He broke contract with the Foshar and killed one or more of their officers."

"And do you know why Mar was with him?"

He shook his head. "No, but Mar was wanted anyway. The assumption was that Mar coerced the rest of the team to break the contract." His tone grew more uncertain with each word.

Cora knew this would go on for a while. "Okay, I see. No. It was because of me. You all know about the conspiracy, right? Several secret expeditions were wiped out during a genetic experimentation mission?"

Some nodded, some whispered.

"My name is Cora. I'm one of the experiments. It was successful, and I have children. Children that the royal family tried to kill, and the Foshar tried to take. Mar and the others chose to throw everything away to protect me- us." Not all of them believed her, but they were all distracted. Realizing this, she lunged, jumping over them.

"Wait!"

Cora didn't wait. She barreled through a window, the other bridge coming into view.

Shit, not again.

She sailed through the air, not sure why she'd done this.

Oh, right, the cables.

As one flew past her, she shot a hand out.

I forgot, I'm stronger now.

She swung up on to the cable, pushing off it to jump to another. In her periphery, she saw the guards charging across the bridge to follow her. She changed directions, running straight at them.

I have to go faster.

Cora pushed off the last cable, turning as she landed on the bridge. Shots rang out, one of them grazing her shoulder. The searing pain only served to wring the last bit of adrenaline from her already frenzied system. Her surroundings blurred slightly as she flew into the trees.

It took one of her arms going numb for Cora to stop running. She slammed into a wall of bark, cursing. Her left arm staunchly refused to cooperate, hanging limp at her side.

What the fuck?

She'd ran in a straight line, like an idiot.

Fuck, I gotta- I gotta find my way back.

She'd managed to lose the guards, judging by the silence.

Why did I not run for the clinic?

Thankfully, her sense of direction had improved. The trees were packed close to each other, their branches overlapping. Cora was able to step carefully from branch to branch. The back of the clinic came into view.

I didn't go in a line. I went in a goddamn circle! What the hell?

Casting a haphazard glance around, Cora slipped in the back door.

Fuck, I'm tired.

Finding the closet she was looking for, she collapsed behind a stack of folded blankets.

And snapped awake at the sound of the door opening.

"Cora?"

It was Zon, a new janitor. She sat up, pleasantly surprised when her muscles didn't protest. "Oh, sorry. Hey, Zon."

He gave her a funny look that quickly turned into a grin. "You fucked those guards

up,

Cora!"

Panic. "What guards- oh, right, the news." Cora sighed.

He nodded, then turned. "Right. Meli's here to get you. You're getting moved to the night shift in a few days. For... Obvious reasons."

Zon was shoved aside, roughly. "Ow, hey, rude-" Meli hushed him, pushing him out of the doorway. "You're not hurt at all?" She knelt, inspecting her shoulder.

"No, I don't think so-

Shit,

not unless you do that!" She'd firmly pressed a finger against the burn. Meli sighed, relieved. "I thought you'd be so much worse off. Was that your first time doing something like that?"

Cora shrugged. "Maybe? I've fought a couple times."

"Mhm. Come on, we're going home."

Casting a few nervous glances at Meli, Cora realized something odd.

She looks... proud?

"Have you seen Tor?"

Meli shook her head. "No, not yet. Was he with them?"

Cora held up a hand. "Yes and no. He's with them, but wasn't in the prison."

She huffed a sigh of relief. "Good. Don't ever tell him I said this, but my boy can't handle violence to save his life. He used to pass out at the sight of blood."

Imagining this, Cora fought back a giggle. "He's doing better. He still won't touch anything that was made to hurt someone, though."

Meli smiled. "It's a good thing he has you all. When they split us all up, I thought he'd never leave the house again. He didn't, not until his father was hurt in an accident."

"Accident?"

"Got one of his arms torn off by a machine during repairs."

Cora swallowed nervously. "Is he... Okay?" She hadn't seen anyone else in Meli's home except for Bee.

"Hm?" Meli laughed. "No, he's not dead. He's fine, he's on a mining expedition." She scowled. "Apart from Bee and Tor, I don't know how any of my other children are doing. They were all sent to different cities with their fathers."

That lined up with what Tor told her. "I'm sorry. That's horrible, what they did."

Meli gave her a wry smile. "Just about everyone in this city is from a destroyed family. At least I'm not alone. And," she added, "I get to see my granddaughter. So, I'll save my complaints."

At the sound of the door opening, Mel let out a gleeful squeal and charged full-speed at Cora. "Oh, I missed you!" She scooped Mel up, ignoring her protesting shoulder.

Bee, visibly annoyed, poked his head out of one of the rooms. "You're gonna wake the other two up!"

Hushing Mel, Cora sidled up to her room.

Her two youngest children were half a rotation old now. They still didn't have names, which bothered Cora, but Meli assured her this was standard.

They were curled up together in the middle of the bed, their chests slowly rising and falling. Looking at them, it was easy to tell whose they were.

Della's was a soft blue, with sparse gray hair. Tai's was gray, with dark gray hair.

Both girls.

Cora chewed nervously at a hangnail.

Maybe Tor and Mar will be normal about this.

A skeptical voice piped up.

Doubt it.

She sat down on the bed, sighing. Annoyed at the prospect of sitting still, Mel wriggled out of her grasp and charged out of the room. On the other end of the house, she heard an

oof

from Bee.

Looking at the two sleeping babies, Cora wondered when this would start to feel normal. Her mother would have been overjoyed to hear she had three granddaughters.

Well, I like to think so. She'd probably have a huge issue with... all of this.

Tai's daughter had managed to shove an entire fist in her mouth. "Doesn't that hurt?" she muttered, gently tugging at her wrist with a single finger. It wasn't budging.

Ah, fine. Keep it there.

Her breathing was still steady, so Cora chose not to worry.

It was hard to imagine a future where they'd be safe. They were all so little, even Mel. Cora couldn't imagine leaving them here and running. Even if Meli was right, and this city was safe, how long would it be? The war with the Sheevae was still increasing in intensity, other cities fighting off drafting squads. Bee was so young, but not too young for them to take him. They would inevitably notice the odd children out.

Three kids are too much for her, even with Bee's help.

They would have to come with her.

Cora was lying to herself. She refused to think about the real reason they would have to come with her. She couldn't.

I'll kill that bitch matriarch myself if it means they can live safely.

Her sudden rage caught her off-guard, and Cora fought to swallow it down.

I've already hurt and killed so many.

The memory of flesh tearing sent a wave of nausea through her.

Fuck, that was awful.

She thought back to the one she'd left alive.

I hope he's not punished. They were all just doing their jobs. Fuck. This is horrible. We can't live like this. Nobody can.

Certainly not the ones you killed, Cora.

With a child on each shoulder, Cora sat down to eat with Meli and Bee. Mel was already at the table, chewing on what looked like a piece of crab meat. The shell, however, was bright green.

That's not crab. Aw, hell.

Cora's mother had raised her to never turn her nose up at food. She fought to keep her expression neutral.

Meli turned back to her with several jointed legs on a platter.

It smells good. It really does. I just have to-

Interrupting Cora's desperate mental gymnastics, Meli set the platter down. "Now, Bee told me that on your planet, these are usually considered pests. And that you usually don't eat them. And," she paused, taking on a sympathetic tone. "That you might not like them. So, if you don't, I can make something else."

Cora could still remember the dull

thud

of her mother slapping the back of her head as a child.

Even if Mama didn't threaten me with death every time I didn't eat, this is still something that was made for me.

Meli hadn't even changed out of her uniform.

"No, you won't have to do that. This smells really good. It looks a lot like something I've eaten a lot already." Cora picked up one of the legs, bending it slightly.

Oh, it's exactly like crab.

The shell cracked open near the joint, the meat slipping out of the shell with ease.

Meli had already started eating, nervously watching Cora out of the corner of her eye.

It was almost exactly like crab.

Finally, something familiar.

Internally, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Bee piped up. "Mom, it's good. Stop worrying." Enthusiastically, Cora nodded in agreement. Meli gave her a stern look. "Don't force yourself to eat something you don't like."

Cora waved a hand. "No, not at all. Oh," she laughed, "You know, Tor said the same thing to me, the first time I ate at a spaceport."

A tiny blue hand appeared in her peripheral. "Oh, you're awake." Cora handed her a piece of cooked vegetable. She still had no idea what it was called, but it was dark purple and similar in texture to a potato.

Meli's expression softened. "They're almost old enough to start eating meat." She'd clearly been a mother to many, and took a relaxed approach to parenting. Everything was simpler with her around.

I wonder how different I'd be if I were born here instead.

Just after the sun went down, Cora was at the door. She was in her work uniform, a pair of long-sleeved coveralls much too baggy for her. Her hair was tied back under a wide scarf. Each strand had thickened considerably, but wasn't brittle like she expected.

Nobody looked twice at her as she walked to the clinic. Meli told her that her hair was incredibly common, but she had yet to see anyone else with it.

Maybe they just don't grow it out.

It was hard to wash, and Cora had begun to consider cutting it.

"Cora!" Fin waved to her, heading home for the night. She waved back, smiling.

The lights in the clinic were dim. Cora wandered the halls, asking for Jino, the night manager. She hadn't met her yet, only knowing her by name and a vague description. Eventually, she found her. Jino was a tall, thin Roshak woman with a pleasant demeanor. Cora noted that she lacked the flat, short-clawed feet that most women had, as well as the tusks and broad shoulders.

Huh, neat.

"Cora! Ah, you're a celebrity around here. Did you get enough rest?"

She nodded, following Jino down the hallway. "We'll just have you cleaning, and maybe assisting the nurses. Nothing medical, of course." She looked back at Cora. "Just bringing supplies up, maybe helping move stuff. We really don't have a lot happening here tonight. Only one new patient."

"A new patient?"

Jino nodded, patting her on the shoulder. "He's from the western mountains. Quite handsome!"

Cora still wasn't sure what this meant. She knew from listening that each region of the planet could affect what features a Roshak could have. Jino leaned in as they passed a door with a paper sign. "He's really shy, he won't talk to any of us. When you have a moment, pop in and try to get him to tell you what he's allergic to."

Noting the room number, Cora laughed and nodded. "Okay, I'll give it a try."

Cora started at the maintenance closet. It was their equivalent of spring here in Sundak, and open windows during the day meant every surface was covered in a fine pink dust.

If I sweep that, it's going everywhere. Fuck, I hope they haven't turned the water pump off already.

Grabbing a bucket and a mop, Cora hurried down to the end of the hall. The clinic's water was pumped directly from the water table. According to Bee, they used more water than the city's water system could handle. The pump stayed on during the day, supplying various faucets in the clinic. At night, however, it was turned off to save power, and let people sleep.

The pump was

loud.

And it was off.

Damn it.

Propping the back door open, Cora walked out to the pump, and the main spout.

I wouldn't have to do this if they'd mopped during the day.

Cora cringed at this. The janitor she was covering for had been taken by recruiters that morning. She knew from the roster at the front desk that they only had three patients, all of whom were in the front-most rooms.

It should be fine.

Setting her bucket down, Cora jogged around to the front of the building, poking her head through the door. "Hey, Jino?"

Jino looked up from her book. "Yeah?"

"I gotta turn the water on."

She groaned, then stopped herself. "Wait, no, that's good. Can I get you to fill our canisters? Var normally does that in the morning, but he never got to it today."

Cora bit back a sigh. "I can! I'll do that first."

The canisters were thick glass containers that were about half Cora's height, and were stored in an autoclave that kept them hot and sterile. Cora hated filling them, namely because she dreaded what would happen if she dropped one of them.

But everyone needs water.

There were seven. Steeling herself, Cora pulled the first one off the shelf. It wasn't heavy, but it was bulky and difficult to hold. There was a cart Var used that could carry three at a time, but the wheel on it snapped off.

And then there were only seven canisters.

Moving quickly, Cora carried each canister outside to the pump.

Zon must have been off work today. But I really doubt they'd let him do this.

Cora turned the wheel, leaning in with all of her weight. It shuddered and groaned, the pump motor slowly coming to life. After a few minutes of cranking, the pump was running on its own. Cora watched the pressure gauge. The pump was old and had no way of managing excess pressure, so Cora had to work fast once it hit a certain level. Lining up the first canister, she flipped the lever to open the spigot.

Apparently, water-borne diseases were common and deadly, so unheated tanks of water were prohibited. As Cora switched the canister out, she wondered if something like chlorine could help.

Now came the hardest part. Hitting the shutoff switch, Cora filled her mop bucket and listened for the whistle of water retreating down the pipe. Tightening the lid down, she hefted the first canister to her chest. She kicked the latch on the door, catching it and pushing it open. The canisters had to return to the autoclave for another forty-five marks.

Today, Cora decided to bring every canister inside before she loaded them back. The lids had to be loosened a half-turn. She lifted the first canister over her head, carefully slotting it back into place. When she was done, she shut the door and locked it. It beeped once at her before heating up.

That wasn't too bad. Let me go make sure the doors are shut and go get my bucket.

Mopping didn't take long at all. Cora worked in sections, getting all the pollen up. The cleaner they used smelled faintly like fresh-cut grass, and dried quickly.

Jino and the other night nurse were asleep, slumped over on their desk. As quietly as she could, Cora put her supplies away and found the room of the patient she'd been asked to talk to. It was hit or miss whether he'd be asleep. She turned the knob, peeking into the dim room.

The patient sighed.

Oh, he's awake.

She shut the door behind her, immediately recognizing the scent. "The nurse asked me to come check on you. She said you won't talk to anyone."

As she sat on the edge of the bed, Della turned away from her, eyes screwed shut. "I don't want to talk to anyone."

"Not even me?"

He opened one eye. "Hmm... Maybe you. You're okay."

Cora scoffed at this. "Of course I'm okay. I had to be." She scooted closer, holding his face in her hands. "What were you all doing for the last rotation?"

Della sighed. "Trying to find you. What else?"

"Well, that's what I want to know- wait. Do you have any allergies?"

"What? No. Why?"

Cora gave him a long, dry look. "How long have the nurses been asking you that?"

"Since Tor left me here?"

"And all you had to say was no."

Della scrunched his nose. "I don't like hospitals."

God, that was adorable.

"They can't help you if you don't let them. Are you still hurting?"

He shook his head. "I can't feel anything below my knee. That's why Tai made me come here."

Cora frowned. "I'll let them know you don't have any allergies. Della, let them take care of you, please."

She could see him fight back a cheeky grin. "Is that an order?"

Leaning in, Cora let her lips brush his ears. "Do you want it to be?"

Della shivered, then nodded. Cora could tell that he didn't feel well.

I'll go tell Jino.

In a bit.

She snuggled close, even closer when he moved his arms out of the way. "I work tomorrow night, too. I'll keep checking on you, okay?"

Once he'd fallen asleep, Cora carefully shifted out of the hospital bed. Della didn't stir.

Good.

Jino was awake, barely. She had returned to her book, blearily staring at it. "Hey, Jino?" She jumped. "Sorry, I just wanted to let you know, Della in Room Five doesn't have any allergies."

"He's one of yours, right?" Jino smiled, tilting her head. "Not trying to pry. I think it's cute."

"I- I'm not sure about that. It's... something." Cora found herself getting flustered. Jino had bright gray eyes that burned into hers. "Do you have... anyone?" As the words left her mouth, she grimaced.

Cora, why would you ask that?

Jino stood, gesturing for Cora to follow her.

Aw, hell, I upset her.

Nervously, she followed. Jino walked with a purpose, like she was conscious of every step. "No, I don't. I used to, but we had some differences." There was a trace of bitterness in her voice.

"I'm sorry."

She opened the break room door for her with a faint smile. "Why? You didn't do it." She sat down in a chair across from Cora, still watching her.

I feel like she really wants something from me. But what?

Music was playing faintly from a small speaker on the counter, something rhythmic and instrumental.

Jino's tail was curled over her lap, twitching to the beat. Cora sipped at her water.

She finally spoke, breaking the tension. "Can I pry?"

Cora nodded.

"You're in a colony, right?"

Unsure of what Jino was getting at, she nodded again. "Kind of?"

"I grew up in our system, so I have no idea what that's like. It's-" she stopped, shifting in her chair. "Meli told me that you've got three children already."

"I do, yeah."

She sat up, her tail swishing back and forth against the seat's fabric. "I'm jealous."

"Of?" Cora narrowed her eyes, trying to read Jino's expression. This wasn't about kids. The way she laced and unlaced her fingers in her lap in time with the music was another tell.

"If I make you uncomfortable, please tell me. But Cora, you're really... I just want to touch you." Through all her hesitation, her tone stayed even and smooth.