Dont, she said, troubled.
I can kiss my fiance if I want. Even Norfolk permits that.
Im not your fiance, Joshua. I just kept saying that because of the baby. I was ashamed. Which is so stupid. Having a baby is a wonderful thing, the best thing any two people can do. Fancy being prejudiced against it. Ill always love my home, but so much of it is wrong.
He dropped down on one knee, and held her hand. Marry me.
From the expression on her face she could have been in agony. Thats very kind, Joshua, and if youd asked that day you left Cricklade Id even have eloped with you. But, really, you dont know anything about me. It wouldnt work; youre a starship captain and unutterably famous, Im a landowners daughter. All we ever were was a beautiful dream I had once.
I know everything there is to know about you. Thanks to the singularity, Ive lived every second of your life. And dont you ever call yourself someone elses daughter again. Youre Louise Kavanagh, nothing else. I had one exciting flight, which was the result of thousands of people backing me up behind the scenes. You walked right up to Quinn Dexter and tried to stop him. It is not possible to possess more courage than that, Louise. You were astonishing. Those drunken buffoons in Harkeys Bar look up at me. I stand in awe at what you did.
You saw everything I did? she enquired.
Yes, he said firmly. Including last night.
Oh.
He gently pulled at her hand, making her kneel beside him. I dont think I could marry a saint, Louise. And you already know Ive never been one.
Do you really want to marry me?
Yes.
But wed never be together.
Starship captains are a thing of the past now, just like landowner daughters. Theres so much we have to do in our lives.
You dont mind living on Norfolk?
Well change it together, Louise. You and me.
She kissed him, then smiled demurely. Do we have to go back to the party? she murmured.
No.
Her smile widened, and she stood up. Joshua stayed on one knee.
I havent had my answer yet. And this classic routine is killing my leg muscle.
I was taught to always keep a man waiting, she said imperiously. But your answer is yes.
Anastasia, is that really you?
Hello, Dariat, of course its me. I waited for you. I knew youd come eventually.
I very nearly didnt. There was a spot of trouble back there.
Lady Chi-ri has always smiled upon you, Dariat. Right from the start.
You know, this isnt what I expected to find on the other side of the beyond.
I know. Isnt it wonderful?
Can we see it together?
Id like that.
It was the last time Joshua would use the ability, and strictly speaking it wasnt necessary, but there was absolutely no way he was going to miss out on seeing the Kiint home system in person just for the sake of virtue and dignified restraint. He materialized on the white-sand beach not far from Tracys chalet. The coast was exquisite, of course. Then he looked up. Silvery planet crescents curved away through the deep-turquoise sky.
Now Ive seen it all, he said quietly.
Five white spheres erupted in the air around him. The same size as providers, but with a very different function.
Joshua held his arms up. I am unarmed. Take me to your leader.
The spheres winked out of existence. Joshua laughed.
Jay and Haile were racing over the sands to him.
Joshua!
He managed to catch her as she jumped at him. Swung her round full circle.
Joshua! she shrieked happily. What are you doing here?
Come to take you home.
Really? Her eyes were rounded with optimism. Back to the Confederation?
Yep, go pack your bags.
Greetings, Joshua Calvert. This day is filled with much joyfulness. I am much content.
Hi, Haile. Youve grown.
And you have strengthened.
He put Jay down. Well what do you know, theres hope for all of us.
Its been fab here, Jay said. The providers give you everything you want, and that includes ice cream. You dont need money.
Two adult Kiint appeared on the black teleport circle. Tracy was coming down the steps from her chalet. Joshua eyed them all cautiously.
And Ive been to loads of planets in the arc. And met hundreds and hundreds of people. Jay paused, sucking on her lower lip. Is Mummy all right?
Uh, yeah. This is the hard part, Jay. Shes going to need a day or two before she can see you. Okay? So Im going to take you back to Tranquillity, and then you can go back to Lalonde with all the others in a little while.
She pouted. And Father Horst?
And Father Horst, he promised.
Right. And youre sure Mummys fine?
She is. Shes really looking forward to seeing you, too.
Tracy stood behind Jay, and patted her on the head. Ive told you to wear a hat when you play out here.
Yes, Tracy. The little girl pulled a face at Joshua.
He grinned back. You go and pack. I just need to talk to Tracy for a moment. Then well be off.
Come on, Haile. Jay grabbed one of the Kiints tractamorphic limbs, and they hurried off towards the chalet.
Joshuas grin faded when the youngsters were out of hearing. Thanks for nothing, he said to Tracy.
We did what we could, she said fiercely. Dont you judge us, Joshua Calvert.
The Corpus judges us, decides our fate.
None of us asked to be born. Were more sinned against than sinners. And Richard Keaton saved your arse, as I recall.
So he did.
We would have made sure something survived. Humanity would have carried on.
But in whose image?
Youre proud of your current one, are you?
As a matter of fact, yes.
She rubbed a white hand over her forehead. I keep running comparisons. What the human race is compared to so many others.
Well dont, its not your concern any more. We can find our own way now. He turned to the adult Kiint. Hello Nang, Lieria.
Greetings, Joshua Calvert. And congratulations.
Thank you. Though this isnt quite how I thought Id spend my wedding night. Id like Corpus to remove your observers and the data acquisition systems from the Confederation, please. Our future contact should be conducted on a more honest basis.
Corpus agrees. They will be removed.
And the medical help. We need that badly, right away.
Of course. It will be provided.
You could have helped us before.
Every race has the right, and obligation, to control its own destiny. The two cannot be separated.
I know, reap what you sow. We might be too aggressive, and not progress as fast as we ought, but I want Corpus to know I am immensely proud of our compassion. No matter how fabulous your technology is, what counts is how its used.
We acknowledge your criticism. It is one that is levelled at us constantly. Given our position it is inevitable.
He sighed and looked up at the arc again. Well get here eventually.
Of that we are sure. After all, you have already made a start.
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery,joshua said.So I guess that means youre not all bad after all.
Jay appeared on the chalet veranda carrying a bulging shoulder bag. She shouted and waved, then charged down the steps.
Is her mother all right? Tracy asked urgently.