Infestation: Taylor Neeran Chronicles #5

Xathen

Life will find a way.

Throughout every corner of our galaxy, in millions upon millions of solar systems, life has carved out a niche and flourished for billions of years. Every so often, a candle in the darkness would flare brightly, then fade away as the organisms circling the candle were snuffed out. Some were cast like seeds out into the deeper darkness, seeking out another light. They waited as the galaxy expanded and contracted through several cycles of births and deaths of stars. Each iteration created more complex forms of life as the diversity of atoms in the universe multiplied.

Four billion orbits of a particular rocky sphere around a nondescript solar furnace ago, higher intelligence rose for the first time in our galaxy.

It was to be the only time this would occur on its own; while life is common, higher intelligence is exceedingly rare. These creatures came to master their world, the system surrounding their solar furnace, and expanded to explore every system in our galaxy. These were the Xathen.

Two billion orbits of their home planet after they first rose to consciousness, an unimpressive yellow dwarf in an aberration of a spur between spiral arms sparked to life. Orbiting dust clouds slowly coalesced into worlds of many sizes and temperaments. The Xathen were there to witness its birth, and to observe the primitive variants of life that developed in the newly formed oceans on three of the rocky planets that circled the star. Over time, only the third planet from the star remained hospitable to life, and it evolved into many forms with an explosion of possibilities.

For nearly two billion orbits of the third planet around its star, the life-forms on the planet were carefully observed, but left to their own devices.

One day, that changed. Lifeforms were taken from the third planet, modified, then returned, and new ones were introduced.

Unknown to the inhabitants of the third planet, this action would be repeated on many other worlds in nearby systems, and was the source of a colossal conflict resulting in trillions of deaths.

A few million Xathen fled our galaxy in the aftermath of the great civil war, seeking a new home beyond the arms of our spiral galaxy, away from the impurity of this abomination.

The Xathen who were left continued to experiment on the inhabitants of the third planet and a hundred other worlds, as they attempted to direct the development of higher powers of reasoning in other species. Cycle after failed cycle, the attempts to develop a higher intelligence repeated, until the present day.

One day, those who had left would return home.

But they might not be alone.

Grief

Ascendance

A.D. 3596

Char was dead.

Taylor leaned forwards and kissed his lifeless, still lips softly; his eyes were closed as if he was only sleeping. She cupped his green cheek in her hand and inhaled deeply, to better remember as much of her mate, her life-partner as she could.

A light touch on her black-robed shoulder made Taylor turn, her eyes damp with tears.

It is time, Spirit-Mother, said Taylor’s young Aarden security chief, who bowed her head in respect and stepped back. Like all Aarden, she was covered all over in rich brown fur, shorter over the limbs and torso, and longer over the feet, clawed hands and the pelvic area. The back of her-dog-like head sported a well-groomed mane that ran down along her spine to her hips, disappearing beneath a dark leather pouch-belt.

Thank you, Noosa, Taylor nodded, dabbing at her eyes with the tips of her fingers. She placed Char’s right hand gently in his lap, palm facing upward, then slowly stood up.

Noosa held out a delicate circlet of white flowers, which Taylor carefully accepted. She placed the flowers on her mate’s bald head, then took three careful steps back to stand beside her children as Noosa fell in behind her. Taylor’s children were arranged with the oldest on the right side and the youngest on the left, all dressed in blacks and greys. Taylor took Bayeth’s left hand in her right and squeezed it.

A low, moaning dirge rose and filled the surrounding forest.

Bayeth glanced at his mother, then stared straight ahead at the still form of his father, seated cross-legged on the forest floor. Bayeth’s brown eyes were dry, but Taylor could see the suppressed emotion on his face. Born First of Twos, and too many decades as a diplomat and hard-nosed negotiator, but she knew her own son. He was a hundred and ten Earth years old, but his clean-shaven, brown-haired appearance made him look around forty years of age, though his eyes glinted with the spark of hard-earned wisdom. However, he was still practically a toddler by Xathen standards — a species who could live to two thousand Earth years or more with the aid of the ever-present Picogens in their systems.

But then Taylor was not much older herself, at a mere hundred and thirty-two. In contrast to her son, she had allowed herself to look much older, in deference to her ageing Illiyan mate. Fine wrinkles, light spotting of the skin and shoulder-length silver-grey hair gave the appearance of age and frailty, but she could still climb a tree as quickly as any juvenile. In time, she would allow herself the vanity of youth, but now was a time of mourning.

The dirge rose in pitch briefly, then fell away like a soft breeze before picking up again.

Taylor took Kalend’s tanned six-fingered right hand in her left. He squeezed her hand gently, then nodded, blinking away tears under a shock of coarse blonde hair. At fifty local years old and her youngest, he was more open in his expression of grief, blinking away tears as he squeezed her hand tightly. He looked slightly older than Bayeth, but more innocent, for he had never left the surface of Aeden. He helped Taylor run things as much as he could.

All her children, except Kalend, were here by projection, but the Xathen projection system was nearly as good as the real thing. Margaret, First of Ones, and a few minutes younger than Bayeth, briefly rested her hand on Bayeth’s left arm, then brushed back a long curl of blonde hair as she wiped away a tear.

Mayfor, Taylor’s and Char’s second daughter, and the first child that was truly hers and Char’s alone, stood on Kalend’s left. She was a hundred and eight, but barely looked twenty Earth years old; she had deep green eyes and dark red hair, and had been assessed as a high Four on the old scale. She openly wept, comforted by Haylen, third daughter, another high Four and a sprightly hundred and two going-on-thirty. She looked very much like a younger version of Taylor herself, with green eyes and chestnut-brown hair. It was her natural colouring, but Picogens could let you look — no, physically be — as young or as old as you liked, and become any body-form you wanted to be by recoding your own DNA from the inside and automatically repairing the faulty cellular divisions that normally caused ageing.

The dirge rose and fell, rose and fell, Illiyan words mixing freely with Standard, with bits of Higher Xathen creeping in at the edges.

Taylor looked at her parents, standing together all in black on the far side of the small clearing. Susan Foster wiped away a tear, her hair still a light blonde, but longer now, and tied back in an ornate bun. Her father, Strayer Falend, born Second of Twos, had tired of his winged phase decades ago. Today he stood tall beside his younger wife, his dark olive-skin and rich brown hair contrasting against her fairer appearance. Both wore long, black robes, but he fidgeted with his robe as he rubbed the light but sturdy fabric between dual opposing thumbs.

When Taylor was young, her father had appeared Human, with five digits, only returning to his full original form after he had shed his wings. He was the eldest present, at nine hundred Earth-equivalent years, but only four hundred and ten Xathen standard years. Both looked the same as when they had first arrived on Aeden. Except for the wings, of course. Her grandparents, Beverley and Stanley Foster, had also projected here for the occasion, but both looked barely fifty — much younger than when they had discovered they were Xathen hybrids like her. They had borne two more children since first visiting Aeden, both boys in their early hundreds now, but neither were present today. Taylor frowned that her younger brothers Arthur and Samuel weren’t present — Arthur had spent a lot of time with Margaret and Bayeth, being similar in age, and Char had loved spending time with them all. Char had found it amusing that Taylor’s sibling was so much younger than herself, but then each Illiyan cohort had been the same age until Taylor had come along. Illiyans had been having families for over a century now, like Humans and the Xathen, and mixed ages of children was part of the deal. Char was one of the last generations born of the Asook groves, with no mother or father, but raised by a village from juvenile to full adult.

The dirge died down until only the sounds of the leaves rustling in the branches above could be heard.

A grizzled Illiyan stepped forward, leaning on a gnarled staff decorated with top-feathers that were tied on with a dark woven cord. He was deeply wrinkled with age, his green skin nearly as dark as the surrounding trees, but his voice was strong and confident as it rang out through the forest. He was soon joined by the voices of hundreds of Illiya and Aarden scattered through the trees as they picked up the song.

"Sayee kalu, sayee kalu

Sar lay, sar fu ka-sek

Til sar Drazen eku

Tiknee fu aren

Aardenar si nu

Falen si do-ra

Sar Drazen rahsa

Sar Aardena woola

Ha ren sorren pasu

Drazen masu kor sar Toola

Illiya fu ren

Sorren ki sar lay, sar fu ka-sek."

As the last syllable faded, the Illiya and Aarden surrounding them turned and quietly faded away into the forest, leaving Taylor and her family alone with the Illiyan Elder.

The song of the moons, Taylor bowed her head. It’s been a while since I heard it, Sturk.

The ancient Illiyan shambled closer to Taylor, nodding slowly as he approached. Char requested that it be sung at his passing.

Taylor sighed. The song doesn’t really suit any more. We lost the mouse moon, long ago.

Sturk placed a hand on the silken fabric covering her shoulder. "Drazen is not lost, Spirit-Mother. He now travels to protect all life, not just here on the surface of this planet. The song still rings true, Taylor, for does it not say,

‘Come hear, come hear

The song of the moons

Where the little mouse fell

To enter the sky

Hunted by night

And hiding by day

The little mouse draws

the hunter away

So all may sleep in peace

Little mouse, sacrifice for the people

Protector of all

Sleep by the song of the moons.’"

Taylor smiled, welcoming the distraction from her sorrow. But the hunter moon is still here, Sturk. Shouldn’t we be afraid?

Sturk’s smile revealed worn, blunted teeth. "Ah, but Char’s little mouse is still with us. As you well know, Spirit-Mother, it is just a story to help children understand the shape of the world. However, everything changes more swiftly now. There are many hunters, many protectors, many worlds. You have been our protector as much as the red moon that used to grace our night sky. And when you leave once again for the stars, there will be another Drazen in the heavens, protecting us so that all may sleep in peace."

You’ve got a lot of faith in me, Taylor shook her head. I don’t deserve it.

Sturk shook his head. All of our faith, and more. Char and I saw it with our own eyes, and we remember all that you have done for Aeden.

Taylor choked back a sob. Yes.

Sturk smiled at Taylor. Come, spend some time with your family. You see them together far too seldom. But don’t take too long, Spirit-Mother, or Char may wake before you finish celebrating his life. He is already taking root.

Taylor glanced down at the green tendrils reaching towards the ground from his fingertips. His legs were already covered in a fine web of green shoots that disappeared into the loam of the forest floor. I hope he gets enough light.

Of course, he will, dear, said a voice on her left, We’ll make sure of that.

Thank you, Heather, Taylor sniffed, wiping away tears.

Heather blinked, her bright blue eyes contrasting with the rough brown bark of the tree she had become long ago. As Char would soon be, in a few handfuls of days. An Urm, a memory tree, keeper of traditions and culture for Illiya since time began. Illiya, and anyone who was unfortunate enough to crack the seed of a Raagen with their teeth.

Char had broken tradition by forgoing the Urm grove close to their village, but he had a fondness for Heather and Ralph, as did Taylor. Ralph, born Fatook Tiktok, was Xathen, her father’s best friend, and had Ascended as an Urm at the ripe old age of thirteen hundred Xathen standard years. However, as an Urm, he seemed much younger. Heather was human, a hundred years older than Taylor, and one of the first human explorers to this peculiar planet. Fleeing from the Aarden and starving, she had unwittingly cracked a Raagen seed with her teeth. Since then, she had narrowly survived a forest fire that drove her temporarily insane and witnessed the near destruction of the planet and its subsequent recovery, and too many changes to count since then.

Thank you for taking care of Char, Taylor placed a hand on Heather’s rough bark, making her palm tingle.

It will be our honour, young lady, smiled Ralph.

Taylor raised an eyebrow. Be easy on him.

Heather laughed, the sound of a burbling brook. We will, dear, we will. Now let poor Sturk go home so we can visit properly.

Taylor held out her hand to Sturk. Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to take you home in the flyer?

Sturk shook his head. No, Spirit-Mother, you need time here. Besides, it is a lovely day for a walk, is it not?

But it’s a day and a half walk back to the village, Taylor protested.

Sturm smiled and gripped the top of his staff. And I shall enjoy all of it. I am in no hurry, and my eyes are just as keen in the night as they’ve always been.

Taylor stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek. Thank you, Sturk, for everything.

And you, Sturk smiled at Taylor, then set out into the depths of the forest, nodding at Noosa as he passed by.

Family

Taylor watched Sturk until he disappeared into the depths of the forest, then turned to look at Char.

I’m going to miss him, she sniffed, wiping away fresh tears.

We all will, Margaret walked over towards Taylor, careful to stay clear of her father’s new roots. Projections had an impact on the environment in the locations where they were interacting, and Taylor had the full mass-interaction effect on all the time now. Taylor closed her eyes as her eldest daughter embraced her, just as warm and real as if she were there in person.

Thank you for coming, Taylor rested her chin on Margaret’s shoulder.

Margaret pulled back, wiping away tears of her own. I wish I could be there in person, it’s just—

Taylor waved a hand. It’s okay. I know you’re very busy. I’m glad you could make it.

But it’s not like he’s gone, not really. We’ll be able to talk to him in a couple of weeks.

Taylor sighed. I know, but he’ll want to see his grandchildren in person.

Margaret blushed. "There’s plenty of time for that, Mum. I know you had us young—"

Taylor raised a finger. "I wasn’t that young. Plenty of people have their first child in their early twenties. Where I come from, that’s still pretty normal."

Margaret brushed back a stray lock of hair. "Normal for a Human, maybe. But any self-respecting Xathen lives a little first before settling down to have a first family."

Taylor’s face fell. Your father loved children. We had all of you early by Xathen standards, but we couldn’t wait that long. Your father would have adored being a grandfather, as well. Most of his friends were, several times over.

Margaret sighed. Yes, I know, he hinted often enough. But it’s my life, and my body. I was thinking maybe in another hundred years or so, but there’s no rush. Don’t worry, he’ll still be around to see his grandchildren.

Taylor tensed. But he won’t be able to hold them.

Margaret shook her head. "He chose to Ascend now, Mum. He could have gone on a lot longer, right?"

Taylor’s breath caught in her throat. Long ago Aeden had promised that Char would live as long as Taylor, far longer than the maximum natural Illiyan lifespan of just over a hundred local years, if they survived the bi-annual culling that brought the typical lifespan down to about twenty. But the semi-deity the natives called Aeden was really Samath, a Xathen a billion Earth-years old and the living control system for this barrier world. Taylor had awoken him in order to save the planet, and later on Samath had been punished for violating Xathen taboos in trying to help Taylor. He had lived on for sixty local years after his sentencing, but he eventually died and Ascended, leaving the planet to turn wild.

With Samath’s physical death, his ability to slow down Char’s ageing process had been lost. At one point Taylor carefully introduced the topic with Char, to see if he was willing to explore experimenting with the Picogens to extend his lifespan to align more with her own. To her shocked surprise, he had flatly refused, saying I am the way that Aeden made me, Taylor, and I will not dishonour him by cheating death.

Taylor had argued with him, pleaded, even begged. But she could hardly tell him the truth, even then — that Aeden had already been tinkering with Char’s lifespan, bit by bit.

It also hadn’t helped when she pointed out that Aeden — really the Xathen named Samath — was dead.

Char had given her a knowing look. You see? Even the gods die, Taylor. How could I dare to try such a thing? We all must die, Taylor, at the right time.

She barely spoke to him for a month after that argument, but she regretted that now. Scarcely a few decades later, he had felt that now was the time, and he was ready. Despite Taylor’s tears and pleading, he was determined.

Char had waved aside her protestations. I am Eldest of the Elders, Taylor. We have lived a wonderful life, but it is time for me to honour our traditions. Aeden willing, I will remember you fondly, forever.

The Elders unanimously selected Char to become an Urm to preserve his memories for future generations, and that was that. Taylor hadn't been able to dissuade Char from his chosen course of action, which had led inevitably to his present condition. Her mate, aged and wrinkled, yes, but not as much as Sturk, was becoming a tree.

Margaret touched Taylor’s shoulder. Hey, Mum, I’m sorry. I promise I’ll visit, and bring my children to see him, when I have them. He’ll live a long time this way. We’ve got time. You’ll see.

Taylor tugged at her hair. I know you’ll try.

But in reality, Urm, like the other Xathen Ascended, were visited far too seldom, and that was a shame. Like most places in the Xathen Dominion, they mostly left the Ascended to their own musings, alone with just the other dead to talk to.

Bayeth walked up and stepped in between his mother and Margaret. It’s almost time.

Margaret smiled sadly. Sorry, Mum, the timing wasn’t great…

Taylor waved a hand. It’s okay. Pass on my regards to the Committee.

Bayeth gave Taylor a curt nod. Responsibilities, and I must prepare.

Taylor sighed. I wish you had spent a little more time with him before he passed.

Oh, Mother, Bayeth rolled his eyes. "We’ve seen him several times a year for the last century, and this was Dad’s choice. You can argue with him about it for the next thousand years, but what’s done is done, and it was his life."

"It was our life," Taylor sighed.

Now you’re just being selfish, Bayeth shook his head.

Taylor opened her mouth to speak, but Bayeth had vanished.

Margaret placed a hand on Taylor’s arm. I’m sure Bayeth didn’t mean to be rude. He just handles grief differently, I think. I can stay a few minutes longer, but I’ll have to go soon as well. Do you think you’ll be okay to attend the Committee meeting? You don’t have to. They’ll more than understand.

Taylor looked over at her mate, slowly disappearing under the mass of shifting tendrils seeking the ground and sighed. I’m going to need some time. You have my proxy.

Okay, Mum, Margaret stepped lightly over to Char’s still form and kissed him on top of the head, careful to avoid the flowers. I’ll leave you to visit with Mayfor and Haylen. I can see they’ve been waiting to talk to you. I’ll go catch up with Sturk before I go.

Taylor gave her daughter a sad smile as Margaret blew her a kiss. Noosa nodded silently as Margaret quickly walked past her, then she returned her attention to Taylor's remaining family. Taylor watched until she saw Margaret disappearing into the forest, as she hastened to catch up with Sturk.

Mayfor and Haylen walked up to Taylor together, giving their father’s new growth a wide berth.

It’s great to see you, Mum. When are you going to come visit? asked Mayfor.

Taylor glanced at Char, then gave her a half-smile. I don’t know. I’m going to spend a bit of time here first, I think.

Haylen took Taylor’s left hand in hers. It’s not good to dwell on the past, Mum. It’s hard on the soul. We’d be happy for you to come for a visit, and you need to get away for a little while. Dad will still be here when you come back. Right, Uncle Ralph?

Ralph coughed. "This is very hard for Taylor. But you are right — there’s no point in Taylor lingering here through the process. Taylor, you should go away for a week or two. It will help clear your head and your heart. And I mean that as a physical journey, not by projection. This is one time in your life that the difference is important. Trust me, I’ve outlived far too many members of my own family. Distance and time are helpful in healing our grief."

Taylor shook her head. I should be right here, with Char.

Heather coughed. The transition can be quite disorienting, dear, and Char will need some time to become more like himself once he awakens in his new form. Actually, it would be best if you were not here right after he wakes up. Give it an extra few days, perhaps another week.

Taylor looked back and forth between the two trees. You’ll tell me when he’s ready to see me?

Ralph blinked twice, signalling affirmation. We’ll get a message through. There’s someone coming by here every week or so these days. Besides, they’ll be checking in regularly on Char’s transition. You won’t miss out on too much.

We’d be happy for you to come stay with us on Oxim-four, said Mayfor.

Absolutely, nodded Haylen.

Taylor took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Okay, okay. Give me a day or so to get ready.

Great! Mayfor smiled. We’ll see you in a few days.

And you may get to meet Mayfor’s new suitor, winked Haylen.

Taylor raised an eyebrow. "Another new suitor? What happened to the last one?"

Wore him out, Haylen winked.

Mayfor blushed furiously. "Haylen…!"

Haylen laughed. You’ll enjoy it there, Mum, I promise. And she’s quite the catch.

Taylor smiled. I see. Well, I can’t wait to meet them.

Mayfor shook her head, her blush fading. Well, we’d better prepare for your arrival. We’ll see you in a few days, Mum. Just remember, we’re a moment away. Love you.

And away in a moment, sighed Taylor. Love you, too. And don’t forget to come see your father. He’ll be lonely.

We will.

Taylor blew her daughters a kiss, then they vanished.

He won’t be as lonely as I was, chirped Heather. But it’s much better now since Ralph, and I’m looking forward to the extra company.

Taylor blinked, and the last of her children were gone — all except Kalend, who lived here on Aeden. Her parents and grandparents gave Char’s root mass a wide birth as they walked around to where Taylor stood.

You look drained, dear. Would you like something to eat? asked Susan.

Raagen, muttered Taylor.

Her father shook his head and held out two pieces of fruit in his projected fingers. One was smooth and pale yellow, the other lumpy and darker yellow. I don’t think so. How about a nice Yargg, or a Spikken?

Taylor sighed and selected the smooth-skinned seedless Yargg and finished it in three bites. Thanks, Dad.

Strayer smiled. You’ve been very brave, Taylor. I found it distressing when Ralph Ascended, but it was better than the alternative.

Taylor sniffed. I’ll try to remember that when I’m alone tonight.

Hey, hey, Susan pulled Taylor close. He’s not gone forever.

That’s right, dear, Beverley patted Taylor on the shoulder. You’re very lucky. You’ll be able to talk to him again soon.

Not sure which way I plan to go, myself, Stanley shook his head. Long life is fine, but back on Earth, when your time is up, that’s it, no digitised copying of a personality that they call Ascendance. The Xathen still haven’t shared that level of technology with the Commonwealth. But when I go, that’s where I want to be.

Strayer interrupted. Not all Xathen choose to Ascend either, but perhaps that’s not the best topic for the moment.

Stanley glanced at Taylor, whose face was ashen. Of course. Good thing we’ll all live a long time then.

Beverley smiled. That’s right, dear. Don’t worry about us. Stanley was insensitive.

Taylor’s hardly a child, Bev, Stanley grumbled. "She’s older than I ever expected to be."

Beverley shook her head. A passing is distressing, no matter how old you are. Now look, you’ve made her cry all over again.

Taylor shook her head, her eyes damp. "No, no, it’s okay. You’re right, I’m lucky in that sense, it was just too soon. He could probably have lasted another thirty, forty or fifty years, but he chose now. Why?"

Susan brushed Taylor’s hair smooth. Shhh. He was ready, that’s all. Most people never know when their last day will be, but he got to choose it, with family and friends surrounding him. This was very special.

Taylor blinked away tears. Bayeth was the last to arrive and the first to leave. It’s almost like he didn’t want to be here.

Susan brushed Taylor’s cheek with her fingers. This must have been hard for him.

Taylor sniffed. Maybe, but how can he be so different from his sister? She’s so caring, and he’s…

Susan took Taylor by the shoulders and smiled sadly. "We have no control over who our children become, Taylor. We try to mould and shape them as they grow up, but at some point, they become their own person, and you have to live with that. You should be proud of your children — all of them, including Bayeth. But from all accounts he’s more like his other father, despite your nurturing."

"Calvin, Taylor gritted her teeth. I’ll never be rid of his influence. I’d prefer to think Bayeth’s behaviour comes from growing so fast," Taylor sighed.

Susan shook her head. Enough with the excuses, and Margaret had the same experience and fathers, but she’s her own person too. We love all your children equally, and so should you. Now, I hate to leave you, but your father must also prepare for the next Committee meeting. We’ll check in on you in a day or two to see how you’re doing.

Taylor nodded. I may be at Mayfor and Haylen’s by then.

Susan nodded firmly. All the better. You need a distraction, and you really should spend more in-person time with family. Just a hint.

Taylor forced a smile. I know, and I’ll come see you all soon, I promise.

I’ll have a nice steak waiting for you, Stanley winked. Beverley may not say it much, but she misses you terribly.

Beverley stepped in and gave Taylor a quick kiss. You just ignore him; I know you’re busy and people have their own lives when they grow up. You come see us when you’re good and ready. But it will be lovely to have you back on Earth, even for a little while.

Taylor hugged them all in turn, then stepped back to stand beside Kalend. Love you all, she waved. See you soon.

The images of her parents and grandparents faded away as they waved.

So, it’s just us left, Taylor sighed and turned to look at Kalend.

Noosa maintained a respectful distance, eyes scanning the clearing.

Kalend raised a thick blonde eyebrow. Would you like some time alone, Mother?

Taylor shook her head. That’s the last thing I want right now.

Kalend inclined his head. Then I will stay.

Thank you, Kalend. That would be nice, Taylor gave him a weak smile. This has been exhausting. I think I need a little rest before we go anywhere. She lowered herself down against the rough bark of Ralph’s trunk.

Do you mind if I—? Kalend asked Heather.

Heather smiled, the edges of her woody lips curling up. Of course not, dear. Make yourself comfortable.

Kalend sat down carefully on Heather’s roots and leaned back against her trunk.

They held a comfortable silence for several minutes, listening to the leaves rustling overhead before Taylor spoke. Fatook?

You know I hate that name, grumbled Ralph.

Taylor patted his roots. "I’m just teasing. Would you do something for me please, Ralph?"

"Whatever I can, Taylor, but I am a tree, remember. I have more limitations than I used to."

Taylor nodded. Can you tell me what’s it feels like to be Ascended?

Ah, Ralph blinked. "Ah. I see. Well, it’s… different. Not bad, just… different. I can see, hear, feel through my bark, even taste and feel a little through my leaves, I suppose, but I can’t move anything other than my eyes or mouth."

Taylor looked up at Ralph’s face. Did it hurt, when you became an Urm?

No.

Good, said Taylor, then fell silent.

Noosa adjusted her stance, and looked around the clearing once more. Then she, too, settled down against the base of a nearby tree.

For several minutes all that could be heard was the rustling of leaves in the breeze, the scampering of small feet in the underbrush, and the occasional call of birds flying far overhead.

Taylor broke the silence. You spent a lot of time with the Ascended, right, Ralph?

Yes, I had lots of friends who had long since passed.

Taylor raised an eyebrow. Did they talk much about their Ascendance? Did it hurt any of them?

Your pre-occupation with this subject is disturbing, Taylor.

Taylor sighed. "Well, it’s not every day that you walk the love of your life to the place he would be planted, Ralph. I’m still processing that. It’s going to take some time."

I understand, sighed Ralph, a whistling-reedy sound. I would not lie to you, Taylor. Trust me that Char was not in pain.

Taylor nodded. Okay.

Ralph coughed. You can ask him yourself, soon enough.

Taylor sighed. "Yeah. I never