“Sec. Avery?” “Here, Raina. Do you have them?” Even in the dark of the outer air lock, Raina’s blond hair glowed as if by its own light
Yes. Sir!” she responded. “I brought 3 apples from the central repository. The Prelate was not pleased.” Brad smiled at her revelation
As she spoke, striking young Raina Doll glanced up at Brad Avery with a knowing smile. His unusual gift would be costly. This pleased her
The hiss of escaping air alerted the young couple to lower their headsets & masks. The human face was offensive to the Cray; as were humans
Brad and Raina advanced the required 3 steps then stood with their eyes averted. The airlock cycled closed. Each was shaking just a little
Raina’s hands, palms up, tight against her waist, held the precious gift. A Cray assigned to greet them advanced to face her. He struck!
The apples flew from her hands onto the ground. Her training failed & Raina uttered a short gasp and stepped back once. The Cray cried out
The Pattern of Three was broken! 3 steps forward, a trio of identical gifts, 3 as yet unspoken words of greeting. Raina’s fear damned all.
Cray 47 had returned; now Raina had insulted the Cray’s obsession with numerical order. Dara’s safe return was at risk.
Their suit translators were not designed to handle the load of multiple Cray rending the air with screams of rage. Neither were human ears
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