The Color of Distance

Chapter 29

“Well, Dr. Agelou,” Dr. Bremen said. “What are the results of Dr. Saari’s tests?”

Juna swallowed nervously and looked around the room. Dr. Wu, Dr. Baker, and Captain Edison also waited for the psychologist’s verdict.

“I’m afraid that there were some inexplicable anomalies in her brain scan, and some significant changes in her personality tests as well.”

Captain Edison leaned forward. “What sort of anomalies, Doctor?”

The psychologist glanced at Juna, his fingers plucking nervously at his fussy little goatee.

“Her abilities to smell, taste, hear, and see all appear to have been enhanced. She can see into the ultraviolet, and down into the infrared, and her color discrimination is much more subtle than normal. Her kinesthetic senses are also enhanced. The medical team reported significantly faster reflexes and increased coordination, which was corroborated by my neural and brain scans.”

Juna looked down at the table, tracing the marbling in the plasteel tabletop with one gloved finger. So far he had only pointed out that she could run faster and see better. They already knew that. She wondered what it had to do with her psychological profile.

“Also, Dr. Saari’s brain-wave pattern has altered in some significant and fundamental ways. She has much deeper theta and alpha waves than I have ever seen before, and she possesses a degree of physiological control documented in only a few of the most disciplined yogis and fakirs. In addition she appears able to alter her emotional state almost at will.”

“You mentioned some personality changes, Doctor?” Captain Edison prompted. “Could you please elaborate on that.”

“Chiefly, she exhibits a close bonding with the Tendu, a condition known as xenophilia. Consequently, her loyalties are deeply divided between her own species’ interests and those of the aliens. In addition, her values profile has shifted significantly. Her respect for authority has diminished, and her willingness to identify strongly with a group has shown a remarkable increase.”

Juna looked on, amazed that her fondness for the Tendu could be referred to in such pathological terms. She took a deep breath, suppressing her rising anger. This wasn’t going to be good.

“What is your recommendation?” Dr. Bremen asked.

Dr. Agelou sighed and looked down at the table. “I believe that there are just too many psychological unknowns here. I have discussed these changes with Morale Officer Chang, and we agreed that changing Dr. Saari’s security status poses too great a risk to the health and safety of the crew on this mission.” He turned to Juna but did not quite meet her gaze. “I’m very sorry, Dr. Saari.”

Captain Edison stood. “I think you’re basing your recommendation a little too heavily on psychological testing, Dr. Agelou. Given the circumstances, I think that the changes in Dr. Saari are quite understandable, and even reasonable. I see nothing in your data that would lead me to believe any of these changes make Dr. Saari a security risk. The reports I have received from Ensign Kipp and others on the security detail are quite favorable. I don’t believe she poses a risk to the crew. I recommend that we discontinue the security escort.”

“Thank you, Captain Edison,” Juna said, looking up at her. “I appreciate your trust in me.”

“Just a minute, Captain,” Dr. Bremen said. “I don’t think you should ignore Dr. Agelou’s doubts.”

“I’m not ignoring them, Dr. Bremen,” the captain replied. “I’ve taken his recommendation into account, along with the reports from my security detail. I feel that Dr. Saari is not a risk to the crew of this ship. Besides, Dr. Saari’s expertise is too valuable to keep locked up. I’m already getting complaints from some of the researchers.”

“Dr. Agelou is a highly trained professional, Captain Edison. I’m not sure that it’s wise to disregard his advice.”

“Dr. Bremen, I have spent twenty years in the Survey, five of them as a captain. I have had to evaluate people’s trustworthiness and fitness for duty many times during my career. Psychological profiles are an important part of any such decision, but there are a great many other factors to consider. I have considered those factors, and I believe that Dr. Saari does not pose a risk to my crew or my ship.”

This ts the most important Survey mission in decades,” Bremen responded. I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Vm sorry T› Saari but I m afraid that until further notice, you will continue to have a security escort.”

“I understand, Dr. Bremen,” Juna said, fighting to keep her anger from showing.

She stood. “Captain Edison, thank you for taking my part in this matter. I’ll try to prove that your trust in me is justified.”

With that, Juna turned and walked out the door, too angry to wait for an official dismissal. Under her suit, her skin was alive with anger, hurt, and disappointment.

She flung open the airlock door, slammed it shut, started the lock cycle, and began stripping off her suit, fighting back tears. Her gloves jammed on their threads, so she fought her way out of the suit, leaving its gloves and boots attached. Then she had to wait until the lock finished cycling to get into her room.

Only when she was in the shower did she allow her tears to flow. The hot water flowed over her body, washing away the tears and soothing her tight, dry skin. She leaned her forehead against the side of the shower stall. Hot water poured around her ears and down her cheeks, trailing off the point of her chin. She knew that she should have stayed and tried to convince Bremen to change his mind, but she had been too angry to think straight. It was all too much—her cold, dry quarters, the quarantine, the constant surveillance, the way Moki clung to her, and the demands of the Tendu. Worst of all was the fear in the eyes of her fellow humans. Still, she had to bear it. The Tendu and the humans needed her to reach harmony. She wondered how the enkar managed.

She climbed out of the shower, and began to dry off. She wanted to climb into bed, pull the covers over her head, and never come out again.

The phone rang. She reached to answer it, then hesitated as it rang again, and again. She picked it up just before the messaging clicked in.

“Hey, it’s Laurie. How’re you doing?”

Juna sighed and rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand. “I’ve been better,” she confessed.

“You want someone to talk to? I’ll be happy to suit up and come in.”

Juna glanced around the anonymous cubicle she occupied. “I think I’d rather come out.”

“Okay.”

Laurie opened the airlock door after it finished cycling. “Let’s go sit on the landing dock. That way you can get out of that suit for a while.”

“Can I do that?” Juna asked.

“Sure. You’re under guard, after all. C’mon.”

Laurie let Juna through the airlock to the outside first. She stood at the top of the steps, looking longingly at the low green line of forest-covered hills, inhaling the scent of the sea and the green, complex scent of the jungle. If only she could dive off the dock and vanish into the forest, leaving all her problems behind. She shook her head and stepped back from the railing.

The airlock door slid open with a hiss, and Laurie stepped out, looking even taller and more imposing in her e-suit.

“Let’s go sit down by the water,” Juna said. “I want to dangle my legs over the side.”

Laurie nodded and followed her down the steps to the dock.

“I’ve heard so much about the jungle and the Tendu from you and the others who’ve been ashore. I wish I could see it,” Laurie said when they were settled.

“Do you want me to take you over there sometime?” Juna asked. “It would be easy for me to get permission from the Tendu.”

Laurie looked down at the water. “I’d like to, but there are so many people who haven’t been ashore yet. It wouldn’t be fair.”

“Fair?” Juna smiled, thinking of her own treatment. “What’s fair? You’ve been good to me, treated me like a human being.” She looked up at Laurie. “I wish more people did.”

Laurie looked away for a long moment. “You don’t mind that I report to the captain about you?”

Juna shrugged. “It’s part of your job. Captain Edison said that the reports she’s heard have been good.”

Laurie nodded, but there was still a hunched and guilty look about her.

“What is it, Laurie? What’s wrong?”

“They watch you,” she said after a long pause.

“I know that,” Juna said.

Laurie shook her head. “You don’t understand. They watch you all the time. Everywhere. There are cameras in your room, and surveillance equipment in your suit. There’s a team of people trying to decode everything you say to the Tendu. They questioned Alison when they found out she was a friend of yours.”

Juna put a hand on Laurie’s shoulder. “You think I don’t already know that they’re treating me like an exotic lab rat? They have to be watching me. I’d be surprised if they weren’t. They need to know how I’ve changed. I just wish I could explain to them that it’s still me inside this skin. I’m just a little older, a little wiser, and a whole lot greener than I used to be.”

Laurie smiled, and then looked away, out toward the coast. “You still shouldn’t be treated like this, after all you’ve been through. You don’t need a security escort, Juna.”

“They think I do,” Juna said with an ironic smile.

“I’ve served under Captain Edison for four years. You work that long with someone, you get to understand them pretty well. She isn’t happy with this trip. There’s too many interdepartmental turf wars, and Bremen isn’t doing anything to stop them. When people go over his head to Captain Edison, he gets upset. I think he sided with Chang and Agelou because he wanted to assert his authority over the captain.”

“Politics,” Juna said, “it’s politics. Most of the people on this ship are here because they’ve got pull. The Tendu are the most important discovery in years. Careers can be made here, especially for the AC people.” She looked out toward the green hills. “I liked being on the advance teams because there was a lot of good science being done without a lot of academic politics.”

Laurie patted her knee. “I don’t think this situation can last very long. You’re too necessary to the success of this mission. Sooner or later Chang and Agelou are going to have to cave in. Besides, you’re well-liked, and everyone who’s dealt with you knows you aren’t a risk to the mission.”

“It isn’t just the humans,” Juna told her. “There’s Moki and the negotiations with Lyanan. There’s pressure from all sides.” She shook her head. “It’s a lot to deal with.”

“Just remember that you have friends on board.”

“Thanks, Laurie,” Juna said. “It helps a lot.” She looked again at the forest. “You know, coming out here was a good idea. I feel a lot better.”

“I’m glad it helped,” Laurie said. “You ready to go in now?”

“We’d better,” Juna agreed. “They’re probably starting to wonder what I’m up to out here.”

“Thank you for coming, Dr. Saari,” Captain Edison said. “Please sit down.”

The captain sat behind her desk. “I want to apologize for this mistreatment. I think you’ve been through enough. If I could stop it, I would.” She spread her fingers in a gesture of helplessness. “But Bremen won’t budge. As a researcher, you’re in his chain of command. I can only advise him. There’s not a lot I can do about your situation, Dr. Saari, but I wanted you to know that I’m on your side, and that I’m doing everything in my power to help.”

“Thank you, Captain. I appreciate it.”

“I wish I could do more,” Captain Edison said. “Most people in your situation would have fallen apart, yet you’ve survived and adapted. The Survey needs more people like you.”

“Is there anything I can do to help change the situation?” Juna asked.

“Keep your head down, do your job, and hope that something comes along to help change things.” The captain held her hands up in a gesture of helplessness. “I’m afraid that’s the best advice I can give you.”

Juna passed through the final airlock and stood on the landing, feeling the refreshing bite of fresh air on her moist skin. Her sleeveless shirt fluttered in the light breeze. She closed her eyes, savoring these few moments of freedom before, the others emerged.

“It must feel very good to get out of that suit,” Dr. Tanguay remarked as she came out of the airlock. “You’re turquoise all over.”

Juna flushed brown with embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” Dr. Tanguay said. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“It’s all right, Patricia,” Juna said, looking away toward the coast.

“Could we— Could you talk in skin speech?” she asked. “I need to practice.”

“Of course,” Juna said in Tendu. “Are you ready for the negotiations?” she asked, pacing her words more quickly than Patricia was used to in order to test her progress.

“Slower, please,” Dr. Tanguay replied.

Juna was repeating the question when the airlock door hissed open. It was Dr. Wu. Juna noted a look of concern on Dr. Tanguay’s face as she turned to escort Wu down the long stairway to the boat, asking him about the agenda for today’s negotiations. She helped Dr. Wu into the boat, and allowed him to help her step in. Juna followed them, accepting Dr. Wu’s hand to assist her.

At last, the negotiation team was assembled in the boat and ready to leave. Today, the team consisted of Dr. Wu, Dr. Tanguay, Dr. Bremen, Captain Edison, and Juna. Bremen nodded to Bruce, and he cast off from the dock. As they headed for shore, Dr. Tanguay continued to work with Juna on understanding skin speech. Wu, who usually watched with interest, was looking down into the bilge of the boat. He looked a little pale, but that could just have been the reflection off the water. Juna was about to ask him, but Dr. Tanguay interrupted her with a question about skin-speech grammar. When she turned back to Dr. Wu, they were getting ready to land.

As soon as they stepped onto the beach, Dr. Tanguay took Dr. Wu’s arm. The two of them plodded down the beach, chatting amicably. Patricia stopped often to pick something up and exclaim over it. They trailed the group by thirty meters by the time the others stopped to rest at the top of the cliff. Dr. Wu was sweating profusely and breathing hard when he and Tanguay reached the top of the cliff. She’s covering for Wu, Juna realized.

He looked as if he needed a chance to rest before they continued on. Juna decided to make sure that he got it.

“You wait here. I’ll go see if the Tendu are ready for us,” she said.

Juna entered the cool forest with a sigh of relief, slipping out of her clothing as soon as she was out of sight of the other humans. Anitonen chittered at her from a branch in the lower canopy, and Moki swung down to greet her. They embraced and linked briefly.

Wu looked better when Juna returned for the team. They followed her to the stream bank where the negotiations were being held and settled down to work. There was little progress. The Tendu would not discuss anything else until the question of reparations for Lyanan was resolved. So far, Wu and the others had refused every suggestion made by Lalito, except for a set of aerial photographs and detailed topographical maps of their territory, made of indestructible plastic. Even that was pushing the letter of the law, but it was the villagers’ most benign request so far, and the humans needed to give the Tendu something in order to keep the negotiations going.

But Lalito wanted more. She kept asking for things she had seen on her trip to the ship: computers, electric lights, steel tools, plastic containers, bags, and sheeting. She even wanted some mice like the one in Juna’s room. Juna had suggested alternatives: more coils of hemp rope, beautifully woven baskets, flint-knapped arrowheads, and fishnets. All had been flatly refused. At least they were still negotiating, though Juna felt that was a tribute to the endurance and patience of the Tendu.

After an hour and a half, both sides took a break. Juna pulled Dr. Tanguay aside.

“What’s the matter with Dr. Wu?” she asked. “He’s been looking pale all morning. You’ve been hovering over him like an anxious mother hen.”

“He said he wasn’t feeling well,” Patricia replied. “Perhaps it’s a touch of the flu.” Her tone of voice was not convincing.

“You’re worried it’s something serious, aren’t you?”

“I’m afraid that it might be his heart,” Patricia confessed. “He barely made it through the health screening, and he’s been getting steadily worse the whole trip. I’ve been trying to keep him from getting too tired. He’s too important to lose.”

“Perhaps we should take him back to the ship,” Juna suggested.

Patricia shook her head. “I’ve suggested that, but he won’t go.” She glanced over at Wu. “He’s afraid that the doctors will bar him from the negotiations.”

“I’ll do what I can to help,” Juna reassured her.

Juna watched Wu as the negotiations progressed. He looked distinctly unwell. She saw some of the others watching him also. Even the Tendu seemed to notice. She was about to call for another break when Wu suddenly doubled over, clutching his chest.

“My heart,” he gasped.

Captain Edison was on the radio immediately, calling for assistance.

“What is it?” Anitonen asked.

“Something’s wrong with his heart,” Juna told her. “We’re calling for medical assistance.”

“He’s unconscious!” Patricia exclaimed.

Anitonen pushed past the humans and squatted beside Wu. “Help me get his suit off,” she told Juna. “He needs help now!”

“Let the Tendu help,” Juna told the others as she began removing Wu’s helmet.

“No!” Patricia said, pushing Juna’s hands away. “It’ll kill him!”

“The Tendu can stabilize him,” Juna told her. “By the time we get him to a medical team it will be too late.”

“But it will kill him!”

“No it won’t!” Juna insisted. “The Tendu saved my life. They can save his.” She took Dr. Tanguay’s hands in hers. “Patricia, I care about Paul too. Let me help Anitonen save his life. Please!”

“They can’t get a medical team to us for at least fifteen minutes,” Captain Edison informed them. “Let the Tendu do what they can for him.” The captain slid an arm around Patricia’s shoulders. “Dr. Tanguay, I need you to come with me to help guide the medical team in.”

“Thank you,” Juna said as the captain turned to go. She nodded at Anitonen. “All right.”

Anitonen got Dr. Wu’s gloves off, and sank a spur into the palm of his hand. Wu’s breathing eased immediately and color returned to his face.

“You know your own people better than I do. Monitor me,” Anitonen told Juna.

Juna flickered yes. Aloud she said, “I’m going to help Anitonen with Dr. Wu. Please, don’t disturb us. It might kill Dr. Wu, and could harm Anitonen or me.”

She helped Anitonen remove Wu’s helmet and open his suit. Juna clasped one of his arms, Anitonen took the other, and then they linked.

Juna could feel Wu’s heart laboring. His oxygen-starved blood tasted flat and rusty. Anitonen dilated the blood vessels supplying the heart, increasing the blood supply. They fed all the oxygen their bodies could spare into Wu’s bloodstream. Then Anitonen set about repairing the damaged tissues of his heart. It began to beat more strongly as oxygen-rich blood began reaching the starved muscle, and Anitonen continued restoring the damaged heart.

Wu regained consciousness. Juna felt him tense and begin to panic. She shielded him from the intrusion of their presences, as Moki had shielded her so long ago. Wu’s panic changed to curiosity as he felt Anito-nen’s presence exploring his clogged arteries. The Tendu began clearing the arteries around his heart, filtering the greasy cholesterol out through her allu. It was a long job. Juna could feel Anitonen tiring, so she fed her some energy.

Wu’s presence reached out tentatively, full of wonder and excitement at this strange new contact. Juna enfolded him in reassurance and calmness. Anitonen finished clearing the arteries in Wu’s chest and lungs and began work on the rest of his body, but she was getting too tired to continue. Juna gently eased the link apart.

She opened her eyes. Dr. Wu was smiling, tranquil. His eyes opened, he looked at her, and his smile widened. “Thank you,” he said. He sat up and reached for Anitonen, grasping her hand. “That was amazing.” He stood. Juna reached to steady him, but he shook her off. “I feel better than I have for years.” He took a deep breath of the alien air. “It smells green,” he said. “Very green, and alive.” There were tears in his eyes.

“Anitonen gave you something to help your body fight off an allergic reaction, but it won’t last very long,” Juna told him. “You should go before you start to react.”

“There’s a flyer on the beach,” Bremen said. “We need to get you to the infirmary.”

Wu nodded. He looked as if he were in a dream. He touched Juna on the arm, and Juna realized that she was finally touching another human being skin to skin. She took his hand.

“Please thank Anitonen for me,” Wu said. “Not just for saving my life. But for the other. The allu-a—” He paused. “It was what I have wanted all my life. To touch the alien.” He shook his head, wonderingly. “It was—” He spread his hands wide, his face suffused with joy. “I don’t have words for it, but please, thank her for it.”

“I understand,” Juna told him.

“So do I, now. Thank you, Juna.” He clasped her hands in his for a moment.

Juna translated Dr. Wu’s thanks. Anitonen rippled amusement.

“Tell him that he has a good presence, and that it was an honor to link with him.”

Juna translated, and Dr. Wu smiled in response. He clasped Anito-nen’s hands and turned to go.

“How did he get like that?” Anitonen asked. “So full of things wrong with him?”

“It happens to humans as they get older,” Juna replied. “I should go and make sure the doctors don’t do anything to reverse what you’ve done.”

“I’ll come with you,” Anitonen offered. “If they have any questions, I can answer them.”

The two of them caught up with Wu, and got on the flyer with him. Once they were in the air, Anitonen looked out the window, utterly fascinated as they skimmed over the ocean toward the ship. Brilliant hot pink ripples of excitement flowed over her skin. The medical techs watched her, mouths agape.

When the flyer landed, Dr. Wu was placed on a gurney and rushed to the ship’s medical wing. He was put into a second, hastily set up quarantine room. Juna and Anitonen donned suits for the trip from the airlock to quarantine.

Dr. Baker came in a few minutes after they arrived. “Why isn’t this man on oxygen and a drug drip?” he demanded.

“Because I don’t need it, Doctor,” Wu told him calmly. “Anitonen has healed me. I feel better than I have in years. No more shortness of breath, no angina.”

“But—” the doctor began.

“Do I look like a man suffering from a heart problem?” Wu asked.

Dr. Baker shook his head. “Let me examine you,” he said, taking out his stethoscope.

Anitonen watched alertly as the doctor examined Wu.

“Amazing,” he announced. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that your heart was that of a twenty-year-old. Your pulse is strong, your blood pressure is low, your color and breathing are excellent. Are you sure it was a heart attack?”

Juna stepped forward. “Dr. Baker, I helped monitor Anitonen when she healed Dr. Wu. It was definitely a heart attack. I felt it. I tasted it.”

As soon as he was sure that Wu really was stabilized, Dr. Baker questioned Juna and Anitonen minutely about what they had done. Finally Anitonen put her hand on Juna’s leg.

“I’m tired and hungry. Could we talk again later?”

Juna realized that she, too, was lightheaded from hunger.

“I’m sorry, Doctor, but we need to take Anitonen back. She’s tired, and she needs food and rest. So do I. Healing is very draining work.”

Dr. Baker nodded. “I’d like to talk further with Anitonen about this some other time. She’s already suggested several interesting ideas worth researching. Perhaps you could bring her back tomorrow?”

Juna translated his question.

“I’d be glad to,” Anitonen replied. “I’ve learned a great deal today. Tell Dr. Wu to sleep as much as he can, and to eat a lot of protein. His body is not done repairing itself. He will need to rest and eat well for another three or four days. We can resume the negotiations when he’s fully recovered. Also, please thank Dr. Wu. I learned a great deal from him today.”

“I should be thanking Anitonen,” Wu replied with an ironic smile, when Juna translated Anitonen’s words. He reached out and touched Anitonen on the shoulder, imitating the Tendu’s gesture, and said, “I owe you my life, and more. Thank you.”

Juna escorted Anitonen back to shore, returned to her quarters, ate a huge meal, and fell asleep.

She woke the next morning feeling better than she had in days. She lay in bed, looking up at the impersonal white ceiling of her room. The negotiations were called off until Wu was better. She should spend that time getting more of a handle on the politics aboard ship.

She called for her security escort. Laurie was subdued and awed as she let Juna out of quarantine.

“I hear you saved Dr. Wu’s life,” she said.

Juna shook her head. “Anitonen did that. I merely helped.”

They reached Dr. Wu’s room. He was lying in bed, attached to several monitors.

“Juna!” he called out as she came in. He held up a wire-festooned arm. “It’s good to see you. They’re still running tests on me.”

She took his hand. His grip was strong and firm.

“How are you?” she asked.

“I feel better than I’ve felt for years,” he told her. “The doctors are amazed. I’m amazed, and I was there. It feels like a miracle. Thank you for helping save my life.”

Juna looked away, feeling distanced by his awe.

One of the nurses came in. She looked at Juna as though she expected her to walk on water at any moment.

Juna looked down, even more embarrassed. “I need to go, but I’m glad you’re feeling well. You haven’t had any allergic reactions?”

Wu shook his head.

“Good. I’ll be bringing Anitonen over around noon to give you a checkup.”

“I’ll see you then,” Wu said.

Juna patted his hand and left. The medical techs were clustered at the door, watching her. They parted to let her through, like the sea parting for Moses.

As she was leaving the medical wing, she ran into Patricia Tanguay. “How is he?” she asked Juna.

“He’s fine. The doctors are busy running tests on him, and Anitonen will be coming in around noon to check on his progress and answer the doctors’ questions.”

“I’m glad to hear it. The whole ship is abuzz about your saving Dr. Wu’s life.”

“I’ve noticed,” Juna said. “Anitonen is the one who saved Dr. Wu. I only watched.”

“Juna, I heard about what happened. You and an alien clasped the arms of a dying man, closed your eyes, and sat still for perhaps twenty minutes. When you were through, Dr. Wu was healthier than he had been for years. The doctors are amazed. You helped perform a miracle.”

“It wasn’t a miracle,” Juna insisted. “Anitonen and the other Tendu do this sort of thing every day. It’s a little harder to work on a human because we’re new and strange to them, but it’s a skill that every single adult Tendu possesses.”

“It’s still a miraculous skill.”

Juna spent the rest of the morning visiting labs, answering questions, and making suggestions to various researchers. It was nice to be able to take part once again in the work that she loved. It also reminded the researchers of how valuable a resource she was. The morning passed quickly, and Juna was sorry to have to leave the labs to go pick up Anitonen.

She entered the airlock, climbing out of her uncomfortable e-suit and into some light cotton clothing. Temporarily freed from the restrictions of quarantine, she opened the heavy outer door, and ran down the gangplank to the floating dock. Bruce was waiting for her in the boat. She smiled, and her step lightened. For once she was going to get to visit the forest without a gaggle of noisy humans trailing behind her.

“Hey there, miracle worker!” he said as he helped her into the boat. “Oh please!” Juna said. “I’ve heard that all morning long!”

“It’s all over the ship. The boat crew yesterday got an earful from the people they took back. So what really happened?”

Juna shrugged. “Anitonen and I performed some Tendu first aid on Dr. Wu. We saved his life, but it was not a miracle. Anitonen just did what any Tendu does. All I did was monitor Anitonen in case anything went wrong.”

“Can you do what Anitonen did?”

Juna shook her head. “I’m not that good. I can only heal easy things like flesh wounds and simple fractures. I might have been able to stabilize Dr. Wu until the medics came, but I couldn’t have cleared his arteries or repaired his damaged heart.”

“Anitonen did all that?” Bruce asked incredulously.

“The doctors say that Dr. Wu has the heart of a twenty-year-old now,” she replied.

“Well, tell him to give it back!” Bruce said with a grin.

Juna laughed, relieved that he wasn’t treating her like some kind of saint. Bruce was one of the few who saw through her alien skin to her human self.

“You’ve got a nice laugh,” he told her.

Juna turned a deep brown and looked away. “Thank you.”

The boat nosed onto the beach, and Juna leaped out to help pull it ashore.

Anitonen was nowhere in sight.

“Where is she?” Bruce asked.

“I don’t know,” Juna said. “The Tendu have a very flexible concept of time. Why don’t we go up and see if we can find her?”

“That would be wonderful,” Bruce agreed. “I’ve never seen the jungle.”

“Then let’s go.”

Somewhere near the top of the cliff path, Juna took Bruce’s hand to help him over a rough spot. They remained hand in hand as they strolled through the cathedral-like forest. Bruce moved quietly, Juna noted with approval. They paused in a sun break created by a recently fallen tree. The upper branches of the downed tree were covered with bromeliads. The tree’s fall had carried the doomed bromeliads down into a zone that was too dark and moist for them to survive; they bloomed in a last brilliant rush to procreate before they died.

Juna leaned against the tree’s massive flank. The noises of the jungle seemed very loud in the silence that hung between them. Bruce settled himself beside her, sliding one arm around her shoulder.

“It’s beautiful,” he said, breaking the heavy silence.

Juna nodded and looked up. “It’s even more beautiful up there. It’s like a whole separate world.”

He followed her gaze into the canopy. “What’s it like?”

“It’s a lot cooler, there’s more wind. Even the big branches sway in the wind.” She shook her head, remembering. “I was too scared at first to notice much, but now there’s so much up there to look at, I don’t have time to be scared. I’ll miss it when I go.”

“You sound like you don’t want to leave.”

“I’ve come to love this planet. There’s the forest, the Tendu, and the freedom of the life that I’ve found here. And then there’s Moki. I wish I could tear myself in two and leave one part here with him.”

“His people will look after him.”

Juna’s eyes welled with tears. “He won’t accept another sitik. If I go, he’ll probably die.”

“I’m sorry,” Bruce said. “I wish there was something I could do.”

Juna shrugged and looked away. “The hardest part is living in that damned suit. You know,” she said, looking up at Bruce through the glare of his faceplate, “Dr. Wu was the first human being I’ve touched in four years.”

Bruce drew her closer. She leaned against him. Suddenly she was weeping, all the loneliness and isolation of the last four years pouring out of her.

Bruce held her, patting her back as she cried herself out. Her cheek stuck to the slick plastic of his e-suit. She felt a small, cool hand on her thigh. It was Moki, ochre with concern. She rippled reassurance at him and drew him close. Moki’s hand clasped her arm, and he linked with her. His small, observant presence blended with the secure warmth of Brace’s arms.

At last she broke the link with Moki and pulled away from Bruce. She wiped her eyes. “Thank you,” she said, feeling suddenly awkward.

“Any time,” he replied with an affectionate squeeze of her shoulder.

“God, I hope not,” Juna said with a shaky laugh. “If I cried like that all the time, I’d melt away like a sugar cube in a rainstorm.”

She glanced down at her wrist chronometer. “We should go find Ani-tonen. The others will be wondering where we are.”

“Anitonen’s waiting at the top of the cliff path,” Moki told her. “She was talking with Lalito and the village council until almost noon.”

Bruce scooped Moki up and set him on his shoulder. Moki rippled with laughter. “Let’s go, then,” Bruce said, taking Juna’s hand.

They walked together through the forest, hand in hand. Moki rested one of his long arms on Juna’s head. It was a good moment, bridging the best of both worlds, and Juna was sorry to reach the edge of the forest.

Anitonen swung down from the trees, greeting them cheerfully. Bruce said hello to Anitonen, set Moki down, and then went on ahead to get the boat ready.

“Bruce makes you happy,” Moki said as they were crossing the beach, hand in hand. “I’m glad. Will you be mating soon?”

Juna blushed brown. “I don’t think so,” she told him. “It’s different with my people, Moki.”

“He arouses you, though. I felt it in the link.”

Juna looked out at the distant ship. “Moki, I’ve been away from my people for a long time,” she said. “I’m easily aroused, but I don’t mate with strangers. I don’t know Bruce well enough. Besides, there’s the quarantine.”

“Anitonen says you won’t make anyone sick,” Moki told her.

“But they don’t believe her,” Juna said, gesturing at the ship with her chin.

“Do you believe her?” Moki asked.

Juna shrugged. “I’m afraid to be wrong. It could kill someone, or make them very sick. I’d lose what little trust they have in me if I broke quarantine without permission.”

Moki looked out toward the ship for a long time, his colors fading to a deep, cloudy grey.

“You need your people,” he admitted, turning back to her. “I need you.”

Juna looked down at the sand, shrugging helplessly. They reached the boat. Bruce handed Anitonen and Juna in and shoved off. Juna helped him into the boat and watched as he started the motor. When she looked back at the beach, Moki had vanished into the forest.

Juna watched as Anitonen broke her link with Dr. Wu, unclasping his arms carefully to avoid disturbing any of the wires taped to his body.

“He’s recovering very well,” Anitonen told her. “His heart muscle should be completely regenerated in a couple of days. I’ve also cleaned out more of his circulatory system.”

Juna translated this for Dr. Wu and the assembled medical personnel.

“I feel stronger and more alert,” Wu confirmed.

The doctors clustered around the readout of their tests.

“Look at this!” one of them said. “There’s a double line here, as though there were two readings instead of one.”

“What is this?” Anitonen asked. “Please explain.”

“This is the neural readout,” Dr. Baker said, after he explained what the graph told them. He pointed to a pair of green lines. “There appears to be a double reading, but then it merges again.”

“Yes,” Anitonen said, once Juna had translated Dr. Baker’s words, “that is where I linked with him. The line merges as I come into harmony with Dr. Wu.”

“And this?” Dr. Baker asked, pointing to another readout, “Why does the heart suddenly slow and then gradually speed up?”

“I was testing it, seeing how the regeneration was proceeding. His heart is much stronger now.”

The questions continued. Soon Juna found it impossible to translate the technical terms that each side was using.

“Tell them that it would be much easier if I could show them,” Anitonen said, holding her suited arms out as though asking for allu-a.

“But the rules—” Juna said.

“I can’t answer any more of their questions with talk,” Anitonen responded.

“She said that she can’t tell you anything else, but that she can show you,” Juna told the doctors. “She’s offering to link with you.”

Anitonen nudged her. “Tell them I am too tired to do any healing, but I will show them their body from my viewpoint, and show them what I did to Dr. Wu. I can also show them what my body looks like so they will understand my people better.”

Juna translated this. The doctors conferred among themselves for a few moments.

“This is—ahm—rather unusual,” Dr. Baker said. “We should consult with the Alien Contact team.”

“You’ve got the head of the team right here. Why not ask him?” Juna suggested.

“If one of you is willing to volunteer for this, I have no objections to having you link with Anitonen,” Dr. Wu told them. “Allu-a is an amazing experience.”

“She wouldn’t alter my body in any way?” Dr. Baker asked.

Juna relayed the question to Anitonen.

“No, I promise not to do anything.”

“Can we trust her?” Baker asked Juna.

“Dr. Baker, Anitonen is an enkar. Her life would be forfeit if she broke her word,” Juna explained. “I’ve known her for more than four years, and she has always kept her promises, even before she became an enkar.”

“I see.” He looked appraisingly at Anitonen. “Very well then. I volunteer to link with Anitonen. What do I do?”

Juna guided him to a seat. “Sit down and roll up your sleeves,”

Anitonen touched her shoulder. “Will you monitor us? Your presence will reassure him.”

Juna pulled a third chair into the circle. “Anitonen said that I should monitor you. Will you allow me to break quarantine?”

Dr. Baker leaned back and looked over at Dr. Wu. “Well?” he asked.

“I’m still alive after touching her,” Wu pointed out.

Baker hesitated for a moment longer, thinking it over. “All right,” he said. “Go ahead.”

Juna undid her gloves and pushed her sleeves back past her elbows. Anitonen did the same.

“Hold out your arms like this,” Juna told him, resting her arms on her thighs, palms up.

He did so. Juna grasped his warm, human arm as Anitonen grasped her other arm, her skin cold and moist and suddenly alien. She felt Baker flinch a bit as Anitonen touched him.

“Are you ready?” Juna asked.

Baker swallowed nervously. “Go ahead,” he told her.

Juna nodded at Anitonen and they plunged into the link.

She felt Baker’s mingled fear and curiosity as she entered the link. Anitonen moved to enfold him in reassurance. His fear ebbed swiftly. Juna was impressed; it had taken her a long time to get over her fear.

She watched as Anitonen gently began showing Baker his own life rhythms. First, the steady beat of his heart, and the salty metallic taste of his blood. She showed him how the taste differed between the oxygen-rich blood leaving his lungs and the depleted venous blood returning to the lungs. Then they traced his last couple of meals through his digestive system. Anitonen let him experience the irregular, sharp taste of his nerves, transmitting sensation and instructions back and forth between the brain and the rest of his body. Juna could feel the doctor’s excitement rising as Anitonen showed him more and more of his body.

Then, as they were exploring his bladder, Juna felt something odd. A tiny cluster of cells in the lining of his bladder was out of harmony. Juna could feel Anitonen waver, tempted to repair the problem; then she moved on. Shortly after that, Juna noticed that Anitonen was tiring, and gently broke the link.

Dr. Baker sat up slowly. “What happened? We linked with Anitonen, and then—”

“I broke the link,” Juna told him. “Anitonen was getting tired. It looks like you are too. Try eating something sweet. Sugar helps wake you up after allu-a. That’s why the Tendu eat so much honey.”

Baker nodded. “There’s some electrolyte solution up in the cupboard. That ought to help.” One of the nurses handed him a bottle of the solu tion. He poured some into a glass and held it up. “Can she drink this?” he asked Juna. “It’s made up of simple sugars and a few salts.”

“I don’t know.” She handed the glass to Anitonen. “Can you drink this?”

“Let me see.” Anitonen stuck her spur into the electrolyte solution. “It should be very helpful.” She drank it down, brightening noticeably within a few minutes. “This is excellent for recovering from allu-a,” she said. “Even better than our honey.”

“There is an irregularity in the cells lining his bladder,” she said, pointing her chin in Dr. Baker’s direction. “If it is left untreated, the cells will grow too muth and eventually spread throughout his body. I could repair it, if he will let me.”

Juna translated this.

Dr. Baker’s eyes widened. “You mean that cluster of cells was a cancer?”

“A very small one,” Juna said. “Anitonen could repair it for you when she’s rested. It would only take a few minutes.”

“Let me confirm this with some tests,” Baker said. “I believe Anitonen, but it would be very valuable to have some independent confirmation.”

Juna translated for Anitonen, who nodded. “Let me know when you would like to be healed.”

“Thank you,” Dr. Baker said. “And thank you for linking with me. I have learned a great deal. It was wonderful to see my body like that, to feel directly so much of what I have been taught and observed indirectly. I wish I could share that with my colleagues and students. If such a resource had been available to me in medical school…” He shook his head and smiled.

“I’m glad I was able to help,” Anitonen said when Juna translated his words. “And I hope that this will help you too, Eerin. Perhaps now your people will let you out of quarantine.”

“It will take time,” Juna replied with a shrug. “Though it may take less time now. I think that Dr. Wu’s heart attack has changed things.”