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Chapter 31 Katrina spent days in and out of a fever-induced delirium. Occasionally she would mumble or murmur something, but rarely did her words mean anything to those around her. Tabi stayed faithfully by the girl’s side through it all, leaving only when necessary to reliever herself. Cha-Lee and Xenritha were frequently in the room but trusted Katrina’s care to Tabi. One standard week after Katrina’s return to the boarding school brought the break in the girl’s fever. Even Madame Zinkrey came to visit that day and looked relieved. Cha-Lee was grave still and quick to lecture her on the risks she had taken as well as the great disappointment he felt in her. Xenritha grinned and patted her on the back, saying how glad he was that she was well. Tabi hugged her twice but made her feelings on what Katrina had done clear. Tapki popped his head in later in the day and just harrumphed before popping out again. The Zanespots allowed her several more days to recover her strength and begin filling in the hollow space in her abdomen but then it was time to go. Katrina changed out of the ugly uniform and into the set of cloths Tabi had made for her and slipped her few possessions into her pockets. The drab uniform she had been forced to wear while living under the Empire’s thumb was now too small, so she left it folded in the drawer of the dresser. Katrina looked around the room one last time before walking out on the first bedroom she had ever had to herself. “You are ready?” Cha-Lee stood just outside the door, waiting for her. Katrina nodded and silently followed him through the corridors. To the side of the Olveck pen rested a small, rusting ship. Xenritha, Madame Zinkrey, Tabi, and Tapki stood at the base of the landing ramp, talking. As Katrina and Cha-Lee stepped out of the building and onto the grass all four turned to watch them. “You must be excited to be starting a new life,” Madame Zinkrey said stiffly. “I hope you took the time to say good-bye to all of your little friends. I know many will miss you. I hope you have enjoyed your time here and have learned much.” When Katrina only blinked at the woman Madame Zinkrey began to look uncomfortable. She glanced around as though needing help but found none. She turned and walked back to the school as though it was all she knew to do. “Well, girlie, looks like you’re finally breaking free of this place for good. Good luck to you.” Tapki shoved a small wooden box into her hands and winked before also turning to walk away. “You can come too,” Katrina called after him. “We can drop you off somewhere.” “My daughter gets a free education here and we have nowhere else to go. Lived here since I was born. Better off staying.” Katrina watched him go before looking down at the box in her hands. Smooth wooden slats were set slightly apart on the hinged lid but firmly together on the sides and bottom. She flipped the latch and pushed the top up just enough to see the bodies of two sleeping, bald, Olvecks. “It’s time to go,” Cha-Lee announced as he started up the ramp. Katrina looked questioningly to Tabi who shook her head, sending her long braids flying about her, and picked up a small but bulging traveling bag. Katrina grinned and followed the Weequay onto the ship, leaving Xenritha to close the ramp behind himself. Katrina and Tabi strapped into the two seats behind the pilot and co-pilot sears as Cha-Lee and Xenritha busily flipped switches and pushed buttons. Through the long view area at the front of the cockpit Katrina watched the ground fall away and white wisps of clouds float past. The deep black of space, broken only by millions of blinking dogs, enveloped the ship as it moved away from the planet. “I would say good-bye to it,” Tabi whispered to Katrina, “but that would be treating it too much like a friend. It served its uses, but I am not sorry to see it go.” |
