| SORCEROUS SIGNALS |
| Written by Lida Broadhurst / Artwork by Holly Eddy |
| Make a donation to this writer |
| FAMILY |
So I transformed into a creature with a gray coat, something called a cat. I'd been living with Purr for four months,
ever since the female Naohme had found me making mewing noises that some earthlings adore.
But Naohme's mouth had split, showing small teeth. She rubbed five digits along my spine. Without thinking, this buzzing
noise tickled my throat. She whispered, "Sweet baby."
I snuggled closer. It was undignified behavior for one of my breeding. But sometimes dignity must be sacrificed for the
Bureau.
The female carried me toward a box with glass insets. This I recognized as a house, where they burrow to eat and sleep.
Inside, her mate said, "Pretty little thing."
She held me up. "Well Purr needs a friend and he just was sitting in our yard."
So this became my group. Although the way Purr whacked me when the huemans weren't about, I wondered why they
thought he wanted a friend.
But today, I was to be his stalking partner.
He was looking at the sky, which remained empty. But yesterday just as I curled up in the grass, a screaming blue shape
darted toward me, a yellow sword sticking out from its head.
I meowed and fled toward the house. Naohme opened the door. Flapping a paper, she yelled, "Get away, you mean bird".
Purr strolled in. "Stupid scaredy cat. Was only a blue jay." He swatted me on the head.
Naohme glared, but he flattened his ears and turned his back.
Later when the two huemans cuddled before a black box with a glass screen, Purr flopped on the rug. "Funny how they
look at little gray jumping things," he muttered. "And they don't even eat them."
I wanted to reply, "Stupid, those shapes are not food." But even more, I wanted that bird gone from my life. I said, "I was
silly about that bird. But it looked almost as big as me."
Purr snorted. "Yuh, you're just a little gray bit of dirt. That's why they call you Dusty."
Great Thera, if anyone on Home Planet heard him talking like that, while I did nothing but stare at him appealingly, there'd
be a hundred snouts shouting derisory remarks. But Purr condescended to tell me his plan. "That bird ain't gonna bother us
again. Even fat old Benny will be safe."
Benny was the big white cat next door. He ambled over to visit, but usually just moved from his porch to his food bowl.
But he always said, "Help yourself, young 'un'. It's a tad hard for you when Purr gets his tail in a twist. But one day your
buddy's gonna meet someone who'll show him how the hog ate the turnips and then we'll see one chastised animal."
What a lovely phrase for my memory box. I was unclear why the pig-like animal and a pale vegetable combined to express
anger, but that would be a senior researcher's problem.
However, at the moment, my task was to lie as bait. If I should be impaled, I hoped the news would get back to Home
Planet. I also hoped they would finally think I had done something useful in pursuit of knowledge.
Suddenly, a scream like a rocket's thrust ripped my ears, as that blue bird dived toward me. I tucked my tail under, and
raced toward the house, my heart beating in rhythm with my panting breaths.
I peeked over my shoulder. Purr leaped into the air like an arrow of vengeance and grabbed the bird's tail feathers. The
two of them fell to the ground, the bird squawking angrily. But as Purr's teeth and paws ripped and shredded, finally it
ceased struggling.
Purr sat, tail flopped carelessly behind him. "You done good, little one. Look." Over by the almond tree lay a blue heap of
feathers. The yellow beak seemed like a dried twig, nothing that could stab even a butterfly. I murmured the prayer of
sorrow for a fallen enemy.
Purr scowled. "What are you jabbering about?"
"It's the song of praise for a foe who has died bravely."
Purr's golden eyes narrowed. "You're crazy."
I expected another whack, but he started licking his paws. Red drops sprinkled the grass, blood that might have been mine.
I patted Purr with my silver tipped paw. "For you, I will sing the song of the triumphant warrior."
His eyes narrowed again. " Neighbors ain't too thrilled with cat yowls. You don't know nuthin'."
I was horrified at how pompous my next words were. Almost like my brother. "Most untrue. Lessons are important at
the roost."
Purr's tail twitched. "More nutty talk, but say, kid, you were sharp today. Now I gotta patrol." He leaped to the top of the
fence, and marched around, glaring from side to side, daring any creature to challenge his territory. Just like a roost
warrior.
This thought frightened me. Back on our planet, I knew I'd never be one of those warriors who strutted and flapped their
wings. I really didn't like what my family planned for me.
But Purr made me feel I was good for something. And then Naohme rubbed the fur behind my ears. "How's my brave little
cat?" That sounded wonderful. I forgot Home Planet and lay on her lap purring.
Something wet fell on my fur. Odd, it looked like rain dripping from her eyes. "Oh, Dusty," she gurgled.
Willyum hugged her, "Dearest, it's hard not having kids. And the Bureau says we aren't eligible to adopt."
My ears pricked up. So hueman lives were run by a Bureau too.
Naohme smiled. "This little guy is so cuddly it's almost like having a real baby."
Purr snorted. "Silly baby. That's you."
I rejoiced at the note of jealousy in his voice. No one had ever envied anything I did. I wished I could bring her an egg
from Home Planet so they could have their nestling. So many eggs in the hatching house, surely one could be spared for
these poor people.
Naohme wiped her eyes. "Well, Dusty's a blessing. And you know there's something else.
Willyum nodded. "That old yellow cat; the one you call Max."
They stared out the window. Rain was falling, and I was glad to be inside on the rug. But somewhere out there was a fat
yellow cat, who lived by himself. The huemans left food out for him, but he would not come near them. Or even us. But
then Purr hissed and spit when he saw him. Still Max was much bigger than Purr, and I remembered what Benny had said
about Purr one day getting his comeuppance.
Yet, I couldn't imagine that poor cat tackling Purr. He looked soft, not in "top wing shape" as our warriors said.
But the huemans didn't care. "He'd be better off indoors. We could get his legs looked after." Willyum said.
The rain sliced so hard against the glass, it was hard to see anything. I hoped he'd found somewhere warm to rest.
Anyway, as the supervisor had said, "You just observe. Don't get involved." So I sat licking my front paw, while sending
details of life on earth through my thoughts into my ear chip. Thank Thera, it had been implanted deeply. No matter how
much I was cuddled, the huemans could not feel it. That job done, I curled up too, careful not to get close to Purr. "That
cat", as Benny said, "likes his space and then some."
The next day the sun returned. Our huemans left the house, as they did most days. Purr and I pushed open our special
door and rolled in the grass.
Benny came over and Purr described the bird battle. "Short stuff here meowed like he'd lost his ma. Stupid bird thought
he'd got easy pickings. That sucker was teetotally surprised when I jumped ten feet straight up and grabbed him." He
flicked his whiskers with a paw, like a roost member returning from battle.
Benny winked. Like we both knew Purr hadn't jumped anywhere near that high. Still his praise was a lot nicer than
anything I'd heard at home. I felt like I truly belonged on that patch of grass. I forgot my daily report and drifted into
sleep.
I awoke to hear them discussing the fat orange cat Naohme worried about. I knew I should be walking around taking
notes. Maybe I could even jump on a ground ship and see what people did in other parts of the planet.
My translator chip buzzed, and the sharp tones of the supervisor crackled so rapidly I could hardly understand anything,
except that he was angry. At the same time, a flash of orange in the nearby bushes caught my eye.
Purr and Benny were busy comparing the length of their whiskers. I flipped the off switch, leaving the supervisor in mid
squawk.
The only research that concerned me at the moment was why Max preferred irregular meals and a cold bed.
I crept along as if I were hunting small prey. I jumped as high as I could, as if whatever it was had escaped. I uttered a
few baffled "meows."
Max lay watching me. He looked like a cat who wanted to say something, but was afraid. I sympathized as I often felt that
way on Home Planet. "Hello," I said. My translator indicated this was a neutral friendly greeting.
I wrapped my tail around me, trying to look small and non-threatening. Up close Max's paws looked huge, like a lion's: an
animal I had read about who liked to rip other animals into pieces.
I began wiggling like I was trying to get comfortable, but I was inching backward. I reached a point where I felt I could
turn and run, when Max said in a rusty voice, "Wait up. Don't be scared." He limped toward me. His fur wasn't streaked
with gray. So something had damaged his hind legs.
When he reached my side, Max rubbed his massive face against my own. It felt comforting. But even this slight
movement had exhausted him; he collapsed, panting. His eyes closed, like he'd gone into final sleep.
Purr wandered over. "What's with the golden glob?"
Benny muttered, "One of these days."
I said, "I think the poor thing doesn't feel well, but is afraid of huemans."
Purr shrugged. "All you gotta do is look gloopy and huemans'll give you everything. You're real good at that."
"Maybe Max has only met mean ones." I gave him the Roost's glance of steel. "And maybe some of his own kind haven't
been too nice."
Purr raised a paw, claws extended, but remembering roost training, I raised my paw also. It resembled a gray pebble next
to Purr's. Purr raked his claws across my head. It stung, but I didn't cry out.
Purr sat down. "Hmm, there's more to you than there useta be."
Benny grunted. "Good going, young 'un."
I wished my parents were there. I felt so proud I almost revealed my true heritage. I imagined Purr's whiskers stiff with
astonishment, while he acknowledged my greatness with drooping tail and downcast eyes. He would slink away, while
Benny and perhaps Max stared at me with glowing eyes.
The buzz of my ear chip brought me back down to earth in a hurry. Of course I was already there, but. Anyway, I clicked
the channel open, but six feline eyes stared at me. I lifted my hind leg, pretending to scratch my ear. Unfortunately, I
closed the channel. I'd have to report later.
It was nicer just lying in the grass. Much nicer than listening to my father complain of my useless life. While my mother
made pointed remarks about my mating with Nerika, a nestling whose tongue was as sharp as her beak. I had not said
anything to her, hoping her family wanted a better mate for her. But probably my parents had pointed out that an alliance
with my family was not to be sniffed at.
Crash! The noise stabbed through my head so I thought that darn bird had returned. Well, here was a new menace for
Purr to tackle.
But that gallant warrior was cowering under a bush, his round yellow eyes bulging like one of our space vessels.
Thera take it! It was one of our space ships. Thank goodness the captain had put up the shield that prevented anyone
outside our yard from observing. Still I could well imagine the huemans wondering what was going on.
"Stupid specimens on this piece of dirt have a hearing level much below ours." My heart sank as I recognized the familiar
sneering voice. And down the ship's steps came strutting, armored in blue, the red crest of leadership waving from his
helmet, Aravik, Captain of the most elite wing in the Roost. My younger brother.
He picked me up by the scruff of the neck, letting me dangle from his long talons. "Well, Prince Gebber, what's so
important about this place that I have to come see why the Bureau hasn't heard from you in some time. Of course that
alone wouldn't have caused me to change course. I have other news."
He shook me slightly. "But one would expect even such an insignificant member of our family to discharge his duty
properly. No wonder the Bureau sent you here." He looked about the yard, at Purr and Benny and sniffed. Max had
retreated some distance away.
My brother didn't realize cats have extremely good hearing. Purr and Benny growled low in their throats. Whether they
were more annoyed about that contemptuous sniff or the rude references to me I wasn't sure. But Aravik paid no more
attention to their growls, than he would to the buzzing of an obnoxious insect. "Well, that's of no importance. What is
important is that Nerika's parents have agreed to a Bonding Ceremony at last. Mother and Father sent me so that you
would have a worthy ship for your return." He gazed at his sleek silver vessel. "We can't have a Prince of the Roost
descending to meet his mate from one of the Bureau's old black tubs."
Great Thera! When my parents entered Final Sleep, it was Nerika who would be my consort. I'd have to listen to that shrill
voice issuing orders to servants, decreeing which roost members were worthy of an invitation to our parties, and which
had incurred her displeasure. She would order my life, much as my parents had done. And no longer could I escape to the
peace of the Bureau studying other cultures. I shivered.
Benny and Purr must have read the misery in my face. Purr arched his back. "Put short stuff down," he hissed, so loudly
even Aravik took notice.
"Why can't that furry thing," he asked, "talk in a civilized tongue?"
Without thinking, I replied, "Don't you know anything about researcher work? Set your translator for Earth sounds."
As he did, Benny ambled over so that the first words my brother understood were, "No sense getting your feathers in a
twist, young fella. We've grown mighty fond of your brother. I aim to see that he, as a member of the cat family, which is
descended from an older line than yours, is allowed to live his life any way he sees fit."
"Me too," Purr growled and even Max limped over. "If I die for it, I will fight to the death to help Dusty."
Aravik's feathers rustled. "To the death is it?" He drew his slayer. Ugh, that dreadful weapon sprayed deadly mist and
would kill all three with one shot.
I swung myself about and bit Aravik hard on the hand. He yelped and dropped his weapon, probably as much from
surprise as pain.
"By Thera's tailfeathers, I never thought you were so stupid you would fight against your own brother. You are not
worthy to…"
I shoved hard and he loosened his grip and let me drop to the ground. "Well, I am not interested in ordering people around
or deciding who is civilized and who is not. I can recognize kindness and a better life than I will ever find on Home Planet."
My brother held up his talons in the gesture of peace. "I am sorry, Gebber. I should not have spoken so to our future
sovereign. But you can't want to reject our life for this."
I looked at my three friends. Benny looked worried and Max had collapsed.
But Purr would not rest when danger threatened. He was still puffed to twice his size, his whiskers stiffened like swords.
His magnificent tail lashed back and forth ready to whack something. He resembled a dinosaur of ancient times I had seen
in Bureau records, who slashed his foes with one wallop of that appendage. And while I doubted Purr's ability to hurt
Avarik, I did not doubt his wish to protect me. And he wasn't even a member of the Royal Roost guards.
Still Aravik was not known for his patience. And I had no desire to return to Home Planet to mate with someone I did not
love, and rule over a people who had never respected me. I remembered a line of hueman poetry. Something about it being
"better to serve in heaven than rule in hell," which sounded like Home Planet. Sure my little bit of earth wasn't heaven, but
living as Dusty I would be happier.
My face must have reflected my confusion because Avarik suddenly picked me up again and cuddled me against his
shoulder. "Don't you dare tell the members of my wing company, but it's kind of soothing cuddling a furry thing like you
and that odd buzzing noise is most pleasant. Maybe you could come back as our Royal Relaxer." My body stiffened and
he said, "Just kidding, Gebber. You wouldn't be the first one to abdicate, anyway."
My eyes widened. "Well," he admitted, "everyone was careful not to mention it to you. Your unhappiness was well known,
but father and mother thought if you went off-planet, you'd see how much better life was at home." He shrugged. "But a
good commander knows when to retreat. And frankly Nerika and I kinda like each other."
I looked at him with sudden pride. He would make a better ruler than I. Still I wished we had talked like this before.
He drew a small box from his tunic and pressed it against my forehead. Again Purr growled, and his hind legs crouched to
spring. Avarik laughed. "At ease, golden boy, I'm not hurting him."
Purr marched toward my brother. I almost shut my eyes so as not to watch the brave cat's defeat. But my friend, tail
upright, only rubbed his head against my brother's legs, a greeting from one warrior to another.
Avarik said, "You can remain here, but the Bureau needs a record of your adventures. When I click this button, let your
thoughts flow into your ear chip. Then it will dry up and become useless."
His voice droned on. "You may tire of this place and want to return. That will not be permitted. So after you finish your
recording, you will see flashing lights and…"
I heard a sharp snap, and, began thinking about everything that had happened to me. When I finished, colored lights
swirled, forming a tunnel down which I felt myself falling.
I blinked. Naohme was running toward us. "Quick. Inside. An earthquake was reported in this area."
Max limped beside me. Soon we're all gulping bowls of food.
Oh, I'm glad to be a cat. There's no better life anywhere. Anywhere.
ever since the female Naohme had found me making mewing noises that some earthlings adore.
But Naohme's mouth had split, showing small teeth. She rubbed five digits along my spine. Without thinking, this buzzing
noise tickled my throat. She whispered, "Sweet baby."
I snuggled closer. It was undignified behavior for one of my breeding. But sometimes dignity must be sacrificed for the
Bureau.
The female carried me toward a box with glass insets. This I recognized as a house, where they burrow to eat and sleep.
Inside, her mate said, "Pretty little thing."
She held me up. "Well Purr needs a friend and he just was sitting in our yard."
So this became my group. Although the way Purr whacked me when the huemans weren't about, I wondered why they
thought he wanted a friend.
But today, I was to be his stalking partner.
He was looking at the sky, which remained empty. But yesterday just as I curled up in the grass, a screaming blue shape
darted toward me, a yellow sword sticking out from its head.
I meowed and fled toward the house. Naohme opened the door. Flapping a paper, she yelled, "Get away, you mean bird".
Purr strolled in. "Stupid scaredy cat. Was only a blue jay." He swatted me on the head.
Naohme glared, but he flattened his ears and turned his back.
Later when the two huemans cuddled before a black box with a glass screen, Purr flopped on the rug. "Funny how they
look at little gray jumping things," he muttered. "And they don't even eat them."
I wanted to reply, "Stupid, those shapes are not food." But even more, I wanted that bird gone from my life. I said, "I was
silly about that bird. But it looked almost as big as me."
Purr snorted. "Yuh, you're just a little gray bit of dirt. That's why they call you Dusty."
Great Thera, if anyone on Home Planet heard him talking like that, while I did nothing but stare at him appealingly, there'd
be a hundred snouts shouting derisory remarks. But Purr condescended to tell me his plan. "That bird ain't gonna bother us
again. Even fat old Benny will be safe."
Benny was the big white cat next door. He ambled over to visit, but usually just moved from his porch to his food bowl.
But he always said, "Help yourself, young 'un'. It's a tad hard for you when Purr gets his tail in a twist. But one day your
buddy's gonna meet someone who'll show him how the hog ate the turnips and then we'll see one chastised animal."
What a lovely phrase for my memory box. I was unclear why the pig-like animal and a pale vegetable combined to express
anger, but that would be a senior researcher's problem.
However, at the moment, my task was to lie as bait. If I should be impaled, I hoped the news would get back to Home
Planet. I also hoped they would finally think I had done something useful in pursuit of knowledge.
Suddenly, a scream like a rocket's thrust ripped my ears, as that blue bird dived toward me. I tucked my tail under, and
raced toward the house, my heart beating in rhythm with my panting breaths.
I peeked over my shoulder. Purr leaped into the air like an arrow of vengeance and grabbed the bird's tail feathers. The
two of them fell to the ground, the bird squawking angrily. But as Purr's teeth and paws ripped and shredded, finally it
ceased struggling.
Purr sat, tail flopped carelessly behind him. "You done good, little one. Look." Over by the almond tree lay a blue heap of
feathers. The yellow beak seemed like a dried twig, nothing that could stab even a butterfly. I murmured the prayer of
sorrow for a fallen enemy.
Purr scowled. "What are you jabbering about?"
"It's the song of praise for a foe who has died bravely."
Purr's golden eyes narrowed. "You're crazy."
I expected another whack, but he started licking his paws. Red drops sprinkled the grass, blood that might have been mine.
I patted Purr with my silver tipped paw. "For you, I will sing the song of the triumphant warrior."
His eyes narrowed again. " Neighbors ain't too thrilled with cat yowls. You don't know nuthin'."
I was horrified at how pompous my next words were. Almost like my brother. "Most untrue. Lessons are important at
the roost."
Purr's tail twitched. "More nutty talk, but say, kid, you were sharp today. Now I gotta patrol." He leaped to the top of the
fence, and marched around, glaring from side to side, daring any creature to challenge his territory. Just like a roost
warrior.
This thought frightened me. Back on our planet, I knew I'd never be one of those warriors who strutted and flapped their
wings. I really didn't like what my family planned for me.
But Purr made me feel I was good for something. And then Naohme rubbed the fur behind my ears. "How's my brave little
cat?" That sounded wonderful. I forgot Home Planet and lay on her lap purring.
Something wet fell on my fur. Odd, it looked like rain dripping from her eyes. "Oh, Dusty," she gurgled.
Willyum hugged her, "Dearest, it's hard not having kids. And the Bureau says we aren't eligible to adopt."
My ears pricked up. So hueman lives were run by a Bureau too.
Naohme smiled. "This little guy is so cuddly it's almost like having a real baby."
Purr snorted. "Silly baby. That's you."
I rejoiced at the note of jealousy in his voice. No one had ever envied anything I did. I wished I could bring her an egg
from Home Planet so they could have their nestling. So many eggs in the hatching house, surely one could be spared for
these poor people.
Naohme wiped her eyes. "Well, Dusty's a blessing. And you know there's something else.
Willyum nodded. "That old yellow cat; the one you call Max."
They stared out the window. Rain was falling, and I was glad to be inside on the rug. But somewhere out there was a fat
yellow cat, who lived by himself. The huemans left food out for him, but he would not come near them. Or even us. But
then Purr hissed and spit when he saw him. Still Max was much bigger than Purr, and I remembered what Benny had said
about Purr one day getting his comeuppance.
Yet, I couldn't imagine that poor cat tackling Purr. He looked soft, not in "top wing shape" as our warriors said.
But the huemans didn't care. "He'd be better off indoors. We could get his legs looked after." Willyum said.
The rain sliced so hard against the glass, it was hard to see anything. I hoped he'd found somewhere warm to rest.
Anyway, as the supervisor had said, "You just observe. Don't get involved." So I sat licking my front paw, while sending
details of life on earth through my thoughts into my ear chip. Thank Thera, it had been implanted deeply. No matter how
much I was cuddled, the huemans could not feel it. That job done, I curled up too, careful not to get close to Purr. "That
cat", as Benny said, "likes his space and then some."
The next day the sun returned. Our huemans left the house, as they did most days. Purr and I pushed open our special
door and rolled in the grass.
Benny came over and Purr described the bird battle. "Short stuff here meowed like he'd lost his ma. Stupid bird thought
he'd got easy pickings. That sucker was teetotally surprised when I jumped ten feet straight up and grabbed him." He
flicked his whiskers with a paw, like a roost member returning from battle.
Benny winked. Like we both knew Purr hadn't jumped anywhere near that high. Still his praise was a lot nicer than
anything I'd heard at home. I felt like I truly belonged on that patch of grass. I forgot my daily report and drifted into
sleep.
I awoke to hear them discussing the fat orange cat Naohme worried about. I knew I should be walking around taking
notes. Maybe I could even jump on a ground ship and see what people did in other parts of the planet.
My translator chip buzzed, and the sharp tones of the supervisor crackled so rapidly I could hardly understand anything,
except that he was angry. At the same time, a flash of orange in the nearby bushes caught my eye.
Purr and Benny were busy comparing the length of their whiskers. I flipped the off switch, leaving the supervisor in mid
squawk.
The only research that concerned me at the moment was why Max preferred irregular meals and a cold bed.
I crept along as if I were hunting small prey. I jumped as high as I could, as if whatever it was had escaped. I uttered a
few baffled "meows."
Max lay watching me. He looked like a cat who wanted to say something, but was afraid. I sympathized as I often felt that
way on Home Planet. "Hello," I said. My translator indicated this was a neutral friendly greeting.
I wrapped my tail around me, trying to look small and non-threatening. Up close Max's paws looked huge, like a lion's: an
animal I had read about who liked to rip other animals into pieces.
I began wiggling like I was trying to get comfortable, but I was inching backward. I reached a point where I felt I could
turn and run, when Max said in a rusty voice, "Wait up. Don't be scared." He limped toward me. His fur wasn't streaked
with gray. So something had damaged his hind legs.
When he reached my side, Max rubbed his massive face against my own. It felt comforting. But even this slight
movement had exhausted him; he collapsed, panting. His eyes closed, like he'd gone into final sleep.
Purr wandered over. "What's with the golden glob?"
Benny muttered, "One of these days."
I said, "I think the poor thing doesn't feel well, but is afraid of huemans."
Purr shrugged. "All you gotta do is look gloopy and huemans'll give you everything. You're real good at that."
"Maybe Max has only met mean ones." I gave him the Roost's glance of steel. "And maybe some of his own kind haven't
been too nice."
Purr raised a paw, claws extended, but remembering roost training, I raised my paw also. It resembled a gray pebble next
to Purr's. Purr raked his claws across my head. It stung, but I didn't cry out.
Purr sat down. "Hmm, there's more to you than there useta be."
Benny grunted. "Good going, young 'un."
I wished my parents were there. I felt so proud I almost revealed my true heritage. I imagined Purr's whiskers stiff with
astonishment, while he acknowledged my greatness with drooping tail and downcast eyes. He would slink away, while
Benny and perhaps Max stared at me with glowing eyes.
The buzz of my ear chip brought me back down to earth in a hurry. Of course I was already there, but. Anyway, I clicked
the channel open, but six feline eyes stared at me. I lifted my hind leg, pretending to scratch my ear. Unfortunately, I
closed the channel. I'd have to report later.
It was nicer just lying in the grass. Much nicer than listening to my father complain of my useless life. While my mother
made pointed remarks about my mating with Nerika, a nestling whose tongue was as sharp as her beak. I had not said
anything to her, hoping her family wanted a better mate for her. But probably my parents had pointed out that an alliance
with my family was not to be sniffed at.
Crash! The noise stabbed through my head so I thought that darn bird had returned. Well, here was a new menace for
Purr to tackle.
But that gallant warrior was cowering under a bush, his round yellow eyes bulging like one of our space vessels.
Thera take it! It was one of our space ships. Thank goodness the captain had put up the shield that prevented anyone
outside our yard from observing. Still I could well imagine the huemans wondering what was going on.
"Stupid specimens on this piece of dirt have a hearing level much below ours." My heart sank as I recognized the familiar
sneering voice. And down the ship's steps came strutting, armored in blue, the red crest of leadership waving from his
helmet, Aravik, Captain of the most elite wing in the Roost. My younger brother.
He picked me up by the scruff of the neck, letting me dangle from his long talons. "Well, Prince Gebber, what's so
important about this place that I have to come see why the Bureau hasn't heard from you in some time. Of course that
alone wouldn't have caused me to change course. I have other news."
He shook me slightly. "But one would expect even such an insignificant member of our family to discharge his duty
properly. No wonder the Bureau sent you here." He looked about the yard, at Purr and Benny and sniffed. Max had
retreated some distance away.
My brother didn't realize cats have extremely good hearing. Purr and Benny growled low in their throats. Whether they
were more annoyed about that contemptuous sniff or the rude references to me I wasn't sure. But Aravik paid no more
attention to their growls, than he would to the buzzing of an obnoxious insect. "Well, that's of no importance. What is
important is that Nerika's parents have agreed to a Bonding Ceremony at last. Mother and Father sent me so that you
would have a worthy ship for your return." He gazed at his sleek silver vessel. "We can't have a Prince of the Roost
descending to meet his mate from one of the Bureau's old black tubs."
Great Thera! When my parents entered Final Sleep, it was Nerika who would be my consort. I'd have to listen to that shrill
voice issuing orders to servants, decreeing which roost members were worthy of an invitation to our parties, and which
had incurred her displeasure. She would order my life, much as my parents had done. And no longer could I escape to the
peace of the Bureau studying other cultures. I shivered.
Benny and Purr must have read the misery in my face. Purr arched his back. "Put short stuff down," he hissed, so loudly
even Aravik took notice.
"Why can't that furry thing," he asked, "talk in a civilized tongue?"
Without thinking, I replied, "Don't you know anything about researcher work? Set your translator for Earth sounds."
As he did, Benny ambled over so that the first words my brother understood were, "No sense getting your feathers in a
twist, young fella. We've grown mighty fond of your brother. I aim to see that he, as a member of the cat family, which is
descended from an older line than yours, is allowed to live his life any way he sees fit."
"Me too," Purr growled and even Max limped over. "If I die for it, I will fight to the death to help Dusty."
Aravik's feathers rustled. "To the death is it?" He drew his slayer. Ugh, that dreadful weapon sprayed deadly mist and
would kill all three with one shot.
I swung myself about and bit Aravik hard on the hand. He yelped and dropped his weapon, probably as much from
surprise as pain.
"By Thera's tailfeathers, I never thought you were so stupid you would fight against your own brother. You are not
worthy to…"
I shoved hard and he loosened his grip and let me drop to the ground. "Well, I am not interested in ordering people around
or deciding who is civilized and who is not. I can recognize kindness and a better life than I will ever find on Home Planet."
My brother held up his talons in the gesture of peace. "I am sorry, Gebber. I should not have spoken so to our future
sovereign. But you can't want to reject our life for this."
I looked at my three friends. Benny looked worried and Max had collapsed.
But Purr would not rest when danger threatened. He was still puffed to twice his size, his whiskers stiffened like swords.
His magnificent tail lashed back and forth ready to whack something. He resembled a dinosaur of ancient times I had seen
in Bureau records, who slashed his foes with one wallop of that appendage. And while I doubted Purr's ability to hurt
Avarik, I did not doubt his wish to protect me. And he wasn't even a member of the Royal Roost guards.
Still Aravik was not known for his patience. And I had no desire to return to Home Planet to mate with someone I did not
love, and rule over a people who had never respected me. I remembered a line of hueman poetry. Something about it being
"better to serve in heaven than rule in hell," which sounded like Home Planet. Sure my little bit of earth wasn't heaven, but
living as Dusty I would be happier.
My face must have reflected my confusion because Avarik suddenly picked me up again and cuddled me against his
shoulder. "Don't you dare tell the members of my wing company, but it's kind of soothing cuddling a furry thing like you
and that odd buzzing noise is most pleasant. Maybe you could come back as our Royal Relaxer." My body stiffened and
he said, "Just kidding, Gebber. You wouldn't be the first one to abdicate, anyway."
My eyes widened. "Well," he admitted, "everyone was careful not to mention it to you. Your unhappiness was well known,
but father and mother thought if you went off-planet, you'd see how much better life was at home." He shrugged. "But a
good commander knows when to retreat. And frankly Nerika and I kinda like each other."
I looked at him with sudden pride. He would make a better ruler than I. Still I wished we had talked like this before.
He drew a small box from his tunic and pressed it against my forehead. Again Purr growled, and his hind legs crouched to
spring. Avarik laughed. "At ease, golden boy, I'm not hurting him."
Purr marched toward my brother. I almost shut my eyes so as not to watch the brave cat's defeat. But my friend, tail
upright, only rubbed his head against my brother's legs, a greeting from one warrior to another.
Avarik said, "You can remain here, but the Bureau needs a record of your adventures. When I click this button, let your
thoughts flow into your ear chip. Then it will dry up and become useless."
His voice droned on. "You may tire of this place and want to return. That will not be permitted. So after you finish your
recording, you will see flashing lights and…"
I heard a sharp snap, and, began thinking about everything that had happened to me. When I finished, colored lights
swirled, forming a tunnel down which I felt myself falling.
I blinked. Naohme was running toward us. "Quick. Inside. An earthquake was reported in this area."
Max limped beside me. Soon we're all gulping bowls of food.
Oh, I'm glad to be a cat. There's no better life anywhere. Anywhere.
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This I remember before the light flashed, before.
Purr, that golden feline, crouched near a tall thing called a tree
and yawned. From the patch of dirt where he had commanded
me to lie, I watched his jaw stretch wider until it resembled a
picture I had seen of a whale mouth in the Bureau's files on my
Home Planet.
Purr growled, "Okay, short stuff, has that little pea brain of
yours got it straight what you're s'posed to do?"
I wondered why the huemens, Naohme and Willyum, adored
this animal. Inside he usually left me alone. But outside.
However, since even on Home Planet, my name Gebber meant
tiny unimportant thing, I was accustomed to such remarks.
Like the supervisor who asked what shape I wished for this
expedition. My mother had managed to get me included.
Thinking I would never have another chance to loom over
everyone, I had exclaimed, "A bear."
The supervisor frowned. "Bears don't cohabit with huemans.
Besides you must study the population, not rip it to pieces.
However, you can have sleek fur, sharp claws, and four legs.
Purr, that golden feline, crouched near a tall thing called a tree
and yawned. From the patch of dirt where he had commanded
me to lie, I watched his jaw stretch wider until it resembled a
picture I had seen of a whale mouth in the Bureau's files on my
Home Planet.
Purr growled, "Okay, short stuff, has that little pea brain of
yours got it straight what you're s'posed to do?"
I wondered why the huemens, Naohme and Willyum, adored
this animal. Inside he usually left me alone. But outside.
However, since even on Home Planet, my name Gebber meant
tiny unimportant thing, I was accustomed to such remarks.
Like the supervisor who asked what shape I wished for this
expedition. My mother had managed to get me included.
Thinking I would never have another chance to loom over
everyone, I had exclaimed, "A bear."
The supervisor frowned. "Bears don't cohabit with huemans.
Besides you must study the population, not rip it to pieces.
However, you can have sleek fur, sharp claws, and four legs.