The Pearl Crucible - A Dardana Fenek Mystery - DARDANA FENEK (Part 3)

(Chapter 43 Part Three)

“Barsina,” he said to her, “fetch the packets and the bundle from my desk.”

“Yes, Sir,” she said and hurried them to him.

He touched the large bundle, tied with twine. “Your clothes, from Helioshad. They just arrived today.”

“Oh, good,” I said, relieved. I’m careful of my clothes and fond of what I have.

“Now, Io,” he continued, “how old are you?”

“I’m thirty, Sir,” I said. “As of Onesday, it was. Onesday, first of Auburna.”

“And now it’s Fivesday. What’s remarkable about your thirtieth birthday, Io?”

“Devesseling day, Sir.” All the bottles open, all the tiny clone babies out and crying. I’d seen a few, helped at a few when I was a ten-year. I felt oddly nostalgic for a moment.

“Well, what of it?” he said.