“Maybe,” Kodran coughed into his hand. Rosamund shot him a look of annoyance, then returned her attention to the screen.
“Talia is not well,” Darfan said, looking at Rosamund. “She had complications with the birth, and she is asking for you, Rosamund.”
Rosamund felt a flare of panic. “What? How could that be?” she cried.
How could she have been so selfish as to leave Talia alone at a time like this? She should have ordered Kodran to turn around and return her at once, while they were still close enough.
“She may not have much time left.” An expression of deep sorrow puckered Darfan’s face.
Rosamund thought she might faint.
“That doesn’t make sense,” she protested desperately “The birthing center has the most advanced technology in the galaxy. They’ve literally never lost a mother or baby. Talia told me that.”
Darfan shrugged. “Well, she is from Earth, so her biology is different.”
This just made no sense. What about all the other Earth women Starcrossed had brought to Ilyria?
“There have been several hundred Earth women who’ve given birth there, and not one of them had a problem.”
Rosamund’s eyes filled with tears. Maybe Talia was the rare exception. She felt horrible. She was the worst friend ever. The only reason she’d left Ilyria for work was that Talia had reassured her there were no health risks to her whatsoever.
“Are you going to keep arguing with me while your friend’s life slips away?” Darfan said ominously.
She spun around to grab Kodran’s arm.
“Listen,” she said, frantic. “You’ve got to get me back there right away. Or let a ship come for me. Please!”
Before she could say anything else, Dot-R came running onto the bridge.
“What is wrong? What did you reptiles do to her?” she demanded angrily. “Don’t force me to insult you. My sarcasm drive is first rate!”
“It’s Talia.” Rosamund choked back a sob. “Darfan said there was a problem with the birth and she might be dying.” Tears ran down her face and she frantically wiped at them.
Kodran seized her hand, enfolding it in his. “It will be all right,” he told her. “We will return you immediately if that is your wish.”
Dot-R shook her head. “No, that’s not right,” she said. “I received a subspace communication from my mother a few minutes ago. She recorded a message from Talia, showing her and the babies. They were delivered with no problem and are in perfect health. They are scheduled to return home today.” Her metal forehead wrinkled. “She also had many choice words for me about my leaving the solar system without asking her permission,” she added glumly. “Apparently I fried her worry circuits and I can expect to have a GPS installed in me as soon as I return home.” Her lower lip stuck out in a pout.
“What the hell?” Rosamund yelled at the vid-screen. “Darfan, you lying son of a bitch! You nearly gave me a heart attack! Why would you lie to me like that?”
Darfan looked at her haughtily. “It is for your own good. The Draell are the ones who are lying to you. They did not purchase any medical equipment on Agora. They purchased—”
Suddenly his face winked out and the screen vanished.
