Page 64 of As You Wake, Break the Shell
Signy had brushed the question aside like a bit of lint. If it’s not worth it, she’d said, then what is?
Cora glanced at the towers before heading back inside, just to make sure their power lights were glowing green. The first tower supported a radio transmitter, which pumped out the same loop day after day after day. This is a recorded message, her own voice was saying on a wavelength she couldn’t hear. My name is Cora Marten, and I am broadcasting from my home in the ring system of the planet Solace, known on Fortune as Solitaire . . .
The message said a lot more than just that, but there was no point in getting stuck on it right then. The recording had never received a reply. Cora didn’t expect one. She kept it going anyway.
The second tower had a light at the top—a bright, unmissable orb. To her eyes, the light was red, but to eyes that weren’t eyes at all, there were other colors in the mix. Colors without names. Colors that would stand out against a standard star field. Cora watched the light as it blinked above the plant-filled domes. Cypsela’s gravity kept most of the ammonia clinging to the moonlet in invisible wisps, but some escaped, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs through the rocky ring. It, too, was a signal, of sorts. A tempting snack. An open hand.
The light winked a programmed pattern into the dark. Three flashes, then two, then three more. There had never been a reply. Cora didn’t expect one. She kept it going anyway.
T-Minus 3
Chapter 25 Signy & Cora, Fortune
To: Cora Marten [[email protected]]
From: Signy Keller [[email protected]]
Re: my new plant
Hello Cora,
I’m sorry to hear your heartleaf plant is doing poorly. It’s likely some adjustments to its watering and fertilizing routine will solve the problem, but if convenient, I’d like you to bring it by the shop so I can make sure it’s not diseased or damaged in some other way (I will offer a replacement free of charge if so).
I have similar appointments to attend to over the next few days, but would you be able to come by next Tuesday afternoon, or any day thereafter?
Best regards,
Signy
To: Signy Keller [[email protected]]
From: Cora Marten [[email protected]]
Re: Re: my new plant
Hey Signy! Yeah, I can come by next Tuesday, no problem. Whatever time works for you. Thank you so much, really appreciate it.
To: Cora Marten [[email protected]]
From: Signy Keller [[email protected]]
Re: Re: Re: my new plant
How about 15:00?
To: Signy Keller [[email protected]]
From: Cora Marten [[email protected]]
Re: Re: Re: Re: my new plant
Absolutely. I’ll see you then.
To: Signy Keller [[email protected]]
From: Cora Marten [[email protected]]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: my new plant
