[Fiction] Pow Wow: On a Wing and a Prayer

[Ghostwriter]

*Why the hell am I sleeping in this heat with a doona on?* Regan mutters sleepily over the link. She is sprawled stomach-down on a air mattress, wings draped awkwardly to the sides and feathers scraping the ground. Her blonde hair is tousled and shadows circle her blue eyes from her exhaustion over the past couple days. Apart from the covering of her feathers, she is naked, her parchment skin sallow and drawn over her face.

She slowly pushes herself up using her hands and turns to sit, but one of her wings gets caught. *Wing... OH SHIT!* her thought echoes across the link. *I thought that was some weird fucking dream...*

After she had spoken to Sakurako and ronin, Codex had gone to the tent and not woken up for two days. She manages to sit upright, the feathers of one wing trailing across the back of the muscular man who sleeps beside her, as naked as she. The golden-brown feathers have become mottled with a darker wheaten hue, while the underside is a beautiful creamy-gold flecked with white.

She looks over the man beside her, caressing a muscled arm fondly as her nose picks up the scent of roasting bison. A ravenous hunger consumes her and she heaves herself off the mattress, half-dragging herself to the flap of the tent and opening it. Sure enough, a nearby Sioux family is cooking breakfast.

"Hey, mind if I have some?" she asks in flawless Sioux. "I'm starving here." The family look up, startled, and regard the winged woman with superstitious awe.

"Certainly, Winged One," the mother replies respectfully, carving off a massive chunk and putting it on the plate. She carries it over to the tent, setting it down. Some flatbread joins it, brought by another matron, and soon enough there is enough squash, corn, pumpkin, bison and flatbread to feed a dozen novas, let alone Codex and Singularity. A couple of pots of strong coffee join the platters of food. Those who bring the food treat her with respect and deference, touching her feathers as if it'll bring them luck.

"Thank you very much, all of you," she murmurs in perfect Sioux, too hungry and tired to notice the fact that she is stark naked. She drags the platters of food inside, then pokes her head outside once more. "The Great Spirit bless you." It was a crap blessing, but she was too exhausted to say anything eloquent. However, the locals seem impressed, and Codex retreats to the tent to feast.

*Love, breakfast's been served,* she sends over the link as she slathers mashed pumpkin over a slice of flatbread and adds a slice of bison before devouring it.

[Singularity]

Blue sky and soft clouds stretch in all directions, a gentle wind only adding to the serenity. He feels the air rush over his pseudo-metallic skin and rustling his molded silver hair, bringing a wide smile to his sealed mouth. Everything has fallen away here; guilt, sorrow, and even the ground. It's just him flying through the air, at complete peace with himself. Muffled words filter through into his flight, the meaning lost but the voice clearly adding to his pleasure. Again the words roll across and he turns his head up, or what's considered up here. Finally, he hears *Love, breakfast's been served* and the blue sky falls away...

Silver eyes slowly creep open and then Franklin suddenly sits up and spins on the air mattress, *Oh no, I fell asleep too long!* He studies the room in a few fractions of a second, the haze of sleep slightly clouding his mind and senses. He looks at Regan with heavy eyes and smiles affectionately as his mind becomes alert, *Good morning... feeling better?*

[Ghostwriter]

*Does hungry equal better?* Regan asks, starting on her third slice of roasted bison, mashed pumpkin and flatbread. She is sitting awkwardly on the ground, still naked, her hair draping loosely over her small breasts. Her legs are stretched outwards and her back is against a pack full of books, her wings extended for as much comfort as possible.

She gestures to the coffee. *Plenty there. Help yourself. Totem's people treated me like I was a fucking god.*

[Singularity]

Franklin smoothly moves from the mattress to the pile of food, loading bison and mashed pumpkin onto a piece of flatbread before turning it into a crude roll. He easily sets down into a cross-legged position near Regan, sharing her apparent disregard for clothing as he quickly notes the time. He reaches for the coffee and pours himself a large cup before digging into his food. *The wings are quite striking, so I'm not surprised. You've been asleep for, oh, two days now so I'd guess there's been some murmurs throughout the pow wow.*

*Bastian told me everything that happened. I'm glad I helped even in absentia.* He easily finishes the roll and reaches to make a new one, *I'm not sure if you remember, but I'm proud of what you did. Part of me wants to be angry at you for being so brash and for nearly giving me a heart attack, but what you did amazed me for being so brave and selfless.* He smiles between bites, *So instead of frustration I find myself even more attracted to you... and more in love.*

[Ghostwriter]

*Brave and selfless had nothing to do with it, love,* Regan replies as she pours herself some coffee. *I fucked up and I had to fix it, and I figured better that I go into emotional overload and semi-comatose than Totem get hunted down like a rabid animal and sent to Bahrain.*

She drinks the bitter liquid in one gulp before picking up a bowl of cooked squash and eating great scoopfuls of it with relish. She licks each finger clean even as she speaks telepathically. *I'm sorry for scaring you, Franklin,* she apologises. *I... didn't want to die without telling you that you are as important to me as Julie was. She was my Yin, and now you are my Yang.*

She stares down at her lap for a moment before attacking the squash again. *I've changed already, and not just in my body. I can understand, if only faintly, what Totem was going through... I think certain instincts are going to get stronger.* She demonstrates by finishing the squash and devouring some corn, paying little heed to niceties like manners.

[Singularity]

Franklin easily drains his cup and fills it again. He catches Regan's display as he drinks and quickly pulls the cup away to stop his smile from spilling the hot liquid, *It's ok, I understand you did what you had to do. And it did crystalize for me just how important you are to me. The thought of losing you just like that... well, let's leave it as an ugly situation. You're everything to me and woe to the person who takes that away. Hopefully my brooding didn't scare too many people.*

He slows his pace, being sure that she gets most of the food. He fills the cup again, turns his semi-tanned body to Regan, and focuses on her. *What's it like? I know I can't help beyond support and maybe tips on meditation, but I want to understand and be here for you.*

[Ghostwriter]

*What's it like...*Codex lapses into deep thought for a moment as she continues to eat. Her blue eyes settle on Franklin, gleaming ferally for a moment. *Well, whenever I look at you, I want to leap on you and make love to you. I smelt the food and wanted to eat like crazy. I suspect that if I get angry, I may need you to tell me to calm down before I rip someone a new one. These are the changes I can foresee.*

She stares broodingly at her lap for a moment. *I should be embarrassed I waltzed outside naked for food. I should have formed my eufiber into clothing, but I don't want to. I feel fine sitting here with you, stark naked and eating like a pig.*

More flatbread smeared with pumpkin follows her words, vanishing in a virtual heartbeat. She attacks another bowl of squash, then blushes, scooping out a handful and offering it to Franklin. *See? I'm eating like Kikjak at an all-you-can-eat restaurant, and I don't feel guilty about it. Did you want some squash? It's good.*

She waits for Franklin to take it before adding, *It's... strange to have someone feel so strongly about me, Franklin. It isn't as if I'm the sort to inspire strong emotion. But thank you. I am in your debt... And I love you.*

[Singularity]

*No, thank you. You're right, it's good, but I think you need it more than me right now,* Franklin says in repsonse to the offer. He briefly looks down and blushes at her addition, *And I love you, and you do inspire passion in me. I don't even have the words to fully describe it. And you're not in my debt; I think we owe each other so much it doesn't matter anymore.*

He leans back, tucking his hands on his back at the base of his neck, stretching his lat muscles. *I'll do my best to help keep down the outbursts when I'm there and do my best to smooth out the differences if I miss them.* He grins playfully, *And I'll be sure to not give you bedroom eyes when we're in meetings.*

His arms swing back out before him with their usual inhuman grace, stretching his shoulders instinctually before letting his arms drop back at his sides. *The wings are obvious, but how much do you want to tell the muck-a-mucks about the instincts? You know they're going to want to do a full check up.* He shudders, as if remembering something unpleasant.

[Ghostwriter]

*We have to tell them about the temper and hunger. The lust and the loss of modesty is none of their damned concern,* she replies tartly. *It isn't as if I'm going to swoop down and snatch babies or anything.*

She licks the squash slowly from her fingers, eyes gleaming ferally as she smiles wickedly at Franklin. *Good thing we're not in a meeting then, isn't it?*

[Singularity]

Franklin grins back at Regan, a playfully taunting look, *No, you might just swoop down and snatch me.* His legs subtly unwrap in anticipation, *Yes, I think Laragione would not approve of what I'm about to do.* His grin widens, taunting her again.

[Ghostwriter]

*And what would that be?* Codex taunts back, tossing her hair over her shoulder and flaring her wings to reveal more of her body. Even though she is small and thin, her body is as lithe as any other nova's, the skin from the neck down a lighter creamy-yellow than the aged-parchment of her face and arms.

She seems to be acting on instinct as she leans back, opening her wings to avoid crushing them. *My knee isn't any better,* she reminds Franklin, eyes dilating like a hawk's despite the round pupils. *So don't expect me to pounce on you, handsome.*

[Singularity]

The tent shudders briefly and Franklin suddenly appears before Regan, his body slowing to a much gentler rate as it presses against hers. He exhales softly as his lips brush against the base of her neck, moving upwards before stopping at her ear and he quietly whispers "Then why don't I show you..."

Word quietly spreads through the Pow Wow that the Winged One is finally awake. The helpful families near the novas' tent excitely share their first hand experience with their peers, leaving the tent alone in solitute.

[Ghostwriter]

Regan rests her head on Franklin's shoulder, skin damp and sweaty from their mutual exertions as she breathes in the scent of sweat, food and musk. Her wings cover them both and her eyes are closed as she breathes evenly, feeling more sated than she ever has before.

*Looks like it's going to be me on the top from now on,* she teases, enjoying the sensation of his breath across her skin. The fingers of her right hand are splayed across a toned stomach and this close to him, she can hear as well as feel Franklin's heartbeat.

*Do you think you can live with the new me?*

[Singularity]

Fingers gently side up and down Regan's back, and Franklin eases his eyes open to look at her. He smiles, absolutely enamored with the nova in his arms. He contently nuzzles softly into her head, *Of course. It's still you and I know a thing or two about radical life changes.*

He closes his eyes and settles even closer to her in relaxation and affection, *I have nothing but love for you, Regan. Wings or no wings.*

[Ghostwriter]

*Say that to me when I've lost my temper some time,* Codex jokes, her eyes still closed. *We need a bath. Where's the nearest shower here again?*

[Singularity]

*About a hundred meters east-southeast of the tent.* Franklin lies still, obviously not wanting to get up. After a brief pause he gently detaches from Regan, making sure she comfortably rests on the ground before standing up. He stretches his nude body again, getting accustomed to being standing and active. His Eufiber swirles from its place near his ankle, forming into a pair of shorts and tank top; obvious and modest sleepwear. *Want me to go first so we don't give them anymore to talk about or do you want an escort for the inevitable crowd?*

[Ghostwriter]

Codex's eufiber alters itself from a wristband into a black halter-neck top and underwear. *I need that new knee-brace before I can walk on my own,* she replies. *You'd better come with me.*

She puts on the old knee-brace and manages to stand, leaning heavily against the tent-pole until she can take Singularity's arm.

[Singularity]

Franklin moves next to Regan and offers his arm. He gives her a gentle kiss and briefly leans his forehead against hers before leading her to the exit, *Love you.*

Singularity pulls back the flap and the morning sun spills into the tent. His eyes adjust almost immediately, revealing the small horde of Souix waiting around the tent. Murmurs fill the crowd, "She's here!" "Look, that's the Winged One." "Momma, is that what those priests call angels?" He sighs subtly at the display, disappointed despite expecting it.

The two novas leave the tent and slowly move through the crowd. Hands gently brush over Codex's new wings and questions assault her. Singularity carefully watches over her while helps her walk, being sure to keep the rudest fans from invading her personal space. A path appears before them as they walk, the people awed by the winged nova yet wary of her companion's protective stance.

They reach the low structure built as a makeshift showerhouse. Singularity leads her to the entrance for the first row of stalls, vigilantly watching the crowd behind and for any bystanders within. *Let me know if you need any help. I'll do my best to keep your fans at bay.*

[Ghostwriter]

The walk outside is one of the most difficult things Codex has ever endured since eruption. The Sioux regard her with the same reverence Catholics give a statue of the Virgin Mary, softly stroking her wings and murmuring questions to do with spirits and angels and blessings. It washes over her, Singularity's solid presence by her side giving her enough strength to walk on.

She reaches the showerhouse and gives Singularity a wan smile. *Thanks, love,* she replies before entering the nearest shower.

Water cascades down her body, streaming in solid sheets between her breasts and over her hips, dripping off the feathers in a way that suggests they have already waterproofed themselves like a duck's.

She mutters a curse as she realises she hasn't gotten any soap. *Love,* she says rather plaintively. *I forgot the soap and shampoo. Could you please get them? I'm sorry.*

[Singularity]

*Not a problem, love,* Singularity replies. He turns towards the tent, looking at it through the small gathering of Sioux, and stops himself before starting to walk. He smiles sheepishly to the crowd, falling back on natural charm, "I am sorry, does anyone here have any space soa..." His words are cut off as several offers of bars of soap, bottles of shampoo, towels, and even toothbrushes are thrust before him. He smiles, accepting a single bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo, and a two towels from different people. He smiles again, hoping to maintain the rapport with the crowd, "Wait here, I promise she will be out in good time. But she does need her rest for now."

He ducks into the showerhouse, calmly striding over to the stall with the pair of wings poking out of the top. *Another set of gifts from Totem's people. I feel bad receiving all of these things. Remind me to do something to make it up to them,* Singularity sends, popping his head and the soap and shampoo into Codex's stall. He pauses to look at her and smiles, *I'd better go before I start feeling those instincts too... you're just too beautiful to resist.*

[Ghostwriter]

Codex turns slowly to face Singularity, fingers tracing over his lips. *I'm going to need help with getting to my back,* she says, sounding a little tentative about it. *As for Totem's people... I might tell them stories. We promised to, remember?*

[Singularity]

Singularity raises his eyebrows and nods, *That we did. And move forward a bit.* His eufiber subtly changes in response to the water and he enters the stall behind Codex, and does his best to lather her back. *I have no idea what story I can tell. Most of the things I've seen would turn a man's stomach. Hmm, perhaps a fable. Ok, you'd better turn around to rinse off.*

The two stare at each other in the confines of the stall and Singularity fixes her with an interested look as their bodies are forced closer together, *So what story are you thinking about, oh that feels good... wait, you don't, where did you learn how to do that... Love, please stop for a moment.* He tips his head down to look at her, an apologetic smile fighting with the desire on his face, *We'd better stop for the moment. The crowd is respecting our space but this place isn't put together too strongly. And it might not be the best way to let the world know just yet.*

[Ghostwriter]

Regan tilts her head in a bird-like manner, eyes gleaming wildly, then she nods regretfully. *I want you now, but you are right,* she says over the link, a hint of passion to her voice. Her thoughts have become more primal and less detached than the mind-voice of before, and already she is displaying subtle bird-like gestures and movements.

She rinses herself off and leaves the stall, almost at the door before she remembers the towel. She dries her body off and shapes her eufiber into the black halter-top and leggings to match. Once she is outside, the crowd gathers near, but she waves them off. A massive wind is raised as she flaps her wings dry, loose feathers scattering into the crowd to be caught and dived for like precious talismans.

Leaning against the showerhouse, she smiles at the crowd of excited Sioux. "Thank you," she says in their own tongue, not questioning how she has come into such fluency. "It seems that I am in your debt for your kindness and hospitality. I promised to share stories with you some days ago. May I still do so?"

[Singularity]

A resounding "Yes!" is the Sioux's reply, making Singularity momentarily tip back at its intensity. The people follow Codex and Singularity away from the showerhouse to a slightly more open area, turning it into a makeshift amphitheater. A stool is brought over to Codex before she can sit and the crowd settles in around her with excitement and rapt attention. Singularity declines an offer for another stool, choosing to sit cross-legged next to Codex. *I have no idea what you just said to them, Love, but it must've been something good.*

[Ghostwriter]

Codex sits down on the stool, smiling warmly at the person who brought it to her. "Thanks," she tells them quietly in Sioux before looking over the curious crowd.

*I can translate for you over the link, love,* she tells Singularity silently.

"The story I am going to tell you is one about a Christian saint who was named after a bird, started a war over a book and found a loophole in an oath. His name is Columba, and in Latin, it means 'dove', but Columba wasn't always a saint. Oh no, he was born a prince in Ireland a little after the time King Arthur was supposed to have lived."

She pauses, looking over the crowd. They listen raptly, silent except for a few murmurings. "Columba was a bishop, and in those days, bishops and monks tended to be the only ones with access to books. They often lent them to each other as a means of sharing knowledge, but Columba took that one step further. He copied a book he'd been lent and kept his copy, and the owners weren't happy about it. They appealed to the High King, who decreed that as a calf belongs to its cow, a copy belongs to its book. Bishop Columba, he who had been born a prince, refused to hand over the book and called his royal relatives to defend his right to it with armies."

She accepts a drink of water from a young girl before continuing. "The High King's armies won, and in shame, Columba vowed he'd never set foot on Irish soil again, and exiled himself to Scotland. There, he founded the monastery at Iona, which had once been Mona the home of the ancient tree-priests of the Celts. Twenty years passed, and he grew homesick."

She drinks some water. "Columba had vowed never to set his foot on Irish soil. For days he tossed and turned over a solution, when God - or maybe one of the Shining Ones or a pagan raven-spirit like the war-reddened Morrigan, goddess of war - sent him one. He got handfuls of Scottish soil, put them in his shoes, and from that day until he went back home to Ireland, they never left his feet."

Codex tilts her head at the crowd, who are still silent. "Did Columba - Saint Columba - find his way safely home and get away with his trick? I don't know, myself. Maybe my ancestors do, somewhere in the Summerlands. But Columba is my favourite Christian saint because of his thirst for knowledge and his ability to find loopholes. And that is the story I share with the Lakota."

She falls silent as the crowd cheers at the story, glancing at Singularity from the corner of her eye.

[Singularity]

A smile covers Singularity's face as he claps, *Very good story and told brilliantly. Let's see if I can come anywhere near to your abilities.*

He stands up after the cheering dies down, raising his eyebrows before raising his voice, "I apologize for not knowing your native language and also for the story that follows: Doctor McLachlan is a far better storyteller than I.

"Once, a farmer tended his land near the base of a mountain. He had spent many a year cultivating it and mastering it to his will, eschewing all contact with other people in favor for his land. Wide fields of wheat and corn yielded bountiful harvests, and large gardens full of sculpted wood and paved paths. No creature disturbed the sanctity of his land, leaving it a quiet fruit of his labor.

"One day as the farmer smoothed a row of paving stones, a raven landed on the side of the road and startled the farmer, 'Ach! Begone, foul beast. Your kind does not belong here. Leave before you stain my gardens and I pluck your wings for it!'

"The raven cawed in laughter at the farmer, 'Foolish man, I would never want to stay in or even leave my mark in such a horrible place.'

"Anger boiled in the farmer's veins upon hearing the raven's insult. He lept to his feet and grasped a nearby rake, 'I will split your little skull for making such remarks about my gardens and fields!'

"He swung at the bird, who merely hopped away and fluttered in the air. 'Such an amazingly skilled farmer like yourself should be able to hit a little raven like me. Come, you must catch me if you want to hit me,' said the raven before taking off towards the mountain.

"The farmer charged after in rage, shouting foul curses at the bird. Higher and higher the bird led the farmer, waiting only long enough to string the man along. Finally, they reached a high and broad cliff, and the man stopped in exhaustion from chasing the raven.

"Landing on the boulder being used as a support by the farmer, the raven pointed to his beak at the view below, 'Tell me, farmer, how do your gardens and fields look?'

"The farmer looked down from the cliff, expecting to see his beautiful work in all of its glory. Instead, he was horrified by what he saw: long repetative scars marred the land where he planted his crops, paths and sculptures tore through sickly grass as if they were blackened veins and pox marks of corruption. The wilderness he had beaten back seemed to waver in decay as it bordered his land, and he could see nature recoiling in sorrow at what he had done.

"He collapsed to his knees, the weight of his arrogance and deeds pulling him down like a lodestone, and howled in anguish over his painful realization. With a hoarse voice he spoke to the bird, 'Leave me be so I can throw myself and complete the travesty I have all but finished.'

"The raven hopped down and settled next to the farmer, its black eyes looking at the man with comfort, 'I did not bring you up here to harm you, I brought you here to uncover your eyes. Now, finish the process and look even further.'

"Following the raven's words, the farmer looked beyond the blight of his lands. He saw the beauty of untouched meadows and powerful forests, filled with life and joy. Before he thought they were just a canvas to work but now he realized their true wonder and purpose in the world.

"'Now, you see what true beauty is. Go back home, farmer, and try to recreate it here again,' the raven said, taking wing after imparting its words to the man.

"Years later the wilderness over took the lands below the mountain. Gone were the fields of crops, replaced with lush and lively meadows. Gone were the paths and sculptures, tall powerful trees taking their place. And everywhere the creatures of nature took their rightful place, filling the meadows and forests with a celebration of life.

"Those who happened across those lands all of those years ago say they saw the farmer, a man full of more sorrow and joy then they have ever seen. Some even say he is still there, endlessly mourning the acts of his foolish pride while revelling in the wonderous lands and peace he had finally discovered. All thanks to a raven's game."

[Ghostwriter]

The crowd cheers when Singularity finishes his story, and Codex gives him a bright smile. *Well done! It's more relevant than mine, I think, to the Sioux mind-set. Poe, right?* she sends silently as she claps with the crowd. The little blonde's wings flap in time with her arms and she blushes, looking embarrassed.

*If I learn to fly, I'll probably go splat because I can't tell the difference between my wings and my arms,* she sends ruefully. *Do you have any ideas for what we should do next?*

[Singularity]

*After a fashion, but it's more of a personal joke between me and someone else. Don't worry, you'll get a chance to meet him at some point.* Singularity modestly dips his head to the crowd before directing the crowd back to Codex, "Please, one more time for Codex."

Silver eyes start to dart about the area, looking for paths away from the crowd, *Aside getting you sweaty again, I have no idea what to do now. I suggest you shake a few hands, kiss a few babies, and make some campaign promises before we slip away. Well, maybe not the campaign promsises. And who knows what's waiting for us back in Africa. I've been too busy watching you to check the news or even contact Manny.*

[Ghostwriter]

Codex smiles at the crowd, summoning every shred of T2M public relations training as she hobbles amongst them, greeting the few she knows by name, shaking hands and doing all of that publicity crap. Already she knows that whatever happens, she's likely to end up the next poster-child for Utopia, assuming they don't sack her for some kind of India Syndrome thing.

She's halfway through the crowd when a Sioux elder, an old man, comes up to her. "Thank you," is all he says in Sioux before vanishing into the crowd, leaving her mystified as to who he might be.

"Who - ?" she begins to ask.

"That is Totem's grandfather," interrupts another elder, this one a woman who looks like the sort of ancient photographers love to put in exhibitions on Native Americans.

"Ah," Codex says, nodding slowly. Her fingers clench into Singularity's arm for a moment as the crowd presses closer, then recedes as her wings instinctively mantle briefly.

She looks over the crowd, smiling warmly at them. "I am in the debt of the Oglala for the kindness and generosity you have shown me," she says, her voice carrying easily. "This experience has changed my life in many ways... Apart from the wings - " Laughter follows her rueful tone, " - but I am no spirit or messenger of the Creator. At least no more than any man or woman is, or can be. Please don't look on me as a goddess, because we'd all be disappointed when I failed to produce a miracle."

She tilts her head at the crowd. "Again, I am in your debt. Thank you for your hospitality, your kindness and your generosity. I will always look on the Oglala as my friends and soul-kin."

[Singularity]

Murmurs of appreciation and affirmative responses flow from the people. Awe still fills them yet it is tempered by the Codex's reminder of her own limits. A few more Sioux stop to thank her and affirm the new bond before letting her and Singularity move on, slowly learning to give her enough room to move.

Singularity perks his head up for a moment to scan the surrounding area, *C'mon, let's leave on a high note.* They finally detact from the crowd, moving from the camping area of the Pow Wow to the open area dividing it from the exhibitors, rodeo rings, and stages. Singularity indicates a one group of pavillions with his chin, *I think there's some interesting things over there, maybe even some weavings you might like. I figure we can walk or shop around for a bit. Or we can try to find out what we've missed the last few days. Who knows, maybe Alejandra showed up to give a concert and left.*

[Ghostwriter]

*You'd better find a phone and contact Manny,* Codex tells Singularity as they walk towards the pavilions. *Shopping is good, and catching up. I haven't slept in years, and I'm not sure I like it!*

[Singularity]

*Sleep is good if you get to do it with someone else, me thinks. Some beds are just too big. And I'm not sure if I want to hear about what's going on. Feels nice not having worries for a short time... we definitely need to go on vacation again.* The pair enter the pavilions, gathering a few odd looks and murmurs but nothing to the degree near the camping ground. An older Sioux and her daughters smile as Codex and Singularity approach, arranging their items on the table. Singularity leans his head to the side and notes a mobile OpNet terminal a few meters from the booth, *I'll be right back, it shouldn't take long.* He walks over, picks up the handset, and makes a call.

After a bit he returns to the perusing Codex, *Looks like what happened on the Fourth hit the news. From what Manny said, it seems like everything was chalked up as apart of the show but I'm not sure how much is known about your wings. Utopia has already contacted Manny once to find you through me but he didn't give them much of anything. I don't think it was extremely important because none of the telepaths tried to breakthrough for a conversation. From what it seems, we have some time before word gets out. Assuming no one who heard our stories tells the media.*

[Ghostwriter]

*There's tourists here. I swore I saw a Japanese person with a camera out there,* Regan grouses mentally as she buys a few tribal weavings. She refuses to take them for free, haggling with the stallkeeper in Sioux. *Like it or not, Utopia probably knows. I better call them myself.*

She heads to the same Opnet terminal Singularity used and dials a special number. "Yes... Director, I just woke up... Apart from feeling like Totem ate me, I feel fine... I won't be using my powers for a while... Yes, tests, I know... No, I don't want to eat raw meat, but I do get hungry bad... I've done my best to stave off India Syndrome... Director, how would you feel if you woke up with wings attached to your back? Let me tell you, it's rather startling... I hope Totem will be fine... I reacted according to training, sir, which wasn't very bright... Pax wants to talk to me? Great... Sir, my leg's still crap. Sakurako Hino's making me a new knee-brace... Because I consider her my friend, sir, and she'll take in trade what I'd have to pay for otherwise... I think my food bill will go up, and I suspect I might get a little snappish... Yes, sarcasm was always one of my virtues, sir. I'll be back as soon as I can... Goodbye."

She gives Singularity a rueful glance. *They were more worried about me doing an India thing or snatching babies than anything else,* she tells him.

[Singularity]

Singularity crosses the distance to Codex, subtling taking her hand with a gentle squeeze as a private show of support, *Don't worry, you and I both know you aren't setting yourself up as a god or are about to steal children. Laragione, I assume, and Pax were just doing their jobs, albeit tactlessly from what you said.* His face briefly twists in thought, *Still, I'm a bit disappointed in their reaction. I know I'm not important to the overall scheme, but you are.*

They continue through the pavilions and Singularity stops to purchase jerked bison and venison. He pays the merchant before tearing into a long strip, offering another to Regan, *I just can't get enough of this stuff. Vension isn't too hard to get in Virginia, but this buffalo is a rare treat for me.*

A leatherworker smiles graciously as the two novas enter his portable store, offering to help them with anything. Singularity looks over a few items, focusing on a few small, unadorned bags. *We should find Sakurako soon and see if she has that new brace ready. I've arranged for transportation back and there should be a nice, new seat for you on the plane by tomorrow. We can leave today it you want, but I can't guarantee it'll be a comfortable ride.* He sneaks a mockingly scolding glance at Codex, *And no using a book to get us back. Whether or not you meant it, you do need to give your powers a rest.*

[Ghostwriter]

*Thanks, love, for everything,* Codex replies as she tears into a strip of meat. *How did Manny take the news?*

[Singularity]

Bags are inspected, tested, and rejected by Singularity, *Surprisingly well, actually. Very supportive.* He feels Codex's disbelief over the link and catches the look on her face, *Well, not right away. And it's in his own way. His cracks about an aviary and a full length mirror were my first clues that what happened on the Fourth got out to the media. And for a minute he was actually going to pile twigs and hay into the Learjet and anywhere else might we might go so you'd "feel comfortable." But he didn't make a single angel joke, so I think he's slipping.*

He finally picks out a bag, paying the leatherworker handsomely for it, before smiling disarmingly at Codex's incredulous look, *Don't let that get to you, it's just a front. You can tell he cares because of the content of what he asked. Namely: were you harmed, if the new limbs hurt, what he can do to help, and so on. I think he likes you; you're keeping me from being a brooding mess.*

[Ghostwriter]

*Remind me to give him a feather,* Regan answers with a hint of her former wryness. She selects a bag of her own and piles the hangings into it carefully before paying just as handsomely for it, thanking the leatherworker in his own language.

*Swinging by to see Sakurako is a good idea, love,* she adds as they leave the stall.

[Singularity]

Singularity nods, helping Codex leave the pavilions and head toward Sakurako's domed creations. The high sun warns the packed earth beneath their feet, giving the land a golden and baked appearance. *Hopefully she's in a better mood since we last saw her; I don't think any of us were up to being social at the time.*

As they did two nights before, Singularity and Codex approach the dome used by Sakurako as her tent and stop at her door. *As I said before, we're set to leave after we get the brace if you want. Personally, I'd rather stay that extra day: this will probably the last time we'll have time alone for awhile.* His eyebrows furrow for a moment, *They'll probably want to put me in the field for something or another.* The unpleaseant look leaves Singularity's face and he looks down to her with concerned eyes, *By the way, are you up to de-aging anything right now? I really don't want to you to push yourself too much.*

[Ghostwriter]

*I won't be doing it any time soon,* Codex points out with a wry smile. *I'm not going to strain my powers until I've had some rest.*

She instinctively spreads her wings to the sun, enjoying its warmth on her feathers. In the sunlight, she looks like a carving of pale golden wood, leaning against the statuesque Singularity.

*I can understand why birds enjoy the sun so much,* she murmurs, her thoughts half-drowsing. *I could just sit here for the rest of the day, it feels so good.*

[Singularity]

Singularity tips his head up, squinting into the baking light of the sun. Invulnerable skin soaks it in, ever so slowly causing his former tan to return, *I know I enjoy the beach, but sometimes you can't beat the American Plains. You better go inside, love, I think some of your fans might be prowling the area. When you're done, I'll see if we can find a nice spot for you to sun for the rest of the day. Pax and Laragione can wait a goddamn day for us to come back.*

After Codex enters the dome, Singularity easily slips into a cross-legged position on the ground. He smiles as a group of young Sioux boys he hadn't seen before at the Pow Wow approach warily, "Excuse me, Mr. Singularity? You were an elite, right?"

He nods to the boys, "Yes, I was contracted by several companies, governments, and private parties through DeVries for twelve years."

"Oh..." The boys look at their feet before another speaks up again, "Why did you stop?"

"Because I found out I was wrong about glory, fighting, and power."

"But why go be some kind of boy scout with Utopia?"

Singularity smiles sadly for a moment before spreading his arms, "Sit down and I'll tell you a story that might help. It's about a sorrowful farmer and a wounded owl found on his land..."