Page 31 of Sky Song
Dating and marriage, like other aspects of life, were regulated with precision. Population control was enacted and strictly enforced to maintain all the resources at the level sufficient and equal for everybody. Mixing humans with foreign citizens would create chaos to both human bloodlines and the resource allocation. It may even turn Meeus into Earth, and to the local population, the idea was unthinkable.
The rider arrived on autopilot, and she glanced at Lyle sideways as they got in, thankfully unobserved by the neighbors despite the heightened yapping-howling from Mr. Sulys’ side.
The two of them weren’t a couple; would never be. Would Lyle ever date someone not Rix?
Couldshedate an alien?
Cricket wasn’t sure a match with an alien was legally possible on Meeus. And then there were the physical differences. Like Lyle’s non-bulge.
She wrestled her thoughts back to the task at hand. “Let’s see if I remember how to operate this thing.”
His bottomless eyes turned toward her. “That is the worst comment to make at takeoff.”
She chuckled. “Thankfully, we aren’t taking to the skies. And there’s this handy-dandy autopilot. But I wanted us to drive off the city’s main grid, so here we go.”
She scanned her finger to confirm driving privileges, and part of the front panel opened up, revealing the controls. Pressing the right buttons, she turned the wheel, and they began moving.
She drove slowly, acclimating herself to the feel of the vehicle and making sure she obeyed every sign although it wasn’t possible to violate them - the rider tracked every move and throttled down the drivers when the system disagreed with their decisions. Which, according to Terrance, was way too often.
“Since you’ve already seen the city, I was thinking we would drive through the villages. They are little towns where residents live, like suburbs. They all have different architectural styles and vibes. There are scenic areas where we can park and look around.”
“Whatever you want me to see,” he said quietly.
“That’s the plan, then. I hope you like it.”
“I will,” he confirmed in the same quiet voice, not looking at her but gazing at the sky.
Cricket crawled out of her village and into the next one at a snail’s pace. Even the rider seemed surprised at the speed with which it progressed. Occasionally, she made comments about places they passed. Lyle didn’t ask any questions and watched the road with attention.
When they reached a small picturesque cliff, she pulled over and stopped. “Looks beautiful, doesn’t it? Reminds me of some pictures from Earth.”
“Pictures from Earth? You sound like you haven’t seen Earth.”
Cricket smiled a little. “Not all of it. I didn’t get many opportunities to travel.”
“Because of your funds?”
“Yes, but not only. Mama’s work schedules. My health. And there weren’t many places left to travel to by the time I was born. Earth is no longer what you see in the books.”
“What were you ill with?”
She shouldn't have mentioned it, but as usual in his presence, Cricket didn’t watch her words. She completely lowered her guard around him, an alien and a stranger.
“It’s all in the past. See there, in the distance? It’s Anatra, Meeus’ tallest mountain.”
Lyle peered out of the window. “Doesn't look awfully tall. More like a hill.”
“Shh.” She leaned closer in pretend confidence. “If you’ve ever seen real mountains, you’d know Meeus doesn't have them. But everyone here thinks it does. We’re very proud of Mount Anatra.”
“Then I will pretend to be impressed,” he promised.
“Regardless,” Cricket leaned back into her seat and pointed at the scenery, “you have to admit, it’s a beautiful sight.”
A gently sloping valley spread in front of them. Flowering grasses covered the ground. A small grove of wide-leafed trees rustled in the soft wind, and clumpy bushes with bright blue flowers clustered along the banks of a narrow winding river that glistened in the sun.
Instead of being awed, Lyle frowned. “It all looks cultivated.”
“It is. But it is essentially wild. That’s the point, to take what exists naturally and enhance its beauty and strength.”
