Page 32 of The First Child
The suggestion should terrify me. Opening our private connection to public scrutiny, revealing the intimate details of empathic bonding to individuals who view consciousness as research data rather than sacred experience. But watching the determination in Hada’s expression, feeling her absolute commitment to Aniska’s welfare through our shared awareness, I find myself willing to consider possibilities that would have seemed unthinkable days ago.
“That would require complete transparency about our relationship. Personal details about empathic bonding that both cultures consider private.”
“Then we make them public.” She leans closer, and I catch the scent of her skin mixed with the lingering traces of the baby soap that somehow clings to all our clothing now. “Privacy isn’t worth losing our daughter.”
“The risks…”
“Are outweighed by the alternative.” Her voice carries the kind of absolute conviction that emerges when someone has moved beyond fear into territory where only victory or complete destruction seem possible. “Besides, we have advantages the TCA doesn’t expect.”
“Such as?”
“Such as Elder Lunai’s support. She recognized the validity of our bond during the original custody hearings. If we can get her to testify about the nature of empathic development, about how our connection enhances rather than distorts Aniska’s abilities?—”
“She might do it. Elder Lunai has little patience for TCA interference in Zephyrian spiritual matters.” Hope flickers through my consciousness, tentative but real. “And General Vex understands the political implications. A successful TCA challenge could set precedent for future interference in colonial governance.”
“So, we have potential allies. What else do we need?”
“Documentation of Aniska’s development patterns. Medical records that show healthy progression rather than experimental instability. Expert testimony about the safety of human-Zephyrian empathic bonding.”
“Dr. Velanni has monitored Aniska since birth. She has comprehensive records of her development, including the dramatic improvement after our bond formed.” Hada’s expression brightens with what might be the first genuine hope she’s felt since reading the TCA communication. “That’s not experimental contamination—that’s evidence of therapeutic intervention.”
“Evidence that might not be sufficient if the TCA argues that Margot’s enhancements created artificial capabilities in her daughter.”
“Then we need someone who can speak to the science behind empathic development. Someone whose credentials the TCA can’t dismiss and whose testimony carries weight with both human and Zephyrian authorities.”
I consider the possibilities, running through lists of experts whose knowledge might counter TCA assertions about experimental contamination. Most empathic researchers lack the cross-species expertise necessary to address hybriddevelopment. Those with relevant experience typically work for organizations that wouldn’t risk TCA displeasure by supporting colonial autonomy.
But there is one possibility.
“Dr. Sariah Cuzzort,” I say slowly, the name carrying implications that could change everything about our legal position.
“The geneticist who studies human-Zephyrian compatibility?”
“More than studying. She documents natural empathic development in hybrid children across multiple colonies. Her research proves that abilities like Aniska’s occur spontaneously in children with mixed heritage, regardless of parental enhancement.” I pause, considering political ramifications that could complicate our request for assistance. “Unfortunately, she also works for the TCA.”
“So, she might not be willing to testify against her own organization.”
“Or she might be exactly the witness we need. Dr. Cuzzort’s research contradicts TCA assumptions about empathic development. If she’s willing to present her findings honestly, her testimony could demonstrate that Aniska’s abilities represent natural progression rather than experimental anomaly.”
“Think she’ll help us?”
“I think she’ll help Aniska. Dr. Cuzzort has spent three years documenting the importance of stable family environments for hybrid children. She understands that research facilities can’tprovide the emotional support necessary for healthy empathic development.”
Hada nods, her expression shifting from desperation toward something resembling strategic planning. “So, we contact Dr. Cuzzort, get Elder Lunai’s support, gather medical documentation from Dr. Velanni, and prepare to demonstrate our empathic bond in front of people who think consciousness is just another research subject.”
“That’s an accurate summary, yes.”
“Sounds like a perfect plan for saving our family.”
“Or destroying it completely if our arguments prove insufficient.”
“Then we make sure they’re sufficient.” She rises up on her toes to kiss me with fierce intensity, and through our empathic connection, I feel her emotional state solidifying around determination that leaves no room for defeat. “Whatever it takes, however much we have to risk, we’re not losing her.”
“No,” I agree, meaning it with every fiber of my being. “We’re not.”
The sound of Aniska stirring in her carrier reminds us that our daughter remains blissfully unaware of the legal storm gathering around her future. She wakes with the peaceful contentment that has become our new normal, her empathic field radiating the kind of happiness that comes from being surrounded by people who love her unconditionally.
“Good morning, beautiful girl,” Hada murmurs, lifting Aniska with movements that have gained confidence over the past weeks. “Ready for another day of being perfect and amazingand absolutely not going anywhere with people who don’t understand how special you are?”
