Epilogue

September 26, 2099

A LOUD WAIL filled the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves and a cheer echoed through the empty caverns. Closed for the season, no one was present to hear the excited chatter of the women standing in a circle next to the small bonfire.

"Behold the first child born to the Seesterhood," Syblis announced, holding the infant high in the air. "She eez our future. Seeng! Seeng to her! Let her know she eez loved."

All twenty-one sisters raised their voices and sang, each in their own language, knowing it would add more strength to the energy they were sending to the child and mother.

Lowering the infant, Syblis nestled her against Chantelle's breasts and folded the blanket around both of them.

"You have done well, Cherié."

"We've done well," Chantelle corrected, looking past her friend to the mother of their daughter. "Thank you."

Looking somewhat embarrassed, Primeris gave a faint nod and then leaned forward to get a better look at the newborn infant. Dark, wavy hair covered the baby's head. For an instant she opened her eyes, giving Primeris a glimpse of the color... sparkling brown with gold flecks. Touching her cheek tentatively, Primeris looked proudly at her partner.

"What will we name her?" she asked.

"How about Primeris? After you."

"No, she deserves better. We'll name her after you."

"I don't think so. It would be too confusing."

Primeris and Chantelle looked at each other helplessly and then at Syblis hopefully.

"She weel not be named after me. Eet sounds too much like a disease. I do have a suggestion.... an old-time name we rarely hear anymore."

"What?" Chantelle asked, clutching her daughter tightly against her breast.

"Annabelle. Eet's believed to be Latin for 'lovable.' Look at her. Who can deny eet? She eez our future, our hopes, our dreams. She has a great destiny ahead of her."

"First, she'll have to get past the present," Primeris said. The infant suddenly let out a squall. "And so will we. I believe from the smell, she has expressed her opinion of her destiny quite well, don't you Scootie?" The dog had been conspicuously silent during the entire birthing.

"Aarr Rrharr Pfft!" Sniffing the air, Scootie sneezed, shook her head vigorously and stalked off. Laughing, the Singers moved in closer for a better look at the baby. Some saw hope for themselves in the child's face, while others silently mourned their own loss, knowing they were too old to bear children. All, however, rejoiced in the knowledge that there was, now, hope forevery Singer. And Scootie? Although she didn’t understand why, Scootie knew she had come home. Long, forgotten memories resurfaced. Her own mother and all the mothers before her carried the image of a moment in time when one of their ancestors lay curled on the lap of a human in these same caves.

*  *  *

Colonel Harlie looked at the hand-written note. Paper was rarely used anymore. Computers were faster, more efficient and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, they were also vulnerable to hackers. The best way to insure security was by courier, especially Vitiate.

The Council had waited anxiously for word on Primeris and the Healer. The women had disappeared in Europe. Tracking them had been difficult, but not impossible. The Hubot was extremely good at hiding their movements and staying invisible.

Without the cloak, Harlie thought. What a waste of money that was. If it hadn't been for that dog, we'd have never discovered the design flaw. Who'd have thought uric acid would neutralize the chemical coating. Shaking her head in disbelief, she reread the message.

Mission accomplished. Subjects located in Austria. Female child born three days ago. She is perfect... perfectly normal. No further action needed.

Impossible.

End