Readyworld

fiction by michael werneburg

Oh no!

"Lena, don't make waves!" I exclaimed. I knew I was frowning at the gloom around me, and willed myself to stop it. When I was going under the knife in three months it was to have my ovaries re-inserted, not to have the lines etched out of my forehead again. Damn, what that girl put me through! I could tell from the way she said it that she had been toying with not disclosing the news, knowing I'd get upset. "Damnit, I'm having enough trouble with these... people. I need you to play along!"

I had to watch my commentary. I knew they'd be monitoring the conversation, encrypted or not.

"But Sitara, am I supposed to just sit here and have my shifts all mixed up week after week? I thought we were supposed to be building a routine, now that Baby is here!"

"Honey, Sonia has been here now for four years. I think our routine's as routine as it's ever been!" I'd almost said, 'as routine as it's going to get' there, which would have been a mistake.

"So, does that mean you're bored?"

I did a quick five count and said, "Lena, don't do this. I'm working." I didn't add and I left home only fifteen minutes ago!

"Fine. I thought once you had those testes off you'd be back to normal, but I guess it's going to take some time for you to learn to communicate!"

I bit my lip, but couldn't contain it. "Hey, you were the own who couldn't contemplate a 'vat born child'. I did my bit! You think this has been easy?"

This is not what I'd had in mind when I'd started this conversation. I took a deep breath, and said, "Now I have to go; put Sonia on."

She sniffed, and asked "Do you still love me?"

"Of course I do," I said. Why the hell did she have to insist on a menstrual cycle? At that thought, I checked myself with a start. Wow, I couldn't wait for my final procedure so I could get back to reality and start thinking like a woman again!

Then I felt a warm, almost tingly sensation add to the mix of emotions passing through our shared connection. Baby Sonia was there, and feeling fine! Happy as any baby, exploring the world around her. Like most perpetual infants, each day was as much as a whole new lifetime, and she found real joy in discovering things every day. Today, she felt warm and safe. Despite of our occasional difference, Lena really was a great mother. She always ensured that Sonia put out the best vibes. It felt great!

"Thanks, hon. I gotta sign off."

"Okay, darling. Sorry if I made a mess. I just haven't adjusted yet, I guess."