The Ice Warrior

Chapter 63

The first thing that Silv noticed back on the ship was that Evanescence was radiating with life which was in striking contrast with the burial ground they had just left behind. The pulsating red light that Silv had trouble getting used to when she first came aboard the ship was substituted with a dark blue one which was far more soothing.

Instead of pulsating violently, it was buzzing peacefully, moving in slow, calming motions. It was a movement that Silv didn't recognize and that her grandmother would have to identify as the ocean waves.

"Why does the ship look so different now?" Justin asked, following close behind her.

"I remember Wir Eis saying that this was the normal, healthy color of the ship. I guess it means that Evanescence is completely healed," Silv said.

"That is correct," Evanescence said clearly and concisely without any of her usual struggles to pronounce the English words.

"That's great for you, but does that mean that you will kick us out now and go home?" Justin asked for the first time addressing the ship as if it were a person.

"Humans are welcome to stay as long as they want, but it would be nice to go home," Evanescence said.

"Come on, Justin, let's go to the control room. I need to check if everything is as it should be," Silv said, finding it hard to believe that the ship was truly cured so quickly.

"I think we've done enough walking for today," Justin said.

"Evanescence, take us to the control room," he added.

"Transport initiated," Evanescence said.

Once they were in the control room, Evanescence spoke up again.

"Transport complete," she said.

"What's with that? I don't remember you doing that before. Have you talked with Silv?" Justin asked.

"No, I heard and noted your preference," Evanescence said kindly.

"Thank you," Justin said.

"You're welcome," Evanescence responded.

During their exchange, Silv approached the seat and slowly immersed her hand in the familiar substance. The moment she did so, she was overwhelmed by the beauty and complexity that was Evanescence.

"Wow!" She exclaimed.

"What is it?" Justin asked, startled by her utterance.

"There is so much more to Evanescence than I saw before. A whole new set of systems, emotions, personalities. They all seemed to have been dormant since the Ice Warrior died," Silv said.

"I was sad, but Silv helped me heal," Evanescence said.

"I am glad to hear that," Justin said.

"You are nice for a human," Evanescence said.

"Thank you?" Justin said with uncertainty.

"She means it. She likes you very much," Silv said, smiling at the emotions that sipped from Evanescence.

"Do not reveal all my secrets, please," Evanescence said.

"Sorry," Silv said.

"What do we do now?" Justin asked, trying to change the subject so as not to upset the ship.

"I guess we should call your family and Wir Eis for a meeting and see what can be done. They deserve to be able to go home now that they have the chance, but it would be nice if they could help us settle in as well before they leave," Silv said.