Golden Light, Silver Light

Scene 038

Scene 038

Sitting in Amy's cabin for the trip to the space station, Amy and Dam put their time to use by getting to know each other better. "Growing up on Valdiar is hard to describe. While you are growing up, you think everyone grows up that way. It wasn't until I visited other planets did I learn how enriched my upbringing was," said Dam, sitting at the table.

"What do you mean?" asked Amy, sitting on the couch.

"Not only did my parents have a say in my upbringing, but the whole clan had an input. I wasn't the only one raised this way, every child is raised this way on Valdiar."

"For example?"

"When we were in trouble not only did our parents punish us, but the clan punished us. Don't get me wrong there is great freedom for any child. Maybe it is because there are so many adults watching out for the children," said Dam with a stretch.

Amy was quiet for a moment. "I don't know if I'd have liked that. It was hard enough growing up with just my mother and myself. At one time my people believed it took a community to raise a child. That belief is in my races far past. I wasn't raised that way."

"I don't understand," said Dam.

"My mother worked the night shift, which meant she was at work when I was asleep at nights. It was the only job she could hold down and provide for us," said Amy, thinking back to all of the nights she had woken up as a child and her mother hadn't been there.

"You had no one to step in and help?"

"No. Anything and everything that I did wrong could have caused the possibility of the government coming in and taking me away for my mother. Whether it was my fault or not," said Amy, giving a small shutter.

"Unacceptable, that wouldn't have happen on my planet," said Dam, deciding to change the direction of the conversation. "Where did you learn your mental control?"

"Well, my people don't believe in mental powers. I learned by trial and error," said Amy. Her face closed down.

Dam shook his head. "I still can't believe mental energies go untrained on your planet. No wonder, you've only dreamed about me as a shadowy figure. You probably thought you were going crazy."

"I'll tell you this much, after you get labeled strange, that title seems to follow you wherever you go." Smiling, she gave a shrug, but her eyes had a dark shadow in them. She wrapped her arms around her middle.

"I read Jac's report on your planet. Your world is so advanced in Technology, but not in the Medical Sciences is outrageous," said Dam, muttering aloud.

"That's the way it is, so you accepted it. As a kid I think the thing that upset me the most was I couldn't have a pet. The urge for one got the worst when I was about thirteen. I really wanted a cat. I know now, most of those urges came from the Image, but still it really bugged me then."

"You weren't allowed to have pets. Why?" asked Dam. He couldn't imagine growing up without a faithful companion.

"My mother was allergic to pet hair, so no pets." Amy got laughing to herself. Dam raised an eyebrow. She laughed even harder and explained, "I could just see her now if I brought you home to call. 'You may not have a pet in my house. No way, shape, or form'."

Shaking his head, Dam joined in. Amy's laughter was contagious.

The door chimed, Amy answered it, and Jac came into the room. "Well, we're about one hour away from the space station. I think we're going to make it," said Jac, stretching out on the relaxing chair. "You know. There is more room in here without the coffee table. What are you two laughing about?"