What Happens in Orbit Pt. 20

One of them whispered in Cora's ear, her smile audible. "Enjoy it, Cora."

"I am," Cora hummed. She leaned back, the woman behind her supporting her with ease.

"Almost there." A hand slipped between her legs, pressing up against her. With a gentle pop, the egg dropped into Loyma's waiting hand.

Exhaustion hit her all at once. Cora slumped back, sighing. "That was a lot easier," she whispered, letting them settle her into the blankets. The egg, a dull black in the glow of the cave, was placed in a blanket-lined depression near them.

Lazily, Cora looked around. There was the sound of running water, faint but insistent. That explains the humidity. Near the cave opening, water trickled down from the ceiling, following a groove that snaked over to the lava. Steam hung in the air. "It's really nice in here."

With the help of the others, Loyma sat next to her, a spoon in hand. "Isn't it? We're very proud of this cave. Hundreds of children born here." She regarded Cora with patient amusement. "You pushed yourself too far. I doubt you could lift an arm right now."

She was right.

Shuffling forward, Loyma let Cora lay in her lap. "Try and eat some of this." The spoon appeared in front of her, loaded with something unfamiliar and fragrant. It was rich, both in texture and flavor. She'd have eaten it eagerly if she had the energy.

Once the bowl was empty, Loyma set it aside and laid next to her. The others were already on her other side, snuggled in close. Oh, fuck. This is really nice. This is perfect. Much better than a maintenance tunnel. Eyelids growing heavy, Cora let the sound of water and the rustling lava lull her to sleep.

Della woke up to what was entirely too much noise for such a small colony. It sounded like a crowd just outside. Tai groaned, rolling over. "What is that?"

The sun had set a while ago, the path outside now bathed in soft moonlight.

"There's uh... Della? Your family is out here. And a bunch of others."

Della shot out of bed, landing on his hands, narrowly avoiding putting weight on his bad leg. He'd pushed it too much yesterday and was forced to limp up to the window next to Tai. "Why'd they bring all the neighbors?"

Tai opened the door for him, letting Della lean on his shoulder. "Ma!"

Della's mom perked up, nearly dropping the crate she hefted overhead. "There you are! We came with a little more help than Cora asked for. Where's the leader?"

Raima ducked through the crowd, visibly concerned. "I'll go get her. She had private matters to attend to."