Virion

When they saw the ship above, Daratie sent a runner to tell the other priests and then hurried to the landing dock. She stood well out of the way as it neared the ground, eager for the supplies from Milon. They had waited longer than usual for word from their home planet.

As the ship landed, Daratie realized it was smaller than the usual ships. The pilot got out and froze. "So you are god-blessed." She reached out toward Daratie's brilliant red wings, which Daratie flicked backward, avoiding her touch. "I'm sorry," the pilot said, "I'd heard the rumors, but..." her eyes focused for a moment on the spinnerets on Daratie's arms. "I suppose I didn't quite believe it."

"Well get used to it." That was the familiar voice of Adära, who had crewed several previous supply ships to and from Kivika. "We're here for a while."

"Here for a while? How long?" Daratie didn't add that if the pilot and crew had been expecting to stay, it would have been beneficial to have brought more supplies.

"Until the next ship comes," Adära said darkly, "and who knows when that will be?"

"Who knows? Why wouldn't they know?" Daratie said.

"Virion," the pilot said crisply, and after a pause, looked as confused as Daratie felt.

"It's a virus," Adära explained. "Hit the Autumn Sea three decades ago. It's back. With a vengeance."

"But the Autumn Sea is so far away from--"

"It's global now," Adära said. "Every country is closing its borders. They think it may have come from the colonies."

"Then why are you here?!"

"To bring you the news. And what supplies we can. We were one of the last ships out."

By now, the other members of the crew had gathered. And the runner and the other priests were coming toward them. Daratie had to take charge of the situation. "You can stay in the temple until we get you... other accommodations." She didn't want to give rise to her fears by saying, permanent homes. "But first let's unpack the supplies."

"And pray to the Great Spinner that the quarantine lifts soon," Adära added.

Daratie would send out prayers for five years, but no ship ever came to answer them.