"Ship is leaving us," Legata said. She crossed to Panille's side.
In the midst of her words, she felt the blaze of awareness which Ship had shared with them - Shiprecords, all of the pasts carried into the smallest cell on the plain.
"We've been weaned," Panille said. "We have to go it alone now."
Hali joined them. "No more shiptits."
"But alone has lost all of its old meanings," Panille said.
"Is this what the expansion of the universe is all about?" Legata asked. "The fleeing of the gods from their own handiwork?"
"Gods ask other questions," Panille said. He looked down at Hali. "You were midwife to us all when you brought us Vata and the Hill of Skulls."
"Vata brought herself," Hali said. She put a hand in Panille's. "Some things don't need a midwife."
"Or a Ceepee," Legata said. She grinned. "But it's a role we all know now." She shook her head. "I have only one question - What will Ship do with those people up there?"
She pointed upward at the vanishing ship.
They all heard it then, Ship's presence filling the people on the plain, then fading, but never to be forgotten.
Surprise Me, Holy Void!