Finally, the fateful day came. Our official boarding of our new starship — the one that would be covered by all the media — wouldnt happen for another four hours, but Ling and I were nonetheless heading toward the airlock that joined the ship to the stations outer rim. She wanted to look things over once more, and I wanted to spend a little time just sitting next to Helenas cryochamber, communing with her.
And, as we walked, Bokket came running along the curving floor toward us.
“Ling,” he said, catching his breath. “Toby.”
I nodded a greeting. Ling looked slightly uncomfortable; she and Bokket had grown close during the last few weeks, but theyd also had their time alone last night to say their goodbyes. I dont think shed expected to see him again before we left.
“Im sorry to bother you two,” he said. “I know youre both busy, but…” He seemed quite nervous.
“Yes?” I said.
He looked at me, then at Ling. “Do you have room for another passenger?”
Ling smiled. “We dont have passengers. Were colonists.”
“Sorry,” said Bokket, smiling back at her. “Do you have room for another colonist?”
“Well, there are four spare cryochambers, but…” She looked at me.
“Why not?” I said, shrugging.
“Its going to be hard work, you know,” said Ling, turning back to Bokket. “Wherever we end up, its going to be rough.”
Bokket nodded. “I know. And I want to be part of it.”
Ling knew she didnt have to be coy around me. “That would be wonderful,” she said. “But — but why?”
Bokket reached out tentatively, and found Lings hand. He squeezed it gently, and she squeezed back.
“Youre one reason,” he said.
“Got a thing for older women, eh?” said Ling. I smiled at that.
Bokket laughed. “I guess.”
“You said I was one reason,” said Ling.
He nodded. “The other reason is — well, its this: I dont want to stand on the shoulders of giants.” He paused, then lifted his own shoulders a little, as if acknowledging that he was giving voice to the sort of thought rarely spoken aloud. “I want to be a giant.”
They continued to hold hands as we walked down the space stations long corridor, heading toward the sleek and graceful ship that would take us to our new home.