Now all of Ulfgard had statues and memorials to The Woman, as they were known. The city of New Canaan even had a magnificent library dedicated to their sacrifice.
Ulfgard had retained its freedom, but at the cost of nearly every woman of child-bearing age on the planet. The mourning husbands and the kids who were left motherless were taught to be proud of The Women.
But pride was a poor substitute for a mother.
“We have arrived at your destination,” the hover cab repeated, rousing her from her thoughts once more.
April scanned her bracelet on the cab’s sensor, hoping she had enough credits left to pay.
She was relieved when the sensor turned green.
“Bring luck on New Canaan,” the cab said politely as she got out, dragging the duffel that contained all her worldly possessions after her.
April was pretty sure it would be downright miraculous if she could even manage to bring luck on herself, but the hopeful phrase gave her a smile.
A new place, a new life, and a new chance to find happiness - all of those things were hers now. And that filled her heart enough that her empty bank account couldn’t bring her down.
She stepped onto the moving sidewalk, stumbling and having to try a second time to get off again immediately in front of the building.
A woman with catlike ears who was waiting to board the walkway flicked her tail in annoyance.
“Sorry, sorry,” April said, fixing her eyes on her shoes in embarrassment.
“April Clarke?” a smooth male voice intoned.
She looked up to see a friendly-looking man in a doorman’s uniform smiling down at her.
He had Terran features but he was covered in brilliant gray scales that shimmered in the sunlight, and looked absolutely resplendent with his uniform.
“That’s me,” she said.
“You’re expected,” he told her, holding out his hand for her bag. “Where are the rest of your things?”
“This is it,” she said, shrugging. “It’s not much. I’ve got it.”
“As you wish,” he replied. “You’ll be heading to the penthouse. If you’ll hold out your bracelet, I’ll program it for access.”
The penthouse?
She held out her bracelet to him reflexively as she wondered exactly how high the penthouse was, and also why someone who could afford the penthouse would hire an inexperienced nanny.
“There you are,” he said, touching his bracelet to hers.
There was a slight buzz, telling her the bracelet had accepted data.
“That will allow you full elevator access,” he explained. “As well as free use of the pool, the gym, the library, and use of Mr. Rivvor’s credit at the cafe, the pub and the restaurant.”
She felt her mouth drop open.
“Are you sure I can’t show you the way?” he asked.
“I’ll be fine,” she told him.
“Excellent,” he replied, tapping a name tag on his jacket. “My name is Deerborne. If you ever need anything at all, it will be my pleasure to assist.”
“Thank you, Mr. Deerborne,” she replied.
He smiled so hard his slate gray eyes crinkled under his scaly cheeks.