Archie crept toward a ladder-like staircase, his senses on high alert. He could smell the earthy odor of dirt walls, feel unexpected coolness in the air, and hear the whoosh of wind entering paneless windows. Technology, he decided, was only necessary when you distanced yourself from nature. Maybe the people of Hokee had one thing right.

Turning backward, he grasped a rope rail and climbed to the level below. Once there, he proceeded to the room where he was certain he had heard loud voices. He leaned his head against the roughly hewn wooden door and listened.

At first, there was nothing but silence. Archie pictured the combatants sitting in neutral corners between rounds. He waited with the patience he assumed the Tarantula Clan possessed.

Then the two pugilists began again... pugilists he recognized.

"I'm going to ask you one more time, Koko," Ayala said. "Where have you been, and what have you been doing? And, please, don't tell me another ridiculous story about your research."

"I have been working late," Koko said, frustration obvious in her strained voice, "and I have been doing research."

"That's never stopped you from reporting to me before. I'm afraid this behavior will have to be reported to the Hawk Kin."

"Why?" Koko asked. "Why should we tell them anything? They aren't our friends. They do nothing but punish us. It isn't fair."

"Koko, don't you know that type of talk will only get you sent to the mines?"

"By who, you... my sister? Being in charge of this house has changed you, Ayala, and not in a good way. You can't turn on me... not to them."

"I don't want to. It's just that it's my job to run this house, and you're disobeying its rules."

"By working late?"

"No, by talking against the Hawks, and by hiding whatever it is you are trying to hide from me."

"Well, what do you think that is?" Koko asked, turning the tables.

"I don't know, maybe you're planning an escape with those stupid Ants you're always hanging around."

"Is that what you're upset about, that I'm talking to the Ant Kin? That's definitely not against the rules, big sister."

"I know it's not, but the Ant people are unclean, and you have been spending more and more time with them lately. You say I've changed... well you have, too."

"Don't worry about me," Koko said. "I'm not cheating on Todd. I'm just getting research for my book. You know how I get wrapped up in my work. You're the same way."

"Why the Ant Kin?"

"That's the exciting part. The Ant people visit the desert every day to care for their animals. I get them to take samples of plants and describe the environment. That's all. They're really happy to help me. Now stop worrying and go back to bed. You've got a new professor to train, and if you want my opinion, he's just what you need."

"What do you mean?"

"You know, for a husband."

"That's not going to happen. He's an outsider," Ayala stuttered, obviously taken aback, "and, besides, he hasn't been sterilized."

"Then send him to the Snake Kin clinic tomorrow. They can do the surgery right there in the office, and then he'll be safe to marry."

Archie stifled a gasp as he continued to listen. He was surprised that that these two young women could throw such an important decision around without thought for his desires. It was apparent oppression took many faces in Hokee.

"Koko, stop trying to change the subject. I'm not here to discuss my marital status," Ayala said, to Archie's extreme relief. "The issue is your unacceptable behavior."

"I've done nothing wrong."

"If what you're saying is true, neither of us have anything to worry about, little sister, but I'm not convinced. Please make sure you report to me daily."

"Of course I will," Koko said.

"Then I'll go. if you change your mind and want to talk, you know the way to my room."

"I do," Koko ended sadly. "I shared it with you for fifteen years."

"Good night," Ayala said, and then Archie heard her footsteps approaching the door.

He slipped behind a corner and waited for the Headmistress to leave. Maybe Koko didn't feel comfortable telling her secret to Ayala, but Archie hoped she wouldn't feel the same way about an outsider.

As soon as Ayala disappeared down the stairs toward, what he guessed, was her room, he went to the small wooden door and knocked.

"Who is it?" Koko asked. Her voice sounded tired and worried.

"Archie."

"What're you doing here?" Koko cracked the door open and peeked out. "You're supposed to be in your room."

"I don't follow rules very well," Archie said, putting his hand on the door and gently pushing, "and I need to talk -- we need to talk."

"Ayala wouldn't like this," she said, allowing Archie to press the door in further.

"She would like it even less if she knew your secret.

"What do you mean?" Koko reached out and pulled him across the threshold. Her eyes betrayed deep concern.

"Ayala may have missed the meaning of your loose clothing and upturned nose at the food tonight, but I didn't."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Really?" Archie said, closing the door behind him. "I think you do, and it's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not the least bit ashamed," Koko said, her eyes meeting Archie's. "I'm excited, enthralled, captivated, and proud...but I'm also afraid. If anyone in Hokee figures out what you just did, then my baby is doomed. I can't let that happen."

"How far along are you?" Archie asked, sitting in a chair Koko waved him to.

"I don't know. There are no books on pregnancy in Hokee, and very few whom I trust enough to discuss the subject. I'm guessing I'm about five or six months. I've been feeling the baby kick for weeks now, and am having to be very creative hiding my growing belly."

"You won't be able to do that much longer," Archie said. "What are you going to do about it?"

Koko hesitated, and looked down at her hands. A single tear fell down a face that was struggling to be brave. She hesitated a moment, then seemed to come to a decision.

"Todd and I were planning on trying to escape in a few days. We were going to slip out at night and go across the desert, but now that he's gone missing, I don't know what I'll do."

"So that's why you are doing research on edible foods of the desert? Very smart."

"That's part of it. I mean, the topic has always fascinated me, but then when I knew I had to get away, I began to study more earnestly."

"And what if Todd has gone to the mines? What will you do then?"

"I really don't know, but I'm not going to let them take my baby," Koko said, looking up again with determination. "If I can't find Todd, then I'll leave on my own. You aren't going to tell Ayala are you?"

"Of course not, my dear, I plan to go with you."

"But you'll put yourself in terrible danger."

"The deer who ran in front of my Ferrari did that for me."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the wreck I was in didn't end when the car rolled to a stop. My whole life has been a disaster ever since, and, Koko, I'm not one to take adversity lying on my back. I'm sure not good at waiting for others to make my decisions for me. I'm guessing you aren't either."

"Not any more."

"Good, then I have a plan I've been working on. See what you think."