A Crying Shame (198 page)

I've had to be, Jon.”

Jon watched as a big male walked to the side of a human female. His eyes were blue. He was almost human. He put a hand on her shoulder, speaking to her softly.

The words touched the mercenary.
Was he saying good-by?”

Yes,” the woman said. She had tears in her eyes.

Well . . . shit!” Jon said.

El . . . sht!” a young Link said.

Oh, my Lord, Jon!” Karl said.
You've got them saying that word. For heaven's sake!”

What do you propose doing with the human babies?” Jon asked.

I . . . don't understand the question,” a woman said. ”You're here to kill us, aren't you?”

I've not a savage!” Jon blurted.

Matter of opinion,” Karl muttered.

Shut up, Karl!”

The woman smiled.
After a year, when we are certain they
are
really human, we planned to take them to a home. Leave them so they can be cared for properly—just as we have always done, and many women before us. You see,”—her smiled broadened—
the pure native babies, what did you call them? Links? Interesting word. As in missing link, I assume. Anyway, the barren chain has been broken. They are all female.”