Free Amish Vampires in Space by Kerry Nietz Page B

even the darkest secrets, the worst of someone’s garbage, looked better when wrapped in white.
    “Just like your first wife,” he said aloud, and chuckled.
    The laugh lasted only a short time, though. It seemed almost sacrilegious. Out of place here. Now.
    No joking in here from now on. What if she hears?
    He walked slowly toward the end of the nearest row. Stood before the white-wrapped package containing the cryogenics matrix. He didn’t even bother to look around. There was no one else in the bay. Just him and the woman.
    He stood for some time staring at the white monolith. From a few paces away, it seemed cold to him. As if it was filled with snow. Filled with the white fluff that covered over the sins. The garbage. It was a cryomatrix, after all.
    Finally, he moved forward and released the inspection flap. He gently, lovingly, freed it all the way along the matrix’s top surface. There was no coolness to the contact, though. Not like the package containing the science facility remains. That was abnormally cold. It had been cold when he’d first helped move it, and it doubtless still was, despite having been in storage for days now.
    Greels hadn’t mentioned that phenomena to anyone, though. Since Seal hadn’t felt it…well, no reason to look strange. No reason to draw attention to himself. Or to Bay 16. Besides, Greels admitted to having some circulation issues. Too much vacuum exposure.
    But the woman’s—the lady’s —container was different. Cold inside, probably. But outside, warm and smooth. Clean. Inviting. Wonderful.
    With the flap pulled back, he was able to study her face again. The full pout of her lips. The gentle curve of her cheeks. The subtle hint of cheekbones. Long jet black hair. He could tell she was different from the other women he’d known. Different from his first and second wife. Prettier, smarter. Doubtless more understanding too. The perfect woman.
    Where was she from again? A failed science outpost?
    “You must be a tough one, princess,” he whispered. “What went wrong? What did you see?”
    No response.
    Greels frowned. He was in love with her, even if he’d never heard her speak. Never even seen her move.
    He would like to see her move.
    Should he wake her? Free her from eternal slumber? Would he even know how to do that?
    He thought of the buttons and lights on the right side. The labels meant nothing to him. He’d already looked. Studied them. They were too technical for his taste. There was a green “Resume” button, but who knew what that did?
    Dr. Darly knew what they all meant, of course. She could break the seal.
    Greels studied the woman’s face.
    “No, I don’t want you to do that,” he imagined her saying. “Release me, and I’ll melt. Just like the ice. Just like the snow on your mother’s porch.”
    Greels nodded. Continued to watch. Continued to admire her face.
    Hours passed.



6
     
    The meeting was at Bishop Samuel’s house. Samuel sat at one end of the long dining room table, Jebediah at the other. Between them were four men. On Jebediah’s left were young Deacon Mark and new Deacon James.
    On the other side, Jeb’s right, was Abraham—a middle-aged peer of Jeb’s—and Jeb’s young friend Ezekiel. Most of the men looked stern and resolute. Ezekiel’s head hung over the table though, seemingly conflicted and sad.
    All had beards of differing lengths. All wore white shirts with suspenders and dark pants. All had brought their dark hats, but those were placed on the table before them.
    Jebediah had always known this day would come.
    “I have spoken with your wife, Jebediah,” Samuel said. “My congratulations on your upcoming child. It is a sign of God’s favor…” He forced a smile. “Despite whether we deserve it or not. Despite our failings.”
    Jebediah nodded. “Danki. I agree on all counts.”
    Samuel pushed his hat back and placed his hands on the table. Brought his hands together. “That now said, we have a difficult issue