Riya's Foundling

But human children could not survive in this environment.

He had to find a solution--instantly.

He clinched his fists, feeling his arm muscles quiver.

His lower lip was pulled into his mouth, and his teeth sank in.

The diagram--the pattern--bigger--stronger--try--try--this is not real--this is real: brown earth, white clouds, blue sky--try--mouth full of warm salt ...

F is for Phildee! O is for Out! R is for Riya! T is for Topology! H is for happiness and home!

* * * * *

Riya shook herself. She stood in the furrows of a plowed field, her eyes vacant with bewilderment. She stared uncomprehendingly at the walls and the radar tower, the concrete shoulders of the air raid bunkers. She saw antiaircraft quick-firers being hastily cranked around and down at her, heard Phildee's shout that saved