“She knew about me—it was her call to recruit me in the first place, to send Mal out to make contact. From what she says, the Cousins have had a broad view on things like that since the year dot. Comes down to priests, she says. They had priests for death rites and vision quests and all that jazz, and they were always women. Except some of them were men, only they had to become women to do the priesting—wear the clothes, walk the walk, all that, and that made them women. So as far as they’re concerned, it’s all part of the way the world works—your gender is like your calling.” She was aware she was talking too quickly, but pressed on. “And when she said that, I couldn’t stop thinking about people like Billy fucking White. All the shit I got every bloody day, just because of who I am. I thought I’d fit in better with the Cousins, even though they’re a different subspecies. So I’m sorry, Julian, but I’m not going back when this is done.”

Alison watched Julian warily, not sure how he would take this, but in the end he shrugged.

“Communist transsexual cavemen,” he said. “Hind really would have a fit.” He took a deep breath, as though steeling himself against the extra paperwork. “I hope it works out for you, Kay. It’s been a privilege to work with you.” He stuck out a hand, but Kay hugged him fiercely instead.

“You’re one of the good guys, Julian, you really are.”

I