A Real Gem

Bronson found the shimmering opalescent gem lying loose in the wasteland, and quickly turned it into cash.  The gem was shipped off-planet and tossed in with others from other planets for grading and eventual resale.

Kdul, panicked and determined to recover her lost gem, tracked it doggedly from planet to planet.  Finally, after a well-placed bribe, a hoard of gems was spread out on a table.

Joyfully, Kdul sang a high, clear note, and from the midst of the pile, an answering note sang.  There was a loud crack, and a real gem revealed itself – Kdul’s egg, her child.