The original pattern members - the first family - spread out, then draw close. Mary and Karl unshield, meld, lose control, find themselves. They decide to have a baby, despite the Patternists struggling around children. But Doro is still seeking to control the Pattern, and the tension between him and Mary comes clear. For us, in our world, these questions of control and transition are urgent - and for Mary, too. You can support Octavia’s Parables on Patreon - we are ad-free and independent, and your support helps us stay that way. We appreciate you! Transcripts are at readingoctavia.com, and you can follow us on twitter @oparables, and on instagram (finally!) at @oparables.