“Piece of the Puzzle” is the third short story in the collection Suicide's Children. It is 444 IE, and the Endeavour has been heavily damaged in a firefight with an Leitman-loyal ship. Davra Andraste orders a jump back to the Zeus Yards for repair. Admiral Quentin Austin informs her she will be relieved for investigation while the ship is repaired. Davra and her husband, Eric Yuwono, decide now is the time for them to have a baby. They make the effort, but Davra wants to go to Mt. Buxanshal on Aphrodite to spend time at the Cubist retreat there. The story alternates between her two day hike up the mountain and the events following the battle that wrecked the Endeavour. She is offered a promotion to force admiral, a one-star flag rank. Ultimately, Davra returns home to have the baby transplanted into Eric and remain a starship captain.
Preceded by: “Girl Dad”
Followed by: “Cusp of Eternity“