Page 9 of Instinct for Disaster

She was still held in his arms, and he walked forward to the staff. “Veel, this is Cassandra, a newcomer and welcome visitor. Cassandra, this is my housekeeper, Veel. She has been with me since she was a kit.”

Cassandra cleared her throat. “Overseer Yasku?”

“Yes, Cassandra?”

“Please set me on my feet so I might make a formal greeting. Holding me like a doll is not appropriate.”

He chuckled. “Ah, yes. You are so light it slipped my mind.”

“I have standard density for my species.”

He set her down. “I do not doubt it.”

Veel was listening to them and had a smile on her silvery-grey face. “Miss. Welcome to your new world.”

“Thank you, Housekeeper Veel. You are very kind. Also, you can address me as Miner. That is my job title.”

“Are you mining here?”

“No, but it is all I know. Here I am retiring. I plan simply to live.”

The housekeeper smiled. “Come to me for anything you need. If you are a welcome visitor, there is no time or place that you cannot enter this house.”

“Okay.” She folded her hands flat to her abdomen and bowed formally.

Veel smiled and responded, “Welcome, little one. Master Yasku, food has been prepared, and Kiddel is ready to give you a rundown of what has happened in your absence.”

“Good. This is her first meal on our world, so please explain the dishes as they are delivered.”

She was escorted to a dining room, where a table that had settings at either end was waiting.

“Veel, have another setting put at my left hand.”

“Of course, Master Yasku.” Veel moved on silent feet to the kitchen, and a maid brought in the plate and utensils.

The overseer escorted Cassandra to the seat that was being appointed, and she looked at the condiments. “I don’t know what those are.”

“I will explain.” He reached out and tapped the containers. “Spicy, sweet, sticky if sticky is a flavour, and bitter. This is the salt; this is the enhancer.”

“Do you mind if I explore?”

“Not at all.”

A new being with vivid purple skin came in and had a seat at the table. “Overseer.”

“Kiddel. This is my new acquaintance, Cassandra.”

Cassandra stood, put one hand to her ribs and bowed. “Kiddel, pleasant meeting.”

She sat back down.

Kiddel nodded. “Education station. You are a Terran.”

“Yes.”

“Companion class?”

She laughed. “No. I am a null.”

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