Page 14 of Instinct for Disaster

He nodded and plucked a flower, handing it to her. “You will get into the rhythm of this world, and you will be able to predict just as much as you did on your world.”

She looked at the brilliant scarlet bloom with a gold centre and a hundred petals. “How do you know about that?”

“There were government offices that downloaded your warnings. They were uploaded, and your repetition over the previous week was noted. We cross-referenced all mentions from certain sources who may have sensed the incoming disaster.”

“Oh. My name isn’t on there.”

“No, Cassandra isn’t, but Circe is.”

She looked up at him in surprise. “You really worked on your research.”

“Why did you change your name?”

“We have ancient myths of a woman named Cassandra who spoke of disaster but was never believed. She was cursed.”

“I see. That is why you renamed yourself after the instinct for disaster in the face of disbelief?”

“Yes. That, and if the others survived, I didn’t want to be tracked or used to support them.”

Understanding dawned. “Ah. They make you take care of them.”

“Yes. They came to me and asked for help, and I helped them, but then, they turned on me and mine. They cannot use me again.”

Yasku nodded. “Interesting.”

“What?”

“I felt a flicker from your emotions just there. You were angry.”

She paused. “You can feel that?”

“Yes. Nulls keep their emotions under control, but you were highly agitated, and the excess emotions emerged.” His eyes glowed.

“Oh. I am not interested in becoming a Hmrain food source.”

“You do know that even as a citizen, it isn’t up to you.” Yasku touched her cheek with a flower. “Hmrain are given anyone of companion class without an issue. You are a null, but under that, I can guess that you have needed to use that restriction to keep yourself and those around you safe.”

“Yes.” She shrugged. “I believe Kiddel wishes to speak with you.”

He nodded. “I know. You wish to deflect the conversation.”

“Ideally, yes.”

He smiled. “Very well, but I will revisit it randomly.”

“Fair enough.”

He gestured, and Kiddel approached. “Master Yasku, Free Miner Cassandra’s home is clear of occupants. The security system has been engaged and will only answer to Free Miner Cassandra.”

“How many were there?”

“Four bond jumpers.”

Yasku stated, “Cassandra, I do not want you there alone.”

Cassandra shrugged. “That is unfortunate. Thank you for clearing it, Kiddel.”

Kiddel blinked. “Miss? They will try and come back.”

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