Page 15 of Instinct for Disaster

“I have killed my own kind before. I have no trouble defending what is under my protection.”

Yasku growled, and she looked at him. He stared at her with narrowed eyes, and his wings flexed in irritation. He barked something to Kiddel, and the man quickly strode off. Cassandra saw Kiddel burst into a run the moment he was at the edge of the garden.

“Overseer, what did you say to Kiddel?”

“I asked him to retrieve something to set my mind at ease. I have matters I must attend to, and I know you want to settle in, but I don’t wish you to be without resources. Colonies are dangerous.”

“I know. So are mines. Frankly, I am more dangerous than most of the citizens.”

“I am aware, but if you are outnumbered, you will suffer injury, and then, I will have to engage in a public execution.”

She paused. “You are acting odd.”

He quirked his lips. “Am I? Good. It feels very new and very interesting.”

Kiddel skidded to a halt next to Yasku.

Yasku said quietly, “Give me your hand.”

She extended her hand, and he smiled and clicked a gem-studded golden cuff onto her wrist. To her surprise, he extended his wrist and clicked a matching but obviously larger cuff on his own self.

“What is this?”

“Bio monitor and emergency coms. If you need help, call, and if I can’t come, I will send someone, kit.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“I know, but you will. You simply need time.” He looked at her. “Would you like an escort to your home?”

“Oh, that would be good. Thank you.”

“Kiddel, take her to her home and set two guards on duty around the clock to protect her lands.”

“Yes, Master Yasku. Free Miner?”

She paused and then nodded. “Please show me to my home, Kiddel.”

“My pleasure. This way.”

She nodded to Yasku, and he smiled and watched her leave. She didn’t look back but could feel his gaze on her. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

Kiddel glanced at her as they passed the manor and moved into the woods beyond. He spoke in that same rapid language, and two guards went with them.

“Do you often speak languages other than Hmrain common?”

“Sometimes it is faster. He speaks all the languages of his worlds, so it is not insulting to him.”

“It looks like I have things to study. That is very good.” She felt her lips turn into a smile again.

“You like studying?”

“I like acquiring new information and anticipating the next move of anything that would threaten me. It stimulates part of my brain that is otherwise dormant.”

“I am beginning to understand why the overseer is fascinated with you. What else do you do?”

She shrugged. “Whatever needs doing. I can figure it out.”

“You sound very sure.”

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